A Lying Tongue

The next thing on God's hate list is: A lying tongue. Pride is first and lying is next, but these two go together in many ways. Pride is the result of lying to yourself until you believe you are better than others. Then you keep the pride fed by lying to those around you. Since God Hates these things we had better keep them out of our lives.

S.O.A.P.

4-10-2015      Romans 14:13

S.       13Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

O.      Being an example to our weaker brothers.

A.      If I live after the example of Jesus I will not be a poor example of faith.

P.       Father; reveal my weakness that I may learn and grow. Amen.

4-11-2015      Romans 14:14-18

S.       14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is un-clean.15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

O.      I must consider those around me and where they are in their spiritual walk.

A.      To know and understand the weaknesses in my fellow man I must acquaint myself with the person, live with them, eat with them, fellowship with them. Then and only then can I share my faith at a high level and in a responsible manner.

P.       Father; bring me into close fellowship with those that I may serve as a shepherd should. Give me wisdom to minister as Christ would minister. Amen.

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. 

He is not here!

He is not here! These words ring loud in my spirit this morning. I will use these words as my sermon this morning. As I looked towards the eastern sky at sun rise I did nor see Jesus return.....He is not here. I am looking for his return to catch away his Bride. I am looking forward to the reunion of family and friends. But for today, I must say, He is not here.

S.O.A.P.

4-5-2015         Romans 13:14    Easter Sunday

S.       14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

O.      Embrace Jesus and stop sinning.

A.      Sin is not a part of the believer’s life. Christians should HATE sin. Our love for Jesus is proved by our avoidance of sinful actions and words.

     P.       Father; Thank you for the power of Grace that gives me strength to avoid sin and live in                   victory. Amen. 

Fear is not of God!

What did the disciples go through on the day between the cross and the resurrection?  Their hope was all gone. Their Lord was dead. They were sure to be next on the crosses of Rome. Fear, worry, doubt, shame and hopelessness was the order of the day. Why? They had been taught, by Jesus himself, that on the third day he would come to life again. They had seen his power as he calmed the sea, fed the multitude, raised the dead and set the demon possessed free. Why doubt now? They were too focused on how they were feeling and not on their faith. People are acting like this right now...... Are you?
Sunday is on the way!

S.O.A.P.

4-4-2015         Romans 13:11-13

S.       11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

O.      Abandon all evil and walk in the light of love and salvation.

A.      Our eyes will not function without light. No light and we are blind. The same is true for our souls. Spiritual blindness is the result of sin. God gives us light from his word to guide us away from sin.

P.       Father; I confess all my sin and ask for the Blood of Jesus to wash me clean. Give me wisdom to implant your word into my mind and the Holy Spirit to remind me of each line. Amen.

Jesus and the cross

This is the day we must remember the cross that Jesus was murdered on. He went there to set us free from sin, to give us a way of escape and to call man back into harmony with God. Love held him to the cross, not the nails. Jesus went to the cross to "show" his love for you.

S.O.A.P.

4-3-2015         Romans 13:9-10

S.       9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

O.      How love works towards others.

A.      The proof of how I love others is found in how I treat them. All the sins listed are committed affecting others, hurting, stealing, and lying and so on. I will keep it in my mind of how my sin might be against others. My life touches so many people so I must be a good example.

P.       Father; make me an example of your love and teach me how to forgive. Amen. 

Pain and Sorrow

Today I ask for your prayers for my dear family. We have been to the graveside several times lately and our pain is real. We are people of faith. We are people of love. We are hurting as we try to rearrange life around the empty chairs. Please hold us up today.....thank you.

S.O.A.P.

4-2-2015         Romans 13:8

S.       8Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

O.      Love is a command …. Not an option.

A.      When we properly love others, debt is eliminated. We do not give, to get. We do not loan, to borrow. Perfect love has no strings attached.

P.       Father; lead me into this perfect type of love. Cleanse my mind and restore my heart to that of a child. Amen.

Faith....do you have any?

I have faith, you have faith, everyone has faith. The Bible says so. Faith is in us as a gift from God. It is how we use that faith that makes the difference. One example: faith without works is "dead" faith. We must reveal our faith by the way we live, give and serve others. Believing that there is a God is only a part of what faith is all about. By applying faith to more and more of life's experiences (and relationships) we expand our understanding and we will see that faith "MUST" be "APPLIED" to be of any value to ourselves or those around us. 

S.O.A.P.

4-1-2015         Romans 13:1-7

S.       1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

O.      Proper respect is due to those in power. Paying taxes (tribute) is proper.

A.      God places those into power that he chooses. Our relationship to those leaders hinges on our honesty and integrity. If I live a holy life as a Christian I have nothing to fear from leaders.

P.       Father; I know that you set this world into motion and you are reaching out to man in many ways. Help me to be a living example of faith and love. Amen.