Imitate Me Right
Imitation Crab, Imitation Mayo, or Imitation Cheese… How about a comedian that imitates; a replica of an antique car; or, a double of an actor in a movie?
Each one of the things I just listed is very deliberate and concise in the calculation of the characteristics of the original. Each manufacturing company and person has done their “homework”, researching and studying everything about the original so that they can very closely resemble and pass for the original item or person.
I’m sure if the “real” crab, mayo, actor or antique car could talk they would say how honored they are that they are being imitated. But, what if they are being imitated by someone for the wrong reasons? What if others are just being duped into believing they are another person for selfish, prideful, or fraudulent reasons?
Let me get to the point… If you call yourself a Christian then let me tell you what that means: The original meaning of “Christian” is little Christ, or imitators of Christ. So, if this is the meaning, shouldn’t our reasons for imitating Christ be sincere? Shouldn’t they last longer than just after Sunday Church Service? Shouldn’t we be studying the Man we call Lord? Shouldn’t we honor Jesus’ name by being as much like Him as we can, allowing the Holy Spirit within us to help us do so and be so?
Think about the next question and carefully consider it…
If you are a Christian can you say to someone else “follow me”, “imitate me”, or “be like me”?
If you can’t say that to someone else, don’t throw in the towel… don’t give up because it seems impossible. Just simply ask God to give you a new heart, a new mind, and a new desire to know Him better and closer today. Read about our Lord in the Bible, and find out how much He loves you and wants you to live in Him and He in you!
One day maybe you can utter the same words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians,
“Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” 1Corinthians 4:16; and, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1Corinthians 11:1
Friday, January 26, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Corinthians 15:33 NKJV
Monkey See, Monkey Do…
If you’ve ever dealt with a teenager, or remember your teen years, you’ll agree that these kids, in all their wisdom, come up with some pretty incredulous lines to help convince parents that their thoughts and “needs” are so important. Personally, I don’t think there’s much actual thought put into many of the statements they make during these growing years.
One thing that I hear teens say is that who they hang out with and what they hear on the radio and Ipod is of no consequence both to the way they think and how they behave. They go to great lengths to try and convince us that this is true and that they know what they’re doing and who they’re hanging out with. But we know that at some point, influence causes one to do what the other has been doing all along… monkey see, monkey do.
As parents we need to be very careful of who our kids are associating with and what they are listening to on the radio and on their Ipods; not because we can find psychological and pathological information that supports what we’re saying but because God, in all His perfect knowledge and wisdom, says the following: “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33 God also says in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man “thinks in his heart, so is he.”
I use teens as an illustration here, but ask yourself this question also: What company are you keeping? Are you consistent in your reading of the Bible, fellowshipping at Church, and listening to something worthwhile on the radio? Or, are you watching some TV show that is not what Jesus would join you on your couch to watch; or are you going places you shouldn’t go to with people that you wouldn’t allow your children to keep company with? What are your thoughts of others? What company are you keeping?
Society’s morals are degraded, down and dirty because as one person thinks so does the other because it’s accepted by the majority. But, the world is sadly mistaken for one with the Lord IS the majority and all else is foolishness.
Remember… “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33
If you’ve ever dealt with a teenager, or remember your teen years, you’ll agree that these kids, in all their wisdom, come up with some pretty incredulous lines to help convince parents that their thoughts and “needs” are so important. Personally, I don’t think there’s much actual thought put into many of the statements they make during these growing years.
One thing that I hear teens say is that who they hang out with and what they hear on the radio and Ipod is of no consequence both to the way they think and how they behave. They go to great lengths to try and convince us that this is true and that they know what they’re doing and who they’re hanging out with. But we know that at some point, influence causes one to do what the other has been doing all along… monkey see, monkey do.
As parents we need to be very careful of who our kids are associating with and what they are listening to on the radio and on their Ipods; not because we can find psychological and pathological information that supports what we’re saying but because God, in all His perfect knowledge and wisdom, says the following: “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33 God also says in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man “thinks in his heart, so is he.”
I use teens as an illustration here, but ask yourself this question also: What company are you keeping? Are you consistent in your reading of the Bible, fellowshipping at Church, and listening to something worthwhile on the radio? Or, are you watching some TV show that is not what Jesus would join you on your couch to watch; or are you going places you shouldn’t go to with people that you wouldn’t allow your children to keep company with? What are your thoughts of others? What company are you keeping?
Society’s morals are degraded, down and dirty because as one person thinks so does the other because it’s accepted by the majority. But, the world is sadly mistaken for one with the Lord IS the majority and all else is foolishness.
Remember… “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Corinthians 1:3 NKJV
A Specific Gift
Everyone loves receiving gifts, right? There are some ladies that like chocolate, flowers, clothes or jewelry, and guys that like gift cards to Home Depot, computer stores, or a car shop. Even if you do give a gift card, which is a more general gift, it still goes specifically to someone that enjoys what that store has to offer, right? The gift goes to someone that you know.
Have you ever been somewhere where you find out that someone is going to win a prize? The announcer may hype the situation up and get you all excited, but then you find out that you have to buy a raffle ticket… so you run and buy one. Then you find out that you need tickets that are between specific numbers and yours isn’t one of them… so you run out and buy some more tickets. Then you find out that there is only one prize for one specific ticket and yours is… the one!
The Apostle Paul doesn’t sell raffle tickets but he does talk about specific gifts and begins his first letter to the Corinthians by getting specific very quickly. He says, “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours;” – 1Corinthians 1:2
Paul is not just speaking to a church, but also to those that have made professions of faith in Christ Jesus; and, not just to those who have made professions of faith, but specifically to those who have relationships with Jesus, walking hand-in-hand with Him. The next verse has a gift specifically for these people; a gift beyond what money can buy and any person can provide.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
God wants to give His gifts to everyone, but we can only receive certain, specific gifts when we are walking with Him intimately on that path that leads to eternal life… hand-in-HAND.
I pray today you are allowing God to hold your hand in His, so that you too can not only receive the gift of grace, but also His specific gift of peace.
May God’s grace and peace be with you today, tomorrow and forever.
Everyone loves receiving gifts, right? There are some ladies that like chocolate, flowers, clothes or jewelry, and guys that like gift cards to Home Depot, computer stores, or a car shop. Even if you do give a gift card, which is a more general gift, it still goes specifically to someone that enjoys what that store has to offer, right? The gift goes to someone that you know.
Have you ever been somewhere where you find out that someone is going to win a prize? The announcer may hype the situation up and get you all excited, but then you find out that you have to buy a raffle ticket… so you run and buy one. Then you find out that you need tickets that are between specific numbers and yours isn’t one of them… so you run out and buy some more tickets. Then you find out that there is only one prize for one specific ticket and yours is… the one!
The Apostle Paul doesn’t sell raffle tickets but he does talk about specific gifts and begins his first letter to the Corinthians by getting specific very quickly. He says, “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours;” – 1Corinthians 1:2
Paul is not just speaking to a church, but also to those that have made professions of faith in Christ Jesus; and, not just to those who have made professions of faith, but specifically to those who have relationships with Jesus, walking hand-in-hand with Him. The next verse has a gift specifically for these people; a gift beyond what money can buy and any person can provide.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
God wants to give His gifts to everyone, but we can only receive certain, specific gifts when we are walking with Him intimately on that path that leads to eternal life… hand-in-HAND.
I pray today you are allowing God to hold your hand in His, so that you too can not only receive the gift of grace, but also His specific gift of peace.
May God’s grace and peace be with you today, tomorrow and forever.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
How to have eternal life
If you want to truly live with joy and you want to know what eternal life is, then continue reading, this is for YOU...
The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Because we have all sinned, we are separated from God. If you've lied, stolen, coveted, or had lustful thoughts then you have sinned; even if you've lost your temper a little. We all have personal weaknesses and personal guilt. People are naturally self-serving. Even though people do good things, we all have done our share of wrong.
The Bible says in Romans 6:26: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The consequences of our sin is death. This verse explains one of the most important concepts of the Bible in one sentence. God is Holy and perfect, without any wrong. He cannot be in the presence of sin. Because we have all sinned, we are all separated from Him. This is much like a limb being cut from a tree; it has been removed from its source of life! We cannot have spiritual life because we have been removed from God because of sin. So if we have all sinned and God cannot be in the presence of sin, how can we be saved from eternal spiritual death?
The Bible says in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The penalty for our sin was paid by Jesus Christ. Notice that this verse does not say "God loved us so much that He was really distressed that we were separated from Him by our sin." No! God demonstrated His love. He did something in history that proved His love; Jesus Christ died for us. Despite our sinful condition, Christ died for us. This is the wonderful message of the gospel: God loves us despite our sinful condition, so much that He became a man, Jesus Christ, the perfect, Holy, and sinless God in the form of man. He came to die in our stead, taking the penalty of our sins (death)on Himself so that we might live the way God intended for us to live: in total dependence on Him and in total obedience to Him.
The Bible says in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." If we repent of our sinfulness, then confess and trust Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of our lives, we will be saved from the penalty of sin. The gospel offers us a promise, to save us from the penalty of sin; we must believe it. The gospel also offers us a person, Jesus Christ who paid our penalty and who deserves to be Lord of our lives; we must receive Him.
I would like to invite you right now to pray to God, telling Him you're ready to trust Jesus Christ to save you from the penalty of sin and to confess Him as the Lord over your life. There is a prayer you can pray right now, but let the words be your own; don't just repeat the words as if they were a spiritual chant, but speak them to the personal God who loves you enough to die for you.
Prayer: Lord, I admit that I have sinned and am unclean before You, the Holy God. I understand that I deserve death as the penalty for my sins, and I believe that Jesus Christ paid the price with His blood. I want to turn away from my life style of selfishness and sin; I repent. I confess Jesus Christ as my Savior and I ask that He take the steering wheel of my life; that He take control of my life as my Lord. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you've prayed this prayer and received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior there are some very important, foundational steps you want to take immediately to begin building your relationship with God.
1. Read... the Bible Daily. If you don't have a Bible, then send me an email and I can send one to you, but if you do, then begin reading it. Many suggest you begin reading the gospel of John and the reason for this is so that you can read about Jesus Christ.
2. Pray... without ceasing. This doesn't mean that you have to do it with your eyes closed. It just means that you ask God for direction and guidance each step of your day. It's when you pray that you have communication with God and it's at those times that God can speak to you.
3. Church.. attend one that teaches from the Word of God: the Bible. It's very important to find a church that teaches only the Bible and doesn't add any other books to the teaching. I suggest you find a Calvary Chapel-affiliated church in your local area and attend every Sunday.
4. Share... the Good News. You've received an immeasurable gift and I'm sure you want others to have the same. So, tell others what you did to receive this gift and tell them what God has done for you.
May the Lord Bless you richly!
The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Because we have all sinned, we are separated from God. If you've lied, stolen, coveted, or had lustful thoughts then you have sinned; even if you've lost your temper a little. We all have personal weaknesses and personal guilt. People are naturally self-serving. Even though people do good things, we all have done our share of wrong.
The Bible says in Romans 6:26: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The consequences of our sin is death. This verse explains one of the most important concepts of the Bible in one sentence. God is Holy and perfect, without any wrong. He cannot be in the presence of sin. Because we have all sinned, we are all separated from Him. This is much like a limb being cut from a tree; it has been removed from its source of life! We cannot have spiritual life because we have been removed from God because of sin. So if we have all sinned and God cannot be in the presence of sin, how can we be saved from eternal spiritual death?
The Bible says in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The penalty for our sin was paid by Jesus Christ. Notice that this verse does not say "God loved us so much that He was really distressed that we were separated from Him by our sin." No! God demonstrated His love. He did something in history that proved His love; Jesus Christ died for us. Despite our sinful condition, Christ died for us. This is the wonderful message of the gospel: God loves us despite our sinful condition, so much that He became a man, Jesus Christ, the perfect, Holy, and sinless God in the form of man. He came to die in our stead, taking the penalty of our sins (death)on Himself so that we might live the way God intended for us to live: in total dependence on Him and in total obedience to Him.
The Bible says in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." If we repent of our sinfulness, then confess and trust Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of our lives, we will be saved from the penalty of sin. The gospel offers us a promise, to save us from the penalty of sin; we must believe it. The gospel also offers us a person, Jesus Christ who paid our penalty and who deserves to be Lord of our lives; we must receive Him.
I would like to invite you right now to pray to God, telling Him you're ready to trust Jesus Christ to save you from the penalty of sin and to confess Him as the Lord over your life. There is a prayer you can pray right now, but let the words be your own; don't just repeat the words as if they were a spiritual chant, but speak them to the personal God who loves you enough to die for you.
Prayer: Lord, I admit that I have sinned and am unclean before You, the Holy God. I understand that I deserve death as the penalty for my sins, and I believe that Jesus Christ paid the price with His blood. I want to turn away from my life style of selfishness and sin; I repent. I confess Jesus Christ as my Savior and I ask that He take the steering wheel of my life; that He take control of my life as my Lord. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you've prayed this prayer and received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior there are some very important, foundational steps you want to take immediately to begin building your relationship with God.
1. Read... the Bible Daily. If you don't have a Bible, then send me an email and I can send one to you, but if you do, then begin reading it. Many suggest you begin reading the gospel of John and the reason for this is so that you can read about Jesus Christ.
2. Pray... without ceasing. This doesn't mean that you have to do it with your eyes closed. It just means that you ask God for direction and guidance each step of your day. It's when you pray that you have communication with God and it's at those times that God can speak to you.
3. Church.. attend one that teaches from the Word of God: the Bible. It's very important to find a church that teaches only the Bible and doesn't add any other books to the teaching. I suggest you find a Calvary Chapel-affiliated church in your local area and attend every Sunday.
4. Share... the Good News. You've received an immeasurable gift and I'm sure you want others to have the same. So, tell others what you did to receive this gift and tell them what God has done for you.
May the Lord Bless you richly!
Whispers: A Devotion from John 10:9 NKJV
It’s Your Choice…
An Arab chief tells a story of a spy who was captured and then sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and the big, black door.
As the moment for execution drew near, the spy was brought to the Persian general, who asked the question, "What will it be: the firing squad or the big, black door?"
The spy hesitated for a long time. It was a difficult decision. He chose the firing squad.
Moments later shots rang out confirming his execution.
The general turned to his aide and said, "They always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet, we gave him a choice."
The aide said, "What lies beyond the big door?"
"Freedom," replied the general. "I’ve known only a few brave enough to take it."...
God’s heart breaks every time He sees people choose the firing squad instead of the Door that leads to true eternal life with Him. Many people rely on the known, which is limited beyond measure. People resort to human intelligence, peer pressure (even as adults) and conform to the world’s standards instead of walking through One passage that will release them from the chains of sin and degradation and into a loving, merciful and graceful God!
Today, if you haven’t made the choice to walk through the Door, I implore you to do so because the firing squad is final, but the Door is Jesus in which you’ll only begin to live when you make a decision for Him and walk into Him, through Him and into a life with God.
Think of this… Jesus is with you even at that last moment. The same tree that you are leaning on when facing the firing squad is the same tree, that if you look up, will show you where God the Son hung and wants to take your place so that you can freely go and live.
Today, contemplate the power of choice and use it to choose life in Christ Jesus…
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:9 [Jesus speaking]
If you want to know how you can receive forgiveness, no matter where you are in life, follow the link below and read “How to have eternal life”
http://godwhispers.blogspot.com/
An Arab chief tells a story of a spy who was captured and then sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and the big, black door.
As the moment for execution drew near, the spy was brought to the Persian general, who asked the question, "What will it be: the firing squad or the big, black door?"
The spy hesitated for a long time. It was a difficult decision. He chose the firing squad.
Moments later shots rang out confirming his execution.
The general turned to his aide and said, "They always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet, we gave him a choice."
The aide said, "What lies beyond the big door?"
"Freedom," replied the general. "I’ve known only a few brave enough to take it."...
God’s heart breaks every time He sees people choose the firing squad instead of the Door that leads to true eternal life with Him. Many people rely on the known, which is limited beyond measure. People resort to human intelligence, peer pressure (even as adults) and conform to the world’s standards instead of walking through One passage that will release them from the chains of sin and degradation and into a loving, merciful and graceful God!
Today, if you haven’t made the choice to walk through the Door, I implore you to do so because the firing squad is final, but the Door is Jesus in which you’ll only begin to live when you make a decision for Him and walk into Him, through Him and into a life with God.
Think of this… Jesus is with you even at that last moment. The same tree that you are leaning on when facing the firing squad is the same tree, that if you look up, will show you where God the Son hung and wants to take your place so that you can freely go and live.
Today, contemplate the power of choice and use it to choose life in Christ Jesus…
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:9 [Jesus speaking]
If you want to know how you can receive forgiveness, no matter where you are in life, follow the link below and read “How to have eternal life”
http://godwhispers.blogspot.com/
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Whispers: A Devotion from James 1:19 NLT
Horses and Ships… Can we really control them?
If you’ve ever been close to a horse you’d agree with me when I say that they are powerful and majestic animals. They are an especially awesome sight when they are being exercised in an arena! The nostrils flare up taking in much needed air; the muscles grow intense as they are worked and ran; their main thrusts around; and their skin glistens with sweat. The power exerted by a horse is incredible and can leave one speechless!
If you’ve ever been on a cruise, or even better, had the privilege of taking a tour of the engine and control room of a large ship, then I’m sure you’d also say what miracle it is that ships of great sizes float and move so fast through the seas. Have you ever seen boat races on TV? Have you ever seen a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier? It’s amazing when we begin to think about how these ships can move about the water with such accuracy and speed.
The Bible tells us in James chapter 3 that a horse is driven by placing a bit in its mouth and a ship is directed by a very small rudder. A horse that is so powerful and majestic can be controlled and made to do what we intend it to do by a small piece of metal in its mouth. A ship’s captain can make sure the ship is taken to intended locations so that war planes can depart to fulfill missions and return to refuel safely.
Like the bit and the rudder, two small items controlling and directing, the tongue can move people, societies and nations, it is more powerful than the bit and the rudder put together. James 3 tells us that the tongue can defile the whole body; the tongue can bless and curse; and, the tongue is a fire!
Do you ever find yourself talking about someone else… negatively? Have you said something to someone at the wrong time; condescendingly; or, said something you should not have altogether? Have you yelled, exaggerated, or distorted a message? Then ask the Lord to “bridle” your tongue today, at this very moment, for with it we can curse, but we can also bless others and honor the Lord!
Remember today and tomorrow that what you say can never be removed, so speak blessings because the Bible says that “love covers a multitude of sins”.
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” – James 1:19 NLT
If you’ve ever been close to a horse you’d agree with me when I say that they are powerful and majestic animals. They are an especially awesome sight when they are being exercised in an arena! The nostrils flare up taking in much needed air; the muscles grow intense as they are worked and ran; their main thrusts around; and their skin glistens with sweat. The power exerted by a horse is incredible and can leave one speechless!
If you’ve ever been on a cruise, or even better, had the privilege of taking a tour of the engine and control room of a large ship, then I’m sure you’d also say what miracle it is that ships of great sizes float and move so fast through the seas. Have you ever seen boat races on TV? Have you ever seen a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier? It’s amazing when we begin to think about how these ships can move about the water with such accuracy and speed.
The Bible tells us in James chapter 3 that a horse is driven by placing a bit in its mouth and a ship is directed by a very small rudder. A horse that is so powerful and majestic can be controlled and made to do what we intend it to do by a small piece of metal in its mouth. A ship’s captain can make sure the ship is taken to intended locations so that war planes can depart to fulfill missions and return to refuel safely.
Like the bit and the rudder, two small items controlling and directing, the tongue can move people, societies and nations, it is more powerful than the bit and the rudder put together. James 3 tells us that the tongue can defile the whole body; the tongue can bless and curse; and, the tongue is a fire!
Do you ever find yourself talking about someone else… negatively? Have you said something to someone at the wrong time; condescendingly; or, said something you should not have altogether? Have you yelled, exaggerated, or distorted a message? Then ask the Lord to “bridle” your tongue today, at this very moment, for with it we can curse, but we can also bless others and honor the Lord!
Remember today and tomorrow that what you say can never be removed, so speak blessings because the Bible says that “love covers a multitude of sins”.
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” – James 1:19 NLT
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Whispers: A Devotion from Hebrews 10:24 NKJV
Consider it to the Day…
I’m sure you were told as you were growing up to be considerate of others, especially towards your father, mother, brother and sister…be considerate toward your elders and be considerate of authoritative figures. This was all great advice!
Someone that is considerate towards others is one that is given to careful consideration or is circumspect. This person will carefully consider all circumstances and possible consequences.
With this definition you might think of someone that is older, mature and wise. We may think of someone that sees and warns us of something we cannot see for ourselves. We think of our family, Christian family or our best friend that tells us the truth because they love us.
The Bible tells us that as Christians we are to consider one another, especially in the last days and I’m sure you’d agree with me that we are definitely in the last days… the signs clearly point that out… Christ is coming soon! In addition, God tells us the reason to consider one another is that we may stir up love and good works.
I know it’s the obvious thing, but we need to actually be around people in order to considerate (fellowship); we need to know each other in order that we may consider all circumstances and possible consequences (according to the standard of the Word of God) to guard, to strengthen, to sharpen and build each other up; and, we should do so even more as the days go by.
The end product… well, it’s love and good works, something the world needs to see more of, and even more importantly, the world needs to see more of it in the church.
Until we see our Lord in the sky, consider one another and stir up love in others… the same love that God showed you through His grace and mercy. Move people to desire to do the right thing and make this day a better day for everyone around you.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” – Hebrews 10:24 NKJV
I’m sure you were told as you were growing up to be considerate of others, especially towards your father, mother, brother and sister…be considerate toward your elders and be considerate of authoritative figures. This was all great advice!
Someone that is considerate towards others is one that is given to careful consideration or is circumspect. This person will carefully consider all circumstances and possible consequences.
With this definition you might think of someone that is older, mature and wise. We may think of someone that sees and warns us of something we cannot see for ourselves. We think of our family, Christian family or our best friend that tells us the truth because they love us.
The Bible tells us that as Christians we are to consider one another, especially in the last days and I’m sure you’d agree with me that we are definitely in the last days… the signs clearly point that out… Christ is coming soon! In addition, God tells us the reason to consider one another is that we may stir up love and good works.
I know it’s the obvious thing, but we need to actually be around people in order to considerate (fellowship); we need to know each other in order that we may consider all circumstances and possible consequences (according to the standard of the Word of God) to guard, to strengthen, to sharpen and build each other up; and, we should do so even more as the days go by.
The end product… well, it’s love and good works, something the world needs to see more of, and even more importantly, the world needs to see more of it in the church.
Until we see our Lord in the sky, consider one another and stir up love in others… the same love that God showed you through His grace and mercy. Move people to desire to do the right thing and make this day a better day for everyone around you.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” – Hebrews 10:24 NKJV
Friday, December 15, 2006
Daily Devotion - 12.15.06 - Matthew 22:37 NKJV
Where’s the Passion?
Throughout my life there are a few things that have caught my attention enough to be considered passions; ones that consumed my whole being, including my thoughts, my time and my identity.
Baseball was the one that was my greatest passion. Memories still pour in as I smell the leather of a baseball glove; feel a baseball in my hands; hear the <<< crack >>> of a baseball coming off of a bat; and, I still remember the feeling and silence as I prepared to pitch for the last out with bases loaded in the final inning to win the game! The accomplishments were fun, but the experience was even better… my involvement and my devotion to the game.
Maybe it’s been in the past or it’s in the present, but at some point in your life you’ve been passionate about something. The question is: As a Christian, are you passionate about God, Jesus, the Bible, and the Church? Does God play a central role in your life? If so, how would someone else know? How do you know?
I pray that today you think about what your passion is; what consumes your whole being, including your thoughts, your time and your identity.
Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
Throughout my life there are a few things that have caught my attention enough to be considered passions; ones that consumed my whole being, including my thoughts, my time and my identity.
Baseball was the one that was my greatest passion. Memories still pour in as I smell the leather of a baseball glove; feel a baseball in my hands; hear the <<< crack >>> of a baseball coming off of a bat; and, I still remember the feeling and silence as I prepared to pitch for the last out with bases loaded in the final inning to win the game! The accomplishments were fun, but the experience was even better… my involvement and my devotion to the game.
Maybe it’s been in the past or it’s in the present, but at some point in your life you’ve been passionate about something. The question is: As a Christian, are you passionate about God, Jesus, the Bible, and the Church? Does God play a central role in your life? If so, how would someone else know? How do you know?
I pray that today you think about what your passion is; what consumes your whole being, including your thoughts, your time and your identity.
Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Daily Devotions - 1Corinthians 15:52 - 12.13.06
“It’ll never happen to me!”
It was midnight and the children of Israel experienced Passover like we will never experience it! Just a short distance away the Egyptians also experienced this very day like no one had, and no one has again, to this day!
Moses warned Pharaoh that if the children of Israel were not allowed to leave Egypt and travel to the land God had promised them that all of Egypt’s first born would be killed. Pharaoh didn’t heed the warning because of his hardened heart, and God followed through with what He said He would do.
God also told the Israelites to smear the blood of an unblemished lamb on the doorposts of their homes so that “the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into [their] houses to strike [them]”. The blood identified them as children of Israel. The children of Israel had a “covering of the blood of an unblemished lamb” but the Egyptians did not.
Midnight for us may come with the twinkling of an eye or by an unexpected death. No one knows the day or time when the Lord has appointed to be our last. Not everyone gets time to say good bye to loved ones. Nonetheless, we have the Bible to give us, not only warnings, but also what it would take for us to have the Lord spare us the day our life ends and the clock strikes 12-midnight; or, if the Messiah comes to meet us in the clouds in the rapture… a twinkling… the clock strikes twelve!
John 14:6, Jesus tells us “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus Christ was THE unblemished Lamb and it is His sacrificed blood that is on the doorposts and lintel of our hearts and identifies us as clothed with the righteous robe of Christ. God the Father passes us over because all He sees is Christ Jesus when He sees us. But you must Confess you’re a sinner in need of a Savior; Repent of your sins—turn from them and do the opposite; Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and now sits at God the Father’s right hand; Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life; and, Follow Jesus from this day forward…
Pharaoh never believed that God could or would take his firstborn, but God’s Word is not dependent on human belief or disregard; God’s Word will remain exactly the same as it always has… the Truth. When God says something, you can know that it’s as good as done. This is why we should never think that we have time to continue living without God; disregarding Him or not believing Him because we may find ourselves like Pharaoh the morning after the Passover… wondering why we didn’t believe God at His Word!
You may say, “It’ll never happen to me!” If I’m wrong then you didn’t lose anything because you lived a morally decent life, BUT if you’re wrong then you’ll spend eternity in hell. Don’t be like Pharaoh and not believe God!
This Christmas… Receive the best gift the world has ever been given and receive Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior… and if you already are a Christian, then don’t forget to tell the good news of Jesus to those around you because “midnight” could come sooner than you think!
“… we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1Corinthians 15:51, 52
It was midnight and the children of Israel experienced Passover like we will never experience it! Just a short distance away the Egyptians also experienced this very day like no one had, and no one has again, to this day!
Moses warned Pharaoh that if the children of Israel were not allowed to leave Egypt and travel to the land God had promised them that all of Egypt’s first born would be killed. Pharaoh didn’t heed the warning because of his hardened heart, and God followed through with what He said He would do.
God also told the Israelites to smear the blood of an unblemished lamb on the doorposts of their homes so that “the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into [their] houses to strike [them]”. The blood identified them as children of Israel. The children of Israel had a “covering of the blood of an unblemished lamb” but the Egyptians did not.
Midnight for us may come with the twinkling of an eye or by an unexpected death. No one knows the day or time when the Lord has appointed to be our last. Not everyone gets time to say good bye to loved ones. Nonetheless, we have the Bible to give us, not only warnings, but also what it would take for us to have the Lord spare us the day our life ends and the clock strikes 12-midnight; or, if the Messiah comes to meet us in the clouds in the rapture… a twinkling… the clock strikes twelve!
John 14:6, Jesus tells us “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus Christ was THE unblemished Lamb and it is His sacrificed blood that is on the doorposts and lintel of our hearts and identifies us as clothed with the righteous robe of Christ. God the Father passes us over because all He sees is Christ Jesus when He sees us. But you must Confess you’re a sinner in need of a Savior; Repent of your sins—turn from them and do the opposite; Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and now sits at God the Father’s right hand; Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life; and, Follow Jesus from this day forward…
Pharaoh never believed that God could or would take his firstborn, but God’s Word is not dependent on human belief or disregard; God’s Word will remain exactly the same as it always has… the Truth. When God says something, you can know that it’s as good as done. This is why we should never think that we have time to continue living without God; disregarding Him or not believing Him because we may find ourselves like Pharaoh the morning after the Passover… wondering why we didn’t believe God at His Word!
You may say, “It’ll never happen to me!” If I’m wrong then you didn’t lose anything because you lived a morally decent life, BUT if you’re wrong then you’ll spend eternity in hell. Don’t be like Pharaoh and not believe God!
This Christmas… Receive the best gift the world has ever been given and receive Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior… and if you already are a Christian, then don’t forget to tell the good news of Jesus to those around you because “midnight” could come sooner than you think!
“… we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1Corinthians 15:51, 52
Monday, December 11, 2006
Daily Devotion - 12.11.06, John 16:13 NLV
“Stop and ask for directions honey…”
Hmmm… For us men, these are words that hardly fall on receptive ears. We can’t accept defeat! We know where we are, right? We seem to think that we will receive miraculous revelation on where certain locations are, and we may even think we are less of men to receive directions from somebody else. After all, we know what we’re doing! We read that map once, looked it up on the internet, wrote it down and even printed it out… aahhh yes, but we forgot to bring it with us on the trip! “Was it a right or a left? Is this the correct off ramp?”
I’m sure we’ve all done this at one point, only to finally give in to directions from someone that is familiar with the area we’re in. It’s funny how this person will not only tell us how to get there, but will also describe landmarks that let us know we are on the right path; warn us of areas we want to avoid; and, tell us which street brings us to the best entrance, the one not many people enter through.
For the Christian, the Holy Spirit is this and much more, but like the man driving the car, we many times fail to seek Him for directions because of pride and neglect. We can steer a family wrong for quite a distance. We can steer a thought or a business deal right into danger. We can even be entirely in the wrong “city” because we fail to understand that we need to “stop and ask for directions”.
There are three things that are vital to successfully arriving at our appointed destination: 1) Do not only read the map, but bring it with you and study it well (The Bible), 2) You’ll need to ask for directions and an understanding of the map (you didn’t write it), so don’t be too prideful to stop and ask for directions (Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding), and 3) Listen to others when they say you’re lost… especially your wife!
“The Holy Spirit is coming. He will lead you into all truth. He will not speak His Own words. He will speak what He hears. He will tell you of things to come.” – John 16:13 NLV
Hmmm… For us men, these are words that hardly fall on receptive ears. We can’t accept defeat! We know where we are, right? We seem to think that we will receive miraculous revelation on where certain locations are, and we may even think we are less of men to receive directions from somebody else. After all, we know what we’re doing! We read that map once, looked it up on the internet, wrote it down and even printed it out… aahhh yes, but we forgot to bring it with us on the trip! “Was it a right or a left? Is this the correct off ramp?”
I’m sure we’ve all done this at one point, only to finally give in to directions from someone that is familiar with the area we’re in. It’s funny how this person will not only tell us how to get there, but will also describe landmarks that let us know we are on the right path; warn us of areas we want to avoid; and, tell us which street brings us to the best entrance, the one not many people enter through.
For the Christian, the Holy Spirit is this and much more, but like the man driving the car, we many times fail to seek Him for directions because of pride and neglect. We can steer a family wrong for quite a distance. We can steer a thought or a business deal right into danger. We can even be entirely in the wrong “city” because we fail to understand that we need to “stop and ask for directions”.
There are three things that are vital to successfully arriving at our appointed destination: 1) Do not only read the map, but bring it with you and study it well (The Bible), 2) You’ll need to ask for directions and an understanding of the map (you didn’t write it), so don’t be too prideful to stop and ask for directions (Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding), and 3) Listen to others when they say you’re lost… especially your wife!
“The Holy Spirit is coming. He will lead you into all truth. He will not speak His Own words. He will speak what He hears. He will tell you of things to come.” – John 16:13 NLV
Friday, December 08, 2006
Daily Devotions - 12.7.06, Galatians 6:9 NKJV
Condemned or Convicted?
Many times we make promises and do everything we can to keep them. Sometimes we make promises to ourselves; to our spouses; to our friends; and, many times, if you’re a parent, to our kids.
We make plans to meet with a friend that is going through a tough time and fail to keep our commitment because something else comes up that demands our attention; we say that we’re going to clean out the garage, mow the lawn or change the oil in the car but procrastinate; we set exercise goals but somehow don’t see the treadmill on the way to the refrigerator; we say we’re going to read our Bible every day and pray, but for some reason “things” just keep coming up and we fail to keep that commitment as well.
Many times what results is a feeling of failure and sometimes even depression. Let me tell you that you’re not alone. There are many people that share in what I just described to you.
I encourage you to go back to the “drawing board” and prioritize your time and your “to do” list and tackle one at a time. Whatever you don’t accomplish today move to tomorrow and continue working towards finishing each one on your list. Call your friend, talk to your spouse, or to your children and figure out together how you can keep, or make up that commitment you made. If necessary, ask someone for forgiveness and move forward.
Whatever you do… keep moving forward! Don’t give up or close up… “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2Timothy 1:7 God convicts us in order to “spur” us to continue on His path, but did NOT give us a spirit of defeat and condemnation (that’s the lie of the devil).
Re-treat to the drawing board; Re-think your commitments; Re-member God’s Word and Love; and then move forward with confidence in the Lord… Re-establish what is honoring to God…
Conviction is good because it gives us direction when we use it as “bumper rails” in our walk with God…
Many times we make promises and do everything we can to keep them. Sometimes we make promises to ourselves; to our spouses; to our friends; and, many times, if you’re a parent, to our kids.
We make plans to meet with a friend that is going through a tough time and fail to keep our commitment because something else comes up that demands our attention; we say that we’re going to clean out the garage, mow the lawn or change the oil in the car but procrastinate; we set exercise goals but somehow don’t see the treadmill on the way to the refrigerator; we say we’re going to read our Bible every day and pray, but for some reason “things” just keep coming up and we fail to keep that commitment as well.
Many times what results is a feeling of failure and sometimes even depression. Let me tell you that you’re not alone. There are many people that share in what I just described to you.
I encourage you to go back to the “drawing board” and prioritize your time and your “to do” list and tackle one at a time. Whatever you don’t accomplish today move to tomorrow and continue working towards finishing each one on your list. Call your friend, talk to your spouse, or to your children and figure out together how you can keep, or make up that commitment you made. If necessary, ask someone for forgiveness and move forward.
Whatever you do… keep moving forward! Don’t give up or close up… “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2Timothy 1:7 God convicts us in order to “spur” us to continue on His path, but did NOT give us a spirit of defeat and condemnation (that’s the lie of the devil).
Re-treat to the drawing board; Re-think your commitments; Re-member God’s Word and Love; and then move forward with confidence in the Lord… Re-establish what is honoring to God…
Conviction is good because it gives us direction when we use it as “bumper rails” in our walk with God…
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9 NKJV
Monday, December 04, 2006
Daily Devotion - 12.4.06 Psalm 118:6 NKJV
It is said that one man with God is a majority…
If God is for us, who can be against us. – Rom 8:31
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Phil 4:13
…because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1John 4:4
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2Tim 1:7
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. – Rom 8:38
The Lord is my strength and my shield – Psalm 28:7
I can continue if you need more encouragement today as to Who the Lord is and what He can do for you… but this should be enough to meditate on for one day.
Are you tired of being let down… God is faithful!
Are you feeling drained of your strength… Let God be your strength!
Are you fearful of something ahead of you… God gave us a spirit of power!
Psalm 118:6 – “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
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