The season between Thanksgiving and New Years is one of my favorite times of the year. It is sort of an extended Christmas for me. We begin with our Christmas celebration at my parents with the siblings and all of their children, and their children’s children. Then I take a relaxed approach to preparation since, for the month of December, I usually have less than half the number of sermons to prepare. I use that time to reflect and to plan for the coming year. As I said, it is one of my favorite times of the year.
This year, has been a reality check in many ways. For the first time in years, all of my siblings would not be at our Christmas at Thanksgiving Celebration at my parents. Then, I received word that a dear friend’s health was failing quickly. Top that with my youngest daughter’s health being undiagnosed, and another hospital stay. One dear saint who always had a word of love and support went home to Jesus on a Thursday, and then our friend passed away early the following Sunday morning. It was a busy week with many other things taking place and the day of one funeral brought news that a special young lady for whom I had performed her wedding 12 years earlier had passed away leaving her husband and a nine year old and a five year old. I would need to travel out of town to officiate at the graveside.
Needless to say, when the week of Christmas rolled around, all we had done in preparation for our traditional Christmas was place an undecorated evergreen in the corner of our family room. No presents purchased, no decorations. . . just a bare tree.
We were hoping for a special Christmas, since our oldest son is scheduled for boot camp March 1st, and our second son the Marine Corps and Paris Island January 19, not to mention a trip to Israel Jan 2-13. Not much time when I return and every day precious to spend with the “boys.” I made the mistake of telling the MSGT that I thought my son would make a good soldier. My son interrupted and said, “Marine Dad, not a soldier, a Marine.” It is hard to imagine him away—five years active duty. Life is certainly changing. This would not be like previous Christmases.
This morning my wife and I awoke earlier than the rest and began to prepare the Christmas meal when the phone rang. A young man said, “Pastor, I hate to call you on Christmas Day, but can you come up to Johnson City Medical Center? My Dad had an brain aneurism and isn’t going to make it.”
My wife woke the family and brought them into the family room where we read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and exchanged the fewest Christmas presents we have had since children had blessed our family.
Leaving the rest of the Christmas meal preparation with my wife, I got in the car and headed out for the hospital, Christmas Carols on the radio. I passed all of the businesses closed for the day. Few cars were on the road. I thought, I wonder if this is what it will look like after the rapture? No, not enough people left behind. Then I passed Waffle House. It was opened and jam-packed. I wondered why all of those people were there instead of home with family enjoying a day of feasting. Was this their normal Christmas, or had they gone through a Christmas season that forever changed their celebration of the day.
I arrived at the hospital and heard the story of how this dear man who had been blind was attending his nephews funeral yesterday when the aneurism burst. I thought of the last conversation I had had with him. Each week his wife or son would lead him into the worship center where he would sit one row from the back center, bottom section. He loved the messages from Revelation. A few weeks ago, he told me how much he longed to be home with Jesus.
We had a time of comfort from the Scripture and then went to ICU where only the ventilator was keeping him alive. As the dear family gathered with me around the bedside, I asked them their plans. They said, “that is one of the reasons we wanted you to come. We must decide when to take him off the machine. There is no chance for him to survive and the Dr. wants us to make that decision.”
We talked about proceeding or waiting and what it would be like for future Christmases if he were to go to heaven on Christmas day. Then the sweet wife said, what better Christmas present for him than to go to heaven on Christmas Day.
It was all this preacher could do to keep it together. This Christmas has surely been different. I don’t know that they will ever be the same again This year, so many deaths, so much hurt, so much sickness, two sons leaving for military service. Then this preacher got a great Christmas lesson. This is why the baby was born. He was born so that we might have life, and life eternal. Death is not the end, it is the great gift of eternity—the reason the baby was born.
I sat in the car for a moment in silence. I called home to tell my wife to put dinner in the oven, I was headed home. She said, “By the way, I’ve invited a couple over who were going to eat left-overs.” I wanted to share the Christmas meal with friends.
From now on, Christmas will be different for me.
Tommy
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thoughts on Christmas Eve
Christmas was born in the mind of God. We have taken Christmnas out of the hands of God and put it into the hands of man. For many, it has become a day to which we look forward because it means a day off work, a vacation from school, and a chance to visit relatives. I love these things as much as anyone, but do we come to the point in all of our coming and going and celebrating that we are like the little girl who looked at the decorated tree and all of the presents under it and asked, "Where does God fit into all of this?"
The reason for Christmas is that God loves us so much that He became one of us. The wonder of it all. What is our response at Christmas? The angels announced it, the spontaneous song of Joy rang out. The shepherds went to Him. What will be our response?
Will this Christmas be just another holiday, or a Holy Day? In this day of overwhelming problems--crime, inflation, unemployment, personal issues-- our world needs hope. And pardon me, but Santa Clause just cannot supply that hope. But Jesus does. God cared that we have Christmas. He cared so much about us that He did something for us that no one else could do. He sent His only Son who was willing to be born to die for us. Can we break out of our self-containment to reach out to others in love? Not because it makes us feel good, but love others as He loved us--a love undeserved, unrestrained.
We so often hear, "What did you get for Christmas?" We rarely hear anyone ask, "What did you give for Christmas? This year when people ask you, "What did you get?" What better opening line for you to share with them what God gave you. Let me tell you about the best gift I have ever received. God gave me eternal life through His Son, Jesus.
Merry Christmas.
The reason for Christmas is that God loves us so much that He became one of us. The wonder of it all. What is our response at Christmas? The angels announced it, the spontaneous song of Joy rang out. The shepherds went to Him. What will be our response?
Will this Christmas be just another holiday, or a Holy Day? In this day of overwhelming problems--crime, inflation, unemployment, personal issues-- our world needs hope. And pardon me, but Santa Clause just cannot supply that hope. But Jesus does. God cared that we have Christmas. He cared so much about us that He did something for us that no one else could do. He sent His only Son who was willing to be born to die for us. Can we break out of our self-containment to reach out to others in love? Not because it makes us feel good, but love others as He loved us--a love undeserved, unrestrained.
We so often hear, "What did you get for Christmas?" We rarely hear anyone ask, "What did you give for Christmas? This year when people ask you, "What did you get?" What better opening line for you to share with them what God gave you. Let me tell you about the best gift I have ever received. God gave me eternal life through His Son, Jesus.
Merry Christmas.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Wonder of Christmas
In the story, The Fire We Can Light, Martin E. Marty related the Jewish Hasidic story of a famous rabbi to illustrate the need for strict observance of the ritual law.
The original master went out to the woods, lighted a fire, and said a paryer when confronted with a great problem.
His successor, a generation later said, "The fire we can no longer light, the place we know, and we can still go and say the prayer."
By the third generation, they said, "The fire we can no longer light, the place we can no longer go, but the prayer we can say." So the master stayed home and said the prayer.
The fourth generation said, "The fire we can no longer light, the place we can no longer go, the prayer we can no longer say, but we can tell the story and that is enough."
As we approach Christmas, there is a great danger that we will content ourselves with just telling the story again. Has Christmas lost its wonder for you? Don't just KNOW Christ this Christmas, SHOW Christ this Christmas.
The original master went out to the woods, lighted a fire, and said a paryer when confronted with a great problem.
His successor, a generation later said, "The fire we can no longer light, the place we know, and we can still go and say the prayer."
By the third generation, they said, "The fire we can no longer light, the place we can no longer go, but the prayer we can say." So the master stayed home and said the prayer.
The fourth generation said, "The fire we can no longer light, the place we can no longer go, the prayer we can no longer say, but we can tell the story and that is enough."
As we approach Christmas, there is a great danger that we will content ourselves with just telling the story again. Has Christmas lost its wonder for you? Don't just KNOW Christ this Christmas, SHOW Christ this Christmas.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Shift
Over the years of my ministry there has been a shift among the majority of those who attend the local church. I would not say “all” but for many the mood is:
More “I want to be served” than “I want to serve.”
More “doubt” and less “faith”
More “suspicion” and less “trust”
More “how I feel” than “what are the facts”
More “If I don’t like something, I will go somewhere else,” than “loyalty”
More “emotion” than “true worship”
More “what I want to do” than “commitment”
More “what I believe” than “absolute truth”
More “I believe” than “the Bible says”
More “postmodern” less “God says it, that settles it”
We have “marketed” the church so much that we have created a “shopper” mentality. Churches compete with facilities, programs and every gimmick and teaching the basics of the Word of God as they apply to life has fallen way behind. We do not equip our children to be prepared for the hostilities of the world. The big reason is that our parents are not living lifestyles any different from the world. Most churches today truly have “a form of godliness” without any power. God help us. Pray for revival in the church, local and universal.
More “I want to be served” than “I want to serve.”
More “doubt” and less “faith”
More “suspicion” and less “trust”
More “how I feel” than “what are the facts”
More “If I don’t like something, I will go somewhere else,” than “loyalty”
More “emotion” than “true worship”
More “what I want to do” than “commitment”
More “what I believe” than “absolute truth”
More “I believe” than “the Bible says”
More “postmodern” less “God says it, that settles it”
We have “marketed” the church so much that we have created a “shopper” mentality. Churches compete with facilities, programs and every gimmick and teaching the basics of the Word of God as they apply to life has fallen way behind. We do not equip our children to be prepared for the hostilities of the world. The big reason is that our parents are not living lifestyles any different from the world. Most churches today truly have “a form of godliness” without any power. God help us. Pray for revival in the church, local and universal.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Still thinking about Worship
One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is the story of Elijah on Mt. Carmel where he came before the children of Israel at a very decisive time in the nation. The people of Israel were wavering as to whether they were going to worship the false god Baal or worship God Jehovah.
I really believe that is where America is today. Polls show that Americans believe in God, they also show that their belief in God doesn’t make much difference in their daily lives. A syncretism of materialism and theism has replaced the command to worship Jehovah God and Him alone.
I believe a number of Christians have sold out to the world. They are sort of worldly Christians. It is not that they do not love God. They do love God. But if they were to take a stand for God, I mean go hard for God and let the devil take the hind road no matter what anybody else thinks, there is no telling what would happen in America.
The problem of that the church today is a half-hearted love for God, a half-hearted worship, and a half-hearted lifestyle. Thre are too many churches who have a form of godliness, but none of its power.
The evangelist Billy Sunday said, “We talk about worldly Christians, we might as well talk about heavenly devils. . .”
In the Mt. Carmel encounter:
1. Worship was the issue. The people went to the mountain over the issue of who they were going to worship: Baal or Jehovah. The issue was actually lordship, who would be lord of their lives? In our world today, it seems the answer for many is evident and it is not Jehovah.
2. Elijah’s worship invited God’s power. His worship was so powerful that God came by fire and demonstrated himself with such divine power that it defies human explanation. How much happens in the average church today that demands divine explanation? How many things do churches do that depends on God’s power?
3. The people responded with worship and awe when they saw God’s power. When they saw that the Lord was God Jehovah, they immediately turned from the false gods and began to worship the Lord. When people see that we have a God who offers something more—peace in the midst of the storm, the ability to live beyond the circumstances of life, meaning and purpose to life, they will desire that as well. People respond when they see God’s working and moving in power.
God will not demonstrate His power when the people who are called by His Name are not as committed to him as they are the other areas of life. He must not only be present, or even prominent; He demands preeminence.
REQUEST: Please pray for my youngest daughter. As I write this, she is back in the hospital with no explanations. . .
I really believe that is where America is today. Polls show that Americans believe in God, they also show that their belief in God doesn’t make much difference in their daily lives. A syncretism of materialism and theism has replaced the command to worship Jehovah God and Him alone.
I believe a number of Christians have sold out to the world. They are sort of worldly Christians. It is not that they do not love God. They do love God. But if they were to take a stand for God, I mean go hard for God and let the devil take the hind road no matter what anybody else thinks, there is no telling what would happen in America.
The problem of that the church today is a half-hearted love for God, a half-hearted worship, and a half-hearted lifestyle. Thre are too many churches who have a form of godliness, but none of its power.
The evangelist Billy Sunday said, “We talk about worldly Christians, we might as well talk about heavenly devils. . .”
In the Mt. Carmel encounter:
1. Worship was the issue. The people went to the mountain over the issue of who they were going to worship: Baal or Jehovah. The issue was actually lordship, who would be lord of their lives? In our world today, it seems the answer for many is evident and it is not Jehovah.
2. Elijah’s worship invited God’s power. His worship was so powerful that God came by fire and demonstrated himself with such divine power that it defies human explanation. How much happens in the average church today that demands divine explanation? How many things do churches do that depends on God’s power?
3. The people responded with worship and awe when they saw God’s power. When they saw that the Lord was God Jehovah, they immediately turned from the false gods and began to worship the Lord. When people see that we have a God who offers something more—peace in the midst of the storm, the ability to live beyond the circumstances of life, meaning and purpose to life, they will desire that as well. People respond when they see God’s working and moving in power.
God will not demonstrate His power when the people who are called by His Name are not as committed to him as they are the other areas of life. He must not only be present, or even prominent; He demands preeminence.
REQUEST: Please pray for my youngest daughter. As I write this, she is back in the hospital with no explanations. . .
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Preparing to Worship on Sunday AM
I haven't posted a blog in sometime, but hope to get back to it regularly. I was preparing for this coming Sunday and I thought of a few things that I really wish people would take seriously in preparation for Worship on Sunday. I think it would help you concentrate on Him when you come to church on Sunday.
1. It is a good idea to make sure your entire family retires early enough on Saturday evening to be resete4d and ready to meet God on Sunday. Bad idea to stay out late, etc.
1. Plan to arrive early enough sot hat you aren't distracted by hurry and are not a distraticon to others by arriving late.
3. Jot down specific actions or decisions you need to make as direct response to what God says to you from His Word.
4. Listen to the message in the songs with enthusiasm.
5. Consider your giving to be an act of worship and devotion to Him
6. The Bible teaches us to "greet one another". The church is the spiritual family and we need to develop a sincere interest in one another.
7. Respect the Lord's day
just a few thoughts that would enrich Sunday for you.
1. It is a good idea to make sure your entire family retires early enough on Saturday evening to be resete4d and ready to meet God on Sunday. Bad idea to stay out late, etc.
1. Plan to arrive early enough sot hat you aren't distracted by hurry and are not a distraticon to others by arriving late.
3. Jot down specific actions or decisions you need to make as direct response to what God says to you from His Word.
4. Listen to the message in the songs with enthusiasm.
5. Consider your giving to be an act of worship and devotion to Him
6. The Bible teaches us to "greet one another". The church is the spiritual family and we need to develop a sincere interest in one another.
7. Respect the Lord's day
just a few thoughts that would enrich Sunday for you.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Haven't posted for a while.
Been immersed in "intense" preparation time for new series. Hopefull will return to posts in next week or two. Thank you to those who have asked....
Monday, October 5, 2009
Experience
Experience is a very slippery word.
Dr. J. I. Packer said, "Experience coming to imperfectly sanctified sinners cannot help but have dross mixed in with the gold. No experience just by happening can authenticate itself as sent by God to further His work of grace."
The mere fact that a Christian has an experience does not make it a Christian experience. As a matter of fact, the same phenomena that Christians claim to experience have also been experienced by non-Christians.
One of the interesting studies points out that there are people both inside and outside the Christian faith that have had out-of-body experiences. Lost people have the same experiences. Anthropologists know that among primitive, pagan tribes similar incidents have occurred...where folks spoke in unknown tongues, had visions, there were prophetic utterances...there were physical healings, there were casting out of contrary spirits...I mean these things happened among pagans in primitive tribes.
Now, this doesn't mean that all similar Christian experience is false. What it does mean is that such experience cannot authenticate itself. And this is extremely vital to understand. Experience cannot authenticate itself. You cannot say, "I've had this experience and that means it's authentic." You just can't do that. It has no basis because experience is a subjective part of our lives.
Then also in this matter of experience, there is the inclination to make our experience a standard for everyone else. Have you ever noticed that? If God healed me, that means God will heal you. If God made me wealthy, that means God wants all His children to be wealthy. Let God do something extraordinary for one person and we rush to declare that it's the ordinary experience for every Christian. But, it is not.
The sole and final authority must be the Word of God.
Dr. J. I. Packer said, "Experience coming to imperfectly sanctified sinners cannot help but have dross mixed in with the gold. No experience just by happening can authenticate itself as sent by God to further His work of grace."
The mere fact that a Christian has an experience does not make it a Christian experience. As a matter of fact, the same phenomena that Christians claim to experience have also been experienced by non-Christians.
One of the interesting studies points out that there are people both inside and outside the Christian faith that have had out-of-body experiences. Lost people have the same experiences. Anthropologists know that among primitive, pagan tribes similar incidents have occurred...where folks spoke in unknown tongues, had visions, there were prophetic utterances...there were physical healings, there were casting out of contrary spirits...I mean these things happened among pagans in primitive tribes.
Now, this doesn't mean that all similar Christian experience is false. What it does mean is that such experience cannot authenticate itself. And this is extremely vital to understand. Experience cannot authenticate itself. You cannot say, "I've had this experience and that means it's authentic." You just can't do that. It has no basis because experience is a subjective part of our lives.
Then also in this matter of experience, there is the inclination to make our experience a standard for everyone else. Have you ever noticed that? If God healed me, that means God will heal you. If God made me wealthy, that means God wants all His children to be wealthy. Let God do something extraordinary for one person and we rush to declare that it's the ordinary experience for every Christian. But, it is not.
The sole and final authority must be the Word of God.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
TRUST
TRUST
Luke 16:10 (NASB95)
10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."
Trust must be earned. Jesus taught that trust is not just granted with earning it. He says, “if you cannot be faithful over a few things, why should I give you more things?” Think about parents and children for a moment. One of the biggest issues you deal with in the parent/child relationship is the issue of trust. You ask your teenager, “Can I trust you to go where you say you are going and be back on time?” Every time they do it right, they get a little more trust. Every time they do it wrong, parents pull back a little bit. One of the principles a parent learns is, “if I cannot trust you in everything, I cannot trust you in anything.”
That is why a lack of trust in a marriage is one of the most difficult things to deal with. The lack of honesty, leads to a lack of trust. Why is it then that so many think that deception is good? If a man will deceive you in one thing, he will deceive in something else. I have had people say that they deceived because they felt it was necessary for a higher good. That is absolutely ludicrous. How can you use something that is evil to accomplish something good? It goes against all the Bible teaches.
God asks, “Can I trust you?” Trust must be earned. It is not just granted. You cannot say you would be faithful teaching 100, if you haven’t shown your faithfulness teaching 5. The more we earn trust, the more trust is given. The more we show that we don’t deserve trust, the more trust is pulled away.
With how much can God trust you? Can he trust you with time? Talent? Money? How are you using what you have for Him? Don’t say, “If God would just do this or that, then I would do more.” If you are faithful in what you already have, you will not be faithful with more.
I wonder how many blessings we miss because we wait for sometime, somewhere under the rainbow, for that opportunity to hit us. “Am I trustworthy right now?” Why would God give me more if I misuse what I have?
Lord, Help me to be faithful with what you have seen fit to entrust to my care—time, talents, responsibilities. AMEN
Luke 16:10 (NASB95)
10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."
Trust must be earned. Jesus taught that trust is not just granted with earning it. He says, “if you cannot be faithful over a few things, why should I give you more things?” Think about parents and children for a moment. One of the biggest issues you deal with in the parent/child relationship is the issue of trust. You ask your teenager, “Can I trust you to go where you say you are going and be back on time?” Every time they do it right, they get a little more trust. Every time they do it wrong, parents pull back a little bit. One of the principles a parent learns is, “if I cannot trust you in everything, I cannot trust you in anything.”
That is why a lack of trust in a marriage is one of the most difficult things to deal with. The lack of honesty, leads to a lack of trust. Why is it then that so many think that deception is good? If a man will deceive you in one thing, he will deceive in something else. I have had people say that they deceived because they felt it was necessary for a higher good. That is absolutely ludicrous. How can you use something that is evil to accomplish something good? It goes against all the Bible teaches.
God asks, “Can I trust you?” Trust must be earned. It is not just granted. You cannot say you would be faithful teaching 100, if you haven’t shown your faithfulness teaching 5. The more we earn trust, the more trust is given. The more we show that we don’t deserve trust, the more trust is pulled away.
With how much can God trust you? Can he trust you with time? Talent? Money? How are you using what you have for Him? Don’t say, “If God would just do this or that, then I would do more.” If you are faithful in what you already have, you will not be faithful with more.
I wonder how many blessings we miss because we wait for sometime, somewhere under the rainbow, for that opportunity to hit us. “Am I trustworthy right now?” Why would God give me more if I misuse what I have?
Lord, Help me to be faithful with what you have seen fit to entrust to my care—time, talents, responsibilities. AMEN
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Islam on Capitol Hill
Islam on Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C. - On September 25th there will be a national prayer gathering of Muslims on the west front of the U.S. Capitol Building. They are expecting at least 50,000 to attend from mosques all across America. They will gather to pray from 4:00 AM until 7:00 PM. The gathering will take place by the site where U.S. Presidents have been inaugurated since 1981. The organizers say that it was Obama's inauguration speech in January and his speech broadcast from Egypt in June that gave them the idea for this prayer gathering on Capitol Hill.
They have a website set up for this event. If you never look at another website look at this one, especially the final words: islamoncapitolhill.com
How about this response from an average American wife/mother.
I did look at the site.....Im sorry but cannot find anything wrong with it as it states:
#
Thousands of Muslims from all races, creeds, colors and ethnicities will gather for the sole purpose of prayer
#
Bonds of friendship will be formed between those in attendance, both Muslims and Non-Muslims
#
Muslim youth will experience tours of the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.
#
The peace, beauty and solidarity of Islam will shine through America's capitol.
I think....
prayer lifted up should be celebrated....
and what about freedom of religion....
The single most important belief in Islam, and arguably the central theme of Islam, is that there is only one God
Isnt that what we believe
Other prophets are important in Islam as well, all of which are shared with the Jews or the Christians.
We also teach our children the Bible stories of the prophets....moses, elijah, etc and are key readings in our church services
For a Muslim, the object of life is to live in a way that is pleasing to Allah so that one may gain Paradise. It is believed that at puberty, an account of each person's deeds is opened, and this will be used at the Day of Judgment to determine his eternal fate.
dont we too believe that we need to live as God wants us to so that we can go to heaven - we are saved by our faith. We also believe in a judgement day
Muslims consider their religion to the be the one true religion, and invite people of all races, nationalities and religions to be part of it.Isnt this what all religions are --- belief in their own and inviting all others to believe their way......
I just dont want fear to fuel my existence---- I dont want to believe they are there to pray to turn everyone against americans because they too are americans....
Not trying to argue...just had to add my own opinion ----- I just cant critize prayer --- it is too powerful and I'd like to believe God-- allah -- yahweh -- jehovah---its him and he hears all prayers
Now my words…Does anybody see a problem here? Do we not realize that this is NOT what Islam teaches. The Koran teaches that they are not to stop until the entire world is Islam (which means submission). That whatever means necessary to make it happen is acceptable (even violence and terrorism). Don’t believe this propaganda put out by Islam. It is deception to the highest. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4 “see to it that no one deceives you, many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ,” and shall deceive many.”
Come on now! This is not what our forefathers had in mind. Study history and the founding documents, etc.
I am not saying they don't have a right if they are Ameican Citizens, but this is telling about our direction, and Islamic efforts to "evangelize" the world. Look at what has happened in Britain and Europe. I personally don't want to go that way.
BTW, the President would not even have prayer bkfst at Whitehouse this year--- first time in years. Brian McLaren and his church are joining the Muslims celebrating Ramadan.... check this out (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-09-18-ramadan-christians_N.htm?csp=usat.me) Where are we headed?
God help us.
Washington, D.C. - On September 25th there will be a national prayer gathering of Muslims on the west front of the U.S. Capitol Building. They are expecting at least 50,000 to attend from mosques all across America. They will gather to pray from 4:00 AM until 7:00 PM. The gathering will take place by the site where U.S. Presidents have been inaugurated since 1981. The organizers say that it was Obama's inauguration speech in January and his speech broadcast from Egypt in June that gave them the idea for this prayer gathering on Capitol Hill.
They have a website set up for this event. If you never look at another website look at this one, especially the final words: islamoncapitolhill.com
How about this response from an average American wife/mother.
I did look at the site.....Im sorry but cannot find anything wrong with it as it states:
#
Thousands of Muslims from all races, creeds, colors and ethnicities will gather for the sole purpose of prayer
#
Bonds of friendship will be formed between those in attendance, both Muslims and Non-Muslims
#
Muslim youth will experience tours of the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.
#
The peace, beauty and solidarity of Islam will shine through America's capitol.
I think....
prayer lifted up should be celebrated....
and what about freedom of religion....
The single most important belief in Islam, and arguably the central theme of Islam, is that there is only one God
Isnt that what we believe
Other prophets are important in Islam as well, all of which are shared with the Jews or the Christians.
We also teach our children the Bible stories of the prophets....moses, elijah, etc and are key readings in our church services
For a Muslim, the object of life is to live in a way that is pleasing to Allah so that one may gain Paradise. It is believed that at puberty, an account of each person's deeds is opened, and this will be used at the Day of Judgment to determine his eternal fate.
dont we too believe that we need to live as God wants us to so that we can go to heaven - we are saved by our faith. We also believe in a judgement day
Muslims consider their religion to the be the one true religion, and invite people of all races, nationalities and religions to be part of it.Isnt this what all religions are --- belief in their own and inviting all others to believe their way......
I just dont want fear to fuel my existence---- I dont want to believe they are there to pray to turn everyone against americans because they too are americans....
Not trying to argue...just had to add my own opinion ----- I just cant critize prayer --- it is too powerful and I'd like to believe God-- allah -- yahweh -- jehovah---its him and he hears all prayers
Now my words…Does anybody see a problem here? Do we not realize that this is NOT what Islam teaches. The Koran teaches that they are not to stop until the entire world is Islam (which means submission). That whatever means necessary to make it happen is acceptable (even violence and terrorism). Don’t believe this propaganda put out by Islam. It is deception to the highest. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4 “see to it that no one deceives you, many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ,” and shall deceive many.”
Come on now! This is not what our forefathers had in mind. Study history and the founding documents, etc.
I am not saying they don't have a right if they are Ameican Citizens, but this is telling about our direction, and Islamic efforts to "evangelize" the world. Look at what has happened in Britain and Europe. I personally don't want to go that way.
BTW, the President would not even have prayer bkfst at Whitehouse this year--- first time in years. Brian McLaren and his church are joining the Muslims celebrating Ramadan.... check this out (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-09-18-ramadan-christians_N.htm?csp=usat.me) Where are we headed?
God help us.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
? what?
After the last post someone asked me, "What about Brian McLaren, Mark Driscoll, Doug Paget?"
My response.... ?what?
My response.... ?what?
Passing the Baton
Passing the Baton
The critical point in a relay race is the passing of the baton. We are now seeing the passing of the baton from one generation of leadership to the next in the SBC and really evangelical Christianity in America. In the last decade many of my heroes of the faith have gone to glory—men like Adrian Rogers, James Kennedy, Jerry Falwell, etc. Not that I always agreed with them, but they had a public voice and when they spoke, people listened. They had a commanding presence and were willing to stand in the public square and boldly proclaim the Word of God.
Recently, we have seen the retirement of the Executive Director of the SBC (Morris Chapman), the president of the International Mission Board (Jerry Rankin) and the vacating of the presidency of the North American Mission Board (Dr. Hammonds). Who will rise to fill these positions of leadership in the flagship of evangelical churches in America? It is truly a telling moment.
While there are leaders today with the ability, who will rise to the task? Who, in our day has the respect of both Christians and the fear of public officials? James Dobson is left, but retired and slowing down. Joel Olsteen? I don’t think so—Rick Warren? No chance. Bill Hybles? Naw…..
Our brightest and our best seem to be at the helm of our seminaries, but we need role models standing weekly behind the pulpit and challenging Christians, prophets who will stand in the public arena, point a finger in the face of politicians (as Nathan dud), media and society, and be willing to say, “YOU are the man!” Evangelicals have been the conscience of this country since her inception, but there voice has become a whisper. Instead of fearing the Christian community and her influence, Christians have become the whipping boy and the butt of the jokes.
The church needs revival and reform from the leadership down. I say from the leadership down, because it seems to rise and fall on leadership (check out the Scripture). We are in great danger, however, because the call of the Emergent leaders is not to revival and authenticity, but to change the message—(that is another topic). The common ground is becoming smaller and smaller. “The Bible says” has been replaced by “I believe the Bible teaches.” Where is the dogma? Is there no black and white anywhere? Are there no absolutes? The emergent leadership are asking the question of Pilate—what is truth? Do they not know? Where are the leaders who have the knowledge and the skill to reprove and rebuke?
When I go to the doctor, I don’t want him to say, well it could be the tonsils, it might be the gall bladder, so I think we will take out a kidney and see what happens. No. I want a diagnosis and a treatment that will cure the ill. We know the disease, we know the cure. Who will answer the call to stand in the public arena and address these issues?
Beginning in the pulpits of the smallest rural church and continuing to the largest mega-congregation, we need men of God who are willing to stand and preach the Word of God (not their opinion) without apology---The reason we may have a lack of authenticity in the pew is because we have a lack of authenticity in the pulpit. Certainly we are in difficult days (2 Timothy 3), and it seems that many are “holding to a form of godliness” but having none of the power.
When Isaiah was commissioned, we read in Isaiah 6:8-11 (NASB95)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” 11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people And the land is utterly desolate,
We never give up preaching the Word of Truth until the land is utterly desolate.
The baton is being passed, the runners seem to have stumbled, let’s not drop the baton.
The critical point in a relay race is the passing of the baton. We are now seeing the passing of the baton from one generation of leadership to the next in the SBC and really evangelical Christianity in America. In the last decade many of my heroes of the faith have gone to glory—men like Adrian Rogers, James Kennedy, Jerry Falwell, etc. Not that I always agreed with them, but they had a public voice and when they spoke, people listened. They had a commanding presence and were willing to stand in the public square and boldly proclaim the Word of God.
Recently, we have seen the retirement of the Executive Director of the SBC (Morris Chapman), the president of the International Mission Board (Jerry Rankin) and the vacating of the presidency of the North American Mission Board (Dr. Hammonds). Who will rise to fill these positions of leadership in the flagship of evangelical churches in America? It is truly a telling moment.
While there are leaders today with the ability, who will rise to the task? Who, in our day has the respect of both Christians and the fear of public officials? James Dobson is left, but retired and slowing down. Joel Olsteen? I don’t think so—Rick Warren? No chance. Bill Hybles? Naw…..
Our brightest and our best seem to be at the helm of our seminaries, but we need role models standing weekly behind the pulpit and challenging Christians, prophets who will stand in the public arena, point a finger in the face of politicians (as Nathan dud), media and society, and be willing to say, “YOU are the man!” Evangelicals have been the conscience of this country since her inception, but there voice has become a whisper. Instead of fearing the Christian community and her influence, Christians have become the whipping boy and the butt of the jokes.
The church needs revival and reform from the leadership down. I say from the leadership down, because it seems to rise and fall on leadership (check out the Scripture). We are in great danger, however, because the call of the Emergent leaders is not to revival and authenticity, but to change the message—(that is another topic). The common ground is becoming smaller and smaller. “The Bible says” has been replaced by “I believe the Bible teaches.” Where is the dogma? Is there no black and white anywhere? Are there no absolutes? The emergent leadership are asking the question of Pilate—what is truth? Do they not know? Where are the leaders who have the knowledge and the skill to reprove and rebuke?
When I go to the doctor, I don’t want him to say, well it could be the tonsils, it might be the gall bladder, so I think we will take out a kidney and see what happens. No. I want a diagnosis and a treatment that will cure the ill. We know the disease, we know the cure. Who will answer the call to stand in the public arena and address these issues?
Beginning in the pulpits of the smallest rural church and continuing to the largest mega-congregation, we need men of God who are willing to stand and preach the Word of God (not their opinion) without apology---The reason we may have a lack of authenticity in the pew is because we have a lack of authenticity in the pulpit. Certainly we are in difficult days (2 Timothy 3), and it seems that many are “holding to a form of godliness” but having none of the power.
When Isaiah was commissioned, we read in Isaiah 6:8-11 (NASB95)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” 11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people And the land is utterly desolate,
We never give up preaching the Word of Truth until the land is utterly desolate.
The baton is being passed, the runners seem to have stumbled, let’s not drop the baton.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Negative People
Negative People
Negative people expect only tarnish off a silver platter. They are seasick during the entire voyage of their life. They have adopted Chisolm’s Law—“Anytime things appear to be getting better you have overlooked something.”
My grandmother said to me one time, “I am so worried things are going too smooth, something must be wrong.” She worried that there was nothing to worry about.
Negative thinkers don’t build churches. In fact, they don’t believe great churches can be built.
The most important thing about us is our attitude. Attitude is important because your thoughts govern your action. The question is, “Are you guided by negative or positive thoughts?” I personally have a hard time tolerating a negative attitude. Why? Because I battle a negative attitude all day everyday, and if I can have victory over a negative attitude, you can as well. And while I battle with a negative attitude, I don’t need someone with a bad attitude pulling my good attitude down.
Do you live by Murphy’s law? It says, nothing is as easy as it looks; everything takes longer than you expect; and if anything can go wrong it will and at the worst possible moment.
Or you can say, “Nothing is as hard as it looks; everything is more rewarding than you expect; and if anything can go right it will, and at the best possible time.
Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Negative people expect only tarnish off a silver platter. They are seasick during the entire voyage of their life. They have adopted Chisolm’s Law—“Anytime things appear to be getting better you have overlooked something.”
My grandmother said to me one time, “I am so worried things are going too smooth, something must be wrong.” She worried that there was nothing to worry about.
Negative thinkers don’t build churches. In fact, they don’t believe great churches can be built.
The most important thing about us is our attitude. Attitude is important because your thoughts govern your action. The question is, “Are you guided by negative or positive thoughts?” I personally have a hard time tolerating a negative attitude. Why? Because I battle a negative attitude all day everyday, and if I can have victory over a negative attitude, you can as well. And while I battle with a negative attitude, I don’t need someone with a bad attitude pulling my good attitude down.
Do you live by Murphy’s law? It says, nothing is as easy as it looks; everything takes longer than you expect; and if anything can go wrong it will and at the worst possible moment.
Or you can say, “Nothing is as hard as it looks; everything is more rewarding than you expect; and if anything can go right it will, and at the best possible time.
Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Where's The Authenticity?
Where’s The Authenticity?
George Barna has noted that research among those who avoid churches suggests that the main obstacle in people attending church is the “busyness of these people.”
Jim Henderson, in his 2007 book, Jim and Casper Go to Church: Frank conversation about faith, churches, and well-meaning Christians, states in the introduction, “In my opinion, some professed Christians are not actually following Jesus but are instead following religion. These people should more accurately be called religionists. Atheists are more honest about their unwillingness to follow Jesus. . .”
Henderson (a believer) and Casper (an atheist) visit congregations to try to experience what visitors must feel when they attend. They ask the question, “What does a nonbeliever find attractive—or repellent—about Christians and church communities?”
Casper (the atheist) said about a friend named Jason. (He is)“. . . my kind of Christian: He walks the walk. . .”
Christianity today suffers from a lack of authenticity. That is the reason that many have left traditional churches for the emergent movement. Brian McLaren suggests that if Evangelicals have the truth, then why are so many living hypocritically?
Walk the walk, talk the talk, live the life--- Be Real! When you aren’t, you hurt the kingdom.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NASB95)
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
George Barna has noted that research among those who avoid churches suggests that the main obstacle in people attending church is the “busyness of these people.”
Jim Henderson, in his 2007 book, Jim and Casper Go to Church: Frank conversation about faith, churches, and well-meaning Christians, states in the introduction, “In my opinion, some professed Christians are not actually following Jesus but are instead following religion. These people should more accurately be called religionists. Atheists are more honest about their unwillingness to follow Jesus. . .”
Henderson (a believer) and Casper (an atheist) visit congregations to try to experience what visitors must feel when they attend. They ask the question, “What does a nonbeliever find attractive—or repellent—about Christians and church communities?”
Casper (the atheist) said about a friend named Jason. (He is)“. . . my kind of Christian: He walks the walk. . .”
Christianity today suffers from a lack of authenticity. That is the reason that many have left traditional churches for the emergent movement. Brian McLaren suggests that if Evangelicals have the truth, then why are so many living hypocritically?
Walk the walk, talk the talk, live the life--- Be Real! When you aren’t, you hurt the kingdom.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NASB95)
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
Saturday, September 19, 2009
WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK OF ME?
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB95)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
When I was younger I was greatly concerned with acceptance of the people I admired or wanted to be like. I wanted to “fit in” with the popular group.
As a young preacher, I wanted to hear people say that I did well when I spoke.
Even today in mid-life, I want to be liked and accepted by people.
It is natural for people to want approval and acceptance; but to what extent are we willing to go to gain social approval or acceptance?
If you aren’t careful you will let the wrong people determine your self image or give direction to your life. Of course you should be concerned with godly counsel, but many times we are more concerned with what people think than we are with what God thinks and wants in our life. We go where we go, do what we do, etc. because we want social acceptance, rather than considering what God desires in our life.
It is too bad that we have to be much older to realize the truth of what somebody said one time:
• at 20, we worry about what people think about us.
• at 40, we don’t care what people think about us, and
• at 60, we find out that nobody has been thinking about us!
As a pastor, most people don’t really care what I think or say. That is why I consider my ONLY authority to be the Word of God. It they reject that, they have a problem with God. I am much more concerned with what God thinks of me than I am what others think of me.
God wants your life and mine to be so different that you make a difference in the life of others.
Father God, may my life be one of obedience to You and a desire to please you by following as You direct my paths. In Jesus name, Amen.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB95)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
When I was younger I was greatly concerned with acceptance of the people I admired or wanted to be like. I wanted to “fit in” with the popular group.
As a young preacher, I wanted to hear people say that I did well when I spoke.
Even today in mid-life, I want to be liked and accepted by people.
It is natural for people to want approval and acceptance; but to what extent are we willing to go to gain social approval or acceptance?
If you aren’t careful you will let the wrong people determine your self image or give direction to your life. Of course you should be concerned with godly counsel, but many times we are more concerned with what people think than we are with what God thinks and wants in our life. We go where we go, do what we do, etc. because we want social acceptance, rather than considering what God desires in our life.
It is too bad that we have to be much older to realize the truth of what somebody said one time:
• at 20, we worry about what people think about us.
• at 40, we don’t care what people think about us, and
• at 60, we find out that nobody has been thinking about us!
As a pastor, most people don’t really care what I think or say. That is why I consider my ONLY authority to be the Word of God. It they reject that, they have a problem with God. I am much more concerned with what God thinks of me than I am what others think of me.
God wants your life and mine to be so different that you make a difference in the life of others.
Father God, may my life be one of obedience to You and a desire to please you by following as You direct my paths. In Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, September 18, 2009
When Believers Differ
Who is the Weaker Brother?
Romans 14
"Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.”
Romans 14 is a pretty tough chapter for those who make it a hobby to judge brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope you will take time to read the entire chapter in a version you can understand. In verse 4, Paul asks, “Who are you to judge the servant of another?” (We are each God’s servant if we are believers.) “To his own master (Jesus) he stands or falls.”
Paul talked about some who were weak in the faith and some who were strong in the faith. Some of the weaker brothers were judging the stronger brothers. And there were some stronger brothers who were despising weaker brothers.
The weaker brothers walked very straight and very narrow and there were some things they just absolutely would not do, say, touch, etc. They said, "That's wrong and we're not going to participate in it."
You say, "That sounds like a stronger brother." He was really the weaker brother. There were some stronger brothers who knew that these things were not really wrong in and of themselves and so they did them.
The weaker brother would judge the stronger brother and say, "He ought not to be living that way." And the stronger brother would despise the weaker brother and say, "He ought not to be so narrow minded." There was a division.
This was compounded in that the weaker brother thought he was the stronger brother. It was a very confusing issue. It is still around today on issues such as worship styles, political involvement, dress codes and many other issues.
St. Augustine, an ancient Christian talked about how we are to react to one another. He said, "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love."
Paul wrote in Romans 14:19-20 (NASB95) “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God. . . . “
Too often today I hear those who call themselves believers tearing down the work of God rather than making peace and building up one another. I am concerned that so many are majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors. They make mountains of molehills and molehills of mountains. Too many struggle with knowing what is "essential" and what is "nonessential." Most of all, the spirit of their words is quite often vitriolic rather than charity.
Let me build on Augustine’s statement:
· in essentials, unity. Jesus is Lord.
· In nonessentials, liberty. You're going to have to answer before God at the judgment seat of Christ.
· but in all things charity. We are to love one another.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful if everybody in the church were walking so carefully we didn't want to do anything that would cause anybody else to stumble? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if no man or woman would wrap his sanctimonious robes about him and start to judge somebody else about the way they worked, the way they sing, the way they preached, the way they speak, but we just all began to praise God and love one another? Don't you want to be a member of a church like that? Then you be that kind of a man or woman and we'll have that kind of a church.
Father me not to judge others with a judgment that I would not have passed on me. Help me to forgive others as yo have forgiven me. May I do my part to be a person of peace and building up, not tearing down the work of God.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Romans 14
"Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.”
Romans 14 is a pretty tough chapter for those who make it a hobby to judge brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope you will take time to read the entire chapter in a version you can understand. In verse 4, Paul asks, “Who are you to judge the servant of another?” (We are each God’s servant if we are believers.) “To his own master (Jesus) he stands or falls.”
Paul talked about some who were weak in the faith and some who were strong in the faith. Some of the weaker brothers were judging the stronger brothers. And there were some stronger brothers who were despising weaker brothers.
The weaker brothers walked very straight and very narrow and there were some things they just absolutely would not do, say, touch, etc. They said, "That's wrong and we're not going to participate in it."
You say, "That sounds like a stronger brother." He was really the weaker brother. There were some stronger brothers who knew that these things were not really wrong in and of themselves and so they did them.
The weaker brother would judge the stronger brother and say, "He ought not to be living that way." And the stronger brother would despise the weaker brother and say, "He ought not to be so narrow minded." There was a division.
This was compounded in that the weaker brother thought he was the stronger brother. It was a very confusing issue. It is still around today on issues such as worship styles, political involvement, dress codes and many other issues.
St. Augustine, an ancient Christian talked about how we are to react to one another. He said, "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love."
Paul wrote in Romans 14:19-20 (NASB95) “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God. . . . “
Too often today I hear those who call themselves believers tearing down the work of God rather than making peace and building up one another. I am concerned that so many are majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors. They make mountains of molehills and molehills of mountains. Too many struggle with knowing what is "essential" and what is "nonessential." Most of all, the spirit of their words is quite often vitriolic rather than charity.
Let me build on Augustine’s statement:
· in essentials, unity. Jesus is Lord.
· In nonessentials, liberty. You're going to have to answer before God at the judgment seat of Christ.
· but in all things charity. We are to love one another.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful if everybody in the church were walking so carefully we didn't want to do anything that would cause anybody else to stumble? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if no man or woman would wrap his sanctimonious robes about him and start to judge somebody else about the way they worked, the way they sing, the way they preached, the way they speak, but we just all began to praise God and love one another? Don't you want to be a member of a church like that? Then you be that kind of a man or woman and we'll have that kind of a church.
Father me not to judge others with a judgment that I would not have passed on me. Help me to forgive others as yo have forgiven me. May I do my part to be a person of peace and building up, not tearing down the work of God.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Holiness
Holiness, holiness is what I long for
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” (ISA.6:3, NASB)
We talk about our desire to be “holy.” What do we mean when we say that? Generally we are remembering that the Bible tells us “You shall be holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Second Peter 3:11 asks the question, “. . . what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?”
There are those who see holiness as things they do or do not do. To an extent that is true; but in a greater sense it is not WHAT you do and do not do, it is WHO YOU ARE--it is your being. We spoke of how holiness is the ESSENCE of God. It is who He is. It is to be who we are as well.
Holiness extends from beyond what we do, to who we are. In the same way that you cannot know the holiness of God by the things that He does, but only by personally knowing Who He is, so your holiness is not determined by what you do—but who you are—why you do them.
Some people spend a lifetime trying to do things that make them holy instead of being holy in essence. It is having the heart of David. It is doing what we do with the right motive. It is dying to self and allowing Christ to live through us.
Some of these who walk around “holier than thou” are actually least holy, because they fail to realize that holiness is not something you do, it is who you are. God is Holy and says to us, “you shall be holy for I am holy.”
Father God, make me holy as you. Give me the mind and heart of Christ. Give me the mercy, the love of truth, forgiveness that you exhibited to me, may I show to others. May my heart be holy; for only then will my actions which flow from my heart be holy.
In Jesus name, AMEN!
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” (ISA.6:3, NASB)
We talk about our desire to be “holy.” What do we mean when we say that? Generally we are remembering that the Bible tells us “You shall be holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Second Peter 3:11 asks the question, “. . . what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?”
There are those who see holiness as things they do or do not do. To an extent that is true; but in a greater sense it is not WHAT you do and do not do, it is WHO YOU ARE--it is your being. We spoke of how holiness is the ESSENCE of God. It is who He is. It is to be who we are as well.
Holiness extends from beyond what we do, to who we are. In the same way that you cannot know the holiness of God by the things that He does, but only by personally knowing Who He is, so your holiness is not determined by what you do—but who you are—why you do them.
Some people spend a lifetime trying to do things that make them holy instead of being holy in essence. It is having the heart of David. It is doing what we do with the right motive. It is dying to self and allowing Christ to live through us.
Some of these who walk around “holier than thou” are actually least holy, because they fail to realize that holiness is not something you do, it is who you are. God is Holy and says to us, “you shall be holy for I am holy.”
Father God, make me holy as you. Give me the mind and heart of Christ. Give me the mercy, the love of truth, forgiveness that you exhibited to me, may I show to others. May my heart be holy; for only then will my actions which flow from my heart be holy.
In Jesus name, AMEN!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Attributes/Essence of God
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” (ISA.6:3, NASB)
Recently I blogged about the difference in knowing God and knowing about God. There is a huge difference. Knowing about God only looks at what God does and gives no consideration as to who God is. It is important because my view of God determines my relationship to God.
There are those who say that God’s chief attribute is holiness. I propose that holiness is not just something God has—it is something that God is. I hesitate to speak of the attributes of God, because the words are all inadequate descriptions of His character. It is not possible to describe an infinite God with finite words.
His holiness encompasses all of the other words that you may use to describe Him. The word for “holy” means separate, or different. God is different from all else. His love, mercy, goodness, compassion, grace, etc. are all encompassed by His holiness. So are the attributes of anger, wrath, and justice. They are not separate pieces of the pie, but all a part of the essence of who He is. They are different ways that we experience Who God is.
We have a tendency to classify God’s attributes according to our favor. We would much rather experience God’s compassion and mercy, than his justice and wrath. (I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want what I deserve. I want mercy!)
You cannot play one characteristic of God against another. His wrath, anger, compassion and mercy are all from the same essence—His holiness. We try to separate out his characteristics and talk about His love on one hand, and his wrath on the other. In actuality, God’s wrath is an exhibition of His love.
Does this sound confusing? How can I be sure to experience His mercy and grace, rather than His justice and wrath? There is only one way. John 5:24 tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”[1]
May you experience God’s Holiness in His mercy and grace.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995
Recently I blogged about the difference in knowing God and knowing about God. There is a huge difference. Knowing about God only looks at what God does and gives no consideration as to who God is. It is important because my view of God determines my relationship to God.
There are those who say that God’s chief attribute is holiness. I propose that holiness is not just something God has—it is something that God is. I hesitate to speak of the attributes of God, because the words are all inadequate descriptions of His character. It is not possible to describe an infinite God with finite words.
His holiness encompasses all of the other words that you may use to describe Him. The word for “holy” means separate, or different. God is different from all else. His love, mercy, goodness, compassion, grace, etc. are all encompassed by His holiness. So are the attributes of anger, wrath, and justice. They are not separate pieces of the pie, but all a part of the essence of who He is. They are different ways that we experience Who God is.
We have a tendency to classify God’s attributes according to our favor. We would much rather experience God’s compassion and mercy, than his justice and wrath. (I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want what I deserve. I want mercy!)
You cannot play one characteristic of God against another. His wrath, anger, compassion and mercy are all from the same essence—His holiness. We try to separate out his characteristics and talk about His love on one hand, and his wrath on the other. In actuality, God’s wrath is an exhibition of His love.
Does this sound confusing? How can I be sure to experience His mercy and grace, rather than His justice and wrath? There is only one way. John 5:24 tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”[1]
May you experience God’s Holiness in His mercy and grace.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
091209
Why am I here?
Psalm 8 (NASB95)1 For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! 2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease. 3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; 4 What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! 6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth![1]
There is one question that every person on this earth must answer or their life is going to be totally wasted and squandered and their potential will never be reached. The question is—Why am I here? What do I bring to the table of life? What is my role on earth?
My son and I have recently been talking about what he feels God wants him to do with his life. Since High School, he has been searching, and doesn’t have much direction. Right now he is considering the military—at least until he perceives the direction he should go.
Most people are not living out their passion? According to a survey conducted by Harris interactive, only 45% of American workers say they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their jobs and only 20% feel passionate about their jobs.
Life is too short being miserable and doing what you don’t want to do. Until you understand that you are a creation of God put on this planet to play a special God-given role you will wander through the hallway of life aimlessly never finding the right door to the real meaning of your life. God has made you special. Live out your passion and go for your dream.
Father God,
I pray for those young adults who are searching for direction and what you want them to do in their lives. May they be open to your leadership and godly counsel.
In Jesus name, Amen.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995
Psalm 8 (NASB95)1 For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! 2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease. 3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; 4 What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! 6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth![1]
There is one question that every person on this earth must answer or their life is going to be totally wasted and squandered and their potential will never be reached. The question is—Why am I here? What do I bring to the table of life? What is my role on earth?
My son and I have recently been talking about what he feels God wants him to do with his life. Since High School, he has been searching, and doesn’t have much direction. Right now he is considering the military—at least until he perceives the direction he should go.
Most people are not living out their passion? According to a survey conducted by Harris interactive, only 45% of American workers say they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their jobs and only 20% feel passionate about their jobs.
Life is too short being miserable and doing what you don’t want to do. Until you understand that you are a creation of God put on this planet to play a special God-given role you will wander through the hallway of life aimlessly never finding the right door to the real meaning of your life. God has made you special. Live out your passion and go for your dream.
Father God,
I pray for those young adults who are searching for direction and what you want them to do in their lives. May they be open to your leadership and godly counsel.
In Jesus name, Amen.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995
091109
Finish Well
When Paul looked back on his life, though certainly it had not been perfect, yet he could still say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) If Paul had a tombstone this would undoubtedly have been the epitaph. What a testimony! What a witness! What a statement! To look back on your life and to say there was no remorse, no regret, and no retreat.
For all of his Christian life Paul had been in a state of war. He faced three foes: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. It was literally a fight to the finish. No quarter was asked and none was given. Paul had been a good soldier, and he had the battle scars to prove it.
I thought of a hymn we sang as a young boy:
Should I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage Lord!
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by thy word.
God has given each one of us our own race, our own course, our own track. God is not concerned with how fast you run, but how far you run. It's not how you start the race, it's how you finish the race that counts with God.
FATHER GOD,
I pray that I will run the race faithfully and finish well.
In Jesus name AMEN.
When Paul looked back on his life, though certainly it had not been perfect, yet he could still say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) If Paul had a tombstone this would undoubtedly have been the epitaph. What a testimony! What a witness! What a statement! To look back on your life and to say there was no remorse, no regret, and no retreat.
For all of his Christian life Paul had been in a state of war. He faced three foes: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. It was literally a fight to the finish. No quarter was asked and none was given. Paul had been a good soldier, and he had the battle scars to prove it.
I thought of a hymn we sang as a young boy:
Should I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage Lord!
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by thy word.
God has given each one of us our own race, our own course, our own track. God is not concerned with how fast you run, but how far you run. It's not how you start the race, it's how you finish the race that counts with God.
FATHER GOD,
I pray that I will run the race faithfully and finish well.
In Jesus name AMEN.
091009
After my post titled “A Good Name,” I was challenged by someone who said they didn’t ever lie. I was overwhelmed when I began to look for the passages that talked about deception and lying. There is no way I could cover it all in a few blogs.
To begin with my mind went to 1 John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” We not only lie to others, but we lie to ourselves. Instead of calling it a “lie,” we explain ourselves, or we rationalize. 1 John 1:10 says, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” This was written to those who called themselves believers! All is not lost, 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
You can lie by more than words:
· There is slander
· There is tale-bearing
· There is whispering
· There is insulation
· There is flattery
· You can lie by asking a question….
· You can lie by condoning
Basically, if you tell me you NEVER sin, I would say, You are lying. Because everybody has lied, does that make it right? No. Thankfully, Christ will enter with us and help us mature and become more as we should be. 1 John 2:1 says, “My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin, BUT if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
He could kick you out. He could lower the standard. But He does neither. He enters into the situation with you and takes you by the hand helps you become all He wants you to be. As we walk with Him, we grow to hate sin more and more and when we see it in our lives, it troubles us so we do sin, less and less, but NO SIN…. Not until we get to heaven.
Father God,
Thank you for taking me by the hand and leading me through life to become all that you desire me to be.
In Jesus Name, AMEN.
To begin with my mind went to 1 John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” We not only lie to others, but we lie to ourselves. Instead of calling it a “lie,” we explain ourselves, or we rationalize. 1 John 1:10 says, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” This was written to those who called themselves believers! All is not lost, 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
You can lie by more than words:
· There is slander
· There is tale-bearing
· There is whispering
· There is insulation
· There is flattery
· You can lie by asking a question….
· You can lie by condoning
Basically, if you tell me you NEVER sin, I would say, You are lying. Because everybody has lied, does that make it right? No. Thankfully, Christ will enter with us and help us mature and become more as we should be. 1 John 2:1 says, “My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin, BUT if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
He could kick you out. He could lower the standard. But He does neither. He enters into the situation with you and takes you by the hand helps you become all He wants you to be. As we walk with Him, we grow to hate sin more and more and when we see it in our lives, it troubles us so we do sin, less and less, but NO SIN…. Not until we get to heaven.
Father God,
Thank you for taking me by the hand and leading me through life to become all that you desire me to be.
In Jesus Name, AMEN.
090909
Never Again the Same
Well, Mr. “GB” and his sweet wife are expecting to deliver their first child today. The surprise (as far as the gender of the child) has already been taken away. Now just the many surprises of parenting a child. As much as you anticipate the emotions and overwhelming love, you cannot begin to imagine what it is really like until you hold that baby and look into the innocent eyes and feel the little had wrapped around your index finger. You think, this is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. WOW! The experience of laying that baby on your chest and the two of you napping together. (I am looking at a picture of me napping on the couch with one of my children sleeping peaceably on my chest).
Remember the thought? This little baby is totally dependent upon us. If he eats, drinks, has shelter, clothing . . . if he has love, it will be because we have chosen to provide them to this precious child.
Now I understand Jesus words, “unless you become as a little baby. . . “ All that I am, have, or possess is because God has chosen to provide. I am totally dependent upon HIM. . . for physical nourishment, each heartbeat, each breath, each thought. He has given me the ability to earn a living. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from Him.
Father God,
May I always remember you are my Provider. But while I understand my faith and dependence must be childlike, help me to grow in my understanding and stewardship of the blessings you have given.
I pray for my dear friends, that you will give them wisdom as parents to be all that You can make them to be---the best parents. I pray that this young child will grow to love and honor you with his life.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
Well, Mr. “GB” and his sweet wife are expecting to deliver their first child today. The surprise (as far as the gender of the child) has already been taken away. Now just the many surprises of parenting a child. As much as you anticipate the emotions and overwhelming love, you cannot begin to imagine what it is really like until you hold that baby and look into the innocent eyes and feel the little had wrapped around your index finger. You think, this is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. WOW! The experience of laying that baby on your chest and the two of you napping together. (I am looking at a picture of me napping on the couch with one of my children sleeping peaceably on my chest).
Remember the thought? This little baby is totally dependent upon us. If he eats, drinks, has shelter, clothing . . . if he has love, it will be because we have chosen to provide them to this precious child.
Now I understand Jesus words, “unless you become as a little baby. . . “ All that I am, have, or possess is because God has chosen to provide. I am totally dependent upon HIM. . . for physical nourishment, each heartbeat, each breath, each thought. He has given me the ability to earn a living. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from Him.
Father God,
May I always remember you are my Provider. But while I understand my faith and dependence must be childlike, help me to grow in my understanding and stewardship of the blessings you have given.
I pray for my dear friends, that you will give them wisdom as parents to be all that You can make them to be---the best parents. I pray that this young child will grow to love and honor you with his life.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
090809
A Great Question
Genesis 18:14 (NKJV)14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”[1]
Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?[2]
This question was not asked of God, about God, or to God. God asks that question-- twice. It is a rhetorical question. The answer is understood. Of course nothing is too hard for God.
God is omniscient—there is nothing He cannot know.
God is omnipresent—there is no place where He does not exist.
God is omnipotent—there is nothing He cannot do.
That means, there is no promise God cannot keep. In Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) we read, 19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?[3]
There is no prayer God cannot answer. Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) 3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’[4] John 14:13 (NKJV) 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.[5]
There is no problem that God cannot solve. Jeremiah 32:19 (NKJV) 19 You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.[6]
That is why we can trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? No there is not. If you will trust and obey, you will find that God “. . . is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. . .” [7] Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)
Father God,
May my trust and obedience increase every day.In Jesus name, AMEN.
[1] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[2] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[3] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[4] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[5] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[6] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[7] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
Genesis 18:14 (NKJV)14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”[1]
Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?[2]
This question was not asked of God, about God, or to God. God asks that question-- twice. It is a rhetorical question. The answer is understood. Of course nothing is too hard for God.
God is omniscient—there is nothing He cannot know.
God is omnipresent—there is no place where He does not exist.
God is omnipotent—there is nothing He cannot do.
That means, there is no promise God cannot keep. In Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) we read, 19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?[3]
There is no prayer God cannot answer. Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) 3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’[4] John 14:13 (NKJV) 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.[5]
There is no problem that God cannot solve. Jeremiah 32:19 (NKJV) 19 You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.[6]
That is why we can trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? No there is not. If you will trust and obey, you will find that God “. . . is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. . .” [7] Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)
Father God,
May my trust and obedience increase every day.In Jesus name, AMEN.
[1] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[2] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[3] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[4] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[5] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[6] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
[7] The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982
090709
A Good Name
Proverbs 22:1 (NASB95)1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth. . .[1]
It is a terrible sin for a person to tell a lie on another individual—to say something that does damage to the reputation of another person. The Bible has much to say on this subject of lying.
In Proverbs 6:16, we are told that there are “six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven. . .” Among those seven are a lying tongue and a false witness that speaks lies.
In Proverbs 12:22, we read, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord…”
In Proverbs 18:21, we find, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . .”
God hates lying. In spite of that fact, it seems to be the “m o” of our society: Some lie to sell their product. Some politicians lie to get votes. Some papers write half-truths (whole lies) to sell papers. It seems to be the common activity and communication in our day and many people accept it as the norm.
The greatest tragedy occurs when individuals lie and deceive in the name of the Lord. The greatest hurt I have experienced personally, and the greatest damage I have seen done to the local church has been caused by lies and deception. We call that gossip. Let me remind you that those who gossip to you will gossip about you. Yet people seem to enjoy “juicy gossip.” The worst form of gossip is this “spiritual gossip.” It often begins like this, “I don’t want to say anything that will hurt, but I want to give you something to pray about.” We attach spiritual terminology to it.
Let me give you three ways to defeat lying:
1. We must love the truth. When David confessed his sin before God, he said, “You desire truth in the inward parts.”(Ps. 51:6)
2. We must learn the truth. When we study God’s Word, we acquaint ourselves with truth. (Eph. 4:21; Phil 4:8)
3. WE must live the truth. “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth…”
Commit yourself to be a truthful person. As you grow in your Christian life, every time you tell something that is not the truth the Holy Spirit will convict you and you immediately confess it to the Lord.
Father God,
Help me to be a person of truth and not deception in all I say and do.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995
Proverbs 22:1 (NASB95)1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth. . .[1]
It is a terrible sin for a person to tell a lie on another individual—to say something that does damage to the reputation of another person. The Bible has much to say on this subject of lying.
In Proverbs 6:16, we are told that there are “six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven. . .” Among those seven are a lying tongue and a false witness that speaks lies.
In Proverbs 12:22, we read, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord…”
In Proverbs 18:21, we find, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . .”
God hates lying. In spite of that fact, it seems to be the “m o” of our society: Some lie to sell their product. Some politicians lie to get votes. Some papers write half-truths (whole lies) to sell papers. It seems to be the common activity and communication in our day and many people accept it as the norm.
The greatest tragedy occurs when individuals lie and deceive in the name of the Lord. The greatest hurt I have experienced personally, and the greatest damage I have seen done to the local church has been caused by lies and deception. We call that gossip. Let me remind you that those who gossip to you will gossip about you. Yet people seem to enjoy “juicy gossip.” The worst form of gossip is this “spiritual gossip.” It often begins like this, “I don’t want to say anything that will hurt, but I want to give you something to pray about.” We attach spiritual terminology to it.
Let me give you three ways to defeat lying:
1. We must love the truth. When David confessed his sin before God, he said, “You desire truth in the inward parts.”(Ps. 51:6)
2. We must learn the truth. When we study God’s Word, we acquaint ourselves with truth. (Eph. 4:21; Phil 4:8)
3. WE must live the truth. “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth…”
Commit yourself to be a truthful person. As you grow in your Christian life, every time you tell something that is not the truth the Holy Spirit will convict you and you immediately confess it to the Lord.
Father God,
Help me to be a person of truth and not deception in all I say and do.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995
090509
Still Stuck on Knowing God’s Ways
Hebrews 3:7-10 (NKJV)7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’[1]
For forty years the children of Israel saw the works of God, all kinds of miracles, but verse 10 says they “have not known My ways.” They saw God’s Works! Why did they mess up? Why was God grieved with them? They didn’t know His ways!
If you see God’s works and you don’t know God’s ways, you are going to be confused because God’s works don’t always make sense. If you just see the works of God and don’t know His ways, you will be pushing the panic button half the time.
A saying became popular a few years back, “when you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart.” Listen to who God is, do not simply watch what God does.
He works in all things for His glory. The only reason you and I exist is to glorify Him.
Father in Heaven,
In my life, be glorified today. May I trust your heart when I don’t understand your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.
[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Hebrews 3:7-10 (NKJV)7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’[1]
For forty years the children of Israel saw the works of God, all kinds of miracles, but verse 10 says they “have not known My ways.” They saw God’s Works! Why did they mess up? Why was God grieved with them? They didn’t know His ways!
If you see God’s works and you don’t know God’s ways, you are going to be confused because God’s works don’t always make sense. If you just see the works of God and don’t know His ways, you will be pushing the panic button half the time.
A saying became popular a few years back, “when you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart.” Listen to who God is, do not simply watch what God does.
He works in all things for His glory. The only reason you and I exist is to glorify Him.
Father in Heaven,
In my life, be glorified today. May I trust your heart when I don’t understand your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.
[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
090409
Thoughts on the Emergent Church
There is a great rebellion against the institutional church today. I understand the frustration with many, but my fear is that they are throwing out the baby with the bath water. In a desire for reform, they are compromising essentials. There are at least four areas of concern for me in the “families, fellowships, etc” being formed in protest to the traditional church:
1) They have gone from authority to relativism. There is no fixed standard of right and wrong. A man simply becomes his own sense of right and wrong, choosing what Scripture he will accept, and what he will dismiss. There must be a fixed standard, and that standard must be the Word of God. But, we have gone from authority to relativism and every man does that which is right in his own eyes. We just pick and choose our standards (including morals) like a cafeteria line. Many of those involved in the exodus from traditional churches are rebelling against authority. The Bible, however, is very clear on teaching authority form the basic family unit, to the church, to the government. It teaches subjection to authority, but many refuse to submit to any authority, including the Word of God. The Bible should be the final authority in all things—not a vision or a dream or the thoughts of some leader.
2) They have moved from truth to pragmatism. They do not ask, “is it true?” They simply ask, “does it work?” Because people are looking for religion to serve them, there is an effort to market the church rather than challenge with a counter-culture lifestyle. Christianity has become man centered rather than God centered. They are looking for a Christianity that makes them feel good, not a Christianity which challenges them in every area life including commitment and accountability. God does not desire to make us happy or healthy; He desires to make us holy.
3) They have moved from reason to feeling. Psychology has replaced theology. Sin is no longer the enemy, sadness is. The enemy is not sin, but guilt. We want a no fault society. The goal is for congregants to feel good about themselves. I had a young deacon tell me one time that folks did not need to leave church feeling guilty, but to feel good about themselves. The Scripture teaches that the Bible is a two-edged sword. It cuts both ways: It comforts the afflicted, but it also afflicts the comforted.
4) They have gone from convictions to opinions. Today you hear more and more, “I feel this….” Or “What is truth for you may not be truth for me.” What has happened to “The Bible says. . . “ While there is rebellion against dogma, there is much dogma in Scripture. There is absolute truth which cannot be altered. For instance, “it is appointed unto man once to die.” While there is room for interpretation on certain passages, some things are crystal clear and need to be convictions. Such is the statement of Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, NO MAN comes to the Father but by me.” To say that sincerity of faith is sufficient for salvation is a bald face lie in light of what Jesus says. You can be sincere but wrong. A person who stands for nothing will fall for anything. You better know what you believe and why you believe it.
I too, believe there needs to be reform in the church. I think there needs to be greater commitment to obedience. I think there needs to be a greater loyalty to Christ and His church. We must remember that Christ died for the church. And an honest scholar knows that most references to the church in the N.T. are to a local body. The Pauline letters were written to local churches. Those who tear down the church without having made sincere effort to pray, rebuild, etc. will be accountable. You talk about my wife and you have a fight on your hands. You attack the church and you are attacking the bride of Christ. Quite frankly, most have become sidetracked with minor issues so that there is no emphasis on brining people to Jesus.
Quite honestly, the Great Commission Resurgence is not that difficult a thing. It is simply a matter of obedience. We as a convention, church, individual will not violate God’s law of the harvest. We will reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow. If we want a larger crop, we need to sow more seed. The difficulty is the motivation of the believer to share his faith. That requires that we Pray that the Lord of the harvest will seen laborers …
Heavenly Father
May I be an obedient child living in obedience to the authority of your word, accountable to those whom you have placed over me. May my life be one of truth, not expediency and pragmatism. My we never do anything just because “it works,” but because you have directed in your word. May I never base my life on how I feel or what I think, but upon your Word. May the convictions of your word be seen by the way I live, and the way I lead.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
There is a great rebellion against the institutional church today. I understand the frustration with many, but my fear is that they are throwing out the baby with the bath water. In a desire for reform, they are compromising essentials. There are at least four areas of concern for me in the “families, fellowships, etc” being formed in protest to the traditional church:
1) They have gone from authority to relativism. There is no fixed standard of right and wrong. A man simply becomes his own sense of right and wrong, choosing what Scripture he will accept, and what he will dismiss. There must be a fixed standard, and that standard must be the Word of God. But, we have gone from authority to relativism and every man does that which is right in his own eyes. We just pick and choose our standards (including morals) like a cafeteria line. Many of those involved in the exodus from traditional churches are rebelling against authority. The Bible, however, is very clear on teaching authority form the basic family unit, to the church, to the government. It teaches subjection to authority, but many refuse to submit to any authority, including the Word of God. The Bible should be the final authority in all things—not a vision or a dream or the thoughts of some leader.
2) They have moved from truth to pragmatism. They do not ask, “is it true?” They simply ask, “does it work?” Because people are looking for religion to serve them, there is an effort to market the church rather than challenge with a counter-culture lifestyle. Christianity has become man centered rather than God centered. They are looking for a Christianity that makes them feel good, not a Christianity which challenges them in every area life including commitment and accountability. God does not desire to make us happy or healthy; He desires to make us holy.
3) They have moved from reason to feeling. Psychology has replaced theology. Sin is no longer the enemy, sadness is. The enemy is not sin, but guilt. We want a no fault society. The goal is for congregants to feel good about themselves. I had a young deacon tell me one time that folks did not need to leave church feeling guilty, but to feel good about themselves. The Scripture teaches that the Bible is a two-edged sword. It cuts both ways: It comforts the afflicted, but it also afflicts the comforted.
4) They have gone from convictions to opinions. Today you hear more and more, “I feel this….” Or “What is truth for you may not be truth for me.” What has happened to “The Bible says. . . “ While there is rebellion against dogma, there is much dogma in Scripture. There is absolute truth which cannot be altered. For instance, “it is appointed unto man once to die.” While there is room for interpretation on certain passages, some things are crystal clear and need to be convictions. Such is the statement of Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, NO MAN comes to the Father but by me.” To say that sincerity of faith is sufficient for salvation is a bald face lie in light of what Jesus says. You can be sincere but wrong. A person who stands for nothing will fall for anything. You better know what you believe and why you believe it.
I too, believe there needs to be reform in the church. I think there needs to be greater commitment to obedience. I think there needs to be a greater loyalty to Christ and His church. We must remember that Christ died for the church. And an honest scholar knows that most references to the church in the N.T. are to a local body. The Pauline letters were written to local churches. Those who tear down the church without having made sincere effort to pray, rebuild, etc. will be accountable. You talk about my wife and you have a fight on your hands. You attack the church and you are attacking the bride of Christ. Quite frankly, most have become sidetracked with minor issues so that there is no emphasis on brining people to Jesus.
Quite honestly, the Great Commission Resurgence is not that difficult a thing. It is simply a matter of obedience. We as a convention, church, individual will not violate God’s law of the harvest. We will reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow. If we want a larger crop, we need to sow more seed. The difficulty is the motivation of the believer to share his faith. That requires that we Pray that the Lord of the harvest will seen laborers …
Heavenly Father
May I be an obedient child living in obedience to the authority of your word, accountable to those whom you have placed over me. May my life be one of truth, not expediency and pragmatism. My we never do anything just because “it works,” but because you have directed in your word. May I never base my life on how I feel or what I think, but upon your Word. May the convictions of your word be seen by the way I live, and the way I lead.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
090309
Why Do I Follow Jesus?
In John 2, we read the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding. Jesus took six jars full of water (about 120 gallons of water) and turned it into pure sparkling wine. The Bible says that when He did that, He manifested His glory (v. 11). They saw the glory of God. They saw a great miracle. We are told that many believed on Him when they saw the miracle that He did (John 2:23).
Then the in the same chapter, John 2, verse 24 we read, “But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.”
They liked the Man who could turn water into wine. They wanted to join up as a follower. But Jesus knew they were only miracle mongers. Jesus knew they only followed Him because He had worked miracles. He knew that down in their heart, they did not know, love, or respect Him for who He was. They only saw His acts; they did not know His heart and ways.
In John chapter 9, you find the story of the man who was born blind and Jesus healed him. The Pharisees were angry because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. They interrogated the man and said, “Tell us, who healed you? What were His credentials?” They could not deny that his eyes had been opened, so they said, “Was He a sinner or not a sinner?”
Look at his response. He said in verse 25, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” That is fine. That is a good testimony, as far as it goes, because that is all he knew. He didn’t know whether Jesus Christ was a sinner of not a sinner. All he knew was that He opened his eyes. But, would that have been a good testimony a month or two later, or three or four years later to say, ‘whether He is a sinner, I do not know?”
If all you see is the works of God, that might make you a testifier, but it will never make you a teacher. You have to know the ways of God to be a teacher. All this man knew was the works of God, “I was blind, now I see, whether He is a sinner, I do not know.”
My point? There are all kinds of people who know the works of God, but they do not understand the ways of God. They see what God does, but they do not know who God is. They don’t understand the heart of God.
You have to live with a person to know their ways. To know the ways of God is a personal relationship.
God knows your heart. Why do you follow Him? Do you desire to know His heart and His ways? It is only then that you begin to understand the why. It is because He is a loving God who desires to reconcile you to Himself. He has reached out to you through Jesus Christ.
Father God,
The desire of my heart is that I may know You, not just your ways. May I know your heart, understanding that your commands are for our good and Your glory. May I walk in a way that reflects Your heart, and your love.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
In John 2, we read the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding. Jesus took six jars full of water (about 120 gallons of water) and turned it into pure sparkling wine. The Bible says that when He did that, He manifested His glory (v. 11). They saw the glory of God. They saw a great miracle. We are told that many believed on Him when they saw the miracle that He did (John 2:23).
Then the in the same chapter, John 2, verse 24 we read, “But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.”
They liked the Man who could turn water into wine. They wanted to join up as a follower. But Jesus knew they were only miracle mongers. Jesus knew they only followed Him because He had worked miracles. He knew that down in their heart, they did not know, love, or respect Him for who He was. They only saw His acts; they did not know His heart and ways.
In John chapter 9, you find the story of the man who was born blind and Jesus healed him. The Pharisees were angry because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. They interrogated the man and said, “Tell us, who healed you? What were His credentials?” They could not deny that his eyes had been opened, so they said, “Was He a sinner or not a sinner?”
Look at his response. He said in verse 25, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” That is fine. That is a good testimony, as far as it goes, because that is all he knew. He didn’t know whether Jesus Christ was a sinner of not a sinner. All he knew was that He opened his eyes. But, would that have been a good testimony a month or two later, or three or four years later to say, ‘whether He is a sinner, I do not know?”
If all you see is the works of God, that might make you a testifier, but it will never make you a teacher. You have to know the ways of God to be a teacher. All this man knew was the works of God, “I was blind, now I see, whether He is a sinner, I do not know.”
My point? There are all kinds of people who know the works of God, but they do not understand the ways of God. They see what God does, but they do not know who God is. They don’t understand the heart of God.
You have to live with a person to know their ways. To know the ways of God is a personal relationship.
God knows your heart. Why do you follow Him? Do you desire to know His heart and His ways? It is only then that you begin to understand the why. It is because He is a loving God who desires to reconcile you to Himself. He has reached out to you through Jesus Christ.
Father God,
The desire of my heart is that I may know You, not just your ways. May I know your heart, understanding that your commands are for our good and Your glory. May I walk in a way that reflects Your heart, and your love.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
090209
Knowing God
Exodus 33:12-15 (NASB95)12 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people!’ But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, ‘I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’ 13 “Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people.” 14 And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.[1]
It is important, not that you know ABOUT God, but that you KNOW God. You may know about Abraham Lincoln, but you don’t know Abraham Lincoln—he is dead and gone. The question is not, do you know ABOUT the God of the Bible, or even the God who exists now, but DO YOU KNOW HIM?
To know Him is to love Him and to love Him is to trust Him, and to trust Him is to obey Him, and to obey Him is to be blessed. We need to be blessed and therefore we need to know God intimately. Is God a living reality to you?
Moses entreated of God, “let me know Your ways that I may know You…” The difference between knowing the ways of God and the acts of God will make a difference in your heart and life. You see so many people know simply the acts of God. They see what God does, but they don’t know the ways of God—they don’t know who God is. If all you see are the acts of God and you don’t know the ways of God, you are to be pitied.
We must remember the entire purpose of the Bible, the entire purpose of God sending His son is to reconcile a lost man to a loving God. He is holy, just and righteous, but the motive of ALL is a right relationship with His crowning creation. He Loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die in your place.
Bible study will give you knowledge ABOUT God. It is not until you obey that you begin to know God.
Father God, I pray that you I will not be content until I know You intimately—until I know your heart. I pray I will not go anywhere You do not lead. May Your presence go with me as You did with Moses, and may You give my inner spirit the peace and rest of knowing I am in Your will.
In Jesus Name. Amen
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Exodus 33:12-15 (NASB95)12 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people!’ But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, ‘I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’ 13 “Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people.” 14 And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.[1]
It is important, not that you know ABOUT God, but that you KNOW God. You may know about Abraham Lincoln, but you don’t know Abraham Lincoln—he is dead and gone. The question is not, do you know ABOUT the God of the Bible, or even the God who exists now, but DO YOU KNOW HIM?
To know Him is to love Him and to love Him is to trust Him, and to trust Him is to obey Him, and to obey Him is to be blessed. We need to be blessed and therefore we need to know God intimately. Is God a living reality to you?
Moses entreated of God, “let me know Your ways that I may know You…” The difference between knowing the ways of God and the acts of God will make a difference in your heart and life. You see so many people know simply the acts of God. They see what God does, but they don’t know the ways of God—they don’t know who God is. If all you see are the acts of God and you don’t know the ways of God, you are to be pitied.
We must remember the entire purpose of the Bible, the entire purpose of God sending His son is to reconcile a lost man to a loving God. He is holy, just and righteous, but the motive of ALL is a right relationship with His crowning creation. He Loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die in your place.
Bible study will give you knowledge ABOUT God. It is not until you obey that you begin to know God.
Father God, I pray that you I will not be content until I know You intimately—until I know your heart. I pray I will not go anywhere You do not lead. May Your presence go with me as You did with Moses, and may You give my inner spirit the peace and rest of knowing I am in Your will.
In Jesus Name. Amen
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
090109
September 1, 2009, FRIEND
Proverbs 18:24b “… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
John 15:13-15 (NASB95) 13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends. . .[1]
Come to Jesus as a personal friend. For years I have made this a rule. Christ is more near, as personally present to me as any other person living; and when I have any troubles, trials and afflictions, I go to Him with them. When I want counsel I go to Him, just as if I could talk face to face with Him.
As a seven year old boy, God met me and took me to His bosom, and I would sooner give up my life than give up Christ, or that I should leave Him, or that He should leave me, and that I should have no one to bear my burdens, or tell about my sorrows. He is the only true confidant. He is worth more than all the world beside.
I know that He will have the same compassion on you as He had on me. When I laid my burden on Him, then He revealed Himself to me, and I have ever since found Him a true and sympathizing friend, just the friend you need. Go straight to Him! You do not need to go to this man or this church. He said, “I am the way, the Truth and the Life.”
Father God,
I praise you and worship you at the beginning of this new day. Thank you for giving your Son as your gift of love to me. Thank you for bearing the burdens of life that are too great to bear alone. Thank you Jesus, for being a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
May I be a representative of your love and grace this day, for I know that I am truly saved by Grace through faith, and not any works that I have done or might do.
In Jesus name, Amen.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Proverbs 18:24b “… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
John 15:13-15 (NASB95) 13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends. . .[1]
Come to Jesus as a personal friend. For years I have made this a rule. Christ is more near, as personally present to me as any other person living; and when I have any troubles, trials and afflictions, I go to Him with them. When I want counsel I go to Him, just as if I could talk face to face with Him.
As a seven year old boy, God met me and took me to His bosom, and I would sooner give up my life than give up Christ, or that I should leave Him, or that He should leave me, and that I should have no one to bear my burdens, or tell about my sorrows. He is the only true confidant. He is worth more than all the world beside.
I know that He will have the same compassion on you as He had on me. When I laid my burden on Him, then He revealed Himself to me, and I have ever since found Him a true and sympathizing friend, just the friend you need. Go straight to Him! You do not need to go to this man or this church. He said, “I am the way, the Truth and the Life.”
Father God,
I praise you and worship you at the beginning of this new day. Thank you for giving your Son as your gift of love to me. Thank you for bearing the burdens of life that are too great to bear alone. Thank you Jesus, for being a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
May I be a representative of your love and grace this day, for I know that I am truly saved by Grace through faith, and not any works that I have done or might do.
In Jesus name, Amen.
[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
083109
Compassion
Matthew 14:14, “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.”
It is often recorded in Scripture that Jesus was moved by compassion. We are told in this verse that after the disciples of John had come to Him and told Him that their master (John) had been beheaded--that he had been put to a cruel death, He (Jesus) went out into a desert place, and the multitude followed Him, and that when He saw the multitude He had COMPASSION on them, and healed their sick.
Each week as I look out across the congregation, I think that if Jesus were here today, standing in my place, His heart would be moved as He looked into their faces, because He could also look into their hearts and read the burdens and troubles and sorrows they have to bear. They are hidden from my eye, but He knows all about them. When the multitude gathered around Him, He knew how many weary broken and aching hearts there were there.
He is not only present every time we gather to worship, but there is not a sorrow, trouble, or affliction which any of us endure that He does not know all about it; and He is the same today as He was when he was here on this earth—the same Jesus, the same Man of Compassion.
When He saw the multitude He had compassion on them and healed their sick. My prayer is that He will heal the sin-sick, will bind up broken hearts of those to whom I minister each week. He came into the world to bring mercy, joy, compassion and love. I pray that following His example, I will be a man of mercy, joy, compassion and love.
Many years ago I heard the saying, “Hurting people hurt people.” I have observed that is true. We sometimes either consciously or subconsciously do not feel it is fair for others to “have it all together” when our own world is broken, so we assume things about them that just aren’t true. We think we know their heart, their motive, but we do not and cannot, for only God knows their heart. If we really knew, that person who seems to “have it all together” might be struggling just as much or more than we are; or maybe he has chosen to live above the circumstances of his life, and do the right thing each and every day, living in the mercy, joy, compassion and love of Jesus.
Make a commitment to be a person of Compassion.
Father God,
Before I judge another’s motives, may I remember that only you know the heart. Help me to always believe and think the best of others, knowing that I do not know their circumstances.
May I receive the criticism of others in a way that I consider that they might be hurting and lashing out because of their hurt. If I must err, I pray that it will be on the side of mercy, joy, compassion and love.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Matthew 14:14, “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.”
It is often recorded in Scripture that Jesus was moved by compassion. We are told in this verse that after the disciples of John had come to Him and told Him that their master (John) had been beheaded--that he had been put to a cruel death, He (Jesus) went out into a desert place, and the multitude followed Him, and that when He saw the multitude He had COMPASSION on them, and healed their sick.
Each week as I look out across the congregation, I think that if Jesus were here today, standing in my place, His heart would be moved as He looked into their faces, because He could also look into their hearts and read the burdens and troubles and sorrows they have to bear. They are hidden from my eye, but He knows all about them. When the multitude gathered around Him, He knew how many weary broken and aching hearts there were there.
He is not only present every time we gather to worship, but there is not a sorrow, trouble, or affliction which any of us endure that He does not know all about it; and He is the same today as He was when he was here on this earth—the same Jesus, the same Man of Compassion.
When He saw the multitude He had compassion on them and healed their sick. My prayer is that He will heal the sin-sick, will bind up broken hearts of those to whom I minister each week. He came into the world to bring mercy, joy, compassion and love. I pray that following His example, I will be a man of mercy, joy, compassion and love.
Many years ago I heard the saying, “Hurting people hurt people.” I have observed that is true. We sometimes either consciously or subconsciously do not feel it is fair for others to “have it all together” when our own world is broken, so we assume things about them that just aren’t true. We think we know their heart, their motive, but we do not and cannot, for only God knows their heart. If we really knew, that person who seems to “have it all together” might be struggling just as much or more than we are; or maybe he has chosen to live above the circumstances of his life, and do the right thing each and every day, living in the mercy, joy, compassion and love of Jesus.
Make a commitment to be a person of Compassion.
Father God,
Before I judge another’s motives, may I remember that only you know the heart. Help me to always believe and think the best of others, knowing that I do not know their circumstances.
May I receive the criticism of others in a way that I consider that they might be hurting and lashing out because of their hurt. If I must err, I pray that it will be on the side of mercy, joy, compassion and love.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen
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