Memories!

Luke 2: 19

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

That first Christmas must have been overwhelming for Mary, as she considered all that God had done.

I pray that’s the way it will be for you this Christmas.

Consider all that God has done in your life up to this point, and treasure them.

Today is a time for making memories.

Mary established a treasure chest in her heart.

Maybe when the hustle and bustle dies down sometime today—take time to establish your own treasure chest.

Then take time to thank God for all He has done—and all that He plans to do.

May this Christmas season, be a real blessing to you, and to those you love….

Good News!

Luke 2: 10

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

 

God’s message of the birth of Jesus, came to common, ordinary people.

Shepherds had the lowliest occupation of their time.

 

Listen to what the angel told the shepherds…

He told them…. “Do not be afraid.”

Really? The presence of angels usually meant one thing—judgment!

 

But this angel brought a message of reassurance.

Do you need reassurance today? Then read the Christmas story in the Bible.

Maybe those spine tingles will come back again, when you consider that God did this for you.

 

The birth of Jesus was good news of great joy.

I know so many people, that need good news of great jot this Christmas.

 

The Savior has come.

There is nothing in the world worth fretting over anymore.

 

Redemption was now possible and is possible, by the shed blood of the perfect Lamb of God.

When we consider this—nothing should ever spoil one of our days—ever again…

The only thing that matters!

John 14: 15 – 17

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.

The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.”

 

What is basically easy for me to understand about the Word of God, isn’t as easy to understand for others.

If I really love Jesus—then I’m going to do whatever He asks me to do.

 

Some folks think their opinion really matters for something—when in fact, it doesn’t.

The only thing that matters in this life—is to obey God, so we can have access into the next life He promises.

 

Sounds pretty simple—doesn’t it?

For some yes—for others, not so much.

 

My daughter-in-love, Ashley, shared this with me last light, and it really seems to make perfect sense.

“Truth sounds like hate—to those who hate truth.”

 

The person who hates truth, does not have the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of Truth leads and guides and counsels—and for the person who understands truth, there is usually a positive response.

 

Some people neither see the truth—or understand it.

What a lonely, negative place that must be…

Solid Predictions!

2 Peter 3: 3 – 4

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?

 

The Nostradamus predictions are out for 2014.

If you haven’t noticed them, the fate of Israel remains somewhat unclear, but the predictions suggest Israel may be assailed from all sides.

Like that’s a real surprise. And once again—Nostradamus predicts the end of the world, in 2014.

 

Jesus made some predictions of His own—many of which people flat out ignore.

Jesus is coming again—make no mistake about that.

 

God’s Word says that many people will scoff such an idea.

If you tune into the evening news, you’ll hear scoffers abound.

 

Those are the same people who appear to be following their own evil desires.

“Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?”

Maybe in 2014—one never knows.

 

This much I do know, Jesus said we should ready ourselves for His return.

How’s that working for you? What daily preparations are you making?

 

One thing we can be sure of, when Jesus returns, some people will be caught off guard and flat footed.

Talk about having a bad day…

Hungry?

Luke 6: 21

“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.”

 

We hunger for a lot of things.

When I was a kid, my Mom would often ask us… “What sounds good for dinner tonight?”

 

She would ask us that question, because she knew we didn’t want to keep eating the same old thing.

For our Christmas Eve tradition, we’re all allowed to pick our favorite hors d’oeuvres—the one that we’re really hungry for, and Debbie prepares it.

 

What are you hungry for this morning?

Instead of picking up that sweet role and a hot cup of Starbucks, why not pick up your Bible instead?

 

Spending a few minutes each day with our living God, is the only thing in this life that truly satisfies.

Jesus said so.

 

I many countries this morning, people hunger for just a bite to eat, just to stay alive.

There are Christians in the world everywhere today, who are doing the same thing—only spiritually.

 

People who will continue to ignore God, will find themselves in a starvation mode today.

Hungering for God—the unchanging God, is to the delve into the riches of His Word.

 

“O Lord our God, may it be so, that we would all hunger for You each day.

It is then—and only then, that we will be truly satisfied. Amen.”

Death Row!

Luke 24: 5

"Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

 

Church attendance statistics  for the United States, suggest that only 18% of all people in this country, attend church on a regular basis.

Most U.S. Pastors say, that nearly 60% of registered church members, are inactive. So are we really one nation under God?

 

Yet if we polled those same people, most would say they’re going to heaven when they die.

So, something just doesn’t seem to add up.

 

British Pastor Leonard Ravenhill is quoted as saying…

“Someone asked me, “Do you pray for the dead?” I said, “No, I preach to them!” I think every pew in every church is death row.

Think about that! They’re dead! They sing about God; they talk about God, but they’re dead! They have no living relationship (with God).”

 

And yet as I write these words, I’m convinced that some people will be offended by these remarks that I offer today.

But maybe it’s not the message at all, but the facts that keep people harboring offenses.

Maybe the truth would actually set us free, if we repented and became alive again.

 

The role of a Pastor/Preacher, is to sound the alarm of warning.

The church that’s supposed to be leading/inviting people to faith in Christ, currently has dreadful success in numbers—not that church is a numbers game.

 

Could the church be dead today?

Do we sing about God—and talk about God—and know all the popular Christian lingo, but in the end, is there real fruit being produced?

I’ll let you answer that question on your own.

 

One thing’s for sure—all of this will be sorted out when Jesus returns.

Maybe we should turn our offensive energy, into Kingdom fruit instead

True Worship!

Revelation 4: 8

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings.

Day and night they never stop saying: "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE Lord GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS, AND IS, AND IS TO COME.

A.W. Tozier was quoted as saying…

“My fear is that too many professing Christians down here,  are resting far too often between their efforts of praising and glorifying the living God”

I wonder if Tozier was on to something?

He actually died 50 years ago, and if he could say that about the state of the church culture then—when would he say about it now?

There are people in the church, who get uncomfortable with someone lifting a surrendered hand in praise during a worship service.

Make no mistake about that—there will be a lot of that going on in Heaven!

You’d be surprised at how many people who won’t sing during a worship service—or do it half heartedly.

I also find it amazing, at how many death bed spiritual experiences there are, from people who were never very interested in God while they lived here on earth.

I wonder what God is going to say to the person, who wasn’t one bit interested in true worship here on earth?

If worshipping God is boring here on earth—what do we think it’s going to be like in the presence of God in Heaven?

The folks that think that everything will change at the hour of death, probably have miscalculated ever so slightly.

Chances are, that if we’re not at all excited about worshipping God now—we probably won’t be too excited about it on our death bed either…

Reflecting on 2013

Ephesians 1: 17

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

 

I don’t mean to frighten you, but don’t look now—the year is almost over!

 

Take a look at the words of this prayer St. Paul uses, in Ephesians chapter 1.

Would you pray that kind of prayer for yourself?

Would you pray that kind of prayer for other people?

 

Why would we want, wisdom and revelation?

Because we are living in, especially perilous times.

 

As you reflect on this past year, have you gotten to know God better?

Does it even matter?

 

Maybe the answer to that question is… “no”.

But there is another year dawning—so get ready to take control of it right now.

 

May this 2014 New Year upcoming, be a complete spiritual adventure for you.

May you use this fleeting time, to get to know God better—maybe better than you do at this moment.

 

We can find the greatest satisfaction and pleasure in this life, as we diligently seek Him.

Will you seek Him?

If you do—then you will know Him better, than you do right now…

Give thought!

Proverbs 14: 15

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

 

These wise words, tell us that maybe we should think through our actions, before we actually act.

One would agree, that the world is filled with people who are gullible and make very rash decisions.

 

In the Word of God, there are plenty warnings that call for deep discernment.

God will never tell us to live for the moment, but He would tell us to live moment by moment.

 

This word from the book of Proverbs, tell us that people with little spiritual depth, are in fact simple people.

They are the kind of folks that go with the flow, and don’t care much about living for God.

 

Do you know people who are easily deceived?

The Word of God says that they will believe just about anything—except the things of God.

 

The person however who is serious about their faith, gives strategic, discerning thought, day by day.

Before this kind of person can change their steps, they must change the way they think.

 

The person who trains their thoughts on God, wants to be different, not just act different.

Are you different? If you think like God thinks, as opposed to the way the world thinks, you’re a square peg in a round hole.

 

Walking as a disciple of Jesus, should include deep analysis way down deep inside our soul.

That’s where faithfulness begins, and foolish, simple thoughts end…

Fitting Legacy!

Colossians 3: 23 – 24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

 

Recent reports indicate, that some 40% of church attendees, are disenfranchised with the church they attend.

Many think that greener pastures await their grazing.

 

Some people say, that they’re trying to please their Pastor and leadership.

Most just want to know that their work in the church matters.

 

In Paul’s day, it’s documented the he made tents for a living.

There’s no discussion about the quality of Paul’s tents or how many he actually made.

I’m not even sure he offered a written guarantee of his work.

 

What is documented in the Bible, is the work that Paul did for the Lord.

He wasn’t trying to make brownie points with various churches he led, he was trying just to please God.

 

Is that why you do, what you do, for your local church?

Just to please the Lord? You are involved, aren’t you?

If your name never appeared in the bulletin for services rendered, would you look for another church to attend?

 

Paul’s legacy of service for God and the church, was simply amazing.

What legacy will you leave for your local church—or are you on the other hand, planning to leave sometime soon?

Choices!

Proverbs 14: 12

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

C.S. Lewis once said…. “I was not born to walk a life free of difficulty, I was born to obey in the midst of great difficulty.”

When we’re given a choice between an easy road and a hard one, which of the two are we more prone to choose?

With all things being equal, 9 times out of 10, we’d most likely choose the easy route.

But let’s face facts—all things aren’t equal.

God usually has a preference of what we’d choose.

Just because the United States Declaration of Independence says that we have can have… “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”—that’s not how God thinks.

Most times—the only way we’d do something difficult, is if there was something in it for us.

Let’s be honest—that’s our most prevalent mode of operation.

Don’t we choose the path of least resistance, more than we choose the path less traveled?

That certainly seems to be the case on Sunday mornings—or in church circles.

We don’t have a vision of God’s benefits, living in the midst of trial.

Most Christians are unfamiliar with His Kingdom ways of hardship.

And let’s be sure we all understand this—His ways, are almost never easy—that’s why He talks about sacrifice a lot. (Romans 12: 1)

So what’s it going to be for you this week—easy and self gratifying—or difficult and Kingdom satisfying?

Don't you miss it!

John 1: 11

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

The very people Jesus came to save, missed His message of Salvation completely.

The very people who should have noticed the signs, missed them all together.

How is it possible, that His own people could have missed the promised coming of the Messiah?

Maybe some people reading this devotional, should really take a look in the mirror—me included.

Sometimes it’s the people who have been given so much, that fall so short.

It’s easy to think, that if we would have been in the shoes of the Hebrew children, things might have turned out differently.

Probably not.

Do you know that if you have humbly and earnestly received Him—He gives you the right to become His child?

Those of us who truly believe in His name, have been born of God.

It’s not at all about how together you have it going for you.

It is not necessary to have been born into some high class family of royalty.

Remember—the guy who received Jesus, while hanging on the cross—never went forward for an altar call.

“Father God—no matter where my brothers and sisters are on their spiritual journey—I pray that this specific truth would become crystal clear to all of them.

That You are the ONLY way—the ONLY truth—and the ONLY true light. For those who have never received You—may they do so during this special Advent season. Amen.”

Reactions!

Acts 17: 32

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked…

 

There are all kinds of reactions now days, to the presentation of the Gospel.

I’ve found as I have walked in the midst of everyday ministry for 11 years, that some people are more open to the Gospel than others.

 

I don’t really have any idea, how the Word of God will be played out from one Sunday to the next, in the hearts of man.

People just react in different ways—plain and simple.

 

In Acts chapter 17: 32, it says that some “mocked” the idea of the Resurrection, while in verse (34), we find out that… “some men joined him and believed.”

I guess we find the same reaction to the Gospel, to this very day—and by some who are in the church.

 

I believe if we used a more modern translation of the Bible, the mockers might be heard as saying… “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

The message today still seems just as silly and totally unbelievable, as it did way back then.

 

In this modern day, just like it was during the time of St. Paul, some will believe and repent—and some will change their minds—while other will have negative reactions.

One thing I’ve learned is this—the conversion of a single soul, is up to God, and not you and me.

 

It is still the work of the Holy Spirit, that needs to happen in the heart of an unbelieving soul.

Some will actually go to their grave, with a negative reaction to the Gospel—and I guess that’s just the way it has to be.

 

But one thing I do know, that despite how people respond or react, it is still my duty, and it’s your duty too, to rightfully proclaim the truth.

The rest is up to our Great and Powerful God…

Don't miss it!

Hebrews 4: 2

For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

 

The message of Jesus at Christmas, is almost too good to be true.

Who in the world, would send their one and only son, to pay a debt for a bunch of ungrateful people?

God would.

 

The message of Christ, is never of any value, unless we combine it with an element of faith.

You have to have faith, because this message of love just doesn’t make sense—in part because we’ve never met anyone like this, here on earth.

Jesus came from a totally different kingdom, that doesn’t operate at all, like the kingdom we live in.

 

Have you combined your faith walk, with the element of faith?

If not, there isn’t much that could make sense to you about the Gospel.

A person who has faith, can make perfect sense of the Father’s love.

 

It is entirely possible, that a person sitting next to you in church, has missed the Gospel message entirely

It’s generally because, they refuse to become like a little child.

Jesus wants us to have the faith, as a child.

Is that the kind of faith you have?

 

“Heavenly Father, during this season of Advent, help us to become like little children again.

Allow us to combine the Gospel facts we’ve learned over the years, with a greater measure of child like faith. Amen.”

Eager to share!

Romans 1: 15

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you…

 

The Apostle Paul used words like.. “obligated” and “eager”, when it came to preaching the Gospel of Christ’s love.

Is that how most people in the church feel, when it comes to sharing their faith—eager?

 

There are days I must admit, when sharing the Gospel is both difficult, and tedious—not to mention ineffective.

The Gospel though, is both universal for the wise and the foolish.

 

Paul’s statement is a personal one to the people of the church in Rome.

He wanted to meet them—to shake their hands—and he wanted to get to know each person in a personal way.

 

Is that the way it is in the church today?

Do people really want to take the time, to get personal about their faith—with people in their church?

 

Paul also used words like… “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—for it is the power of God.”

Maybe that’s why we’re not as eager as we should be.

It’s not our power that convinces people to follow Jesus—it’s the power of God that brings about Salvation.

 

How can people believe, when they never hear?

The season of Christmas, is a time when most people’s ears, are open to the truth.

Eagerness, is in the air!

 

“Lord God—help us to feel both obligated and eager to share Your word today—and help us to do so, without shame. Amen”

What are you hiding?

Mark 9: 24

“Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

 

Do you ever have moments of unbelief?

Have you realized lately, that Jesus loves it when we’re honest with Him—even when our faith is weak?

I wonder why it is in the Christian circle, that we don’t own up, when we have a lack of faith?

 

Our honesty, no matter what area it encompasses, reaches the heart of God.

Some people actually play the game of hide and seek with God.

 

Just remember this—we can’t pretend that things are fine between us and God.

The only way He can fix what’s wrong with us, is when we spill our heart out to Him.

 

Is there something you’re hiding from God?

That sounds sort of silly, doesn’t it—because He knows everything, anyway.

 

Even when we have doubts about God, He can’t smile upon us with His favor, until we’re, straight up honest.

What are you waiting for—give it over to Him right this minute. Talk to Him—He wants very much to hear from you.

 

In His very special way—He’ll give us the reason and the power, to believe all over again…

 

A Speck

Matthew 7: 3

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

 

Why is it, that we all have an easier time seeing the spec in someone else’s eye, and not see the plank in our own?

Maybe if we paid more attention to our own plank, we’d have more peace than we sometimes do.

 

Maybe we fail to realize that when we point a finger at someone else, there are three more fingers, pointing at us.

Jesus chose to use the word, “hypocrite”, especially for the Christian who uses someone else, to make his/her point.

 

Jesus is telling us all, that before we can realize the sin in someone else’s life, we need to deal with our own sin first.

He essentially said the same thing, to the people who were about to stone a woman for being caught in the act of adultery.

 

Our goal as believers, is to mirror the image of Jesus.

Maybe today, we should all ask Jesus to change us, and help us—before asking Him to change someone else.

 

“Father God, forgive us when we first see someone else’s sin, before we deal with our own.

Give us courage, to deal with our own heart, in an honest, forthright way.

We need Your help today, to become like Your Son. Grant us this plea, this day.

May we become the likeness of Your perfect, spotless Lamb. Amen.”

Foolish or Wise?

Matthew 25: 2

“Five of them were foolish and five were wise.”

 

I drove down to Milwaukee after church on Sunday, to visit a dear friend in the hospital.

The further south I went, the worse the weather was. Things on the road way got a little tricky, and I just asked God to help me negotiate all the way to my destination.

I arrived without incidence. At the time, it seemed like the wise thing to do.

 

Clouded by the tremendous downpours, I had to reduce my speed to around 45 miles per hour.

If you’ve ever driven in the Milwaukee area, at that rate of speed, one could actually get run off the road!

 

As I traveled, I saw many foolish people behind the wheel of their automobiles.

Many traveled at high rates of speed, and I counted over 6 severe accidents.

Other’s drove quickly through 2 foot water puddles, and stalled in the middle of the street, making the thoroughfares congested.

 

When storms come up in life, I think it’s best that we’re prepared to let God handle the outcome.

By our very nature, we want to rush through them, and the results aren’t always in our favor—and boy can we look foolish.

In the midst of the storm, God may be trying to teach us a very valuable lesson.

 

Maybe today, you’re in a storm—then let God have His way. Ask Him to help you negotiate to safe passage.

He knows what’s best for you, and He has so much experience, dealing with storms.

 

Slow down, and ask Him for the help You need, to get through today.

Don’t do something foolish, and get stuck in the deep water, for He may be actually trying to show you a rainbow, on the other side of the storm…

Whole Counsel!

Acts 20: 27           (NKJV)

For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

 

Paul was departing his friends, the Elders of the church of Ephesus, and he offered them some closing remarks.

Paul always preached the truth wherever he went, and he never once apologized for it.

 

When I preach on a Sunday morning, I am mindful of a few things.

1)      I always try to keep the topic real/relevant…

2)      I am mindful, that it is not my job, to entertain the audience…

 

My responsibility as Pastor of WCF, is to bring the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

I must also be ready to stand against what I preach.

I must be able to give accurate Biblical evidence, to support my message.

 

Very few churches now days, preach the whole counsel of God.

Many do not to offend people, so they often soften the blows of God’s Word.

Softening the blows, don’t do anyone, any good.

 

My job is to truthfully deposit God’s Word into the hearts and minds of God’s people.

It is the Holy Spirit’s job then, to bring encouragement and correction…