THINKING

Why do we focus more on people than God? If someone says the wrong thing to us we become angry even when we know that they are not properly informed. We worry about what others think of us and how we will be received. I am praying for a lady that thinks the whole world hates her. She never has peace. Please God, teach her to look at you instead of those around her. Teach her to bring her thoughts into alignment with your Holy Word. Amen

S.O.A.P.

3-24-2015      Romans 12:3

S.       3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

O.      Man must think of himself in the proper manner.

A.      I am not above others in any form. All are created in the image of God. I must guard against conceit and arrogance. I will be the man God would have me to be.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the evil of conceit and arrogance and keep me from that trap. Amen.

3-25-2015      Romans 12:4-5

S.       4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

O.      All believers are of one body.

A.      The goal is unity with each person filling their respective place. I will seek to live the second great command; love thy neighbor.

P.       Father; Show me how to fill my place in this world and support those around me with love and understanding. Amen.

Fake Pastors?

Are pastors serving the church or are they being served? The modern model of a pastor is not biblical.
God does not call us to be C.E.O. God calls us to be servants/shepherds. Awake! Find the path of servant-hood and bring honor back to the calling.

S.O.A.P.

2-8-2015              Romans 7:1

S.       1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

O.      Laws are for the living, not the dead.

A.      All of God’s laws exist for my benefit. God warns me to protect my soul from sin. I will have safety and peace if I obey.

    P.       Father; thank you for revealing your laws to me. I can walk in security because I am aware              of the dangers. You must love me more than I can understand to give such wonderful insight              and protection to me. Amen.   

Dry and dusty

The rain is falling on my thirsty land. Any day now I will be setting out onions in the garden. This rain will help my garden soil to be workable. Seems like some Christians I meet could use a little rain on their souls.

S.O.A.P.

1-21-2015      Romans 5:9-11

S.       9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

O.      Atonement comes by the blood of Jesus.

A.      Jesus has paid my sin-debt and empowers me to live a justified life. How can words express the gratitude, peace and joy that is mine today? The only word that covers this is Grace!

P.       Father; I stand before you today washed in the Blood of your son Jesus; whole, safe and complete. Thank you God for loving me. Amen.

 

Christ-Like --- WOW --- Novel Idea!

When will Christians stop acting like satan? We need to start over on this Holy Road and remember the way Jesus lived and how he treated people. Pray for our enemy, heap coals of fire (love) on their heads and do them no harm. Christian......Christ-like......NOT; devouring, selfish, mean, etc. etc.

9-23-2014      Mark 3:1-3

S.       1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

O.      People are watching Jesus and looking for some fault or sin (Judging Him).

A.      I will also watch Jesus, not to Judge him, but to learn his ways, his love and his personality.

P.       Father; open my eyes that I may see and understand the ways and ministry of Jesus. Help me to become more like him every day. Amen.

9-24-2014      Mark 3:4-5

S.       4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

O.      Jesus asks: when is it right to do good deeds? He is angry over the un-caring attitude of this group. Then Jesus heals a man with a withered hand.

A.      I must never become hard-hearted or legalistic when it comes to the blessings of God. I should desire blessings and miracles for those around me regardless of the traditions of this world.

P.       Father; create in me a heart of compassion for hurting people and guide that heart by your Spirit rather than by my feeble mind. I submit myself to do your will. Amen.    

No Faith---No Results

7-9-2014         Acts 19:13-17

S.       13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

O.      Non-believers are trying to perform miracles and find that they have no power or authority. This failure causes many to change their mind concerning Jesus.

A.      Everything of a divine nature must begin and end with Jesus. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. I will seek to have Jesus as the very center of my life rather than someone I have only heard “about”.

P.       Father; wash all my sin away, I confess, I repent and I seek to have his redeeming blood cover me both inside and out. Use me today to help others in their walk and lead me to one that has never heard the words of life. Amen.

Honorable People

6-26-2014      Acts 17:10-12

S.       10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

O.      Many people in Berea listen to Paul and receive his message.

A.      I must keep sharing the gospel wherever I may go. Souls are saved, lives changed and God will lift up the oppressed.

P.       Father; lead me today in all that I say and do. May I represent you and you alone, throughout this blessed day! Amen,

Use me, Lord

6-8-2014         Acts 14:11-18

S.       11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

O.      After this healing the people wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas. Paul stops this action by explaining that it was God’s work moving through him.

A.      I want god’s works moving through me. I must live a life that God can use. I must have enough compassion for the lost that my focus is not distracted to the trivial matters of every day.

P.       Father; renew in me a sharp focus on the spiritual and at the same time dim the glare of daily life needs. Use me Lord to reach the lost souls all around me. Amen.  

When man takes credit

5-26-2014      Acts 12:21-25

S.       21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

O.      Herod is judged by God and dies. The church grows and Mark travels with Barnabas and Saul.

A.      Man should never take credit for the mighty works of God. When God uses me to deliver a message, a healing or prophesy I will be careful to give the glory to God. I am a vessel, to be filled and refilled, poured out and filled again and again, a vessel not an angel or king or anything that is worthy of exultation.

P.       Father in Heaven; remind me of the danger of pride and self-exultation. Reveal the path for me to walk that will truly bring glory to you. Help me in my weakness to be courageous and submitted under your loving will. Amen. 

Public Opposition

5-22-2014      Acts 12:1-4

S.       1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.2  he killed James the brother of John with the sword.3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

O.      Herod kills James and puts Peter in prison. The church is under great persecution.

A.      Herod was bowing to the desires of the Jews….his public…. trying to gain political favor. I must remember to seek God’s favor rather than that of man.

P.       Father; I seek your favor, your instruction and your will. Should I find dis-favor with man and this dis-favor lead to prison or death I ask for strength and courage! I want to remain faithful and true to you Lord. I commit my weakness to you in faith that you will abide with me through anything. Amen.

WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?

Part 1

First I will look into the dictionary and discover what I can there.

1.            A transitive verb…….gives up resentment <forgive an insult> …….grants relief of payment <forgive a debt> ……not feeling anger at the offender <forgive our enemies>

               This is the earthly idea of forgiveness. These words cover insult, debt and enemy wrongs but do not make reference to the divine.

               (a.) Insult: to do or say something that is offensive or shows a lack of respect. How can life be lived and be insult free? How can respect always be given? There is only one answer to these two questions……they can’t!

               (b.) Debt: the state of owing money or respect, allegiance and honor. Everyone has debt!

               (c.) Enemy: someone who hates, attacks, tries to harm, threatens or opponents in war. How can enemies stop being enemies?

This word (Forgiveness) offers solution to life’s most difficult situations. By eliminating insult, debt and enemies mankind solves countless problems. Forgiveness seems to require a great deal of inner strength and self-control. One must somehow erase insult, offence, debt, hate and hurt and proceed forward as if nothing happened. Can we do this? Can we put aside pain, insult and live together in peace? Is mankind even capable of this noble idea? The history of man is filled with glaring examples of destruction, domination and murder over insult, wars fought because of money, riches and resources and generational hate maintaining enemy status between nations. Why do we live like this? What do we gain? Why is forgiveness so rare? Are we humans dominated by selfish, I’m the only one that matters, ideas and emotions to the extent that we would eliminate other humans before we eliminate hate, insult or debt? It would seem so.    

Who am I today?

Should I change who I am to fit the occasion or should I remain steadfast where I am. I see and hear many folks as they struggle through this question. Here inside the church we kick the idea around every Sunday. The church has been wearing a very unfair label for centuries. You know the one I refer to; Hypocrite!  I am sure that there are hypocritical tendencies in us all and that from time to time we let them out. I prefer to use other words and ideas to deal with this continuing battle.

The most difficult development in one's life is discovering who you are. Are you friendly or mean, happy or sad, open or closed, good or bad. This list could go on forever. Trouble is, life never stops putting us into situations that require us to "live out" who we are, to speak or act in an acceptable manner. The old adage "when in Rome" seems to be the current norm.

I get into trouble because I deal with many different groups of folks on a regular basis. Each group expects me to agree with them and participate in their activities. This is where I start looking into myself and deciding "who I am". I struggle through the options and check off the consequences of my choices and "take a stand," however, I am so limited in my knowledge and experience I often take the wrong position.

Then it happens! Slap! On goes the label and another hypocrite is crowned.

 I don't like this word. I see many Christians stop trying to live for God because of this word and how it is used. How many times are we allowed to fail (sin), repent and start anew. I don't think that God has a finite number attached to this idea. Oh if I could be like God in this area of my being. If I could find it within myself to give folks as many chances as they need and keep on loving them and NEVER stick on some label. Better still, if I could give myself room to learn and grow... forgive myself, restart and become a better Christian.

"CHRISTIAN" is not a label, or idea, or heritage. Christian is a being, being in CHRIST and him being in you. When I look into the mirror I don't see enough of Christ. There is this guy; working, thinking, planing about himself. Self-centered, egotistical (in a hansom sort of way), confused and stubborn. Yet it is this guy that God sent his son to die on a cross for. I spend too much time and effort in the quest to answer the question "who am I". The secret is found in discovering who Jesus is, changing our focus from us to him, relying on his knowledge and experience to face the challenges of life.    

Me and my putty car.