The Future Awaits .. .

Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

As we celebrate the eighth grade graduation of our youngest son and his classmates, I am so concerned for the things the world is doing to our youth. As a bible teacher, I have done my best to impart not only biblical knowledge and God's Truths, but also my experience in life. I am concerned that many times it has fallen upon deaf ears and hardened hearts. However, I know that He who is in me and many of these students is still greater than he who is in this world! It is my prayer that the Lord strengthens and protects my son and these students to use them in this dark world to His glory. I pray that as the evil one seeks to steal, kill, and destroy them, that my God gives the strength and fortitude to not only STAND, but to break strongholds and knock down barriers in the name of Jesus! I have done my best, now it is time for another chapter to unfold . . have Your way Lord!

A Vivid Memorial

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:12-14)

Memorial Day 2016. . . . As I remember and honor all those who put their lives on the line for their "friends" in this country, I simply have to say "thank you"! I cannot imagine being sent to a foreign land with a mission to destroy an enemy I do not even know, yet I must to protect my own family and nation. Facing death every day with the the hope that my sacrifice would be worth it and that some way I would return to those for whom I was fighting. And to think, many of our own citizens think war is not an option. Tell that to our God, who sent His people into battle time after time to wipe out evil! As I ponder the sacrifice of my father, father in law, son, and many other friends and relatives, I am also reminded of my Savior, who paid the ultimate sacrifice; dying for those who at times were His enemies.(Romans 5:8) I cannot imagine giving up a perfect heavenly abode for this sin-sick world, yet Jesus did it! He did because it was necessary. There needed to be a perfect blood sacrifice for our wretched sin. Dying for family and friends is one thing, but dying for those who hate you. . . . . Thank God for my Savior, for without Him I would have no future. Thank God for the sacrifice of our soldiers, for without them we would not have the freedoms to worship the God we serve!

If not now . . . then later!

. . .with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. (Ephesians 6:7-8)

Ever feel unappreciated? Do you watch others receive rewards and accolades and inside know you have done more . . .done better . . .worked harder? Well, as the old song goes, we were never promised a rose garden in life. In fact, we are told that we will have struggles, we will have turmoil, we will have strife!(John 16:33) I realize it is hard to go unnoticed. Human nature seeks rewards for hard work. After all, many folks get awards just for showing up! That's another topic though . . . Be assured that if we truly are attempting to honor the Lord in our efforts, it will pay off . . .later, even if MUCH later! We are investing forward as we do things for the Lord and not for man. Take heart: If man passes over us, the Lord has something better in store for us in eternity! www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com

Tired? Weary? In a rut?

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9) In Galatians 6, Paul begins to address the issue of restoring our fellow believers who are struggling and stumbling through the CHRISTian life. Let's face it, we all sin. While we may have stretches where we really feel as though we are "getting it", we also have "losing streaks"! We have a responsibility to one another. While we are indeed responsible for our own actions, we are also to come to the aid of others in the Body . . . even when they are doing wrong. We cannot give up on God or others. As we dedicate ourselves to enrich the Body by gently coming alongside others, we strengthen the entire family of God. So as Paul summarizes in verse ten, whenever we have the opportunity, let's be good to one another, even in holding each other accountable to serving the Lord. Paul reminds us that such attention is needed first within the Body so we can then be more effective out in the world! Keep seeking the good things of God and watch Him work! (Matthew 6:33) www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com

Right now . . . Before it is too late for this generation!

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts; who being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus. . . .(Ephesians 4:17-21)

Imagine to have sat directly under the teaching of Jesus Christ and yet still reject His words and His ways. How bold was that? Yet we do it today . . . We sit under sound biblical teaching, we sing songs proclaiming the Gospel, we even pray to the God we claim to so love. Yet when it comes to our decision making, we use the world's standards far too many times. Jesus would say that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. (John 10:27)

So why when it comes to life's choices like relationships, money, activities, and the like, do we more often that not use worldly standards over biblical standards. If we know the music is ungodly, why listen? The "beat". . . . REALLY? If we know our friends are not a good influence for us, than why are we always finding ourselves with them? Time for some new friendships? If we know what we are doing is not of God and we say we ARE, then why do we not ask for help?

The time is drawing nigh when we will have to take a bold stand for what we believe in and how we live. If not now, when? If not you and me, than who will? You ever wonder why you were chosen to live in this day? You my friends, like Esther of long ago, we're born for such a time as this! (Esther 4:14)

Will YOU take up the challenge . . . take up the Cross?

Who is HE?

"Who do men say that I am?" So they answered, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others say, one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do YOU say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ (the Messiah)." (Mark 8:27-29)

Jesus had just finished feeding over four thousand with seven pieces of bread and a few small fish. Yet still the disciples were worried how they would eat beyond that day. He went on to heal a man's blindness at Bethsaida. As they travelled on toward Caesarea Philippi, twenty five miles north of the Sea of Galilee, at the base of Mt. Hermon, Jesus had a casual conversation with His disciples . . . "What are people saying about me anyway?" Sometimes, as we struggle through life, we even ask ourselves, "Who is this Jesus anyway?" Better yet, we may be asked, "How do you know for sure He is who you say He is?" After all He has done and is doing, people still doubt . . . More often than not, it is our actions and not our words that prove to others that Jesus is indeed Lord and Savior of our lives . . . not simply Savior, but Lord AND Savior! I often reply to my very intelligent (but sadly lacking in wisdom)relative who loves to debate the existence of God and the Truths of the Bible: "He is MY God and MY Savior . . . MY Lord and MY Redeemer . . . You cannot change MY mind!" He knows I know, but sadly he rejects the reality of MY God. He just can't come to let himself believe . . . but I will not give up on him or God!

Anyone in your life still seeking? Let them see and witness a real God in your life. Live out LOUD for Jesus in front of all to see!!!!

www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com

Not A DIFFERENT WORLD

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

As Paul gives the example of those in Moses' day who, even though they witnessed the miracles of God before their very eyes, chose to worship idols, covet, and commit immoral sexual acts. They were overtaken by temptation and chose to sin rather than obey God. In many cases, God was right there in their midst! There is really no temptation new to man. There is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Society may have new customs and technologies, but the basic temptations are there. Lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life . . .(1 John 2:16) Yet God is still reaching out to each of us with the help we need: God is STILL God! www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com

Confident in the Midst of Chaos

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 vil day, and having done all, to STAND. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Many are fearful of what we face in the future; terror attacks, political confusion, natural disaster, deadly viruses and various other diseases. Yet there is nothing like the threats and battles we face in the spiritual realm! In fact, many of the physical challenges we do face, especially as CHRIST-followers, might just be directly linked to such demonic and evil sources. Satan would like nothing better to see God's people struggle with illness, financial battles, family strife, work-related challenges and the like. Anything to keep us from a closer relationship with our Lord is just fine with our enemy. We however, must recognize the source of our struggles and turn to God even the more! As we buckle up our chin strap with the knowledge of our salvation, tighten our belt of TRUTH, strap on our sandals and walk in His Word, hold our shield of faith up high, and wield our sword confidently, we shall STAND! We shall not be moved! We shall have victory!

Choose this day . . . Culture or God?

A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an ABOMINATION to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

When the Lord gave Moses the words in Deuternomy, it was to restate the laws He had laid down years before. It was a restatement of what He issued prior for a new generation. When God restates something . . . REPEATS something, we can be sure He means it! As the Pharisees and others would try to twist God's laws to fit their lifestyle, Jesus would not remake a law to fit the culture, but rather make it even more plain. He would make it personal! I love what He says here in Mark 7: It's not the Law of God that needs adjusting, it is the heart of man! We would rather obey the traditions and cultures of our society than to obey God.

"He said to them (the Pharisees) 'All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition . . . For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulterers, fornications, murders, thefts, covetesnous, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.'" (Mark 7:9-23)

I do not need to remind anyone of recent political statements concerning public restrooms. Be very careful! God is not to be mocked. His Word is not to be "twisted" to fit man's desires. Do we really think the things occurring in our society are new? One only has to examine the perversity of the Greek and Roman cultures to see nothing is new under the sun! Take a close look people: whose side are we on? We are here for such a time as this!!!!!

Believing is LIVING!

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it in them. For since the beginning of the world, His attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools . . . Therefore, God gave them up to uncleaness, in the lust of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie . . .(Romans 1:18-25)

What do you and I believe? I am not asking your religious affiliation, your denomination, or your church's name. This is a simple question . . . What . . . better yet, WHOM do you and I really believe in? Why do we get up in the morning? What do Who motivates us? Where are our goals taking us? Have we been caught up in the wisdom of the world, swayed by political correctness and tolerance? Are we in fact, ashamed of the Gospel, ashamed of God, and becoming FOOL-ish? Serious thoughts to ponder . . .

For I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, know the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

What? Not Now!

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

I read the following this morning via email from Steve Auterburn of New Life Ministries:

Finding a way to help others requires that you ask two questions: "What is God doing?" and "How can I get i nto the flow of his activ­ity?" When we ask these questions, ideas will come. And once we begin doing this, the "why is this happening" question, which once seemed so important, becomes irrelevant. The best answer to why is always what. When we stop asking, "Why has God allowed this?" And begin asking, "What does He want me to do with it?", we're ready for God to start His work in us, and that prepares us for service.

Most times, when the unexpected occurs, we ask, "Why?" As we read here and have often heard, the real question we should ask of God is "What should my response be Lord?" Henry Blackaby, in his small group study "Experiencing God", reminds us that God is always and work around and we would be much better off joining Him at work where He is already working, rather than figuring out what else to do. As we stay in close contact with God, even the unexpected becomes expected! We anticipate tha shock. We are prepared for the surprise. We are equipped to handle to emergency. It doesn't necessarily make things easier in the physical, but spiritually speaking we are better equipped to react and respond.

Look around . . . How can we respond today to allow God to be seen and felt?