God hates sin!

The word "hate" is used 87 times in 85 verses in the King James Bible. There is much to learn about God from these references. In Proverbs 6:16 there is a list of things that God hates. The first thing that God has on this list is; A proud look. This is conceit, arrogance, self importance or in a nut shell pride. God hates this sinful aspect of pride. We hate this as well when we see it in others. We should hate pride, our false pride, our selfish pride. This pride is a sinful pride and will lead us into hell. Why does God list pride first? Pride was the sin of lucifer. 

S.O.A.P.

4-6-2015         Romans 14:1-3

S.       1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

O.      The weak and the strong serving together in harmony.

A.      We all grow spiritually at different paces. Tolerance and patience are needed to aid each other in this effort. We must all work together as we strive for perfection.

     P.       Father in Heaven; teach me patience and understanding for I am weak and need your                         strength. Amen. 

Vulgar words are SIN!

God tells us that we will be held accountable for every word that comes out of our mouth. We can speak blessing, or curses, into our lives. God also gives us a list of things to think about as we go through life. The words that come out of our mouth start in our heart. If our words are vulgar then our heart is vulgar. If our words are base, carnal or sinful then that is the condition of the heart. Jesus will not live in an unclean heart. Based on the words spewing from "so called" Christians there is a break-down in their understanding of God.  Many people who think that they are Christian are deceived. 

S.O.A.P.

3-14-2015      Romans 10:18-19

S.       18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

O.      God warns Israel that other nations will respond to his blessings.

A.      I must respond to the news God shares with me in every area of my life. Nothing should be held back.

P.       Father; I give to you my everything and my all. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within 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.

 

Being Judged?

Why are people so afraid of being Judged? What could be so evil or dangerous living inside folks that they have a phobia of it being brought to light? I welcome judgement, in fact, I judge myself every day. I judge that I am useless and ignorant and need God to aid me in every aspect of life. If God is powerful enough to erase my sin and clean my record at an alter of repentance then he is powerful enough to keep me holy! I will put my life in his hands, trust his advice, obey his commands and with his help thrive. Only people with something to hide are afraid of being judged.

9-16-2014      Mark 2:1-4

S.       1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

O.      As Jesus is preaching to a crowded houseful four men brought a sick man to be healed. The house was too full to enter so the men opened the roof and lowered the sick man down to where Jesus was preaching.

A.      Extra effort may be required to bring people into the presence of Jesus. We must be willing to press on and overcome any obstacles.

P.       Father; strengthen my resolve and undergird my tenacity to overcome. Reveal the alternate methods that I might use to reach people in difficult circumstances and lead them to you. Amen.  

Tertullus: The Mouthpiece of Satan

8-9-2014         Acts 24:1-5

S.       1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

O.      Tertullus begins his legal accusations against Paul in the court of Felix.

A.      Those that walk in righteousness may face prison, torment, shame and public disgrace. We must trust in God to fill our mouths with the words that will honor him. It is an honor to be called “a child of God”. May we walk worthy of this title, even in times of distress?

P.       Father; I commit myself to you, body, mind and spirit. I put my faith, trust and confidence in your ability to protect me. You are my God, I will serve no other. Amen.

Don't Lie

7-10-2014      Acts 19:18-20

S.       18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

O.      Conversion brought about public repentance and the destruction of items affiliated with the former lifestyle. A true and public response as proof of a change in the life of a believer is always needed.

A.      A change in the life of a person who becomes a believer normal, almost required. Without change how will anyone know that a conversion has taken place? Not all change is instant. Some people change over a period of time (Sanctification) but “all” do change!

P.       Father: expose my life to anyone who will, or may be, converted and follow Jesus. I put my trust in you Lord to guide my steps in the paths of righteousness…that others may see, and believe. Amen.

Back in Court

7-4-2014         Acts 18:12-17

S.       12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

O.      This legal complaint is thrown out of court and backfires on the Jews.

A.      Christians are to serve God and trust him, even when it might bring us into a courtroom. In ages past many Christians gave their lives as martyrs to stay true to God. These things (in a form) may come to pass again. I must keep myself “unspotted” from the world. My testimony must be true.

P.       Father; on this day of freedom give me boldness to declare to anyone and everyone how you have made me free from sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The cross is my “Statue of Liberty” and if I should be brought into a courtroom for my faith give me the words of faith that will declare your Grace, Mercy and Love for fallen humanity. Amen.    

Doctrine

5-29-2014        Acts 13:12

S.       12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

O.      Confronting sin brings a man to repentance and belief in Jesus.

A.      Sin must be revealed and dealt with in a public manner.

P.       Father; give me wisdom and lead me by your Holy Spirit to deal with sin. 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. 

SOAP >> Matthew 27:32-36

S.         Matthew 27:32-36   32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there;

O.        This is a shortened record of the crucifixion of Jesus, not many details. Matthew was not a detail oriented writer. Jesus carried the cross as far as he could before Simon was called upon. Jesus was on the cross for a long time before they offered him vinegar. Watching him was necessary to complete their assignment.

A.        Once again I am reminded of all that Jesus suffered, for me and my salvation. I should have died on that cross. I was filled with sin. I was guilty. Out of a heart of love Jesus took my place to set me free!

P.         Dear Father above; how can mere words alone express my gratitude, my joy, my amazement and my appreciation? They Can’t! So I will commit to you my life… use me as you will… I surrender my all to you. Amen.  

My youngest daughter and her husband.