Fan the Flames!

See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not extinguish the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians5:15-19) 

Yes, these are challenging, even evil times for sure. However, there were evil days when Christ and Paul walked the earth as well. So evil in fact, that they killed Jesus, Paul, and many others who were not politically correct and chose God's ways over the ways of the popular culture. As challenged as they were, they lived the guidelines of the Savior and despite the backlash, led many to believe in Him . . . Even you and me! 

Are we hiding from today's culture? Are we giving in? Are we conforming to its ways? Are we living one way in society and another way in church? As hard as it becomes, we must still be kind, still be helpful, still be thankful, and still be Christ-like. 

Keep the fire burning! God is still at work and others need to see Him in us!

Fathers do not quit!.

And now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame when He comes back. If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been fathered by Him. (1 John 2:28-29) 

Fathering is a difficult job in these days. The closer we walk with the Lord, it may at times become an even bigger challenge.  The challenges of job, family, health, rest . . . They all challenge our time and resources. 

As a father, I have failed many times. I have neglected my children, not by choice or knowingly, but simply by being too involved in life.I have not done all I can as a husband, selfishly concentrating more on me than my bride. I have failed God and my church by being too worried about "me and my house" and not "my Father's business". But there is good news . . . 

My heavenly Father has never failed me and He picks me up and continues to carry me and teach me. He continues to mold me as clay in a potters hand.

 Even if no one else can forget, I ask them to forgive. As men, we have to be honest with God and others and continue in the fight to "father" as our Good Shepherd fathers. This is a daily battle. Challenged by my pastor, I am committed to father not only my children, but the many God has led my way.

 My prayer is that my entire life, not simply yesterday or today or even tomorrow, but my entire life will be a witness to draw others to Him. God is at work and He will continue working in and through me until the day He returns. I will not quit!

Rules are made to follow, not disobey.

But concerning the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the orchard God said, "You must NOT eat from it, and you must NOT touch it, or else you WILL die." (Genesis 3:3) 

Rules are made to follow, to obey. They are NOT mad to be broken as some may say. God's rules, His commandments, His statutes are definitely made to follow, or there will surely be consequences. For some, because they have not accepted God on His terms, these consequences will be eternal! 

Do not allow Satan to twist our thinking as he did Eve. God is still God. It is only because of His grace, Jesus' atoning act upon the cross, that we are forgiven and freed from sin. We must accept God's gift upon His terms. If we try to do it our way and defy His guidelines, than we will not see heaven. 

Yes, we are sinners. However, we cannot CONTINUE in sin. We cannot PRACTICE sin and call it "ok" or acceptable. There is a difference between practicing sin and admitting our sin and repenting while continuing to move away from it. While our sin is forgiven at the cross, our thoughts and actions must be transformed as we day-by-day conform to His ways. (Romans 12:1-2)

Now the works of the flesh are obvious . . . I am warning you, as I have warned you before:those who PRACTICE such things will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Bragging Rights

In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the ELDERS. And ALL of you, clothe yourself with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. And God will exalt you in due time, if your HUMBLE yourself under His mighty hand by casting ALL your cares on Him, because HE CARES for you. . . . And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself RESTORE, CONFIRM, STRENGTHEN, and ESTABLISH you. (1Peter 5:5-10) 

Humbleness is a dying quality in folks in this day and age. We are told to be proud. We are told to be strong and independent. We are told to stand up for ourselves. We are educated and accomplished. However, with all of this can come arrogance, pride, ignorance, and a sense of entitlement.

The bible tells me to be humble, respectful of my elders and others in authority (in church and in society), to sacrifice for others, and to be "less of me and more and more of Jesus". If we do these things, God says He will reward us; if not here than in heaven for eternity. What has happened? What has changed? Actually nothing, because Satan is still on the prowl and he is still devouring our minds, our actions, and even the souls of many. We must be constantly on our knees seeking the guidance and correction of our Savior.  The only boasting should be in Him and His power, His grace, His victory over our sin!  

Be bold . . .be brave . . . don't run!

And let us take thought of how to spur one another onto love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25) the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. 

People leaving good bible teaching churches. Folks making every excuse possible for missing church. Believers, well so-called Christ-followers, joining up with secular ideologies and condoning sinful practices. This is not time to abandon church, but to closely embrace church, our pastors, and our fellow family members . . . yes, "family" members! 

Stand up for righteousness and stand with those of like beliefs. Do not back down or give in. Satan is seeking a crack in the walls to sneak in and destroy. Resist and he will flee. Run to God and His people. We need one another like no other time!

I have come so that they may have life and may have it abundantly. (John 10:10

Patience . . . Love . . . We all need both.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. . . Love your enemies . . . Lend and expect nothing back. Then your reward will be great . . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:32-36) 

I must admit, it takes real LOVE to be kind and understanding to those who live in contradiction to God's ways. I am just being honest here! When I see or hear of one who simply rejects the Truth, I not only am confused, but hurt. I hurt for them . . . I hurt for the Lord. What pain they will face when they go before God . . . and we all will go before God one day and have to answer for our decisions here on earth. (Romans 14:11-12)

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. . . We love because He first loved us. (1 John 418-19

So I press on with the aid of the Holy Spirit to reach anyone and everyone I might with the Truth of God's Word. Even if they reject it, I am learning to still love them and remain approachable. I never know if the Spirit will draw then one day and may ask me the ultimate question: 

What must I do to be saved?

Do you know? Do you care?

But exhort one another each day, as long as it is called "today", that none of you may become hardened by sin's deception. . . Oh that today, you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. (Psalm 95:7-8)  . . . And whom did He swear would never enter into His rest, except those who were disobedient? (Hebrews 3:13-19)

"Mind my own business" is not a mindset of the Christ-follower. We should be concerned with one another's soul. When we hear or see of someone we care about who has fallen into sin, we should care enough to seek them out . . . in love of course. We cannot say we love someone and love God and let another stumble.

 God is clear that if we continue in sin we are asking for trouble! James is very clear as well: 

If anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that persons soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)

Understand these words my friends: if we truly love God and truly love people, we will not allow them to rot in their sin! It is worth the effort.

So who (Who) is Jesus?

He was popular. He spoke well. He did nice things for people. He made folks feel better about their situation. He gave everyone hope. Yet he also ticked off a few people so much that many wanted to see Him dead! So who is this Jesus? Is He who He says He is or a liar . . . a lunatic . . . a fool . . . just another religious fanatic out for a quick buck or political gain?

But who do YOU say that I am? Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ. The Sonof the Living God. And Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven." . . . On this rock I will build my church . . .(Matthew 16:15-18

The question remains today: Who do YOU say Jesus is? I am so frustrated today with folks who say He is anything and everything but THE MESSIAH . . . THE CHRIST . . . THE SON of THE LIVING GOD! Is He LORD and SAVIOR? 

He cannot be just Savior. He must be MASTER and RULER as well! Jesus does not come with options like a new car deal. We cannot pick and choose what things we like and don't like! We accept as Him as He is or we reject Him. Who do YOU say that JESUS is? It is a life or death decision that must be made in this life!

It's a CHOICE!

How blessed (happy) are those whose actions are blameless, who obey the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His rules and seek Him with ALL their heart. . . . How can a YOUNG person obtain a pure life? By guarding it according to Your instructions. . . . I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by Your rules . . . Open my eyes so I can truly see . . . . Remove me from the path of DECEIT . . . . I choose the path of FAITFULLNESS . . . . Give me UNDERSTANDING so that I might observe Your law and KEEP it with all my heart. (Psalm 119:1,9,14,18,29-30,34)

I am speaking to the young folks today but as it is with God's Word, it can be applied to each of us I am sure. How many times have we heard our youth say something like, "I'm not Jesus!" or "That doesn't apply to us today."?

Psalm 119 is a very long psalm for sure, but it contains so much in the way of  wise counsel from David to his son Solomon. As David was teaching the Hebrew alphabet, he was also instilling wisdom into his son's heart. No doubt that today we dads need to teach more (by example as well) and our children need to adhere to these Godly statutes! 

The main point I believe David is attempting to drive home here in these selected verses is for one to be happy and at peace, one must EMBRACE the truths of God. Though we may have learned the TRUTH we do not always choose right or even seek to do right. It is a choice! 

Finally David writes; "I have wandered off like a lost sheep. Come looking for your servant, for I do not forget Your commands." Sounds like a confession here . . . A cry for help . . . Perhaps we all need to do this today!

Choices

To learn wisdom and moral instruction and to discern wise counsel. To receive moral instruction in skillful living. . . . Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge, but FOOLS despise wisdom and instruction. LISTEN my child to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother. . . . My child, if sinners try to entice you, DO NOT CONSENT. . . . He stores up effective counsel for the upright, and is like a shield for those who live with integrity. (Proverbs 1:1-10, 2:7)

While these words come from Solomon, David's son, the Preacher, the wisest man in all of history, still he did not follow them. By the end of his days, he was saying, "All of these things are futile!" (Ecclesiastes 12:8) All of his women properties, wealth . . . all futile and worthless when it came to Godly wisdom. He simply summed up all of his writings by saying "Fear God and keep His commandments." 

So with all the teaching, all the wisdom, all the advice we receive over the years, what shall we do? Simple . . . Follow the guidelines set out in God's Word and obey the Godly advice and lessons learned along the way. If it does not line up with His Word, drop it like a hot potato! If the people around us are "out of line" so to speak, drop 'em! 

Choosing to live a God-honoring life brings integrity, confidence, a peace beyond all understanding! It's never to late to get back on track . . .

Standing on the Rock!

Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words AND puts them into practice, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a food came. , the river burst against the house but COULD NOT SHAKE IT,  because it had been well built. But the person who hears and does NOT put My words into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst aginst that house, it COLLAPSED immediately and was utterly destroyed. (Luke 6:47-49)

I have been to several places on mission trips and seen some devastation due to storms. Some houses and entire communities destroyed and families displaced. Yet the homes and families that were solidly built upon a firm foundation not only survived, but thrived and came back even stronger. 

In order to thrive through a storm one must be prepared and fortified before the storm. The foundation must be laid and the structure secured. Once the waves hit, it is too late to prepare. 

Where are you and I this day? Are we secured? Are we ready to face the floods of life? Will the winds of change blow us in every direction? Are we prepared to STAND firm in our faith and not only hunker down, but to do battle?

On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand!

Patience . . . God really is in control!

Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. . . Do not repay evil for evil . . . Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place for God's wrath, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine,      I will repay", says the Lord. . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:12-21)

This is for me today . . . Maybe you too! No matter how long things are nagging me, no matter how often Satan raises his angry and ugly head, no matter how  stupid people seem to act, I must trust God at His Word! He knows and He is in control. I must allow Him to work not only in my life, but in and through others' lives as well. 

After all, it is not His will anyone be lost, so me taking them out won't help! Even in the lives of those who who tempt us the most and treat us the worst, God is working. Like David, when he had to opportunity to take out Saul, he waited upon the Lord. I too must be patient and allow God to have His perfect will. 

Long suffering is just that . . . Suffering L   O   N   G!

At the Cross

I have been crucified with Christ, and it no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside God's grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing. (Galatians 2:20-21)

The Law . . . the Ten Commandments and all the laws of Moses, were established as guidelines for the Jewish people. They were to follow them in order to be set apart from the world. These were the ways to live if one wanted to be part of the chosen people of God. The Law brought mankind to the point where they realized they were nothing before a holy God! It brought man to his knees. It brought us all to the cross eventually!

No one can possible keep the Law. This however, does not free us to sin! Rather, because of Christ, we now have received grace and are able to live by His strength, being freed from the Law. Because of what Christ has done, we can choose Him and now be a child of the Living God! By His Spirit, we can make choices to honor Him and allow others to see Him in us. Because of the cross . . .

As Christ-followers, we have nothing to boast about but Christ Himself. All we have, all we have accomplished, any good anyone has to say about us . . . it is all because of the goodness of God!

At the cross . . . at the cross . . . this is the best place to be!

These Things . . .

When is the last time we fasted and prayed? I mean really fasted and prayed . . . not simply for ritual or because the pastor asked everyone to fast, but because we had a need to hear from God, for healing, for divine presence, for His peace, for a closeness to the Father?

But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:21)

Now I realize that many versions leave this verse out, claiming it was not in the original manuscripts or simply added as a reference to the parallel verse in Mark 9:29, but the simple fact is still present; some things, the deep and constraining powers of darkness, can only be removed through a deep connection with God. 

Though the disciples had indeed healed and removed demons before, for some reason they could not heal this one. Many times we find ourselves helpless, even in our own ordinary and daily prayers. We need to step back . . . Examine our selves as well as the situation, and focus entirely on the power of God to take control. We must give ourselves over to the Holy Spirit to move. 

It takes more . . . more focus . . . more dedication . . . more submission . . . less "me" and all of God! These things . . . these powerful strongholds over our children, our lusts, life-decisions, etc.  Many of us have these things we need to seriously pray and fast about and give total focus to Christ. What are your things in need of fasting and prayer?

Let's do it!

Keeping Score?

I used to love to keep score at the Oriole games when I went as a teenager. I would sit out in the bleachers on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, often by myself, and watch intently, tracking every pitch and every player. Even as a player, whether it was basketball, football, or baseball, I would keep personal stats. It was all about the numbers and the awards . . . winning was everything . . . I had to be the best like my heroes were the best. 

Yet since becoming a Christian a Christ-follower, I have seen the good and bad of such intensity. While God indeed wants me to strive for excellence, I must understand that He does not keep score like I do! It is not about the numbers or the trophies, but the effort. It is not about me winning, but God winning. It is not about what I collect, but rather what I give away!

"I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven!" . . . The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, "Then who can be saved?" . . . 

Peter then asks a very normal question that you and I have probably mumbled under our breath at times . . .

"Look we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" . . . 

Jesus then responds with comforting words . . .

And whoever has left houses, or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last first.

I don't know about you, but I need this encouragement now and then. How are you keeping score today? Is it how God keeps records? Have we found ourselves comparing ourselves to the world's standards? Let's take a step back and evaluate how we are doing and why we are doing things. Allow God to be the one who gives the rewards!

Does Jesus Know You and Me?

Does Jesus know me? What kind of question is that? Of course He does! I know Him and He knows me. He loves me! I love Him. I go to church and I give my money. I am good to people and I pray every day. What would you ask , "Does Jesus know me?"

Not everyone who says to Me "Lord, Lord", will enter into the Kingdom of heaven . . . only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day, many will will say, "Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?" Then I will declare to them, "I never knew you. Go away from me you lawbreakers!" (Matthew 7:21-23)

What a terrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. It is as true today as the day when Jonathan Edwards said it and the same as when Jesus spoke the words above. There are so many false teachings, false teachers, pseudo-Gospels, etc. in fact, a leading publisher of bibles today is now removing certain scriptures from the bible text! This is not only scary and harmful to us today, but eternally dancing as we read in Revelation 22:18-18!      

We must know the scriptures for ourselves. We must study. We cannot simply rely upon what we are told or what we have or our families have always done. I do not want any one to be ignorant or misled. Once one knows the Truth, then they can decide. But know the Truth! 

Be careful my friends. Test every spirit to see if it is of God. In fact, if you need to know, ASK GOD! (James 1:5)

What do we see?

In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines in in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it. . .the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world and the world was created by Him, but the world did not recognize Him . . . His own  people did not receive Him. But to all who have received Him, those who believe in His name, He has given the right to become God's children. (John 1:4-12)

We seem to look at the Jewish people with horror and disbelief as we read how they could not even recognize Jesus, even as He grew up with them, studied in the schools with them, and even performed miracles before their very eyes! Yet aren't we, yes you and me, guilty of the very same thing? 

We have experienced Jesus' healing, His grace, His miraculous powers, yet we cannot recognize Him in everyday life, in the sunrise, the sunset, the rain, even in the people we see and socialize with day after day. As His children, we are not only to be obedient to our Father and Lord, but we are to be a light to those who have no clue. We cannot hide in the darkness or cover our light so as not to make folks uncomfortable. (Matthew 5:13-16) Rather, we are to shine it brightly and change the environment in which we find ourselves. 

You see, people still prefer darkness over light, sin over righteousness, and political correctness over biblical truths. They cannot recognize Jesus unless we are Him!

Earthly Decisions . . . Eternal Rewards . . . Delayed Gratification

Whoever then acknowledges Me before people, I will acknowledge before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before people, I will deny him also before My Father in heaven. Do not think I have come to bring peace to the earth. . . Whoever loves father or mother more than Me . . . son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life because of Me will find it. (Matthew 11:32-39)

Harsh words for many, even many within the Church; misunderstood words as well. Family can be our biggest roadblock to fully committing to follow Christ. To truly "take up the cross and follow Jesus" take 100% commitment. 

I can honestly say I have felt this pain . . . Even today! Answering "yes" to the call to ministry in 1999 has caused much turmoil within our family. Some said we were foolish. Others said we were crazy. Still others said we were not qualified. Some even today say we care more for "others" than we do our own. Well, all I can do is keep reading and re-reading the verses above! 

I have taken up my cross, stumbling many times along the way, but I am not going to abandon it. Because of my earthly choices, the world, even those closest to me at times, have rejected and criticized me. Yet I await the heavenly rewards!

Facing the Future

Do not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. . . Be strong and courageous, for you will accompany these people to the land that the Lord promised to give their ancestors, and you will enable them to inherit it. . . He will be with you; He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)

 There is nothing like a promise from Almighty God. He cannot lie and we see the evidence throughout the Scriptures. He keeps His word. When He says "I will", He will and when He says "I will not", well, He will not! 

He was with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, David, and all the rest. He came down from heaven as a man to walk with the disciples and make Himself a sacrifice for us all. He has left His Spirit available today for all who will choose to walk with Him. And He will never leave us once we sincerely choose . . .

 In this world today, we are facing giants. The future we face is a strange land with many ungodly practices. Will we enter with boldness or fear? Will we partner with God or the world? Will we carry the torch of those before us or abandon the cause?

Oh and in case you gong to say "that's Old Testament" stuff, get this! 

I will never leave you and I will never abandon you . . . (Hebrews 13:5)

Where. Is God in your life today? Have you abandoned Him? Have you even decided to follow Him? Do you know Him?

"Family" is Forever

"Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" And pointing toward His disciples he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

Yes, it is true, we are placed into family but we choose friends. However, this only applies to our time upon the earth. Eternally speaking, God presents the invitation to join His family. We must choose whom we follow.

It is a painful, grief-filled, and lonely choice to make at time, to have to choose God over family lifestyle, beliefs, and cultural practices. Many times, we must turn our backs and pray they understand what God requires and why. After all, this is a God thing, not a right or wrong issue. I have had to tell myself at times, they may never understand, but I must make this choice for eternal reasons and to honor God. 

Painful? Oh yes it is! Worth the reward? . . . God saying "Well done!", or being accepted by family members, well you tell me! life on earth is never going to be easy for a true Christ-follower. We will be faced with many challenges, especially in these last and evil days. Satan knows our weak points and family is a big target for him. 

Stay focused . . . Great is the reward . . . "Payday some day"

I Owe You Love!

Beware that the heart of no man, woman, clan, or tribe among you turns away from the Lord our God today to pursue and serve the gods of those nations; beware that is among you no root producing poisonous and bitter fruit. (Deuteronomy 29:18)

Old Testament or New Testament, followers of God Ned to be just that, followers of God and NOT the world. As Moses wrote above, we can follow no man, no woman, no culture, no ethnicity, no people group or political group, NO ONE that pursues and follows these false gods and false teachings of the world. 

Nothing has changed. People still chase after whatever makes them happy . . . feel good . . . whatever strokes their ego or approves or excuses their lifestyles. 

BUT WE AS CHRIST-FOLLOWERS CANNOT!

What is trapping you? Is it family history, culture, politics, a relationship? What is worth more than a closer relationship with the Creator? We were created to honor Him, not "me" or anyone or anything else! 

What do we have to cut out . . . before God cuts it out? Don't fall for this "don't judge me" lie or " you do you and I'll do me" stupidity. We ARE to hold one another accountable in the household of faith. Call me out . . . please . . . just do it privately and lovingly. I will do the same for you if I notice any slippage. 

We owe that to one another!

How Can It Be Done?

This world is tough. It is even tougher on someone trying with all their might to honor the Lord and walk in His will and for His honor and glory. Temptations here . . . Tolerance of sin there . . . Legalization of abominations . . . Acceptance of wrongs and denouncing of truths . . . The Christ follower is now the enemy while the one who lives by his own lusts and desires is glorified as "enjoying life to the fullest"!

So how can the believer possible live a life . . . a productive and enjoyable life in this crazy, mixed-up, upside-down world? Well, I am sure the followers of Christ asked the same thing when they were walking with Him. In fact, if you remember the Lord's prayers the night before He went to the cross, He indeed prayed that the disciples and even we would be able to withstand the trials and tests. (John 17:6-26)

Here lies the key to living a life worthy of Christ and one that shines His light upon others: 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

We can . . . We will . . . It is through Him and by Him and for Him that we live!

A God Thing

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. "Follow Me", He said to him. And he got up and followed Him. As Jesus was having a meal in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard this, He said, "Those who are healthy don't need a physician, but those who are sick do." (Matthew 9:9-12)

A young lady recently asked a pastor, "What are we doing to engage or welcome the practicing homosexual if he or she comes into our church and wants to join?" What the pastor replied was on point. Basically his response was that anyone wanting to join and bible-believing church will have been moved by the Spirit of God to come confessing and repentant, understanding to desire to be saved is to admit to sin and the need for a Savior. 

You see, when Jesus called Matthew, Matthew "followed". He did not come questioning or debating. He followed and then invited Jesus into his circles so others could hear Him. He left his previous life behind and followed the ways of Christ. 

The key to reaching sinners, any sinners, is to engage them, invite them, be hospitable to them. Jesus simply asked and Matthew followed. Two things here: We must reach out and the sinner must react. Both are led by the Spirit. You see, it's not a me and you thing or a we and them thing, but a God thing!

You see,

Under God?

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil; live as servants of God. (1Peter 2:16)

Here we are, another Independence Day, July 4th, 2015! More than 240 years after Godly men and women sought freedoms, sacrificed their lives, and built a Nation upon Godly principles, we stand at a precipice as a Nation, as communities, as families, and as individuals.

What will do from here? Will we continue to slip? Many say "Don't judge me...that's up to God."....and it is indeed true! But who wants Gods wrath? I know I do not! God gives us ample opportunity to repent. He grants us grace freely. However, if we decide not take another's advice or even God's own instructions, then yes, He will judge us...as individuals and as a Nation.

I plead the blood of Jesus over my family....my bride, my children... innocent children and teens who have been lied to...even this Nation...our leaders. God have mercy! People, hear from God and repent. Let's live as the servants of the Most High God! Stop this political correctness and soft Christianity!

It's time to act...to stand...to be counted...for such a time as this!

False Teachers . . . False Believers?

I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed . . . cut off from Christ . . . for the sake of my people, my fellow countrymen, who are Israelites. . . It is not as though the Word of God has failed. . . So then God has mercy on whom He chooses to have mercy, and He hardens whom He chooses to harden. . . Why then does He still find fault? But who indeed are you, a mere human being, to talk back to God? (Romans 9:2-20)

I don't think I could actually give up my salvation for others, but I get what Paul is saying here. It really hurts that those closest to me, my own children at times, who grew up in the church, want to fall for these popular lies floating around. 

God's Word has not changed! We know better! If there was something I could do to get my children, my relatives, my friends, to "get it". Who are we to question God? 

God have mercy on those spreading the lies and changing His Word! He still holds the clay in His hands!

Live in Unity, Live in Holiness

I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the Calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love....there is one body and one Spirit....one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and one Father of all...so we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by even wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the Truth in love....no longer live as the Gentiles do... Put on the new man who has been created in God's image...in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth. (Ephesians 4:1-24)

Despite the things we see, despite the things we hear, despite the way folks may despise our beliefs and lifestyles, we must stay faithful to the TRUTHS of God's Word. Nothing is new today. Since the writings of the Old Testament, there has been the most wretched of sinful practices. The difference is God's grace . . . his patience is being taken for acceptance. 

God still calls sin what it is and will still judge us all for our actions. Don't fall for the tactics of Satan and his agents. Trust God at His Word and, as Jesus did, love people to the Truth. Then, if they continue to choose the lies, we must walk away. But do not give in . . .

Sin is a CHOICE.

What shall we say then? Are we to remain in sin so that grace may increase? ABSOLUTELY NOT! (Romans 6:1-2)

It is a struggle to re-educate our minds, our hearts, our souls. We fail miserably each day and fall short of perfection under God. However, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, we must allow the Spirit of God to fill us...control us more and more. 

Once upon a time, we could not avoid sin. We embraced it! We loved it! I know I did!!! But now, twenty-three years since Christ rescued me, I cannot avoid Him! Every time I fall short, I am confronted with His grace, not to sin even more, but to repent in shame. I hate the sin I do!

For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy has ANY inheritance in the Kingdom of God. (Ephesians 5:5)

GRACE is not a license to sin. It is NOT an excuse for sin. It is however, it is an opportunity to repent and turn from sin! Sad to say, to continue in sin, which is to disagree with God and His Word, is to REJECT Christ and His grace. 

Do not be fooled friends. Accept God at His Word, not the lies of this world! Your eternity depends upon your choice. Yes, it is a choice!