Separation

Isaiah 59: 2             NKJV

2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

Last night was the final, “Selah” night at church for 2016.

We decided early on in the year, that we would take a moment to pause before God on the 5^th Sunday of the month that had 5 Sundays.

The teaching was on prayer, and I learned some valuable tidbits that I plan to use to expand the power of my prayer life.

35 of us made it a priority to be in the presence of God, and the fellowship was indeed sweet.

Did you know that our sin erects a barrier between us and God?

Did you ever wonder why some of your personal prayers keep bouncing off the ceiling and hitting you in the forehead?

Because God is Holy, He cannot ignore, excuse or tolerate sin as it didn’t matter.

That’s just it...it does matter!!

I’ve asked people this question; “Do you think it’s important to be in church every Sunday?”

And I love this answer, but it seems to be a pretty popular one; “Well I pray!?!”

Talk about an oxymoron. (See Hebrews 10: 24-25)

Did you know that people who purposely sin, also have the chance of being eternally separated from their God?

Human sin separates us from having our prayers heard by God.

I wonder if we as a people have lost sight of what’s truly right or wrong?

Maybe that’s the reason our prayer life lacks power...

Forgiveness!

2 Peter 1: 2 - 3        NKJV

² Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

³ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness...

To become a forgiving person isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination.

Actually, I don’t think forgiveness is even possible, without the power of God.

There are times when I struggle to forgive a person who has done me wrong.

Am I the only one dealing with that issue? Ahhhhh...I didn’t think so.

I sometimes forget that forgiveness must begin with a conscious choice.

I also realize that the feelings of true love, might not come for a while after.

Forgiveness is the most beautiful thing we’ll ever see.

I got to see a glimpse of it last night, with a couple who is walking through the process of forgiveness.

When I choose to obey God and forgive, I know I can do that regardless of the emotions I’m feeling at the time.

He always seems to supply me with the grace I need to forgive someone else. I also realize that at some point, I’ll be able to love and care for those folks too.

Are you having a hard time forgiving someone who has hurt you?

Allow God to help you channel His love into your heart, instead of hanging on to resentment.

God can still work remarkable miracles in the souls of His people.

As you allow God to shape you into a forgiving person, you’ll then begin to radiate His penetrating light again...

"Idol" Time!

Romans 12: 2          NKJV

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

The above verse of scripture dominated a good share of our Adult Bible study discussion yesterday (Tuesday) morning.

The words “warfare” and “battle” seem to be fairly consistent metaphors in our walk of faith.

What does spiritual warfare look like in your life?

How does it take root, and how is it manifested?

For me, it seems to be what I do or don’t in my idle time, or should I say, “idol” time.

Maybe this is the reason that so many followers of Jesus, struggle in their walk of faith.

So what do you fill your idle/idol time with?

I mean let’s face it, we all deserve to be entertained in one way or another...right?

Maybe we’ve allowed our minds to be conformed to the values of this world?

Can you identify with a time waster? Is there something that get’s in the way of your personal Bible study or prayer time?

Facebook...Twitter...Internet...Snap Chat...E-mail...I-Phone...Text Messaging...Politics...Election...Fantasy Football...Hunting...Crafts...School Activities...Bowling League...

Let’s face it...the list above almost seems endless.

I wonder if the church should take a stronger stance in teaching it’s people about the potential dangers of “idol” time?

On second thought...Why in the world would we want to offend anyone?!?

Does your “idol” time help conform you into the image of Christ, or into the image of this world?

Admittedly...that’s a pretty tough question... 

A Pattern!

Philippians 3: 17    NKJV

¹⁷ Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

I was reflecting recently, on my 24 years as an intentional follower of Jesus Christ.

What triggered some warm emotion, was considering all the people that God put in my life, to show me how to do church.

There are many names I probably won’t remember, but these are some folks who immediately came to mind.

Names like...Ed & Cynthia...Dick & Donna...Clyde & Karen, and Sharon, just to name a few.

What these people showed me, was the importance of being an example.

Because of these folks, my two boys also learned to serve in the church.

After all these years, these two men of God still have their hearts in the right place, because someone took the time show them how.

They make serving God a priority, and I have no doubt that one day they’ll teach their kids to do likewise.

I’m not saying these “older” people always had everything spiritually figured out, but no one can argue that they were the best examples they could be.

They let the young people get involved, and they also allowed us to make a few mistakes, too.

Who are you currently being an example for? Who are you showing today, how to do church?

Have you stopped to consider, the many young people who are watching you?

I am grateful for the people who God put in my life to show me how to love and serve my Savior.

I will be eternally grateful for those whom God entrusted, to allow this young eaglet fly... 

Inside Access!

John 15: 14  NKJV

¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

Last night was the culmination of the Presidential debates.

Now the choice is up to the American people, about who will serve this country for the next four years.

Jesus used some important criteria when He made a choice regarding friends.

He didn’t go about it in a haphazard sort of way. He was intentional.

Jesus first prayed about who would be His friends, and He chose folks who were willing to obey.

Jesus also chose people who were willing to fulfill a Heavenly purpose.

He chose folks He could trust with some very important information.

His selection was very much influenced by those who desired to receive, as He shared His deep and intimate heart.

Christ took a proactive approach in choosing friends. He was not reactive like so many of us are.

And one of the more important things that influenced His choice of friends, was picking those who could receive His often times, hard teaching.

Finally, one of the more important rules for making this serious choice, was picking people who would stand by Him when things got out of hand.

Sometimes those who claimed to be His friend, turned out to be only informal acquaintances.

Not everyone who wanted to be a friend of Jesus, had inside access.

Do have inside access? Are you willing to receive the hard teaching of Jesus? Are you a friend of Jesus, or only an acquaintance?

Our friendship with Jesus is determined, if we’re willing to do whatever He commands us to do...and that’s a serious choice...

Inside Access!

John 15: 14  NKJV

¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

Last night was the culmination of the Presidential debates.

Now the choice is up to the American people, about who will serve this country for the next four years.

Jesus used some important criteria when He made a choice regarding friends.

He didn’t go about it in a haphazard sort of way. He was intentional.

Jesus first prayed about who would be His friends, and He chose folks who were willing to obey.

Jesus also chose people who were willing to fulfill a Heavenly purpose.

He chose folks He could trust with some very important information.

His selection was very much influenced by those who desired to receive, as He shared His deep and intimate heart.

Christ took a proactive approach in choosing friends. He was not reactive like so many of us are.

And one of the more important things that influenced His choice of friends, was picking those who could receive His often times, hard teaching.

Finally, one of the more important rules for making this serious choice, was picking people who would stand by Him when things got out of hand.

Sometimes those who claimed to be His friend, turned out to be only informal acquaintances.

Not everyone who wanted to be a friend of Jesus, had inside access.

Do have inside access? Are you willing to receive the hard teaching of Jesus? Are you a friend of Jesus, or only an acquaintance?

Our friendship with Jesus is determined, if we’re willing to do whatever He commands us to do...and that’s a serious choice...

Servanthood

John 4: 34

³⁴ Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”

When I hear people of the faith talk about following Jesus, many of them have set their own conditions on doing so.

Just so we understand one another, Jesus sets the conditions, not us.

Servant-hood is ultimately the outcome of one who, having first surrendered himself to God, is able to give himself sacrificially for God and others.

Jesus came to do the will of the One who sent Him in the first place.

Christ’s single-minded devotion or commitment to the will of the Father, was the result of the surrender of His life.

Somehow, some in the church seem to have gotten that mixed up over the years.

The qualities of Jesus are always complete surrender and sacrifice.

This isn’t a part time quality, it’s an everyday, every moment quality.

And yet some folks seem to have gotten that mixed up.

To surrender means to totally relinquish possessions or control.

Have you figured that out as of yet?

What’s it going to take for you to get a good grasp on that concept?

A friend in ministry once told me... “If we make this life about God...it works...if we make it about us, then it doesn’t work...”

Are you willing to deny yourself or pay the price so that you are free to follow the Lord?

If not, it may keep you from becoming the person God has saved you and called you to be...

Seeking first!

Matthew 6: 33

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

During the course of any given week, and especially weekends, we have choices for activity galore.

Jesus didn’t imply that we shouldn’t have fun, but when it comes to choices, He should be at the top of the list.

Before I came to Christ, I always thought there was something more important going on, than going to church.

Jesus only came first when I needed Him to do something for me.

And yet Jesus said that every one of our essential needs would be satisfied if we chose Him first.

It surely doesn’t seem like the U.S.A., is in the habit of choosing Jesus first.

The only obsession in life should be Jesus...and by the way...He’s worth it!

What are you obsessed with these days?

If it’s not Jesus, everything else will seem like such a big waste of time.

Maybe we should choose Him, while we still have the choice?

Someday, people are going to be gravely sick, when they consider what they could’ve had.

Let’s not make the worthless things, our primary purpose.

Some of you reading this today, have been choosing something less valuable.

He will supply all our needs, as we make Him number one (1)...

losing heart?

2 Corinthians 4: 16

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

On Friday morning I celebrated my 59^th birthday by going duck hunting.

The ducks were very accommodating, but I’m not the crack pot shot I used to be.

Suffice to say, the ducks survived to see another day.

As I sat over the water in almost disbelief, even I had to crack smile at the obvious.

I’m certainly not the same person I was say, twenty (20) years ago.

When my Dad turned 87, he almost got old overnight.

This... “never say die”, man, suddenly got old...or maybe it was the first time I noticed.

Do you ever think about growing old?

There are times that I wonder what I’ll look like...and what I’ll act like.

I also wonder where I’ll be living, and what on earth I’ve accomplished in my life that truly mattered.

Some are fearful about walking through the aging process, in part because there are so many unknowns.

The Word of God though, can bring an element of comfort as it has to do with the future.

By today’s standards, I’m not a one bit old, but I’m encouraged to just take it one day at a time.

Starting today, I’m going to live every moment to the maximum.

And no...I’ll never be ready for a rocking chair, and please don’t throw a shawl over my shoulders either

Deep Fellowship!

Proverbs 17: 17      NKJV

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

                                                                                                                                                                 

The Bible sure does say a lot about what true friendship should look like.

I can’t say that I have tons of friends, but I wonder sometimes how I measure up, when it comes to being a friend?

I had lunch yesterday with a brother in Christ. I think we both allowed the other to peer into each other’s heart.

Not one of us dominated the conversation, but I had this feeling like we were there for each other.

I realize that’s almost feminine lingo for a couple of macho guys.

But if feels good to be needed, and it feels even better to be heard.

How often do you take emotional risks with a friend?

For a guy, that’s a pretty tall order.

I’ve had friendship with other guys that were more make believe, than they were the real deal.

But real friendship can go deeper, and it shows a little more loyalty, like a brother would have with another brother.

I guess a friend in need...is a friend indeed. Where have I heard that before?

In life, there will always be fair weather friends, but as often as I can, I try to be the real thing...and look for the real thing.

A sincere quality of true friendship, is providing honest counsel.

The friends I have, I allow them to help shape my character. Yesterday I was honored to be shaped, and offer some shaping.

I guess you could say the friends I generally keep, are the ones that survive through thick...and thin...

A sign!

Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying,

“Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

                                                                                                                                         

It seems as though this is the time of year for preparation.

Sorry to be the first to say it...but that 6 letter word isn’t all that far away. (Winter-Daylight Savings time is on 11/6)

I’m watching the squirrels in our yard gather things, and the days are getting shorter.

But please don’t shoot the messenger!!

Jesus talked about an event that we should all be preparing for.

Jesus said that one day He will rule with a rod iron, and He’s going to set up a new form of government.

It won’t be at the White House, it’ll be in God’s House, in Jerusalem.

I think we could use that iron rod any day now. Our current government seems to be in a bit of trouble.

Do you believe that? I truly hope that you do.

We’re certainly living in the last days of civilization as we know it to be.

Jesus told us what we should be watching for, right?

False prophets...numerous wars...famine...diseases...earthquakes.

Paul said that during the last days, there would also be these people signs...lovers of money...lovers of self...unthankful...unholy...unforgiving...just to name a few.

I’m think we should all be making the necessary preparations...because those days might be closer than we think!!

Modesty!

1 Timothy 2: 8 - 9   NKJV

⁸ I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

⁹ in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel...

Once the Donald Trump video from 11 years ago hit the air waves, people had a shocking reaction.

I’m not at all trying to justify his remarks or response, but isn’t this exactly the effect the fashion industry was looking for?

I have a friend who instructs and teaches college age children.

This person asked specifically the girls, why many of them wear the type of clothing they do, and the response isn’t so surprising.

“So we get a second look from the boys...”

I used to share a modesty message with my church, right when the summer weather arrived.

It was for men and women alike. I never enjoyed serving communion, to a lady who was wearing something quite revealing.

I know, I know...I’m a dirty old man who needs to get in touch with the times.

If it’s all the same to you, I very much like the old fashioned approach.

I get it, modesty is a fairly controversial topic.

I have to wonder if God really cares about a young gal who wears tight fitting clothing with the word... “juicy”, appliquéd on them?

Modesty is primarily about motivation, and modesty is also about discernment.

If a husband is supposed to be the one to lead and teach his wife spiritually, it might be a good idea that he’s the only one who sees her provocative attire.

Actually, what we (men and women) wear in public, says an awful lot about whom we worship...

Silent Treatment?

Psalm 102: 1 - 2     NKJV

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You.
Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble

We seem to live in a world where there’s continual noise.

Frankly, watching last night’s Vice Presidential Debate was quite annoying, distracting and noisy for me.

I wonder if lots of noise is something that we’ve just gotten used to?

God forbid that when there’s silence, we might not know how to handle it.

There are times when I ask people to stop for silent prayer during our church service.

Folks move around and fidget, and shift in their seats. Silence makes many of us sort of anxious.

When God is silent towards us, that also makes people pretty uncomfortable.

I mean, why would God speak to some people, and not others?

The truth is, the church doesn’t know how to handle the silent treatment from God.

Job didn’t hear from God for 37 straight chapters, and then God came through in chapter 38.

So is God really silent, or have we on the other hand, tuned Him out?

Maybe because we’ve got way too many distractions in life, we’ve lost the communication signal.

Is it possible that we’ve stopped hearing from God, because we won’t take time to be quiet long enough?

We have to train ourselves to be quiet, so we’re able to listen for His still small voice...

Reminisce!

Deuteronomy 5: 15

¹⁵ And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm...

Yesterday I had lunch with two (2) daughters of a saint (Crystal Tschetter) from our church that passed away some 2+ years ago.

It was honestly one of the most treasured times for me, just to recall and reminisce about the precious heart of this dear lady.

God has given us a weekly day to remember and reminisce.

The Sabbath was given to us by God to stop and remember, and consider His goodness.

And yet, not many see the true importance of stopping and remembering.

The Sabbath was a time for the children of Israel to stop and recall the goodness of God.

How often do you stop and reminisce about God’s favor?

Have we all become too busy, to stop and recall the display of God’s mighty hand of protection?

The Sabbath gives us an ample opportunity to look back and remember.

Is that pretty standard protocol for you?

I like to take a walk down memory lane, so I can recall and remember the many ways that God has worked in my life.

The practice of a regular Sabbath helps us to be intentional about telling stories of God’s faithfulness.

Maybe we should stop and consider routinely, how valuable our relationship with the Father is...

“Help me, O God, to regularly remember, reminisce and celebrate all that You have done for me through your Son, Jesus.

Thank you for His life, death, burial and resurrection! Amen.”

Nothing!

John 15: 5

“...for without me you can do nothing...”

I don’t often get into nursing homes, but they seem to be a painful place to exist.

Even putting a fork or spoon to your mouth, can be somewhat trying and taxing.

Those nursing home residents are totally reliant upon someone else.

People who live a life mostly without Jesus, are paralyzed, but some don’t even realize it.

Did you know this morning that our next breath, isn’t at all reliant upon us?

The follower of Jesus that grows and produces fruit, can only do so as they abide.

And yet so many believe that they can accomplish much, without having to be close to Jesus.

Only a person who solely lives in Christ, are the ones who see a return on their investment.

Only as we live in Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost, are we profitable people.

How is your spiritual profitability these days?

Have you considered your own neediness and paralysis, or are you reliant on self?

People who refuse to abide in Jesus, will one day spend their eternal existence in wretchedness.

What are you personally choosing these days, that it no way compares to Jesus?

Sunday’s are filled with a plethora of choices. Did you choose Jesus yesterday, or did you choose something...“better”?

The measure God uses to identify a true believer in His Son, is righteousness.

How would you say your righteousness measures up today?