Boldness

 

In a challenging world, we have great joy, perfect peace, and hope!

Our God is a God who strengthens and encourages you. May he give you the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had. Then you can give glory to God with one mind and voice. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ has accepted you. So accept one another in order to bring praise to God. I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews. He teaches us that God is true. He shows us that God will keep the promises he made to the founders of our nation. Jesus became a servant of the Jews. He did this so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercy. . . . May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:5-9,13)

So as a school year comes to an end and society seems to be opening back up again, many have fears and anxieties as to what to do, where to go, when to go, how long to stay, etc. We as believers need not to fear or be anxious. Rather, we have great joy, perfect peace, and hope!

Thank God for the doctors. Thank God got the nurses. Thanks God for the hospitals and researchers. Thank God for the scientists and government leaders who have rushed the vaccines to so many world-wide! While they have done a tremendous job, my faith is not in them, nor the masks or the anti-bacterials, but my faith remains in God!

I look back and thank God for getting us through this past year and a half. He has kept us for sure. I now move forward: 

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 )

Let's trust God now as we move forward and share that great joy, perfect peace, and hope that others so desperately need!

Ambassadors of reconcilation to all people groups, not just "mine"!

 Attention CHRISTian!

The Bible simply and clearly says that we (believers) are God's children and Christ's ambassadors. Because of this, we should not be passive. Instead, we should learn to stand on life's issues. We are salt and light, bringing in God's colours and flavours to this bland, tasteless world we in which we live in but don't belong.We all have a role to play in letting Christ's light shine in the darkness. 

 "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!' For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

 "Reconciliation" means to make right, to heal, to bring together. The "world" means everyone . . . . every culture, every ethnicity, every color, every race, every language, every tribe (Revelation 7:9). We have been given the task as ambassadors to represent Christ to everyone and to make every effort to bring them to Christ!

If we are really praying, "on earth as it is in heaven" than His will is for all peoples to be one as He and the Father are one (John 17). I know it will get better. The bible says so . . .in eternity. However, we . . . His people . . . who are called by His Name . . . right here and now . . .need to humble ourselves and take a stand . . . . for Him! 

No Republican . . .No Democrat . . .No organization or movement but that of God and His people . . . . as one!

Do we trust God at His Word?

 

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." (2 Chronicles 7:14-15)

We hear this verse often. We hear it in church, on the radio and on TV. We even hear it sung within CHRISTian lyrics. But what does it mean .  . . . Do we really believe it or is it just hopeful thinking? The real question is do we trust God at His Word? 

Matthew Henry comments in this fashion:God expects that his people who are called by his name, if they have dishonoured his name by their iniquity, should honour it by accepting the punishment of their iniquity. They must be humble themselves under his hand, must pray for the removal of the judgment, must seek the face and favour of God; and yet all this will not do unless they turn from their wicked ways, and return to the God from whom they have revolted. National mercy is then promised, that God will forgive their sin, which brought the judgment upon them, and then heal their land, redress all their grievances. Pardoning mercy makes ways for healing mercy. . . .

Many are calling for revival. Yet it must start working an individual as the Spirit moves like it something King Solomon. As it moves on people, then it can move within communities and even a Nation! We have to begin to live as if we truly trust God at His Word and then live it out! 

CHRISTians, young and old, black and white, male and female . . . . Are we willing be humbled to repent of our sin....even the sins of a people, and truly turn away from the racism, injustice, prejudices (of ALL people), discrimination, and hatred? Will we ever see people as one made in the image of God . . .ALL people? Do we really desire healing, or simply favor? 

Perhaps God will relent, heal, and bless our Nation and our world once again . . .or He  may have just had enough! I believe  He is giving us a chance . . .what about you?

Labor....Work and Reward

 

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24)

What does our work have to do with God? After all, we have to work to eat and pay bills right? But even that is biblical. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Let's face it: all through life we labor. We work as students. We work as adults. We even work around the house and work to stay in shape. Life is all about working to gain something. In fact, as a man, we gain much of our self- worth from our work!

However, as believers, we need not work for man's applause or reward. This will always leave us disappointed! There will always be someone better. Someone else will receive the trophy, the promotion or the credit. We as Christ followers need to learn to do all we do for the glory of God! Always do your best. Never cheat in your efforts. When the job is complete know inside you gave your all . . . for God, not man! God knows and one day, even if in glory, He will reward.

So rest this Labor Day! Enjoy! Thank God for the ability to work, study, perform, even exercise. Its all labor for God! Well done . . . great is your reward . . . from God, not from man!

Hold on!

 

Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The God who promised is faithful. Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Ok.....another uncertain few months as the schools are  starting back.....whether in or out of the classroom. But "hold on"! God is the same God Who got you and me through before . . . through financial woes, through family deaths, through health scares, unemployment, child issues . . . want makes us think He can't handle Covid-19?

This is no different. Keep don't "good". Keep loving God and people. He needs to be seen and felt! Our young people especially need to see and experience and genuine trust and dependence upon Almighty God! 

Lord, keep us, directors protect us!!!!!! We depend upon You and You alone to provide.

The bad things people have said about you......

 We who have strong faith should help the weak with their problems. We should not please only ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors. Let us do what is good for them in order to build them up. Even Christ did not please himself. It is written, “The bad things people have said about you have been aimed at me also.” (Psalm 69:9) Everything written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us strength to go on. They encourage us and give us hope. Our God is a God who strengthens and encourages you. May he give you the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had.  Then you can give glory to God with one mind and voice. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ has accepted you. So accept one another in order to bring praise to God.(Romans 15:1-7)

Being shut-in so much has caused me and probably you to be a bit strained at times.  Frustrated, irritable, anxious, and jittery can be just a few words to describe Corona times!

It has given me a lot projector reflect upon the past as I wonder where we are headed. I have lost count of the times I have been lied to, lied on, tricked, manipulated and deceived by folks I thought I knew, yes even Christ followers. As a result I realize I have installed a mental barrier of distrust and skepticism regarding people. Truth be told, it has deeply charred the relationships I do have!

Do you find it hard to forget even when you forgive? Do you have trouble trusting anymore? I have to force myself to be live God! Listen to what Paul writes:

The bad things people have said about you have been aimed at me also.” (Psalm 69:9) Everything written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us strength to go on. They encourage us and give us hope. 

I need the Spirit to help me to fully trust again. How 'bout you?

 

Fathers and Sons....Are we ready MEN?

The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts.  Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up. Write them down and tie them on your hands as a reminder. Also tie them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses. Also write them on your gates.(Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

These verses are very familiar to most CHRISTian men, at least they should be!  It is still the father . . . .the husband who carries the spiritual responsibility to model and teach Godly principles. Yet when a home lacks a Godly father, or lacks a man in general, what are our children, boys especially, to do?

Fathers and sons are crucial to the family, the society, and the Church! God has placed responsibility on the men and for the most part, have abdicated! Even in homes where the man is present, many of us put God and family behind work and financial matters. 

In a day and age when the internet, the media, and rogue organizations are twisting our young (and not so young) people's minds, we men to take our rightful place as Godly leaders of the home, the workplace and society.......and our churches! 

It will take apologies in some cases. It will take repentance. It will take study. It will take wise counsel and some hard and challenging mentoring. 

Are we ready men? 

Have Mercy Upon Me, O God!

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions,And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned . . . and done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. (Psalm 51:1-4)

Every now and then, sin creeps in, but even more boldly, God brings His mercy to my remembrance! While I acknowledge my sin before Him, He always forgives . . ., but do I take advantage of His grace and mercy often! While I know of my sin, I also know He will forgive me. 

However, when will His grace run out? When will His mercy cease?

Do you ever pray as Paul, that the thorns would be removed? (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) While my sin keeps me ever repenting, I do often pray for temptation of sin to be removed. Then I realize it is I who must decide to allow the Holy Spirit total control of my decisions. Grace needs to be sufficient . . . needs to be enough!

Lord, thank You for Your grace, mercy and forgiveness. Holy Spirit . . . You are invited to take over!

Coffee with the Lord....Holy Grounds!

And when forty years had passed, an Angel [c]of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai.  When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him,  saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.(Acts 7:30-33)

Coffee with the Lord....Every morning I have a routine. It's been similar each morning form the past at last twenty years or so. I brew some coffee ( now k-cups rather than a pot) as instructed in the bible. (He-brews!) I thinnest and smell the grounds as they are roasting into my mug (not a cup!) I then open my bible to receive the fire of His Word to teach me. Thank God He is still an all-consuming fire yet He has mercy upon me                                           even this day!

God's Word is HOLY! Whenever we sit under His teaching it is a sacred time. His Word and His authority has not changed. He is immutable! Moses realized it. (Exodus 3:5) Stephen again mentions it here in Acts 7. I am so grateful the fire keeps burning , convicting, and purifying me! Yet He has not consumed me. His mercy is new every day!

Let's remain humble. God is HOLY. We must now at His feet. We must fall prostrate knowing He is Almighty God, King, Savior and Judge. When we read His Word we are on HOLY GROUNDS.

Trust....Seek....Know....Share .... LIVE!

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.(Proverbs 15:13-15)

These are tough days for many, no doubt. Yet God is speaking . . . "Trust me like never before. Seek me like never before. Know me like never before. Share me like never before!"

We can be of good cheer! We can be merry! If we just place our trust in God!

 Do we really trust God in this pandemic? Are we putting our trust in the stock market, the banks, the politicians, the doctors, the grocery stores, the businesses . . . or God?

Are we seeking answers from everyone and everywhere else but the Source of all wisdom (James 1:5)? After all, He is God!

Do we really know Him? Are we resting in the God who not only created this world but still controls it?

Are we taking this opportunity to share Him with those living in fear, worried with doubts, and hiding or running from reality?

We were born for such a time as this!(Esther 4:14) Live out your faith!!!!

genuine, authentic relationships

As CHRISTians, we should have some genuine, authentic relationships. We don't need a lot of friends, but those we have should be real! They should not be artificial, or surface, but heart-to-heart and from the gut level. . . . honesty, hurts, confessions, weaknesses, and celebrations all shared. Not only are we lacking genuine relationships within the Body, but many do not even value being a part of the Body! Church life is not valued or even desired much anymore. It has become a duty!

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.(1 John 1:5-10)

Let's come out of our darkness and allow the Light to shine upon us and our fellow relationships with fellow believers.  We must face our fears and courageously risk our pride. To have friends we must be friendly! (Proverbs 18:24)

The only way we can grow spiritually is through open and candid relationships.

What one can do with a child's meal!

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”  He said, “Bring them here to Me.”  Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.  Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 14:14-21)

 What one can do with a child's meal! The crowd was seeking Jesus . . . desiring to be fed. The disciples said the obvious: "Send then home to eat. There is not enough food here!" Oh, but for the kid's meal!

Wow . . .

Many times we do not think we have enough to help. . . . not enough money, not enough time, not enough food, not enough talent. But What can God do with what we do have? A kid's meal fed over five thousand people! There was still enough for leftovers!

C'mon . . . give God a chance. Give Him what we've got and let Him work! Five minutes of time alone with God, five dollars from our wallets for a lunch, five days for a mission trip . . .

Groaning lately?

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.(Romans 8:22-28)

Have you heard a whole lot of grumbling and groaning lately?  It's ok to groan, if it for the right reason! Oh, we groan about politics, about family and about finances. Kids groan about parents, their school work, their teachers, and their friends and relationships. Paul writes here that even nature groans . . . but for the right reason . . . in hope for the coming Savior!

Rather than groan about things of this world, which we know is getting worse and worse, why not groan with the Spirit as we read above? Groan for the things of God . . . run after His will for us and others. As we agree with God and seek His will, we will not be as concerned for the things which are passing away!

Matthew 24 reminds us that this world is winding down. . . .that things are getting worse. But there is Good News: it gets better . . . but after this world is gone! To those of us who love the Lord and are called, we can look forward with a hope and a purpose!

Jesus would say, "One, two three . . . all eyes on me!"

Remember to rest . . .in God and with God!

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished.  And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.  Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.(Genesis 2:1-3)

God rested from His creative work! He took time to see what He have done and enjoyed it. We can take note of that! Yes, the Sabbath is HOLY. (Genesis 20:8-11) Yes it is set apart to not only rest in God and celebrate and worship Him, but also to rest with God . . . to take time to enjoy all He has accomplished in and through our work.

While man is to work, we all also called to rest. It makes sense for our health alone! However, when God actually does something, we are to do it as well. God calls us to take time out of the ordinary patterns of life to worship and to rest. We are to take a break from the labors of life and enjoy Him, His works, His glory, and yes, even our accomplishments.

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.  So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.(Mark 6:30-32)

Remember, it's ok to take a break on a regular basis as long as we are consistently working! Enjoy the weekend . . .remember God, remember to rest with Him and in Him!

Keep up with this world?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling . . .Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:1-3, 10)

To keep up with this world, we need to be constantly in motion! Yet who has instructed us to keep up with this world anyway? Yes we need to be informed and "wise as serpents" in this world (Matthew 10:16), but even Jesus prayed that we would not be "of this world". (John 17:14-16) Our mind set is to be other, different, transformed! (Romans 12:1-2)

As we enter the last long weekend of summer, lets take a rest from this world . . . be still on this Labor Day weekend,  and examine just how it has trapped us and ask the Lord to show us how to get a bit closer to what He would have us to be!

We cannot live in a protective CHRISTian bubble

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.  Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake;  for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.(1 Corinthians 10:23-33)

We live in a challenging world. We cannot live in a protective CHRISTian bubble, yet we also cannot do everything the world accepts as ok. However, we can be sure to all that we do with the intent to bring honor and glory to God!

God created us for such a time as this. As we Stay in his Word and know Him and His character more deeply, we can begin to act more oil Him as we walk around the world. Just as Christ lived among men and glorified the Father, we too are shown to do the same with the strength of His Spirit.

We must challenge one another and stay accountable to one another. We cannot do it alone! We must be of One accord!!!!

Do not drink the kool-aid of this world!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

 The enemy is determined to destroy us . . .  at the least make our daily lives miserable! Yet many of us can not even identify the enemy. Many times he is right where we choose to be. He is invited in or not asked to leave. We are comfortable allowing him to hang out!

What?!?!?

You see, we get so comfortable I our world that we can't even recognize with whom we are sitting. Satan could be our business partner, on our social media hangouts, in our club, or perhaps leading the political agenda with which we align.

Be careful! Be watchful. Be discerning. Do not drink the kool-aid of this world! Stay armed and ready to attack! Do not be afraid to be just a little bit offensive at times!

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...(Ephesians 5:18)

be ready for everything in today's world

A soldier . . . Prepare for daily warfare . . . Watch for the enemy . . . Expect to fight!

The peace of God . . . Still waters . . . Green pastures . . . Rest!

These things seem in contrast yet all describe a real relationship with our Almighty God and Savior! We must be ready for everything in today's world because the enemy is still out to kill, steal, and destroy us!

Paul was serious when he wrote these words:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.(Ephesians 6: 10-13)

It is a spiritual AND physical battle daily and we better be ready. Keep you head up and eyes opened. It can come from anywhere and anyone at anytime. Expect it! Fight it! But use the weapons God equips us with, not worldly methods!

Superhumans

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,  by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked....(Acts 4:29-34)

There is a reason why those of the early Church seemed so superhuman....prayer and unity!  Prayer was a common and everyday . . . all day thing. They prayed together and shared life together . . . even money and supplies. No one lacked anything! This was done without government programs by the way! The Church was one!

Why are we weak and ineffective today? Why are we so shy when it comes to things of God? Why do we lack confidence in Christ . . . lack faith? Prayer and unity are key! For God's power to operate in and through us, we must be connected to God and one another. It was evident within the apostles and it is what Jesus pleaded for before going to the cross. (John 17)

The world and its lusts are our kryptonite! The closer we become go the world, the weaker we become. Draw nearer to God and fellow believers. Lets once again shake this world!