Messy!

 1 Samuel 16: 7

People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

This is what this Easter week is all about, as the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob peered at the inside of the heart of man.

He immediately recognized the need for His people to have a Savior—and so He sent one.

Sometimes we can make a real mess of our lives, can’t we?

I’m so glad that Jesus doesn’t necessarily look past the mess, as much as He looks for what causes it in the first place.

Are you hiding something from Jesus?

When my bedroom as a kid, looked a tornado went through it, my Mom would often just close the door—but the mess was still there.

What mess are you willing to let Jesus in on, today?

This week is a celebration, in the fact that Jesus is so wonderful at cleaning up messes.

I am so thankful that He came to tidy up Dan’s heart, when I had made a real mess of it.

I’m glad He didn’t just throw up His arms in exasperation, when He first saw the condition of my heart.

God does His beautifying work from the inside out.

Maybe instead of an extreme external makeover—maybe we all need one on the inside, first…

Ask yourself:

·         What mess am I trying to clean up on my own, that Jesus could clean up in a wink of time?

A Good Fight!

2 Timothy 4: 7

⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

To be a good soldier, one must not expect an easy way, or an easy fight.

To be a true follower of Jesus, one must resolve themselves to a true warrior.

I meet so many people these days, who are wasting energy on battles that are not worth fighting.

Can you relate this morning?

We are to fight every day, for the pursuit of righteousness and holiness.

Is that what you were fighting for last week? What non-spiritual battles will you attempt to fight again this coming week?

We should be fighting for the very movement of God.

Is that what’s preoccupied your spiritual battles?

Those fighting for the church of Christ, seem to be fewer and fewer.

Maybe we need to assess our battle plan, and fight for the things really worth fighting for.

What has you battle weary these days?

If it’s not of God, stop right now, and change your battle strategy…

Ask yourself:

·         What spiritual battle have I been unable to see, because I’m not in close enough communion with God?

Get over you!

Romans 7: 21 – 23

²¹ So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.

²² For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being,

²³ but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

Most followers of Christ are distracted these days, although most wouldn’t admit it.

When the empire of Japan, planned the attack on Pearl Harbor, it caught the American Pacific fleet, flat footed.

Warnings were totally ignored, which was followed up with carnage and death.

Is it possible, that the one single thing keeping you from engaging in the war, is you?

Life is full of internal, physical distractions, and yet we seem to pay more attention to them, than the battle at hand.

St. Paul was saying here, that his new nature wanted to do God’s will, but something from his past, kept him from always doing that.

Could it be possible, that St. Paul was his own worst enemy?

I wonder how many people really enjoy just sitting in the bleachers, while the rest of the church battles in the gridiron?

Maybe instead of being distracted, we should actually get in the game—especially since we could be in the 4^th quarter.

Maybe we just need to get over ourselves…

Warfare!

2 Corinthians 10: 3

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.

Spiritual warfare is a reality.

For those who don’t think so, you should probably look deeper into the subject.

Just because they didn’t teach it in catechism, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Even St. Paul waged war against the enemy of darkness on a regular basis.

Most followers of Christ, entrenched in truly letting their light shine, should’ve experienced warfare by now.

Following Jesus is not without warfare.

That’s why St. Paul said it was so important to put on the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6)

Check out the account when Moses, and the nation of God’s people, were at war. (Exodus 17)

We can war against the enemy with intelligence, as long as we depend on the power of Christ within us.

Victory can only come, in Jesus’ name.

Maybe the reason we’re taking it on the chin so much, could be because we haven’t engaged the enemy.

The only way to do that, is by the precious blood of the Lamb

Restrain!

Proverbs 20: 19 ESV

19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.              

Gossip in the church today, is the norm, rather than the exception.

Some people even in the church, slur other people’s names, without ever sharing the good news from the Bible.

So if God says that we should love our neighbor as our self—is that happening when we gossip?

Maybe if we can’t love our neighbor as our self—then maybe we should stick a sock in our mouth!

If you need help with some other left over socks—I can help because our dryer from time to time, steals some of mine.

God wants us to exercise restraint—is gossip, restraint?

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can prevail.

Gossip is deadly, and people have even left churches because they’ve been the target of it.

The Bible says that he or she who does not love his/her brother, is the next in order for judgment.

You don’t want God to come and judge anyone for that sin.

Maybe it’s time we stop this selfish sin, and get on with loving God and our fellow church friends…

Engraved!

Isaiah 49: 16

16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…

Today in church we sang the old hymn of the faith, “Jesus love me this I know…”

I realize that this might be kind of old hat for some churches, but for our church, this song fits us just fine.

When’s the last time you’ve truly considered the love of God?

I hope you’ve experienced His love in a personal way.

I think it’s maybe only in recent years, that I’ve truly embraced the great love of God.

I’m so amazed that He loves us all the ways He does. He’s even inscribed us on the palm of His hand.

I don’t want to just know about His love for me in my head—but I want to know it every day in my heart.

I’m not a little kid anymore, but I’m sure glad that I can still sing that old Sunday school song.

I never want to get too big for my britches, not to remember the love of God.

God loves each and every one of us, with an everlasting love.

Maybe you should start your new work week, pondering that thought…

Wrestle!

Ephesians 6: 12

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

If you haven’t noticed, we are in a spiritual battle for our very lives.

Are you susceptible to warfare? How about your church?

If you haven’t noticed that the battle has intensified, then you might not be engaging the enemy.

The enemy is precise, tactical, and efficient.

His main weapons are one or all of the following; Deception—Temptation & Accusation.

What should you do when you’re in the middle of warfare? Should we run to the basement and hide? Not hardly!

Is it possible that you and I could create a spirit of warfare in our homes, or even in our church?

Let’s be sure of this—none of us are without living within the realm of that possibility.

We need to know how to deal with warfare, and tearing down strongholds.

What stronghold has a hold on you? Your church? Your home life?

It’s time to take off the gloves….

Be Warned!

Amos 4: 12

12 “Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”

The prophet of God, was warning God’s own people.

Isn’t it just like us, to thumb our nose at God.

A friend sent me an interesting article.

When Benjamin Netanyahu came to speak before congress, he, besides one other person, was invited to address congress 3 times.

Winston Churchill was the other, and when he did, he offered the world a warning.

Only in this case, Churchill’s warning came frighteningly true, while we ignored the terror of the world—namely, Adolf Hitler.

Netanyahu warned the world of another tyrant, and it would appear that most Americans are fast asleep.

Even as I write this devotional, the world awaits the election results in Israel.

I warned our church again on Sunday morning, about the return of Jesus.

I have to wonder how many people take that warning seriously.

One day Jesus is coming back, but it might not be before a nuclear Iran, sends doom across the globe.

Maybe the day we meet out God, is closer than we think…

Crafty!

Genesis 3: 1 (ESV)

1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast…

The devil is very sneaky and subtle, and he loves to cause changes to the outcome of our lives.

He  can’t make changes arranged by God, but he does a pretty good job of negatively affecting our lives.

Satan often does not have to push very hard, and leads people by their own lusts.

He will create a circumstance, where a husband and wife argue before church, and that’s all that couple can think about during an entire worship service.

You don’t think he can be that cunning? Maybe we need to pay closer attention.

Satan is great at making us change plans, that were originally ordained for God.

Maybe the reason people don’t see it, is because they don’t have discernment that enlightens the enemies schemes.

Maybe things don’t have to go to hell in a hand basket, if we discerned better than we do.

Sometimes the changes the devil makes, actually look to our benefit at times.

We really make his job easier than it should be.

So what are you going to do today, to thwart his evil plan?

Maybe we should start the day, by getting on our knees, and open up the Word of God…

True Support!

John 1:8

⁸ Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

When we see the body of Christ function properly, there’s nothing like it in the whole wide world.

The church working for the love of the saints, is like viewing a well oiled machine.

I remember remotely, what it’s like to have children.

Unfortunately, too much time has passed, as I have considered what it takes to care for young children.

Tonight we came from Jake & Ashley’s home.

Carter is a typical six year old boy, and now Maycn needs constant care at this time, too.

What amazed my children, and amazed us as parents too, were the many acts of kindness showered upon this young family.

Even while we were there, a precious family from our church, came baring incredible gifts of love.

And yet that’s how it’s supposed to work, isn’t it?

We are especially equipped to take care of one another, in the Body of Christ.

Even a simple phone call, just to check in on folks, has deep rooted meaning.

My heart is full, when I consider how kind and generous our home church really is…

Fear Not!

Isaiah 41: 10 (ESV)

10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I think anyone with a half a brain, knows that God will help us in time of need—right?

So then why do we spend so much time in our lives, living in fear?

Iran could get a nuclear bomb, but have we forgotten who’s in charge?

To be “dismayed”, means to be anxious, upset and worrisome.

I meet so many people today who confess Christ as Savior, but are some of the most worried and insecure people I know.

I don’t think fear or worry, are even in God’s vocabulary.

So then, why do we?

Maybe it’s because we don’t know our God like we should.

If we really knew Him, I think we’d worry less than we do.

This morning, try and trust in Him more, and watch your worry, and fear, just melt away into the sunset…

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?

A Birth!

Luke 2: 7

⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger…

 

Attached is a picture of our second grandchild, Macyn, who was born to Jake & Ashley Gibson late Monday evening.

As you would expect, this old grandpa thinks this baby is perfect.

 

Macyn was 1 of 370,000 babies born into this world, on the same day.

As blessed as this Poppy feels right now, there was a baby who tops all the rest.

 

When Jesus was born, there wasn’t a team of doctors or midwives, or even a sterile environment.

I have to wonder though, what the Heavenly Father must have thought, when He snuck a peak of this baby wrapped in cloths.

 

Jesus was perfect, in every way.

As much as I hate to admit, Macyn isn’t.

 

As cute as your baby picture is, there’s no comparing it to Jesus.

I’m so very glad this baby came so long ago—because my imperfect granddaughter, so much needs this perfect Jesus…and so do all of us… 

 

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?

blinded?

Luke 6: 39

39 He also told them this parable: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”

Jesus had gathered around Him, a great number of all kinds of needy people.

The Bible says that a “large crowd of His disciples”, had followed Him to the place where He spoke.

Not too far away, had to be the people Jesus had much debate with.

The religious elite were in close proximity, and Jesus spoke loud enough where they could clearly hear—and He didn’t mince any words.

I’m amazed at the people now days, who follow the advice of blind people.

Those blinded, are the ones who still have not embraced the real reason that Jesus came in the first place.

These people have good intentions, and they also have just enough Christian lingo in their vocal arsenal, to make them very dangerous.

Jesus was speaking mostly, to false church people.

Maybe we should take a lesson from Jesus, and call things as we see them.

Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be politically correct.

One question: Would you take advice on how to steer a ship, from the man who captained the Titanic?

People do every day, and then one day, they may in fact wonder, why it was they got lost in the first place…

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?

Carefully obey!

Exodus 23: 22

²² “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.

People often tell me that, they send this morning reflection to other people they know.

That always humbles me in the deepest way.

Folks also ask me, where I get these devotional thoughts from.

They come to me as I listen to God through His Word—and they also come to me from the people I meet every day.

God does speak through people. Today’s verse came to me from a Pastor friend of mine.

I have never felt like I had to reinvent the wheel, when it comes to the things of God.

So then, I guess the question this morning is this: “Do you carefully obey God’s voice?”

Maybe the reason we have so many enemies, is because we haven’t obeyed yet.

That’s entirely possible, isn’t it?

Did you know that God is hostile towards those who oppose us?

The hostility toward our enemies from God, only comes as a direct result of our obedience.

That’s something to think about on this Monday morning…

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?

Blessed or Cursed?

Genesis 12: 3

3 “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

If you were not able to catch the speech by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday, I would definitely take the time to listen.

This was a historic moment, in World history!

He said that to allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, would be like winning the battle, but losing the war.

He also said, that if need be, Israel will go this battle alone.

Make no mistake about it my friends, God is watching from the balcony of Heaven.

The next steps by America, will be closely monitored by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Something that Netanyahu said, was actually wrong. Israel is never alone—and their God will go before them.

Those people, are God’s people. He will fight for them, until the very last breath of mankind.

God is saying to all of us… “Either you’re with me—or you’re against me.” Be sure of this—there’s no middle ground!

It’s time we decide which side we’re on—and we as a country, had better chose wisely…

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?

Faith measure

Hebrews 11: 6 (KJV)

⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews chapter 11, is known by some, as the “Faith”, Hall of Fame.

The writer of Hebrews says that without faith, it is impossible to please God.

This was our theme verse yesterday morning, as 18 men gathered for prayer at church, in the wee hours of the early morning.

We set up a “Prayer Chair”, in a circle, and each one of us confessed our sometimes weak sense of faith.

There’s something about a group of men, becoming humble and honest with one another.

There’s also something cool about 18 guys, laying hands on one another, asking God to give us all a greater measure of faith.

I’m not sure any of us will ever appear on any “Faith” Hall of Fame—but I know our collective faith increased.

We want to be counted as those, who are rewarded as we diligently seek the Father.

How does your faith measure up today?

How about increasing it, as you diligently seek Him throughout the day…

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?

You must die to live!

Genesis 40: 9 – 10

9 “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, ¹⁰ and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes.

This dream interpretation of Joseph, reminded me of something, yesterday

Have you seen that all the department stores have all kinds of seed packets out, to start your summer plants?

I just love this time of year.

Spring is really an enjoyable time—that is if it ever gets here!

Sometimes the picture on the outside of the package, does not match the yielded outcome in the garden.

The only way the seed produces clusters of anything, is when the seed actually dies and is buried.

So I need to ask you all this morning: Are you the cluster of fruit after death, or are you still a seed, just sitting in the packet?

Do you look at all like the blossom, or haven’t you even died yet?

And yet that’s where a lot of believer’s are today.

They still haven’t taken a dirt nap. Maybe that’s why there still isn’t any fruit…

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?

Be in Agreement!

Mark 5: 22 – 24

²² Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet.

²³ He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him.

There’s something striking about the exchange between Jairus and Jesus.

Jairus was desperate to have Jesus come and lay hands on his ailing, dying daughter.

A prayer of agreement, is possible and very powerful.

When there’s a spirit of disagreement, there is always a high price to pay for that.

Jairus is in agreement with the great healer, and he receives the healing he was looking for.

The reason that the power of Christ prevailed, is because Jesus is in complete agreement with His Dad.

The spirit of disagreement, is the one thing that keeps churches from seeing the manifested power of Christ.

What disagreeing spirit are you carrying today, that’s keeping you or your church, from experiencing the power of Jesus?

Jesus will not move, where the spirit of disagreement is fostered and incubated… 

·         What is this text of scripture, trying to teach me?

·         How am I currently falling short of the mark?

·         What am I really willing to change?

·         How can I make this change, a habit in my everyday life?