Living Dead or Dead Men Walking?

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

(1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

Are you a part of the Living Dead . . . or one of the Dead Men Walking? While it is true that we all must die, as Paul reiterates above, we all must face God on that day.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment . . . (Hebrews 9:27)

However, those who confess their sin and trust Jesus as Savior and Lord will not face the second death of eternity in hell . . . separated from God forever!(Revelation 20:6)Those who do not make the decision to follow after Christ are simply dead men walking . . . doomed for eternity in hell!

It is a simple choice on this day of celebrating gouls, witches, skeletons, and devils. Living or dead . . . who you 'gonna be? It's a choice!(Romans 10:9-10).

I choose life! (Joshua 24:15) I pray you will too . . .

A new creation out of a monster

In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.

(Isaiah 54:14)

Israel had been devastated, yet through the prophet, God promises the rebuilt Jerusalem even greater glory than before. (Revelation 21:9-27) it can be the same with you and me!

When I think back to my youth and young adult life . . . the things I did and the person I was . . . I can only thank God for His grace, mercy, and patience. Only He knew where He would have me this day! Before knowing the Lord in 1993 I was a dressed-up fool . . . looking good on the outside and a hot mess on the inside! Only God knew . . .

Everyone has promise. (Jeremiah 29:11) If He could rescue me, He can remake anyone's life, despite the things they are doing. Despite one's age, God can make a new creation out of a monster! (2 Corinthians 5:17). All one has to do is fall on their knees and ask the Lord to save them from themselves!

So what is our role? We have to introduce them to the Lord somehow. . . in words, in deeds, in sacrificial love. We have to take the time to care for them as someone cared for us!

If a dead seed can become a beautiful flower in the matter of weeks, think what can become of a life resued by the Savior . . . what can become of a shattered piece of clay in the Potter's hands?

Open Door Policy

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

(Matthew 6:14-15)

Do you have an open-door policy with those around you? Do others feel safe to come to you to talk . . . to share . . . to vent?

When the apostles asked Jesus to teach them to pray, it was because they saw the power of an intimate relationship with the Father. Abba, had a caring and loving concern for Jesus as He does for us. But that realtionship is based upon a humble and forgivng heart! When in His presence, one must realize how messed up we really are . . .

As Isaiah said when in God's presence: Woe is me! (Isaiah 6:5)

Can others come to us seeking and finding forgiveness?

Can they knock on our doors and find an open heart?

Or do they expect arrogance . . . hardness . . . selfishness?

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

(Luke 11:9-10)

The apostles asked for a model prayer because they saw the power of an intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. Do others see that in us?

Do they experience our prayers? Do they sense our dependence upon our DADDY? Can they expect an open door policy when approaching us?

May I encourage you to make a personal praye based upon the Model prayer? (Matthew 6:9-13)Challenge those in your sphere of influence to do the same. Let's see if our hearts are not changed a bit as we then approach God and others?

Born Twice . . . Die Once

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

(Revelation 2:11)

God knows what is going on today. Just as He did when he spoke with John as he revealed His final triumph over death and Satan. He knows the state of the churches and the struggles of His people to remain faithful. he also knows those who simply going the motions . . . just acting out the role of a believer but never knowing Him personally!

Several times as he speaks to the churches through John, He repeats "He who has an ear, let Him hear":.In other words, be warned . . . this is not a drill . . . I am coming back and I will hold you accountable!

God demands that a person must repent fom sin and follow after His ways. It is not enough to simply acknowledge Christ as God and Savior. It is not enough to go to church and pray and attend Bible study. It is not enough to dress up on Sunday and remain in the filth Monday through Saturday. One must turn away from the sinful ways of this world and commit to the ways of Christ! It is a new way of life . . . a re-birth!

Nicodenus did not believe at first . . . not understanding how one could be born again.Jesus replied,

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”

(John 3:3)

This same Nicodemus was present at the cross of Jesus, assisting Joseph with the burial of Jesus' body. (John 19:38-41) He was not longer in the dark, but unashamed! He had new life . . . he was born again! What about you . . . your neighbors . . . your family? have you changed? Are you truly born again? Has there been a transformation that only the Holy Spirit can perform?

Every man must die . . . but the one who is born again in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, redeemed by His blood, will only die once. He will live forever with the Lord and not suffer the second death: eternal separation from God in hell.

Penalty Yards at Critcal Times.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

(James 1:19-20)

Being an avid Baltimore Ravens fan, I cannot help but attribute these words to the officials! Bear with me a bit . . .

When officials seem to be blind or otherwise watching some other game than the one they are calling, it is easy to become angry. To my wife ,it is rather amusing to watch me go through a game. The officials are always against my Ravens! But I truly have to watch the way I react, so my young son realizes it is really just a game and I am not really angry! But watch the players . . . how many react in such a foolish way as to cost their team penalty yards at critcal times.

It is similar in our lives . . . We react without thinking. We say we cannot help it . . . we are only human after all!

Yes there is a time to be angry. We must however be very careful how we react. God's reaction is justified and with pure motives. Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires ! Man acts out of selfishness and pride. We want our way, not God's will most often. We react because we or someone else feels hurt or slighted and we want to get even, nor justice! We seldom see the entire picture and we SIN!! We cause ourselves and others to suffer penalty yards at critcal times. Unlike a game however, these penalties can cause damage for a lifetime!

Here is great advice from Paul:

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

(Ephesians 4:26-26)

God gives us two ears, two eyes, two feet, two hands, , two arms, two legs . . . but only ONE mouth and to top it off a two-part cage (our teeth and lips)to keep the tongue under control! We know the danger of the tongue, but also the danger of any knee-jerk reaction.

Listen carefully and long . . . survey the situation . . . get the facts . . . and pray! See what God says about things and seel Godly counsel. Then respond in such a way that brings about God's desires for our lives and others as well.

Penalty yards at critcal times can be game changers . . . and life -changers as well!

Play to win!

Call a Friend . . . at Such a Time

And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

(Esther 4:14)

Many of us have it pretty good in this day of struggle and challenge. We read about all the econmic strife, foreclosures, and family breakups, yet we find ourselves a bit out of contact with reality. Even if we do find ourselves in a quandry, we have a me-first attitude . . . I have to take care of me first!

Well to degree, it is true. We must care for ourselves and our families. However, we cannot simply ignore others needs and go about life as usual, as if no one else exists.

Queen Esther found herself sitting pretty . . . a jewish girl becomes queen. Even as the Jews are being tortured and killed, she is protected . . . hidden away from all the troubles. Yet she is challenged to do something because of the position she holds. Because of who she was and the place God had positioned her, she could influence those in authority to help many in need. Before she acted though, she called on all the Jews to fast and pray on her behalf. She realized that this was going to be more than just her doing something . . . it would take God!

Where does God have you and me today? How can we help someone, even in the midst of out challenges? Do we have influence? Do we have resources? Are we placed in such a place, at such a time to change things? Has God challenged us to put things on the line?

We cannot cringe from the challenge, as difficult as it may be! May we be like Esther and realize we are called but we also need to call a friend (or two or three)to intercede for us at such a time. Each of us can do something special for someone else. As believers, we hold royal positions and possess great power.However, we must realize that at such a time, we need to realize we are not alone!

And if I perish, I perish

. (Esther 4:16) To God be the glory!

Learn From Others

What is this wicked thing you are doing—desecrating the Sabbath day? Didn’t your ancestors do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity on us and on this city?

(Nehemiah 13:17-18)

Nehemiah had returned for a bit to the Persian King Artaxerxes. When he returned to Jerusalem, he found many things had not gone well. In fact, it was business as usual for some!

The Temple rooms were given out to friends.(Nehemiah 13:4-5)There was selling and buying on the Sabbath. (Nehemiah 13:15-16) There was marrying outside of the faith. (Nehemiah 13:23-24)

Had they not learned from others . . . from the past mistakes and sins of Israel?

The Hebrew nation had a histroy of being recsued by God, falling into sin, and then having to be rescued again by God. Each time, they suffered for their sin with death, enslavement, and other punishment from God. They could not learn from others well.

It's not much different today. We tell our children not to do what we have done. Learn from our mistakes. However, our youth tend to want to find out on their own. One thing they do discover: The consequences are often worse that they were for us!

But it is not just the young people. We too tend to be ignorant of others' mis-steps. At times, we think we can get away with sin with no consequences. Sin has a way of finding us sooner or later. It shows up in our finances, relationships, and in our mental well-being.

Let's make it a point to learn from others . . . in the Bible and in our nation's short histroy. Let's even learn from our own mistakes and make a commitment today to honor God so we too can say as Nehemiah once said:

Remember me with favor, my God.

(Nehemiah 13:31)

Work dedicated to God . . .with JOY!

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

(Nehemiah 11:27)

Everything we accomplish . . . all of our labor, should be dedicated to the Lord! In this way we are assured of His blessings and we know it pleases our God. But we also should give our work to God with joy, not grudgingly!

All the work . . . I mean ALL the work that Nehemiah supervised in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was done with a covering from the Lord. He was so careful to stay in prayer and stay in a posture of thanksgiving. It gave Nehemiah great joy to sacrifice, labor, and give God the final project and all the credit.

Nehemiah would agree with Paul:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(Colossians 3:15-17)

How would our jobs be different if we dedicated our labor to the Lord each day? How would our families be changed . . . how would our relationships with our spouse and children be different? If we worked at all the various tasks in our lives with a mind to please God . . . . WOW! Would God not be pleased and we be changed?

I would wager that the world would be a bit different as well . . .

And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

(Nehemiah 12:43)

I pray that the sounds of my praises and all of our rejoicing can be heard throughout our neighborhoods and work places this day! God is good . . . let the people know . . . let God know!!!!

From the Top Down . . .

Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors.

(Nehemiah 9:2)

A public display of humility and repentance. Now that is something rarely witnessed today! Oh, we will admit that we are a called out and peculair people. (1 Peter 2:9) We will admit we are saved by grace and a forgiven people. (Ephesians 2:8) We are quick to confess we have vivtory in Jesus! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

However, we are not a quick to admt our sin and our disrespect for a God who freely gives us grace and mercy! Read here in Nehemiah 9 as the people recited their history of disobedience and refusal to honor their God. Yet despite all this, God remained faithful. (Nehemiah 9:33)

Do we really look honestly at our lives and see just how merciful, how faithful God has been? Do we see our constant disobedience, disrespect, and unbelief? Doe we recognize just how often we leave God out, despite His please to include Him in our daily plans?

Our nation's walls are too falling apart. Our families are beginning to crumble at the very foundation. Even our churches have some wide gaps and the enemy is infiltrating. Would God not be pleased if we did as the people of Israel and made a firm agreement, sealed with our very hearts? It begins from the top down . . . yet we must be one on this! Nehemiah was the first to sign and the rest followed. (Nehemiah 10:1, Nehemiah 10:29) Are we in agreement today?

“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.”

(Nehemiah 9:38)

I will . . . .

What's Next . . . Celebrate your God!

Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. (Nehemiah 7:4)

The walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, yet the homes were still a shambles. What's next for Nehemiah? He did the logical thing and asked God! He was instructed to gather the people who had returned from captivity and after they were settled, the priest Ezra read the Law for all to hear. (Nehemiah 8:1)The Levites then taught the peole so they could clearly understand. (Nehemiah 8:8)

The people became said, yet after the readings, the people were instructed to rejoice . . . celebrate and do not be sad. (Nehemiah 8:9-10)This was to celebrate the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles) as God instructed in Leviticus 23:42 and Deuteronomy 16:16-17. It was now a time to celebrate.

Been through some tough times? Had some real challenges? Well, it is never as bad as it seem! If we know the living God, we have a lot to celebrate. Don't wait for a holiday . . . celebrate the Lord today . . . right now!

Do Not Hide in Church

But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” (Nehemiah 6:11)

Nehemiah was nearly finished the task of commpleting the wall, yet his enemies still confronted him. This time, they went as far as to send false prophets (Nehemiah 6:12) to trick him into a meeting within the temple. Yet Nehemiah realized that the job was not finished.

The church is not a place to hide when work needs to be done. Church is a place of worship . . . a place of instruction . . . a place of strength and encouragement. It is where we go for instruction in order to have a plan to attack the enemy we face on the outside. It may well be a place of shelter, but it is not a hideout for the timid!

Nehemiah did not fall for the trick. He continued the work and his enemies saw the power of God (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

All of us as believers have power (Acts 1:8). Do not hide in the church when the going gets rough. Do not shrink behind the veil, but stand boldly! There is work to be done within our families, within our neighborhoods and schools, within our government,and yes . . . within our churches!

The enemy would like nothing more than for CHRISTIANS to do nothing but go to church! As we resist the temptation to crumble under fear and threats from various angles, he will flee (James 4:7). Church is not a hiding place, but a headquarters for the soldiers of Christ!

Accountability

I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let us stop charging interest!Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them—one percent of the money, grain, new wine and olive oil.”

(Nehemiah 5:10-11)

A servant-leader does not simply call meetings and give orders. He or she sets the pace. As God leads and directs they follow by example.

Nehemiah called the leaders to stop putting so much of a burden on a paeople who were already sacrificing for the rebuilding of the walls. He set the example by sharing his own possessions. He called the leaders to be accountable. He did not simply take their word for it, but to make an oath!

Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they had promised. I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, “In this way may God shake out of their house and possessions anyone who does not keep this promise. So may such a person be shaken out and emptied!”

Nehemiah 5:12-13)

No matter who we lead or what position we may be in this day, Godly leaders . . . servant-leaders do not simply call meetings and give direction: they are part of the answer . . . they set the pace. God will remember!

Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.

(Nehemiah 5:19)

Defend Our Turf

Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. (Nehemiah 4:13)

As the enmies began to plan to disrupt the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem Nehemiah 4:8), Nehemiah again prayed and organized the workers family by family . . . as some worked the others were armed for protection.

All throughout Nehemiah 3 we read how each family and each set of people (priests, temple servants, artisans, and the like did their part. Each group of people repaired a particular section of the wall. Each group took ownership of their part.

Each of us has a unique part in God's plan. We must do all we can to accomplish the task God has laid out for us. We must defend our families. We must be sure we defend our local pastor and the church we serve. We must defend our turf! It starts at home and moves as God directs us! (Ephesians 5)

I guess I am directing this mainly to the men, but it can be directed to all leaders within our communities and all believers in some sense. The cracks in the armor begin at home . . . spread to the churches . . . to the schools . . . and into our communities.

God's word directs us and it must be our sword . . . our foremost and most powerful weapon of choice. Will you join the battle to rebuild? I will . . . .(Nehemiah 4:23)

Personal Responsibility

. . .and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

(Nehemiah 2:5)

Though Jerusalem was in a shambles, Nehemiah was in a safe place. (Nehemiah 1:1) He was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes. Yet his concern was for his fellow Jews who were returning to the land of Judah . . . struggling, being made the laughing stock of society.

Are we in a safe place? Despite the struggles of those around us, are we comfortable and unconcerned?

Nehemiah hurt deeply for his people. (Nehemiah 1:4) He could not rest! He pleaded with God for mercy and admitted he too fell short of holiness! (Nehemiah 1:5-9) He was honest with God . . . honest with himself . . . and took personal responsibility!Nehemiah had found favor with the world (Nehemiah 1:11), yet he would use that favor and influence to rebuild not only his people and their city, but also to honor the Lord!

Will we use the influence we have to touch the lives of those less fortunate?

Will we use all we have to bring honor to God in these trying times?

Will we take personal responsibility and not leave it up to someone else as we remain in our safe place?

What About YOU?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

God created man for fellowship. However, we (through Adam) decided to break that fellowship by choosing to disobey God's commandment not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.(Genesis 2:15) As a result we all must suffer death and this sin nature we all possess (Romans 3:23)keeps us seperated from proper fellowship with God except for redemption offered through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 7:26-27)

The payment for all sin has been met. We have been bought back . . . redeemed by Christ's blood through His death and resurrection. However, this gift must be accepted. One must have more than head knowledge of sin and its consequences. There must be a heart change . . . a conviction . . . and repentance and commitment. (Romans 10:9-10)

God promises to forgive sin and secure eternal life with Him (1 John 1:9) but not everyone is willing to believe it or commit to the terms of the agreement.

REAL TALK now . . . WHAT ABOUT YOU????

Just Enough

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)

Peter did not have it. (Acts 3:6) Yet what He did have could cause the lame to walk. Paul would share with Timothy that the lust for riches could cause people to forget about their faith.(1 Timothy 6:10)Money, gold, stocks, real estate . . . all good things in and of themselves, but when they rule and over-rule one's life, it becomes a god!

True wisdom, which comes from first knowing God, (Proverbs 9:10)can overcome any obstacle in life. Knowing God personally not only brings understanding, but also perserverence to stay in the race but power to help others prevail as well.

We may not be able to heal the sick or cause the lame to walk (though prayer can still work miracles), but with God's wisdom and understanding, we can help others to walk through a painful circumstance and be healed of unhealthy activity. Many times wealth and riches bring more headaches than we can imagine! Sometimes . . . I would venture to say many times, it is much easier to have just enough than way too much in life!

Sincere Prayer

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

(Acts 3:6)

As Peter and John were going to pray, they encountered a crippled beggar at the entrance of the Temple. Not having money, they shared what they could . . . sincere prayer in the power of the name of the Risen Christ!

Many times we have nothing physical to offer someone. Other times, nothing we could give would help. But as a believer in the Living God, we always have Christ to share . . . there is power in His name! Christ still offers salvation to those in need of eternal life. He still offers grace to the humble. He still offers peace in the midst of confusion. He still offers confort in the center of our worst pain. He still offers contentment when there seems to be no answers. . . to those who will accept Him!

Sincere prayer . . . offered for and with one in need still brings results because in Jesus' name there is authority in heaven and earth! But do we have the time . . . the intenstinal fortitude . . . the desire to stand in the gap for those in need? It is one thing to pray privately . . . in our closet, but are we willing to risk our reputation or our friendships to say "Let me share Christ with you."

Everyone needs to have the opportunity to know His power. Later on, facing the Sanhedrin, Peter would repeat this with the local church leaders as they questioned the authority of the disciples:

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."(Acts 4:12)

Yes, there is power as we pray. Give others what we possess . . . allow them to experience the Living Savior who still rules and reigns! Sincere prayer changes things!

Commit to Prayer

Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

(Hebrews 13:18)

Paul sought to please the Lord in every way, yet he knew he was weak in his flesh. He realized his weakneses and acknowledged his need for prayer from others to keep him pure before God. In the previous verses, he asked for obdedience to leaders. This verse shows the connection between Godly leaders and our responsibility to not simply obey them, but to constantly pray for them.

Would it not be so unique if our political leaders, especially the believing ones, would openly ask for prayer? How mush easier it would be to support them if we knew of their desire to please God over man! No matter the case, we can still commit to pray for all of our leaders . . . political and spiritual that they seek to honor the Lord and in turn we serve one another honorably.

While God does not require us to follow ungodly leadership, he still desires us to pray for all in authority. (1 Timothy 2:2) Prayer still changes things.As we pray, we can also discover areas where we are lacking in obedience to God and in support of our leaders.

Encourage those in authority who are seeking to please the Lord. This month (October) is clergy appreciation month. Drop a note . . . send an e-mail . . . give a hug to your pastor, minister, or others who serve your spiritual needs. If you have a local government leader who is doing his/her best to make Godly choices, let them know!

It is hard making the sacrifices required to serve the Lord and His people. Our leaders are human . . . commit to pray!

I am special

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

(Hebrews 13:5)

The economy has always had its ups and downs. The stock market should not be a barometer of our life's worth. Our check book does not measure the love and concern we have for our families. Our value in life is not gaged by the size of our pay check. What we have, or what others possess, should not motivate us.

Listen to Paul as he shares a great secret to living a Godly life . . .

. . .I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:11-13)

Contentment . . . inner peace knowing God is in control, knowing He is right in the middle of things, brings a confidence beyond conparison! Things may not look too good to the casual observer, but things will be all right! God's promises are secure.

Accepting what God has for me is key to peaceful living. I am special to God and what He has for me is special. The more I learn to accept my life and not run after the the life of others, the more I will enjoy this life and anticipate the life to come with Christ!

I want what God wants for me and I can only getting by being one with Him, not this world!