Divorce!

Jeremiah 2: 32

Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me…

 

August is the biggest month for me to officiate weddings.

I’m amazed at the detail that brides and grooms go through, just to celebrate a single day in history.

 

I spoke to an upcoming bride just the other day, and she told me that her wedding cake alone, cost over $1,500.00

That better be one great tasting wedding cake!

 

And what surprises me the most, is less than 50% marriages, make is past 3 years.

That seems like a lot of wasted money to me.

 

I wonder how many church people, consider themselves to be a bride in waiting?

How many would consider themselves to be the very bride of Christ?

 

Can you imagine the celebration we’d have one day, if we spent half as much energy planning our Kingdom wedding?

I love what Spurgeon said about this very subject. "You must be divorced from your sin, or you cannot be married to Christ"

 

We need to divorce sin, which means we need to literally dump it.

Have you ever been dumped by a guy or girl before?

 

Seriously, that’s how we need to treat the repeating sin that’s in our life…  

Be sold out!

Philippians 2: 20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  

Paul had it all figured out. He knew his identity in Christ.

He was willing to settle the score, by giving up his entire life for the One who saved him.

I truly wonder how many followers of Jesus, feel like Paul felt?

I’ll bet if you got to know Paul in a serious way, there was nothing left to wonder about who he was sold out to.

Seriously, I’m not sure I’m where Paul was.

Honestly, I’m not sure I can count many people in the church, who are satisfied with being crucified with Christ.

What does that say about me? Actually, what does that say about the church?

I meet more and more people, who really just want it their way.

Followers of Jesus can never have it their way.

We must go about this faith walk, by doing it God’s way.

I think David Platt was right.  He said, "We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering
to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves."

We’ve sometimes made it all about us, and not about God.

I think something needs to change, for the church to harness the penetrating power of Jesus.

When that happens, the world in which we live, will be completely turn upside down…

To be hated!

John 15: 18

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

I honestly have to say, that I often forget all about this verse—that is until someone rejects my attempts to trumpet forth the truth.

It agonizes me, when people dislike me for speaking or preaching the truth.

How about you? Who can you name by name, who have rejected your attempts to reveal the truth of God?

I keep a list of names of the people who have been displeased with me, and I pray for them as often as I can.

I’m not saying that I haven’t done some things recklessly in ministry, but my heart has always been to lead people to Jesus.

I understand that my results might not be the best, but you can’t knock a guy for trying.

Jesus always had the most trouble with church people.

He tenderly loved, those especially outside of the church, and had better success getting through to them.

Man has, and will for the rest of time on earth, reject the efforts of people trying to bring forth the truth.

It was the reason Rome tried to execute faith out of people, but that never worked very well.

The old adage, “Subtraction, always means multiplication”, applied then, and it applies now.

I’d like to say I’m right with God, but I have had my fair share of trouble with men.

The words of Tozier  "to be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with man", speak volumes to me.

Do they speak to you? 

                                                                                                                      

No Excuses

John 6: 66

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

Just before this statement, Jesus offered some hard teaching.

After He made that statement, many stopped following Him altogether.

Jesus indicated that to follow Him, we must fully join Him.

Not many people really want to lay it all on the line anymore, in the spiritual sense.

I’ve never known the teachings of Jesus to be easy.

He speaks of sacrifice, and denial, and submission.

I must admit, that I’m not crazy about having to put an end to the flesh.

I realize, that the older I get, at the end of my life, what I accomplished in the flesh, will count as nothing.

With the words that Jesus used that day, as He preached in the synagogue, it cleared the place out.

Many stopped following Him all together.

What a sad day that must have been for the church.

Jesus had just fed the 5 thousand, and people could hardly contain themselves.

Then Jesus said something hard. Life for many people changed that day, and it wasn’t for the good.

Maybe the words of Ravenhill  actually have some meaning…."If the whole church goes off into deception, that will in no way excuse us for not following Christ"

No Worries!

Matthew 6: 25

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

 

I wonder how many people, who receive this daily devotional, worry on a consistent basis?

Jesus says that we’re not supposed to worry at all.

 

When things get a little topsy-turvy in your life, is Jesus the One you turn to first?

We have been made in His image, so we should actually follow His thought pattern.

 

It would make sense then, that we should serve Him and obey Him in every area of our lives.

Yes—that would include us worry warts!

 

I’m not saying we shouldn’t plan for tomorrow, but worrying about tomorrow is actually wasted energy.

Planners think ahead, while worriers are consumed with fear.

 

Planners also include God in their plans, while worriers don’t really trust God.

If they did, they wouldn’t worry as much as they do.

 

A friend sent me this posting (attachment), and I laughed out loud when I received it.

I’m a worrier by nature, but I just need to be reminded that, He’s got the WHOLE world in His hands… 

Exchanges!

Matthew 16: 26

“Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

 

I’m not sure many church people realize, that Jesus said that whoever looks to lose his life—will actually find it.

Jesus said that following Him, would surely cost us something.

 

Some people have given their lives—some have lost cushy jobs, and some have lost lasting friendships, for claiming Jesus as Lord.

I don’t think the church  spends near enough time, sharing that kind of information.

Honestly, can you name anything you’ve lost, since you’ve accepted Christ? 

 

Even in the church today, our loftiest goal, is usually to grow the church in large numbers.

I’m not sure that was the Biblical pattern.

 

I found this quote, and it’s made me think deeply about my relationship with Christ.

Pastor Phil Morgan of 1^st Church in Brookfield Connecticut, said this…

“Son, always endeavor to keep your church as SMALL as you can! Preach the truth of God’s salvation, and the demands of following Jesus,

SO CLEARLY that ONLY those who have counted the cost, are ready to give up ALL for Christ, and will join themselves to you.”

 

That seems to be exactly the opposite, of what the modern church teaches today.

Maybe we should actually count the costs of following Jesus?

Maybe we should bare the marks of sacrifice?

 

I think I need to go back to my Bible, and read that verse again, that talks about the necessity of picking up my cross and carrying it…  

Be on Guard!

Matthew 13: 5

Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you.”

Deception comes just a little at a time.

It never shows up in a dump truck full, but in very subtle ways.

The Bible says that we should give thought to our very steps. (Pro. 14:13)

The devil says, just throw caution to the wind.

The Bible also says, that many will want their ears tickled in church.

The prosperity message of the Gospel is out there today, and some would preach…just name it and claim it.

That is subtle deception.

Jesus never said, just name it and claim it.

Actually, Jesus said that… “foxes have holes—and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has no place to lay his head.”

The general rule of life, usually applies in this case.

If it’s probably too good to be true—it probably is.

That is unless we’re talking about Salvation—God’s plan of redemption sounds too good to be true—but it’s true.

We need to be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves, when it comes to deception.

Just remember—we are living in very deceiving times—and many will be led away…

True Grace

John 1: 14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote one of the most impacting books I have ever read.

The tile is, “The Cost of Discipleship”.

I’ve invited friends of mine from church to read this great piece of Christian literature.

Few, have taken me up on my offer.

Cheap grace that he commonly refers to, in many of his writings, is the arch enemy of the church today.

Grace was not purchased as a blue light special, or at clearance pricing.

No grace was afforded to us, as something very costly, sovereignly given from the Father.

Grace that has been cheapened over the years, is a denial of God’s living Word.

Be informed my friends, there is no cheap, cover-up for our sins.

Jesus came to this earth, filled with grace and truth.

Be sure of this, grace isn’t grace, unless it is followed up with absolute truth.

Titus 2: 12 suggests that we should, “deny ungodliness”.

Be sure of this, there are strings attached to this Salvation experience.

Many Christians are confused today, by the true meaning of grace.

One day, all of us are going to find out the true definition.

At that point in time, I believe many people are going to shocked, when they find out the truth

Stop Resisting!

Acts 7: 51

"You stiff—necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

Stephen had just been handpicked to be a leader in the church.

In the very next chapter, he’s in front of the Sanhedrin, shouting at the top of his lungs.

Fire & brimstone preaching wasn’t popular then—and I’m pretty sure it isn’t popular now.

Stephen, as accounted in the Bible, preached only one sermon, and ended up giving his life for his words.

Billy Graham once said “If we had more hell in the pulpit—we would have less hell in the pew.”

Maybe Dr. Graham  was onto something?

Is it possible, that when we refuse to hear truth preached from today’s pulpit, that we’re actually resisting the Holy Spirit?

I’m amazed at how many people have great advice for preachers today—but have never assumed the role of one.

I happen to believe, that we’re living in the day, when we need to hear the truth—no matter how hard that might be.

The Bible says that the, “truth” will actually set us free.

I must admit, that I don’t always like to hear the truth, because it generally requires me to do something with it.

It demands a response, but once I respond, I always seem to be the better for responding in a positive way.

How will you respond to the truth?

Will you make necessary changes, or just get more stiff—necked? 

Proper Fear

Malachi 3: 16

Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.

A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.

It would appear that the precursor to God listening to us, is fear of Him.

That sounds rather strange?

Part of honoring God, is actually fearing Him.

It would also appear to me, that the fear of God is a missing element for some.

The Bible says that the beginning of wisdom, is actually fear. (Proverbs 9:10)

So what does it mean to fear God?

Does it mean that we should actually be afraid of God?

We’ve all heard the phrase… “That put the fear of God in them!”

Actually, we fear God because of His righteous judgment to come.

The other part of the story is, we fear God because He is deserving of respect and honor.

The reason we’re on this earth is the first place, is because He put us here.

He is the creator of all things, including you and me, and frankly, that should make us at the very least, make us think.

Every act you partake in today, will be seen by God.  

The Bible says that God hears everything we talk about.

That thought should bring about fear, or assurance, depending on whether or not, the conversation is pleasing to God, or not

Reliable!

Isaiah 50: 2

When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?

By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert…

I wonder how we would feel, if after considering a person’s true, long term faithfulness, a good friend or loved one would question that person’s trustworthiness?

How would we begin to interpret their suspicions?

When all we would have brought to the table was deep compassion, it is now that very thing, that is being rejected.

What happens when a person mistrusts us, for no reason at all?

Actually, this is how we sometimes treat God.

Despite His promised blessed assurance, we begin to doubt His supernatural ability.

Yes, we all know the living God is invisible, but there isn’t any doubt about Him being alive.

Safe to say, that we all have troubles with trust.

Often times we underestimate our spiritual enemy.

He’s the force behind our daily doubt.

Let’s not forget, that the most reliable person we’ve ever met, is the God of the universe.

We should have more confidence in Him, that anyone else on the planet.

Whatever stands in the way of our trusting God, we should trust Him anyway…

“Father, I want so much to trust You today. Forgive me for my lack of faith.

No matter what happens today, I place every bit of confidence, in Your supernatural ability. Amen.”

Wait!

Isaiah 30: 18

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

This verse describes the very heart of a good Father.

He knows about every wrong turn we’ve taken, and yet He waits to display His unfailing compassion.

He was ready to throw His arms around me, when I was wayward.

He was not one bit deterred by some of the very bad decisions I had made.

I think like any good Father, He grieved for the times I self inflicted myself with wounds.

I’m so thankful He never turned His back on me.

God wants to show us the depth of His love, but there are people who aren’t convinced of His love.

It’s because most people like that, don’t really know the heart of the Father.

Don’t assume for a second, that you’re the only one whose waiting for Him.

It will be those who keep on waiting, that will be blessed.

Most of us have lived in a place where God didn’t dwell.

He longs for us, to engage Him fully.

When we do, He will show us the very depth of His satisfying love, and it’s really worth the wait…

Okay! Cry!!!

Psalm 6: 6

I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.

Why is it that we will sometimes do anything to keep the tears from flowing?

I think in general, men have more of an issue with this than ladies do.

I met a young couple yesterday who are preparing for their wedding.

I asked if either of them might get emotional during the ceremony, and the lady said… “I do my best crying in private, and not in public.”

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a good cry.

I’m told tears help wash away the pain.

A.W. Tozier once said… "The Bible was written in tears, and to tears it yields its best treasures."

That sure seems to make sense.

On the other side of tears, there is learning and experience, and often times, great victory.

So why do we put it off, like we seem to do?

I believe every one of us one day, will be driven to tears, when we step into the presence of the Most High God.

It’ll also be great joy, to have Jesus wipe every one of them off our faces.

That may be a tear jerking experience, but that’ll be one I’m actually looking forward to…

Rooted and Established!

Ephesians 3: 17 – 18

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…

 

The love of Jesus is far too complex to even consider—or is it?

Do you know His love today? I truly hope you do.

 

Living in this cruel/cold world, can distract us from the love of Jesus.

Sometimes this world can take us away from considering the love of the living God.

 

Love actually brings power, when we can begin to harness it’s depth.

Maybe today, you need to reconnect with His love. It may just bring you the peace you need to get through today.

 

This verse is actually a prayer offered by Paul for the church of Ephesus.

It is my prayer for all of you today—and for myself.

 

Paul isn’t saying we can’t grasp the love of Christ, actually he wants us at the very least to try.

I am amazed that Jesus loves me the way He does.

 

Often times, I wonder why He does.

Nothing will change that today though, and we don’t even have to wrestle with that thought.

 

He took our place at the cross.

Instead of making this more complex, we should just simply grasp it significant depth…

On the same page!

John 15: 7

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”

 

I have friends and siblings who make separate decisions, and for the most part go in different directions.

In general, we act on a individual basis.

 

My wife and I on the other hand, have to be on the same page, to function in harmony.

We need to make decisions together. We have to have the same vision—the same goals and the same dreams.

 

The more Debbie and I think alike, the more our relationship satisfies us.

It’s actually the same way with Jesus.

 

He wants to connect Himself to us, in a permanent relationship.

For our relationship to work well, we really need to be on the same page.

 

Are you on the same page with Christ?

How can you be sure?

 

When we operate with our own plan in mind, it could get pretty frustrating.

Actually, I know many church people today, who are frustrated in their relationship with Jesus.

 

Maybe we need to check our dreams, and see if they would match those of our Savior.

When our goals match His, we will most definitely see Him respond to our prayers.

 

Fellowship with Jesus matters.

Maybe if you’re not hearing from Him, it may be because He isn’t part of your plan… at least not yet… 

Press on!

Philippians3: 13 – 14

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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.

 

There are believers in the church today, who truly have no desire to become advanced in the faith.

They are some of the people who are still preoccupied with the lessons they learned way back in Sunday school.

 

The average church today, are filled mostly with people who have never gotten beyond the first level of learning.

Most are OK with that lack of progress.

 

If a Pastor should suggest that people get serious about pressing on toward the goal, they might become disgruntled.

It’s a good bet that those same people will begin to pray, that this dear shepherd head to greener pastures.

 

Can you imagine spending 20 years in the first grade of elementary school?

And yet, that’s where many people are, in their faith walk today.

 

Paul said that we should be straining toward what lies ahead—and forgetting what was.

Paul was never satisfied with spending too much time in the status quo.

 

How about you?

How will you press on, to win the prize today? 

Prayers!

Psalm 86: 7 – 8

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

It is said that prayer actually widens our relationship with God.

Prayer is also the tool the keeps families together, forever.

If that’s true, it makes me wonder why more people don’t pray.

It also makes me wonder why husbands and wives allow strife to get in the way of their prayer life.

Praying as spouses affirms their love for their Savior—and for each other.

When is the last time, you affirmed your love for Jesus in prayer?

The times when we pray together as a church, it allows us to step for a moment into the shoes of the person praying.

We begin to have a deeper understanding of what’s going on in the other person’s heart.

The way people pray, tells an awful lot about what they’re going through.

Prayer becomes more significant, when you listen intently to the burdens other people carry.

Prayer should be an expression of honesty.

Before a loving and caring God, there is absolutely nothing to hide.

Do you have something to hide?

Is something getting in the way of your effective prayer?

Maybe it’s time to give it up to God, and then leave the outcome up to Him….

Get out the way!

Acts 2: 47

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

 

They say that pictures are worth a thousand words.

I’ll be willing bet that when you open the one attached, it might just draw you to silence, instead of a bunch of words.

 

Would your community, even know if your church closed up shop?

Would they even realize that you’re gone from the scene?

 

The longer I’m in ministry, the more I have to wonder why such schism take place inside each church.

People will often take their problems to another church, when they can’t have their way in the one they used to attend.

 

This verse is a good one to use, as a health indicator in the church.

One can look around, and try to identify the health of the church, but the numbers being added or not added.

 

Is it safe to assume, that no new numbers, equates to self centered people?

That would appear to be the logical explanation.

 

What are you going to do today, to change that in your church?

What needs to happen, to see people saved for the glory of God?

 

Maybe if we just got out of the way, and then let God have His way, the tides would actually turn…. 

A Dilemma!

Nehemiah 8: 3

He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand.

And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Talk about a long worship service.

Ezra read from the book of the law for a number of hours.

What Pastor in this world today, could get away with that?

There isn’t a day that goes by, when I don’t hear someone say… “We’re losing ground in the church, aren’t we?”

That’s why Ezra spent so much time reading God’s Word.

Is the church too far gone, for it to return to the glory it once knew? Only God knows that answer.

To get that answer, we have to spend time with God.

Someone in our morning prayer group on Sunday, asked God to give them a deeper desire for prayer.

Maybe the church needs another great awakening?

Maybe it could actually start in that small church over in Winneconne?

I mean with God, anything is possible.

So what needs to change in your life, for God to come and do an awakening?

Maybe it’s time for God’s spirit, to stir the hearts of His people again.

Maybe it’s time for the faithful of God, to come to the end of themselves.          

Look and see what Rev. Leonard Ravenhill said about this dilemma we’re in;

“The American church is not dying because of the strength of humanism, but the weakness of evangelism.” Leonard Ravenhill