Set your Mind!

Colossians 3: 2

² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Ready or not, here’s another Monday morning, with all sorts of potential!!

Do you see Monday mornings that way?

It’s rare to talk to people who have a positive perspective these days.

I meet followers of Jesus all the time, and I have to wonder at times, who robbed them of their joy.

Honestly, if I don’t see another political commercial for a very long time, that’ll be just fine with me.

And then I thought, it’s only almost March, and we have another 9 months of political commercials to watch L

As you start this new day, are you focused on things above?

If we think long and hard enough about the things of this earth, one could a little disappointed.

I wonder how many people will have the condition of seeking things this morning, that are above?

Maybe our hearts today, should be where Jesus is...in Heaven?

We sing a song in our church once in awhile, and it sort of goes with this subject today.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus...look full in His wonderful face...and the things of earth will grow strangely dim...in the light of His glory and grace...”

Might I suggest that if life has your dauber moderately down, maybe all you need to do is look up?

Why is it that when things get hard in life, one of the last places we look, is up?

Now take that frown, and turn it upside down...all while you take a gander in the upward direction today...

Nothing Hidden!

Hebrews 4: 13

¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

This morning I’m going to the hospital for some tests.

It’s amazing the technology that can look deep within the human body.

I happen to think this medical resource is a miracle.

This test can look into every lymph node, and can detect any foreign substance.

And yet, not one thing is hidden from the sight of God.

Frankly, I think that’s more amazing than anything the medical world can throw our way.

God knows everything there is to know, about anything that has ever been created.

I wonder why we don’t read that in the New England Journal of Medicine?

God knows our heart behind anything we do. He knows everything within the deepest parts of our souls.

Even when we post something negative on Facebook, God knows our deepest motive, and our intent.

I’m glad He sees me for what I am.

I’m glad that I can read a Bible verse like this one, and get things out in the open, before I have to give an account.

Why do we do the things we do, or think the things we think? Like they can ever be hidden from God?

What are you trying to hide from God? One day there will be a test, that will look deeply within every single person... 

Consider!

Psalm 41: 1 - 2

1Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;

² the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land...

During the entire month of January, I taught from the Bible to our church about giving God our best.

The Bible has a lot to say about generosity and money.

I’m sure there were times when my church friends thought I was a little mixed up between the ears while I preached.

I mean, 4 weeks on giving!?!? The “mixed up” part of that previous sentence bares some discussion.

In any event, we took a First Fruit offering on Sunday, February 14^th.

What better date to bring God the fullness of our hearts, than on Valentine’s Day.

It seemed like an appropriate day, but shouldn’t we bring God our best, every day?

Do you bring God your best? Do you serve Him with a full heart?

On any given Sunday, our offerings range between $3,500.00 and $4,000.00.

The people responded, and the offering we brought to God was just short of $22,000.00

Now you’re going to think this is crazy, but we want to give some of what we brought to God, away.

We’re not going to put it in the bank for rainy day, we’re going to sow more seed.

Blessed is the one who considers the poor.

We understand, that in the day of trouble, God will deliver us, although that’s never been our motive to give.

Actually, He’s worth every penny, and then some... 

Priority!

Psalm 1: 1 - 2

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers; ² but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

These are some verses (above) in the Bible, that explains a person whose only motivation is to please God.

This is a person who takes their direction, only from God.

They don’t listen to what the culture dictates, they only listen to God.

They put into practice the study of, and the meditation of scripture.

We can delight in the things of God.

Do you delight in the things of God?

A friend of mine in ministry, spoke to a man recently about some problems and issues he was having in life.

His first question, was a great one: “How often do you read the Bible?” Answer: “Very rarely...”

Maybe the reason we’re not getting the reaction we’d like from God, is because His Word in no way motivates us?

Maybe we’re trying to supply our own motivation?

If you would take 5 minutes to read this devotional, and think on it, God might just speak to you.

I just heard a Presidential candidate this morning, say... “May God bless America!”

I’ll bet He actually would, if we made His Word (the Bible) a priority again...

Your Business!

Luke 2: 49

⁴⁹ And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Last week I had an appointment to see an oncologist post my Melanoma surgery.

Dr. Shamsuddin Virani spent an entire hour discussing his plans of care, and covered every one of my options.

Towards the end of our conversation, he said... “Now that I have told you all about my business, on your next visit, I want to hear about your business...”

I have to tell you, what he said caught me a little off guard.

He wants to know about my business?

He wants to know about why I minister the Gospel of Jesus?

If someone knew you were a regular church goer, would you know how to give an answer if they asked you about it?

If someone saw you studying your Bible, would you be able to give an answer for the hope that you have?

I sincerely hope that you’re about your Father’s business.

Is it a chore for you to study God’s Word? When’s the last time you truthfully read the Bible for yourself?

Are you just taking your Priest’s or Pastor’s word for it?

Has something gotten your attention, other than God Himself?

One day every person will bend a knee, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

One day every person, will give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad.

Maybe it’s time we all begin to prepare and rehearse for the answer we’re going to give, about our Father’s business... 

Lighten up!

1 Corinthians 12: 18        NKJV

¹⁸ But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

Granted, there are times when my “Light Reflections”, aren’t by themselves very light.

At least  for this morning’s devotional, that’s going to change.

As I stated in yesterday’s writing, it was Deb’s birthday, and I honored her.

She received so many notes from people from our church...that she was slightly overwhelmed.

None of them quite the same, and none of them like the one she received late in the day from a man from our church (video attached).

How many people in your church, can do a Donald Duck impersonation?

I think it’s a hoot when we can laugh in the church!

The Bible says that a cheerful heart is good medicine...(Proverbs 17: 22).

Have we forgot what it’s like to laugh in church? Do you need some good medicine this morning?

Have we taken things so seriously spiritually, that we can’t let our guard down just once in a while?

I’m so thankful for the diverseness of gifts in the Body of Christ.

I’m so thankful for guys like Dean, who can in his own way, end a day on a high note.

Maybe you just need to lighten up? Lighten up!!

Maybe you need to stop and appreciate the unique gifting in your home church...  

Virtuous Woman!

Proverbs 31: 10

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies...

About 35 years ago, I was lucky enough to find a virtuous woman.

There’s a picture of her attached, although I’m not sure who the old duffer is, that she’s with??

In any event, this fine lady has a birthday today.

I can’t say how old she is, because that wouldn’t be nice, so that’ll have to come from her.

One thing I can say, is that she’s a spiritual giant in my life.

I watch and witness the passion she displays, in not only trying to find out who she is, but who her Savior is.

I’m comfortable knowing that I’m not the first man in her life.

I’m not even sure I’m second J

Those of you young men receiving this devotional, who haven’t found Mrs. Right yet, I’d suggest you find one just like this gal.

She puts up with a lot of guff and pain and disappointment, being married to her Pastor.

I’m not sure how she puts up with it, but her faith grows stronger through the years.

I thank God that He allowed me find a precious ruby.

Happy Birthday, Deb!!

Light Affliction

2 Corinthians 4: 17

¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory...

Someone from our church yesterday sent me a note, about why bad things only seem to happen to good people.

And yet before I delve into that, what truly determines a good person?

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7: 20... ²⁰ Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

So I guess the Bible says that none of us are really good after all.

Maybe the affliction we have to go through on earth, isn’t that big a deal after all?

I’m not saying it’s fun to go through the low times, but maybe those low times happen for a very good reason.

I wonder how many people are in Heaven today, who are eternally grateful for cancer?

I wonder how many people who are Heaven today, are grateful for the time they were incarcerated?

The things we experience on earth are only for a brief moment.

The effect of the weighty earthly moment though, is working out for us something exceedingly better.

When something bad happens, why don’t we see any good in it?

Is it possible that God is trying to teach us something better, through a bad situation?

Maybe we should actually do what the Apostle Paul told us to consider?

Colossians 3: 2... Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Patient Endurance

Revelation 3: 10

¹⁰ Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world...

My youngest son recently went to hear a local economist speak, who is a reputable predictor of the financial future of the world.

If this guy is anywhere near being close to being right, the year 2021 could be a key landmark date.

And yet there is One who appeared on the earth some 2,000 years ago, and He made quite of few predictions.

If we want to know what’s going to happen in the future, then why don’t we turn to Him?

I mean, let’s face it, this guy who recently predicted our financial future, might be right in his assumptions a time or two.

The maker of Heaven and earth, hasn’t gotten one prediction wrong...ever.

Someone once told me, that what we spend the most time with, is the thing we love the most.

How much time will you spend with God this week? How much time will you pay attention to what’s happening with the DOW?

And the hour of trial is coming, according to Jesus.

The Bible says that only the Father knows when this event is going to happen...not even the Son.

I’m pretty amazed about the people who aren’t one bit concerned about the future.

Maybe that says something about that kind of person?

Those who keep God’s Word will be kept from the hour of trial.

I wonder what that says about the person whose more concerned about their 401K, than they are of their spiritual future?

Is it Important?

Mark 14: 2

² And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death...

C.S. Lewis once said... “Jesus is either...Lord, lunatic, liar or legend.”

And yet 2,000 years later, people are still trying to kill off Jesus.

Have you ever been a part of a church, that’s been labeled a...“cult”?

I think that’s one of the nicest things that people have ever said about me.

I’m proud to be a Pastor of a church that’s a little outside the box, in its approach to loving Christ.

Over time, I’ve been called a lot of things...some of which I can’t repeat, for the sake of the ladies receiving this devotional.

Seriously, if you’ve never been targeted by folks who don’t understand the Gospel, I wonder what kind of a risk taker you are.

That’s not a judgmental statement, but the men and women who have spiritual target on their backs, those are the folks I want to spend time with.

The cost of preaching the true Gospel, seems to be getting heftier.

I do enjoy reading C.S. Lewis from time to time. Granted, you need a fairly clear mind to understand his depth.

This is another great quote of his... “Christianity , if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance...the only thing it cannot be, is moderately important.”

Following and serving Jesus, is of upmost importance to me.

How important is it for you?

Denial is a Requirement!

Mark 8: 34    ESV

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

                                             

A great friend of mine sent me a shorter article to read yesterday.

It told of the increasing number of people who are jumping into the arms of the socialist government model.

 

I realize that the average Pastor should never voice his/her feelings about politics.

For the record, I’m not an average Pastor...I’m way below the scale of average.

 

Some of the ideas that please this young people movement are the obvious, free college tuition.

And yet I thought that I read somewhere, where Paul said to the church at Thessalonica... “that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

 

And so it goes, that 84 people out of 100 in Iowa, stated that the socialist movement was the direction they were heading.

To quote one sentence in this article, says it all... “they tend to look only to their personal gratification...”

 

I know a friend who owns his own funeral home, and works his tail off to love people during the worst times of their lives.

He’s called out at all hours, and he always puts other people first. I guess you could say free, isn’t free.

 

I also go to church with a group of people, who are always willing to lay it on the line.

They are some of the greatest folks I know, when it comes to denying themselves.

 

Have we forgotten that when we chose to follow Jesus, we chose to die to self?

Denial isn’t a recommendation, it’s actually a requirement...  

Intentional!

John 21: 15

¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

This question from Jesus, almost seemed a little unfair.

I mean, talk about a way of ruining a perfectly good breakfast.

Jesus essentially asked Peter... “How much do you love me?” Talk about a heartburn question!

My 11 month old granddaughter is now learning how to play... “Soooooo Big!!!”

                                  

Peter’s response to this question, wasn’t so big after all.

He liked Jesus alright, but let’s keep this love thing in check a little.

Peter actually thought he answered this question correctly.

Jesus though, pressed Peter just a little bit.

So how would you answer today, if Jesus appeared in the flesh to you, and asked you the same question?

Is your love the “agape” type, or the “phileo” kind?

Let’s face it, we’re pretty settled with the...“buddy, old pal” type of love.

This intimate kind of love stuff, that can only be measured by giving something and expecting nothing back, is a bit more farfetched.

Jesus asked Peter the same question, three different times, or did He?

Jesus was looking for an intentional answer.

How intentional would you say your love is towards Jesus?

Idol!

Leviticus 26: 1

“You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar...”

The 2015/16 NFL season of football has come and gone.

It’s become the greatest show on turf, that’s for sure.

The word, “idol”, is defined as: “an object that is worshipped as a God.”

Now don’t get me wrong, I love a great football game as much as the next person.

The average ticket price for Super Bowl 50, was $6,350.00

People watching the game consumed... 14,500 tons of chips, and washed them down with 325 million gallons of beer.

People wagered over $10 billion dollars for the game.

They also ate over 12 billion chicken wings.

                                  

I always thought that an idol was something I loved more than any other thing.

I wonder what Jesus thinks about the Super Bowl?

I wonder what I’ve set up as an idol?

Doesn’t it seem crazy that our culture spends over $5 million dollars for a 30 second TV commercial, on Super Bowl Sunday?

112 million people watched the game yesterday.

In the Christian/orthodox churches on Sunday mornings, about 63 million people attended worship services in the U.S.

Maybe Jesus was right...maybe we have forsaken our first love after all (Revelation 2: 4)?