LISTEN . . . then obey

Listening is not simply hearing but requires focusing on the words and sounds. When we listen to the sounds of birds, we immediately begin to look for the birds making the sounds. When listening to music, we can easily drift into another scene within our minds and refocus on the words we hear rather than our current circumstances. Listening leads to a reaction . . . 

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

The word Shema in Hebrew, used in this verse, means "to hear or listen". However, it can also mean obeying or listening with the intent to obey. So as God spoke to Israel, He is also speaking to us today. We are not simply to be hearers of the Word, (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201%3A22-25&version=NKJV) as James wrote, but doers! We are to focus on the words and obey them! The words we listen to from God should cause us to act in obedience.

The ups and downs of life

Ahhh, the ups and downs of life. We have surely had our share lately! Yet I am reminded that celebration and setbacks are all part of life and should be even more expected as a believer!

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:17-18)

If Christ suffered, then so must we. He surely had His share of celebrations and feasts. However, we also know that He had His share of suffering . . . . but nothing like what we go through.

So as we go through life's ups and downs, may we focus on the finish line  . . . let's trust the process as coaches say. Celebrate the births, the birthdays, the weddings, the graduations, and all of life's ups. Push through the illnesses, canceled trips, financial challenges, and even the anticipated and unexpected deaths. . . . the downs.

Look forward to the glory to be revealed . . . .

As they go . . .

Today is the last gathering of my senior class before graduation. We are having graduation practice and then a cookout celebration. I have had some of these students since sixth grade and I must admit, I am proud of their growth and maturity . . . but sad to see them leave. However, it is their time to leave the nest and spread their wings. So I leave these words of Paul with them today as they go. . .

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:9-12)

Enjoy life guys . . . but stay focused on the Giver of life! Go make HIStory!

My "why"

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why"? I often do. . . . about many things. The most intriguing why for me is "Why did God choose me? 

Why did He choose to save me, as wretched as I was and still can be today? Why did He give my wife and me the ministry He did when we were and are a mess? Why does He continue to bless us and call us to serve Him? Why is He so gracious?

The answer to all of these questions is why I never stop trying to please Him and why I never stop trying to convince others to trust Him! You see, my why is to live for His pleasure and not my own. 

Do not get me wrong: I do not deserve it at all. I above all people deserve hell. It is only by His grace that I am still on this earth. People do not always understand me and that's ok. So with the time I have left, my why is to serve God and to please Him above everyone and everything else!

Why are you here?

Stay focused....

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. (Proverbs 14:13)

Many times we have to fake our happiness so as to not allow others to feel our grief. Life goes on and we cannot bring others down just because we are suffering. So we have to focus on the end game and the reward that awaits! 

Believe me. . . . I know!🫤

Life goes on....

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

Sometimes things happen and at the worst times. Right in the middle of a celebration terrible things can happen. However, for the sake of others, we must move on. We cannot allow our disappointments to cause others' joy to fade. 

God knows. He had it planned. Live life to His glory so others can experience Him. Live out loud despite the pain.

 

Life is a beach

 The sea is his, for he made it and his hands formed the dry land.(Psalm 95:5)

On our senior trip with our graduating class, I see His workmanship not only in the sea and beaches, but in our teens. As beautiful as the sea and the islands are, we are His masterpiece. Our kids are a blessing and we are to model His love for them. 

I am privileged to play a small role in their lives!

It may not come when you want it . . .

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.  Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.  Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:14-20)

God has everything we need . . . but we may not get it when we want it, but rather when He says we need it. We don't even know how the gift will be supplied.  In fact, He may just say we really don't need it! 

You see, we love verse nineteen, which says that God will supply all we need, but we leave out the part about according to HIS riches in glory. God knows what we need and when we need it! 

I don't know about you, but I have to learn that He will not give me everything I want and not always when I want it either! Living by faith . . . .

We all have plans!

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel . . . . that will stand. (Proverbs 19:20-21)

Daily planners . . . to-do lists . . . graduation plans. . . vacation plans . . .monthly plans . . . yearly plans . . . five-year plans . . . retirement plans . . . and yes, even burial plans! We all have plans!

However, how many of us have allowed God in those plans? While it is great to plan, we need to seek God's counsel before carrying them out. It has been said that one who fails to plan plans to fail . . . and this is true!

Yet planning in itself is not all we must do.

For believers, God will have the final say . . . for everyone actually. If we want to honor God and do His will, then we must seek Him out before acting on our plans. Perhaps we may start with a blank slate and ask God to fill it up rather than writing up our plans and asking God to bless them?

What do you think?

It takes effort.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded . . . .(James 4:7-8)

It takes effort! Yes.....we still have some work to do. This is what Paul says in Philippians 2:12, as he instructs us to work out our salvation. 

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202%3A12-13&version=NKJV) 

You see, Jesus did the work as far as our sacrifice and redemption. However, now we must give the Holy Spirit reign in our lives and decide to follow Christ and deny Satan daily. 

Christianity is an active faith and an interactive relationship with Jesus Christ. It is NOT a religion. It takes effort!

a universal language

Music is indeed a universal language. We all know how influential it can be in one's life! Did you notice that God’s Word has an entire book devoted to music? 

The Book of Psalms contains the most chapters of any book in Scripture and it has the longest chapter recorded (Ps. 119). And, we are given 150 examples of songs and prayers set to instrumental music. In fact, the original Greek word psalmoi, from which we derive psalms, implies words accompanied by musical instruments.

This first psalm is probably one of the most wise to apply:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)

As entertaining and soothing as music can be, God's Word put to music can not only soothe and excite us but also keep us grounded! Many of us today are surrounded and at times bombarded with music . . . and usually not the Godly kind of music. 

If music is indeed a universal language, let's be deliberate about our music choices and see how God can work in us and through others.  

Walls of protection

For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’ ” (Zechariah 2:5)

From ancient times to modern history, walls of protection were often built around a city to mark and enclose a settlement of people. These thick stone structures protected those who lived inside from invaders and outside threats.

How true is that for our own lives in the current culture? Do we have God as our fortress (Ps. 18:2)? Have we hidden His Word in our hearts to keep us from sin? (Psalm 119:11) Are we prepared for the fiery darts of Satan? (Ephesians 6:16) 

It is everyone's desire to protect their automobiles, their homes, and their families. We have Lo-Jack, car alarms, home security systems, cameras, and even phone tracking devices. However, many have no spiritual walls of protection for their heart or soul. Many are at risk every day to be attacked with no defense. 

Jesus is my Rock and my Fortress. I have to remember to arm myself with His armor daily. He is my greatest security! What about you? Are your walls of protection up? 

So how important and impactful is music?

Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you. But now bring me a harpist.” While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha . . . . (2 Kings 3: 14-15)

So how important and impactful is music? It indeed inspired the prophet Elisha and moved God to work in the lives of the Jews. Elisha knew that music when directed to the Lord and used for His purposes, could help prepare his mind and heart to hear from God. As the harpist played, the Lord’s hand came upon Elisha, and God spoke to him with a message of hope and salvation for His people.

What about you and me? What role does music play in our lives? For many, it gets us up for a game or a workout. It is a motivator. It may also even relax us at times. It can quiet us down at night to sleep. 

But what about our spiritual lives? Do we allow music to bring us into a state of worship? Do we use it to open our hearts and minds to hear from God? Do we use music for simple pleasure and physical desires? 

This weekend, try allowing music to put us into a place to hear from God and worship Him. 

We all are held accountable for all we do . . .

Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. (Proverbs 20:11-13)

Let's face it . . . as time winds down to the school year, many become lazy and simply wait for the summer. Some wait for graduation. Others, just for the summer break. Still others, look toward a special summer vacation or event. Yet we are warned not to become lazy! Each of us is accountable to God and each other, whether young or old!

Don't fall into the trap of laziness. If there is a goal ahead, run towards it with zeal. Do not become weary in doing good. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206%3A9&version=NKJV) Keep your eyes and ears open and allow God to work. You will be glad you did!

Tomorrow will be here before you know it. Run towards it, do not miss it by becoming lazy!

Why so much education????

Is education so important?  Why so much anyway? Read on . . .

“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. (Acts 22:3)

Paul (Saul) was a well-educated and well-rounded man. He was taught by the best teacher in the Temple and was socially educated as well. He was a "Hebrew of Hebrews" and also a citizen of Rome! Just read his pedigree here in Philippians:

If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless . . . (Philippians 3:4-6)

God used all of Paul's education and social graces to reach all people groups. He may not have known at the time of his education what God would do, but God did! So get educated . . . in all ways . . . not simply in the classroom, but in society and in the scriptures. Allow God to teach you and use you! We never stop learning!

What do you need answers to at this time? Ask God!

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6)

We are winding down to the end of the school year and for many seniors in high school and college, there are many decisions to be made. In fact, every student is probably a bit nervous and antsy, anticipating how they will finish and what the summer months may bring . . . parents and teachers too! 😗

What do you need answers to at this time?

Jesus' brother James makes it very clear where and with Whom the answers are held. . . . God! One simply has to ask! Yet to ask God, we need a relationship with Him first! Do you know Him like that?

The Bible is clear, to ask of God one must know God because the answers come by faith, not by guessing or hoping.

But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.(Hebrews 11:6)

Have doubts? Need answers? Ask of God!

To my young people . . .Enjoy life with restraint

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

Ahhhh . . . to be young . . . living carefree and with abandon . . . doing whatever you desire with an entire life ahead. I can faintly remember those days. There are some fond memories but also some horrific mistakes!

My advice to the young people leaving school high school (as my senior class is preparing to do) is to enjoy these times as much as possible as Solomon wrote in the words above. They will go by swiftly and before you know it, real adulthood will strike!

However, enjoy life with restraint. God indeed has a plan for each of you and will carry it out . . . if you stay close to Him and His will for you! I realize how hard it is to be a CHRISTian in this world. It is for me too! Just try your best and ask God for help daily. Seek advice from those who have been there and trust their wisdom. Deep inside you have been planted sound judgment and biblical morals. Follow them!

So enjoy this part of your life . . . but with restraint.

unity throughout . . . imagine the impact

 Let's face it, God wants us to be one. Jesus was clear in His High-Priest prayer before going to His death: 

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)

As a Body, whether it is family, a school, a graduating class, or a church,  He desires for groups of believers to be one so that the world can see Him in us and want what/Who we have! As we gather, we are to be an even brighter light to a dark world than we are by ourselves! 

Imagine the impact . . . .

So as we gather as families to celebrate this time of year . . . as we gather as schools to end the year . . . as we celebrate together as graduating classes . . . and yes, as we gather in person at our various churches . . . let's physically, as well as spiritually, celebrate what God has done in each of us as a unified Body so the world can see what God has done!  

Imagine the impact . . .

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. (Romans 12:15-16)

 

It's ok to celebrate....look forward to good times!

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:8)

These are the days of celebration and looking forward! Students are preparing to move on to higher things and it is time to celebrate what God has done. 

Do not focus on what could have been or failures of the past. As Paul writes in his letter here, get rid of the bad things of the past and focus on tomorrow and what God has in store.

If we have made mistakes . . . failed . . . screwed up . . . then move on! God has a plan.  He forgives . . .He forgets. . . . So must we!

Students, teachers, families . . . let's get ready to celebrate!!!!

🎉   🥳

In awe of God . . . music was His creation!

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.  . . . When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38: 4-7)

Think about creation for just a moment. Imagine observing how God simply spoke forth words and things simply appeared in all their majesty . . . the sun, moon, stars, seas, plants, and of course mankind! Does it not make one stand in awe of God?

Go back however and read verse seven: the morning stars sang together! God created music . . . man did not! Take that in for a moment or two!!!

So today, as we stand in awe of God and all He has created, let's remember as we sing a song or hear a melody that God was the first to bring music to the earth. Maybe that can make us change some of the music we listen to today and put some of the lyrics out of our mouths and minds!

I stand in awe of God today!