Strength to Resist
On December 1, 1955 in Montgomery Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to obey bus driver James Blake's order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. She wasn't the first to resist the wrongful acts of prejudice levied against people of color in the south. Irene Morgan in 1946, and Sarah Louise Keys in 1955 won rulings before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Interstate Commerce Commission, respectively as it relates to interstate bus travel. As little as nine months earlier, fifteen year old Claudette Colvin refused the same request on the same bus system. These brave women did what they knew was right in spite of the request of authorities. In order to reveal truth and open the door to justice there has to be a resistance to the forces that appear to be in power. The Kingdom of God has suffered the violence of resistance from the days of John the Baptist even until now (Matt. 11:12). Christ said, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth no with me scattereth abroad (Matt. 12:30). If we don't choose sides one will be chosen for us.
Motivated by Truth
Acts Chapter five tell of the struggles of Peter and the other Apostles. They were imprisoned and under constant threat by the religious council. Despite their resistance they continued to spread the gospel and teach that Jesus is Lord of all. Saints motivated by truth will not look for diplomatic ways to approach a dying world. We must choose the unconventional approach of open resistance to evil. Righteous living will cause us to stand out in a crowd. What will we say when asked to move? Will we give in to the request for our consent to sin? Will we deny our faith for the sake of feeling comfortable amongst the unsaved? There will be no diplomatic exchange at the return of Christ. Christ will return in power and with great glory (Matt. 24:30). Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord(1Cor 15:58). Evangelism is not a pointless act. It is the work of Christ. He came to save the lost and to call them to repentance. Don't be afraid to speak on His behalf.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Not Quite
The Christian faith has been tested through the years. Many have been found to be false converts. They were well versed in the operations of the church and understood the doctrines of man that allowed them to operate in the offices of a ministry. There were even those who proposed to have special gifts that made them better than most other Christians and closer to God’s heart. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is not a respecter of persons and will not allow an injustice to be brought upon His people without recompense.
The evidence of conversion should prompt us to operate by faith. It should also release a love in our hearts that causes us to love our neighbor. Christ is the fulfillment of the law. We are the fulfillment of the will of God through Christ. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind (Rom. 14:5b). Are you persuaded that you are a Christian? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever lied? Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in vain, meaning to use in the form of a curse word or without any meaning? If you have. You have admitted to being a Thief. You have admitted to being a liar. You have admitted to being a blasphemer. These are very serious. They are crimes against God and He will punish you for them. The punishment is Hell fire and damnation. You don’t believe me? You believe these commandments are outdated or no longer applicable because they are from the Law of Moses? Look here: I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. You may even say that you are only guilty of breaking one of them. Try this one: James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Attendance at religious facilities throughout the land is at an all time high. More and more are professing to be Christian without the conversion experience necessary for repentance. Paul an Apostle of God called to minister to the gentiles stood before a prominent figure of his day. He gave his account and testified of the challenges he faced due to his commitment to the will of God. He told King Agrippa that he was not just spewing words but that he was actually on a mission to spread the Gospel (The Good News) of Jesus Christ. Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Are you persuaded?
The evidence of conversion should prompt us to operate by faith. It should also release a love in our hearts that causes us to love our neighbor. Christ is the fulfillment of the law. We are the fulfillment of the will of God through Christ. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind (Rom. 14:5b). Are you persuaded that you are a Christian? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever lied? Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in vain, meaning to use in the form of a curse word or without any meaning? If you have. You have admitted to being a Thief. You have admitted to being a liar. You have admitted to being a blasphemer. These are very serious. They are crimes against God and He will punish you for them. The punishment is Hell fire and damnation. You don’t believe me? You believe these commandments are outdated or no longer applicable because they are from the Law of Moses? Look here: I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. You may even say that you are only guilty of breaking one of them. Try this one: James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Attendance at religious facilities throughout the land is at an all time high. More and more are professing to be Christian without the conversion experience necessary for repentance. Paul an Apostle of God called to minister to the gentiles stood before a prominent figure of his day. He gave his account and testified of the challenges he faced due to his commitment to the will of God. He told King Agrippa that he was not just spewing words but that he was actually on a mission to spread the Gospel (The Good News) of Jesus Christ. Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Are you persuaded?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Out of The Pit
Chilean miners were trapped for months. After 69 days the task to bring the miners to the surface began. The media crowed around to capture the moments as the first worker came to the surface. There was much fanfare as the first worker we rescued. We notice as the numbers increase, the lure of media attention decreased. Once the story broke it quickly became old news. But I can imagine for the miners their excitement never waned. This is their long awaited rescue. They were being brought out of a pit to see loved ones and be reunited with the rest of society.
Our Christian walk should mirror this event. The fanfare will wear off but the lure of the promise of God should keep each individual encouraged as we look forward to the day we are united with our Savior in the place He has prepared for us. John 14:1-3 States, “Let not you heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am , there ye may be also.
What a wonderful promise we have from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can imagine the miners becoming weary at times wondering about the efforts placed towards their recovery. They had received worldwide media coverage and their names published abroad but they were still trapped below. How glorious it is to know that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and published throughout the heavens. We await our rescue to be lifted out of the this world and carried to the place prepared for us in the heavens. There we will be united with the citizens of the city of Our God and receive the reward of eternal life. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Rev. 3:21) Seek and obey the will of God in all things. The promises of God are ye and amen. Repent and trust in Jesus Christ. This is the only way to be brought up out of the pit of this world.
Our Christian walk should mirror this event. The fanfare will wear off but the lure of the promise of God should keep each individual encouraged as we look forward to the day we are united with our Savior in the place He has prepared for us. John 14:1-3 States, “Let not you heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am , there ye may be also.
What a wonderful promise we have from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can imagine the miners becoming weary at times wondering about the efforts placed towards their recovery. They had received worldwide media coverage and their names published abroad but they were still trapped below. How glorious it is to know that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and published throughout the heavens. We await our rescue to be lifted out of the this world and carried to the place prepared for us in the heavens. There we will be united with the citizens of the city of Our God and receive the reward of eternal life. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Rev. 3:21) Seek and obey the will of God in all things. The promises of God are ye and amen. Repent and trust in Jesus Christ. This is the only way to be brought up out of the pit of this world.
Convinced?
The Christian faith has been tested through the years. Many have been found to be false converts. They were well versed in the operations of the church and understood the doctrines of man that allowed them to operate in the offices of a ministry. There were even those who proposed to have special gifts that made them better than most other Christians and closer to God’s heart. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is not a respecter of persons and will not allow an injustice to be brought upon His people without recompense.
The evidence of conversion should prompt us to operate by faith. It should also release a love in our hearts that causes us to love our neighbor. Christ is the fulfillment of the law. We are the fulfillment of the will of God through Christ. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind (Rom. 14:5b). Are you persuaded that you are a Christian? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever lied? Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in vain, meaning to use in the form of a curse word or without any meaning? If you have. You have admitted to being a Thief. You have admitted to being a liar. You have admitted to being a blasphemer. These are very serious. They are crimes against God and He will punish you for them. The punishment is Hell fire and damnation. You don’t believe me? You believe these commandments are outdated or no longer applicable because they are from the Law of Moses? Look here: I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. You may even say that you are only guilty of breaking one of them. Try this one: James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Attendance at religious facilities throughout the land is at an all time high. More and more are professing to be Christian without the conversion experience necessary for repentance. Paul an Apostle of God called to minister to the gentiles stood before a prominent figure of his day. He gave his account and testified of the challenges he faced due to his commitment to the will of God. He told King Agrippa that he was not just spewing words but that he was actually on a mission to spread the Gospel (The Good News) of Jesus Christ. Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Are you persuaded?
The evidence of conversion should prompt us to operate by faith. It should also release a love in our hearts that causes us to love our neighbor. Christ is the fulfillment of the law. We are the fulfillment of the will of God through Christ. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind (Rom. 14:5b). Are you persuaded that you are a Christian? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever lied? Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in vain, meaning to use in the form of a curse word or without any meaning? If you have. You have admitted to being a Thief. You have admitted to being a liar. You have admitted to being a blasphemer. These are very serious. They are crimes against God and He will punish you for them. The punishment is Hell fire and damnation. You don’t believe me? You believe these commandments are outdated or no longer applicable because they are from the Law of Moses? Look here: I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. You may even say that you are only guilty of breaking one of them. Try this one: James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Attendance at religious facilities throughout the land is at an all time high. More and more are professing to be Christian without the conversion experience necessary for repentance. Paul an Apostle of God called to minister to the gentiles stood before a prominent figure of his day. He gave his account and testified of the challenges he faced due to his commitment to the will of God. He told King Agrippa that he was not just spewing words but that he was actually on a mission to spread the Gospel (The Good News) of Jesus Christ. Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Are you persuaded?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Why Not Me?
That was Him
The story of the Prodigal Son is mentioned frequently to the church. We are told the youngest son approached his father and asked for his inheritance. He wanted an advance on his blessing. He then took it and blew it on careless living. He went to places he should not have gone. He did things he should not have done. He connected with people he should not have dealt with. He did all of this to come to a point of being destitute. Those he connected with left him. The things he did couldn’t keep him. The places he went were no longer available to him. He was reduced to the position of servant and still found himself in want. Then he remembered his father’s servants. He remembered how they lived and decided he wanted to be one of them.
Reception
His father was found to be waiting for him. The young son left with his family and loved ones in his rear view. His father always kept him in his frontal view. This shows that he never stopped thinking about him or longing for his return. Although he left with the intention of being wasteful, he was still welcome to return. His place was never filled. The love his father had for him was never given to another. The father had reserved a place in his house for the return of that he had lost. Material things can always be replaced but the love God has for us can never be lost to another. The father longed for his return and waited with anticipation and patience.
What about Me
The father received the lost son with open arms. Although the son was expecting to receive the position of a servant the father restored him as a son. There was great celebration as the whole house was encouraged to rejoice at the prodigal’s return. The father had an elder son who was not as excited about his younger brother’s return. He stated that he has been there all of this time and has not disobeyed the father’s commands. Was he justified in his response to his brother’s return? After all the brother did take the father’s wealth and just throw it away aimlessly. He didn’t consider the amount of effort his father had to put forth or the labor involved in the accumulation of that wealth. Was that the only reason he was upset? He thought he should have been celebrated for not having done the same things his brother had done. Despite his brother’s return he wanted to be celebrated for not leaving. He’s been there and felt that should matter more.
The Welfare of Others
The elder son was obedient. He was committed to the father’s vision. He labored earnestly without wanting to leave. He felt he was being overlooked when his brother was celebrated. He felt pushed aside. He felt that his labor didn’t matter. He had no concern for his brother’s welfare. The elder son was considering himself above his brother. It was all about him. He felt this would be a good time to tell everyone how faithful he has been. He wanted the recognition of being the son that did no wrong. He was actually filled with pride. Just as the younger son learned his lesson while out in the world the elder son learned his lesson from his younger brother's return. The father reminded him that he knew he was there and he was not cut off from all that the house could provide for him. This was a time of rejoicing. Don’t let the return of the lost cause you to miss the opportunity to praise God at their return. Celebrate the lives of others and pray that they come in from the world.
The story of the Prodigal Son is mentioned frequently to the church. We are told the youngest son approached his father and asked for his inheritance. He wanted an advance on his blessing. He then took it and blew it on careless living. He went to places he should not have gone. He did things he should not have done. He connected with people he should not have dealt with. He did all of this to come to a point of being destitute. Those he connected with left him. The things he did couldn’t keep him. The places he went were no longer available to him. He was reduced to the position of servant and still found himself in want. Then he remembered his father’s servants. He remembered how they lived and decided he wanted to be one of them.
Reception
His father was found to be waiting for him. The young son left with his family and loved ones in his rear view. His father always kept him in his frontal view. This shows that he never stopped thinking about him or longing for his return. Although he left with the intention of being wasteful, he was still welcome to return. His place was never filled. The love his father had for him was never given to another. The father had reserved a place in his house for the return of that he had lost. Material things can always be replaced but the love God has for us can never be lost to another. The father longed for his return and waited with anticipation and patience.
What about Me
The father received the lost son with open arms. Although the son was expecting to receive the position of a servant the father restored him as a son. There was great celebration as the whole house was encouraged to rejoice at the prodigal’s return. The father had an elder son who was not as excited about his younger brother’s return. He stated that he has been there all of this time and has not disobeyed the father’s commands. Was he justified in his response to his brother’s return? After all the brother did take the father’s wealth and just throw it away aimlessly. He didn’t consider the amount of effort his father had to put forth or the labor involved in the accumulation of that wealth. Was that the only reason he was upset? He thought he should have been celebrated for not having done the same things his brother had done. Despite his brother’s return he wanted to be celebrated for not leaving. He’s been there and felt that should matter more.
The Welfare of Others
The elder son was obedient. He was committed to the father’s vision. He labored earnestly without wanting to leave. He felt he was being overlooked when his brother was celebrated. He felt pushed aside. He felt that his labor didn’t matter. He had no concern for his brother’s welfare. The elder son was considering himself above his brother. It was all about him. He felt this would be a good time to tell everyone how faithful he has been. He wanted the recognition of being the son that did no wrong. He was actually filled with pride. Just as the younger son learned his lesson while out in the world the elder son learned his lesson from his younger brother's return. The father reminded him that he knew he was there and he was not cut off from all that the house could provide for him. This was a time of rejoicing. Don’t let the return of the lost cause you to miss the opportunity to praise God at their return. Celebrate the lives of others and pray that they come in from the world.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Such is Common to Man
Challenges Faced
The past few weeks have been a challenge for Christians. Those who are trying to embrace the faith and those who are actively spreading the Gospel. Through the years the church has endured countless ministry scandals. There has been news coverage that exposes the faults of popular faces in the Christian Community. All of this presents more of a test for those who are called to serve Christ. Have we been carried away by a wind of doctrine that has us reeling every time some major figure falls or is found to be less than honorable? I don’t think so. I believe our faith is tested every time we encounter pressure from the exposure of the faults of man. We are charged even more to trust in Christ and Him only. We have to labor for our faith and by that I mean practice the things we know to keep our relationship with Jesus strong so that if one falls away we may pray that he is restored.
Questions Answered
Is this the culmination of our expectations? Can a person who seems to be anointed fall from grace? How can these things be? Many questions have been presented to both the Christian Community and the Secular Community alike. The answers lie in the Word from which we gather our faith and trust. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1Cor. 10:13) Fundamentally, every believer has the responsibility to first love God and keep His commandments. We often see superstar athletes get to a point that the fundamentals seem to become a hindrance and they abandon them altogether. One superstar is quoted as making the statement, “I’m supposed to be a franchise player and we are talking about practice.” Yes, it sounds silly to make the statement but that’s how some feel. To put forth the effort to perform the fundamental tasks and to maintain discipline in the areas that keep us strong can become a daunting task for those who feel they are of the utmost importance. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. (2Cor. 3:5) How soon we forget.
Faith Maintained
Trust in the Lord with all thy heart. Lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths. (Prov. 3:5-6) When faced with a sudden attack it may take a while to get your bearings. Although trials come they are not intended to destroy everything. Some are simply to test the durability of your faith. After we have suffered a while the God of all grace will step in to assist us to bring us back to a place of stability that will afford us the opportunity to learn more and have a stronger faith.(1Pet. 5:10) I am persuaded that we are in a time when our faith is tested with respect to some specific trials that will shed light on the fallacies of man and the awesomeness of God. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb. 11:6) Keep trusting, keep seeking and God will reward you openly.
The past few weeks have been a challenge for Christians. Those who are trying to embrace the faith and those who are actively spreading the Gospel. Through the years the church has endured countless ministry scandals. There has been news coverage that exposes the faults of popular faces in the Christian Community. All of this presents more of a test for those who are called to serve Christ. Have we been carried away by a wind of doctrine that has us reeling every time some major figure falls or is found to be less than honorable? I don’t think so. I believe our faith is tested every time we encounter pressure from the exposure of the faults of man. We are charged even more to trust in Christ and Him only. We have to labor for our faith and by that I mean practice the things we know to keep our relationship with Jesus strong so that if one falls away we may pray that he is restored.
Questions Answered
Is this the culmination of our expectations? Can a person who seems to be anointed fall from grace? How can these things be? Many questions have been presented to both the Christian Community and the Secular Community alike. The answers lie in the Word from which we gather our faith and trust. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1Cor. 10:13) Fundamentally, every believer has the responsibility to first love God and keep His commandments. We often see superstar athletes get to a point that the fundamentals seem to become a hindrance and they abandon them altogether. One superstar is quoted as making the statement, “I’m supposed to be a franchise player and we are talking about practice.” Yes, it sounds silly to make the statement but that’s how some feel. To put forth the effort to perform the fundamental tasks and to maintain discipline in the areas that keep us strong can become a daunting task for those who feel they are of the utmost importance. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. (2Cor. 3:5) How soon we forget.
Faith Maintained
Trust in the Lord with all thy heart. Lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths. (Prov. 3:5-6) When faced with a sudden attack it may take a while to get your bearings. Although trials come they are not intended to destroy everything. Some are simply to test the durability of your faith. After we have suffered a while the God of all grace will step in to assist us to bring us back to a place of stability that will afford us the opportunity to learn more and have a stronger faith.(1Pet. 5:10) I am persuaded that we are in a time when our faith is tested with respect to some specific trials that will shed light on the fallacies of man and the awesomeness of God. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb. 11:6) Keep trusting, keep seeking and God will reward you openly.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Knock At My Door
Two weeks ago I scheduled the installation of new garage doors at my home. When making the appointment I was told the installer likes to start early and that I should expect him around 7 O'clock in the morning. This morning I waited for a knock at my door and I wasn't disappointed. Just as I was told he came early prepared to fulfill the requirements of our agreement. This morning reminds me of another agreement I made. I gave my life to Jesus and embraced His promise to come into my life with the expectation of becoming a changed person. I am not always ready for the changes He wants to make. He does not ask what I would like to work on today. He just said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev. 3:20 KJV) His uses of the word behold and calling attention to His presence doesn't allow me to mistake Him for someone else. When He presents Himself the opportunity for change has come. I am obligated by the agreement to accept the conditions that will produce His righteousness in me.
I have to be available to hear then willing to respond before we can begin to have fellowship. Hearing is easy. Responding is the challenge. The words let go and let God sound so cliche', but they are just what I need to open the door of my heart to the new challenges of relationship with Christ.
Communication begins with a simple act of obedience. Just open the door. An opening in the heart is needed to establish trust and security with the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. There have been times in the past when I would receive a knock at my door then look out the window. Once I have identified the visitor I ignore future knocks. I sometimes even hear them coming and ignore the fact I ever heard a sound.
Announcements are being made. Christ said, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name."(Rev. 3:10-12 KJV) There is a knocking at the door. The events of this present age are a clear indication of a request for deeper relationship. I intend to stop ignoring the sound of God's word. How about you?
Thank you for listening.
I have to be available to hear then willing to respond before we can begin to have fellowship. Hearing is easy. Responding is the challenge. The words let go and let God sound so cliche', but they are just what I need to open the door of my heart to the new challenges of relationship with Christ.
Communication begins with a simple act of obedience. Just open the door. An opening in the heart is needed to establish trust and security with the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. There have been times in the past when I would receive a knock at my door then look out the window. Once I have identified the visitor I ignore future knocks. I sometimes even hear them coming and ignore the fact I ever heard a sound.
Announcements are being made. Christ said, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name."(Rev. 3:10-12 KJV) There is a knocking at the door. The events of this present age are a clear indication of a request for deeper relationship. I intend to stop ignoring the sound of God's word. How about you?
Thank you for listening.
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