There are believers, and there are Christians. Believers have trusted Christ for their salvation, that is, in their hearts. Christians, on the other hand have Christ in their hearts and in their minds. Each of us need to see how we measure up.
Christ never lived one moment for Himself; how much time do we spend on “us”? Christ never lusted in His heart for anything; how do we measure up in this area?
He never worried about anything.
Finances
Future
Job or family.
He never trusted anyone else for His needs.
Government, etc.
One can then be a believer, and not a Christian (Chris, like-ian).
In Luke 18:8 Christ asks “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? The big question is, “Will he find faith in us?” Will Christ find us to be believers, or Christians? Which will it be for you?
There are believers, and there are Christians; which will he find faith in?
(This short devotion has convicted me to my soul, and I am afraid I fall much shorter than I had supposed.)
Showing posts with label morning musings marty dunn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label morning musings marty dunn. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thanks!
This thread will soon be discontinued. I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, and as it progresses will be unable to write or type, or even think clearly. I would like to thank the Lord for the great privilege of writing on this site,and to thank JTR for trusting me in allowing me to do so. I have thoroughly enjoyed these years of writing here and especially the blogs that JTR made for me. I pray her and Fred often, and ask that you all do the same.
Again, thank you JTR for all you do, you have a great web site.
Again, thank you JTR for all you do, you have a great web site.
Friday, May 6, 2011
The science of sin
The science of sin
The science of fire is made up of three parts, spark, fuel, and oxygen. If you remove any of the three elements, you cannot have fire. Sin is also made up of three elements, at least physical sin is, and they are lust, enticement, and opportunity. If you could break up this unholy trinity, you would not have sin in the flesh. (based on James 1:14,15) Everything has a science; I speak from a worldly perspective, and not a heavenly, but, according to this world, everything has a science. Fire burns if not controlled, and sin leads to death if left to itself; it is a natural fact. Fire leaves ruin and ashes, while sin leads to death and despair.
The science of sin--
When enticement meets with lust, we are tempted, but opportunity has not yet presented itself; when opportunity meets with enticement, we are lured, but lust has not yet entered the picture; it takes all three meeting all at once, and be sure that the devil will do his part to see that they do. It is wise of us to seek the guidance of the Lord in our daily walk, that these three should never meet al at the same time, lest we fall to the clutches of sin. Man is weak, and Satan knows our weaknesses, and he will see to it, the best he can, that these three meet together in the minds and hearts of God’s people.
The science of fire is made up of three parts, spark, fuel, and oxygen. If you remove any of the three elements, you cannot have fire. Sin is also made up of three elements, at least physical sin is, and they are lust, enticement, and opportunity. If you could break up this unholy trinity, you would not have sin in the flesh. (based on James 1:14,15) Everything has a science; I speak from a worldly perspective, and not a heavenly, but, according to this world, everything has a science. Fire burns if not controlled, and sin leads to death if left to itself; it is a natural fact. Fire leaves ruin and ashes, while sin leads to death and despair.
The science of sin--
When enticement meets with lust, we are tempted, but opportunity has not yet presented itself; when opportunity meets with enticement, we are lured, but lust has not yet entered the picture; it takes all three meeting all at once, and be sure that the devil will do his part to see that they do. It is wise of us to seek the guidance of the Lord in our daily walk, that these three should never meet al at the same time, lest we fall to the clutches of sin. Man is weak, and Satan knows our weaknesses, and he will see to it, the best he can, that these three meet together in the minds and hearts of God’s people.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Seven “I Wills” of God
Psalm 91
1. “therefore will I deliver him” (v. 14)
All of these promises are contingent on the first part of the verse; “Because he hath set his love upon me,”
We must enter into the promise by faith in Christ.
2. “I will set him on high” (v.14)
The Lord will give us our place in His kingdom; He will glorify us because His name is in us.
We will have a place in heaven with Him. Why? “because he hath known my name.”
3. “I will answer him:” (v. 15)
The Lord promises to answer our prayers, especially in time of need.
The only stipulation is to “seek His face”, and call upon Him.
4. “I will be with him in trouble” (v. 15)
A promise we can’t afford to deny.
5. “I will deliver him, and honor him” (v. 15)
Both deliver from trouble,
And honor him with glory.
6. “With long life will I satisfy him (v. 16)
One of many ways He satisfy’s us!
Long life= eternal life.
7. I will “Show him my salvation” (v. 16)
The most precious of promises.
His promise begins with salvation,
And ends with fulfillment.
1. “therefore will I deliver him” (v. 14)
All of these promises are contingent on the first part of the verse; “Because he hath set his love upon me,”
We must enter into the promise by faith in Christ.
2. “I will set him on high” (v.14)
The Lord will give us our place in His kingdom; He will glorify us because His name is in us.
We will have a place in heaven with Him. Why? “because he hath known my name.”
3. “I will answer him:” (v. 15)
The Lord promises to answer our prayers, especially in time of need.
The only stipulation is to “seek His face”, and call upon Him.
4. “I will be with him in trouble” (v. 15)
A promise we can’t afford to deny.
5. “I will deliver him, and honor him” (v. 15)
Both deliver from trouble,
And honor him with glory.
6. “With long life will I satisfy him (v. 16)
One of many ways He satisfy’s us!
Long life= eternal life.
7. I will “Show him my salvation” (v. 16)
The most precious of promises.
His promise begins with salvation,
And ends with fulfillment.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Cleansing Word
The Cleansing Word
(The Word series)
Mar 5:8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
The Word of God is cleansing. Jesus commands the devils and they must obey; only He can cleanse the sin-wrecked soul, and change the heart of man. Remember Psalm 119:9? “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” What can take a sin-filled life, and completely change it around? The Word of God; what changed the maniac of Gadara, and restored him to a normal man? The Word of God. It restores as well as cleanses. It shows us the Way, as a map in the wilderness, and leads us in paths of righteousness. Further cleansing is always needed by the pure water of the Word. Consider:
“Eze 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.”
We could hardly find a text more clear than that. Thought the “clean water” was not what actually cleansed the soul, as some might claim (baptism), it becomes a type of the water of the Word, which is able to cleanse us from the evils of Idols; rather, I should say, the Word becomes like clear, clean water in its cleansing ability and effectiveness.
(The Word series)
Mar 5:8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
The Word of God is cleansing. Jesus commands the devils and they must obey; only He can cleanse the sin-wrecked soul, and change the heart of man. Remember Psalm 119:9? “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” What can take a sin-filled life, and completely change it around? The Word of God; what changed the maniac of Gadara, and restored him to a normal man? The Word of God. It restores as well as cleanses. It shows us the Way, as a map in the wilderness, and leads us in paths of righteousness. Further cleansing is always needed by the pure water of the Word. Consider:
“Eze 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.”
We could hardly find a text more clear than that. Thought the “clean water” was not what actually cleansed the soul, as some might claim (baptism), it becomes a type of the water of the Word, which is able to cleanse us from the evils of Idols; rather, I should say, the Word becomes like clear, clean water in its cleansing ability and effectiveness.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Our Three-fold Trials
Our Three-fold Trials
Job (chapters 1-2)
Job was tried in three areas and from three directions; our trials follow much the same pattern. When we are tempted, we are tempted from above, from below, and from all sides, but at different times, and in different ways. Our trials may not be from three directions at once, often one is sufficient to defeat us, but all testings and trials are from one of these three sources, and all can be overwhelming if we are not walking with the Lord. We have testing from above; temptations from below, and trials all around us.
Testing from above--The Lord tests His children at times, so that they can learn to have the resolve they need through life and cope with trials that will inevitably come our way. He does not test us to see what we will do--the omniscient God knows exactly what we will do in all situations and at all times, but he tests us so that WE will know what we will do! These tests will allow us to trust, and walk in the confidence that God is with us, and we must rely upon Him to get us through. It is important that we know how to face testing, and trials and temptations.
Temptations from below-- The devil seeks to undermine the Lord through us. He cannot get our souls once we belong to the Lord, but he can confuse us and make us of none effect for the work he has given us to do. Unless we walk daily with the Lord, and keep His Word fresh within us, we have no power against the wiles of Satan as he “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Trials from the world around us-- Trials come from others mainly, but also from the fact that we are but flesh, and flesh has its weaknesses. Affliction is the tools of trials, to keep our minds on problems, and not on the Lord; we are afflicted through the flesh and the world, and if not walking close to the Lord, we will be affected adversely by afflictions.
Persecution then, is also from the world around us, and is a powerful tool in the testing, trials, and temptations that come upon us; it is a trial that the world imposes on us, whether we desire it or not. It can be evidenced by affliction, but may take a course of its own, leaving havoc in its wake.
Gypsy Martindale
Job (chapters 1-2)
Job was tried in three areas and from three directions; our trials follow much the same pattern. When we are tempted, we are tempted from above, from below, and from all sides, but at different times, and in different ways. Our trials may not be from three directions at once, often one is sufficient to defeat us, but all testings and trials are from one of these three sources, and all can be overwhelming if we are not walking with the Lord. We have testing from above; temptations from below, and trials all around us.
Testing from above--The Lord tests His children at times, so that they can learn to have the resolve they need through life and cope with trials that will inevitably come our way. He does not test us to see what we will do--the omniscient God knows exactly what we will do in all situations and at all times, but he tests us so that WE will know what we will do! These tests will allow us to trust, and walk in the confidence that God is with us, and we must rely upon Him to get us through. It is important that we know how to face testing, and trials and temptations.
Temptations from below-- The devil seeks to undermine the Lord through us. He cannot get our souls once we belong to the Lord, but he can confuse us and make us of none effect for the work he has given us to do. Unless we walk daily with the Lord, and keep His Word fresh within us, we have no power against the wiles of Satan as he “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Trials from the world around us-- Trials come from others mainly, but also from the fact that we are but flesh, and flesh has its weaknesses. Affliction is the tools of trials, to keep our minds on problems, and not on the Lord; we are afflicted through the flesh and the world, and if not walking close to the Lord, we will be affected adversely by afflictions.
Persecution then, is also from the world around us, and is a powerful tool in the testing, trials, and temptations that come upon us; it is a trial that the world imposes on us, whether we desire it or not. It can be evidenced by affliction, but may take a course of its own, leaving havoc in its wake.
Gypsy Martindale
Friday, December 31, 2010
Who Made You an authority?
Who Made You an authority?
Some have asked, “Who made you an authority in such matters”, as they asked Christ (Mt. 21:23); the following is a three-fold answer to that question concerning me:
Mt. 28: 19, 20 and Mk. 16:15
1. A dispensation of the Gospel has been committed unto me; (1 Cor. 9:17)
2. A Commission to the world has been assigned to me; (Mt 28:19, 20)
3. A command to the church has been demanded of me. (Mk. 16:15)
A dispensation given by God Himself;
A commission by Christ to all believers;
A a command in that same commission, also given to His own.
The Lord has made us all an “authority” in such matters as the teaching and spreading of the Gospel. It is our duty, as well as our delight; we go; we speak; we act according to the Word of God to promote His good will. We do what we do “in the name of Jesus” or, as we like to often end our prayers, “In Jesus’ name”. It is by His authority that we do what we do, and that we are what we are. So, when asked by the skeptic “Who made you an authority on the matter”, you can truly say, “I am an ambassador for Christ, and live, move, and act in His authority, and His alone”, and know that you have well answered the probing skeptic though probably not to his satisfaction.
Some have asked, “Who made you an authority in such matters”, as they asked Christ (Mt. 21:23); the following is a three-fold answer to that question concerning me:
Mt. 28: 19, 20 and Mk. 16:15
1. A dispensation of the Gospel has been committed unto me; (1 Cor. 9:17)
2. A Commission to the world has been assigned to me; (Mt 28:19, 20)
3. A command to the church has been demanded of me. (Mk. 16:15)
A dispensation given by God Himself;
A commission by Christ to all believers;
A a command in that same commission, also given to His own.
The Lord has made us all an “authority” in such matters as the teaching and spreading of the Gospel. It is our duty, as well as our delight; we go; we speak; we act according to the Word of God to promote His good will. We do what we do “in the name of Jesus” or, as we like to often end our prayers, “In Jesus’ name”. It is by His authority that we do what we do, and that we are what we are. So, when asked by the skeptic “Who made you an authority on the matter”, you can truly say, “I am an ambassador for Christ, and live, move, and act in His authority, and His alone”, and know that you have well answered the probing skeptic though probably not to his satisfaction.
Monday, November 29, 2010
THE HOLY BIBLE
Three words that sound alike, but vastly differ in meaning:
Wholly
Holey
And holy.
1. Wholly
The Bible is the Word of God, from cover to cover;
It is wholly true,
completely reliable
And perfectly recorded.
There is no need to alter it; the truth needs no altering.
Copied inspiration is total inspiration;
The ten Commandments are copies, and have been re-copied by God. They are not “original“!
“Oldest and Best manuscripts?” Who says so? A matter of preference.
Chevrolet better than Ford?
Vanilla ice cream better than chocolate?
All a matter of “taste“.
2. Holey
You have to believe it!
If you do not believe all of the Bible, you have a Bible that is full of holes!
Cut out that which you don’t accept, and see what you have left--a holey Bible!
A “holey” Bible is no Bible at all! It is as if you had a bag full of money with holes in the bag!
There is no stability when the foundation is full of holes.
The real “Water of the Word” leaks out!
Nothing tangible can be reliable when it is full of holes.
3. Holy
A Holy Bible is the only kind we need.
God-inspired; Christ ordained;
A holy Bible that is obeyed is a holy life that is consecrated. It has to be! (Heb. 4:12)
Do you believe it? Then obey it!
When the guide for our lives is holy, and we follow it in obedience, we too must be made holy!
There is no excuse for dis-obeying God’s Word!
Read, heed, study, and it will prove itself superior.
Wholly
Holey
And holy.
1. Wholly
The Bible is the Word of God, from cover to cover;
It is wholly true,
completely reliable
And perfectly recorded.
There is no need to alter it; the truth needs no altering.
Copied inspiration is total inspiration;
The ten Commandments are copies, and have been re-copied by God. They are not “original“!
“Oldest and Best manuscripts?” Who says so? A matter of preference.
Chevrolet better than Ford?
Vanilla ice cream better than chocolate?
All a matter of “taste“.
2. Holey
You have to believe it!
If you do not believe all of the Bible, you have a Bible that is full of holes!
Cut out that which you don’t accept, and see what you have left--a holey Bible!
A “holey” Bible is no Bible at all! It is as if you had a bag full of money with holes in the bag!
There is no stability when the foundation is full of holes.
The real “Water of the Word” leaks out!
Nothing tangible can be reliable when it is full of holes.
3. Holy
A Holy Bible is the only kind we need.
God-inspired; Christ ordained;
A holy Bible that is obeyed is a holy life that is consecrated. It has to be! (Heb. 4:12)
Do you believe it? Then obey it!
When the guide for our lives is holy, and we follow it in obedience, we too must be made holy!
There is no excuse for dis-obeying God’s Word!
Read, heed, study, and it will prove itself superior.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Walk in Truth
A Man of Truth
Friends, in spite of the world’s ideas, and philosophies, Truth still prevails; in spite of how things look to the eye of flesh, and how dire life seems to be at times, Truth prevails. A man of truth will be respected whether he knows it or not. The world is not going to often tell you “I respect you”, but they will because every man is in a search for Truth, though many have a distorted view if what real Truth is. Every man desires truth to some extent, and every man respects the truth. The world needs men of truth; it needs leaders that are not afraid to venture out and lead others into the paths of Truth. Will you, dear reader, be that man?
Walk in Truth. Walk in the favor of man and God, and be a man of truth. God also desires Truth in us:
Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Jesus is Truth; (Jn. 14:6) He is truth incarnate, and the epitome of Truth in Spirit. As he prevails, so Truth prevails; as he is , so is Truth.
Friends, in spite of the world’s ideas, and philosophies, Truth still prevails; in spite of how things look to the eye of flesh, and how dire life seems to be at times, Truth prevails. A man of truth will be respected whether he knows it or not. The world is not going to often tell you “I respect you”, but they will because every man is in a search for Truth, though many have a distorted view if what real Truth is. Every man desires truth to some extent, and every man respects the truth. The world needs men of truth; it needs leaders that are not afraid to venture out and lead others into the paths of Truth. Will you, dear reader, be that man?
Walk in Truth. Walk in the favor of man and God, and be a man of truth. God also desires Truth in us:
Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Jesus is Truth; (Jn. 14:6) He is truth incarnate, and the epitome of Truth in Spirit. As he prevails, so Truth prevails; as he is , so is Truth.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A Holy Family Tree
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” (Eph. 2:20)
It seems that there is a revived interest in family genealogies nowadays. Many people are excitedly tracing their “roots” and there are even ads on tv to find that great grandparent, or ancestor, etc. Suddenly it has become important to know about the history of our families, but there is a “family tree” that is traced through the Bible for each of us, if we know Christ as our personal Savior. It is built upon a solid foundation of apostolic authority, and Christ Himself is the Chief Cornerstone. The entire story is told in only four verses in Ephesians:
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
It is an “habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Actually it is two trees joined together in Christ, built upon the prophets for the Jewish race, and upon the apostles for the Gentiles. Being “fitly joined together,” both are made one in Christ. This union, unknown in the Old Testament, is a mystery that has been revealed in these latter days.
This family tree would begin with Jesus at the top, with twenty-four branches, which are the apostles and the prophets. These branches would branch out to multitudes of saints, down through the ages. The “tree” is indeed a “tree of life”, and is vast in proportion to any other ever known. All of us would be in there somewhere, and the myriads of branches would be endless, as if one would attempt to count the leaves on a huge, old tree. Praise God, we are all in the Lord’s family tree once we accept Christ as Savior!
It seems that there is a revived interest in family genealogies nowadays. Many people are excitedly tracing their “roots” and there are even ads on tv to find that great grandparent, or ancestor, etc. Suddenly it has become important to know about the history of our families, but there is a “family tree” that is traced through the Bible for each of us, if we know Christ as our personal Savior. It is built upon a solid foundation of apostolic authority, and Christ Himself is the Chief Cornerstone. The entire story is told in only four verses in Ephesians:
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
It is an “habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Actually it is two trees joined together in Christ, built upon the prophets for the Jewish race, and upon the apostles for the Gentiles. Being “fitly joined together,” both are made one in Christ. This union, unknown in the Old Testament, is a mystery that has been revealed in these latter days.
This family tree would begin with Jesus at the top, with twenty-four branches, which are the apostles and the prophets. These branches would branch out to multitudes of saints, down through the ages. The “tree” is indeed a “tree of life”, and is vast in proportion to any other ever known. All of us would be in there somewhere, and the myriads of branches would be endless, as if one would attempt to count the leaves on a huge, old tree. Praise God, we are all in the Lord’s family tree once we accept Christ as Savior!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Faith, Hope, and Charity
Faith: (Heb. 11:1)
“Seeing the unseen; doing the undoable”
Whenever the Bible speaks of faith to the Christian, it refers to the “work of faith” in our hearts, as well as a work of faith in our lives. It is speaking of a daily faith that we must walk in every day, and exercise every moment. Faith is refusing to doubt; it is walking in the assurance that God will meet all needs; defeat all obstacles; and win all our battles for us. Simplified: it is trusting in His promises.
Hope: (Rom. 11:29)
“Hope is the wish that faith delivers”
Hope is not faith; it is weaker than faith; it is not expectation, but a longing; a wishful thinking It is man’s dream apart from God’s grace. Many times we mistake hope for faith. Hope has no power; it moves no mountains--but it rides upon the wind and dissipates as a cloud; it delivers nothing. Hope only sees what faith delivers…yet we must never lose hope in the Lord, never quit dreaming.
Charity (1 Cor. 13)
“Charity is the essence of love”
Of the “big three” Charity rates the highest! Yes, even higher than faith for the Bible says “The greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). Charity is love’s action; it is the greatest because it gives, which is the ultimate goal of love--to give. Charity is the “giving” of love, and our God set the example--“For God so loved that He gave…” That, my friends, is the ultimate charity.
“Seeing the unseen; doing the undoable”
Whenever the Bible speaks of faith to the Christian, it refers to the “work of faith” in our hearts, as well as a work of faith in our lives. It is speaking of a daily faith that we must walk in every day, and exercise every moment. Faith is refusing to doubt; it is walking in the assurance that God will meet all needs; defeat all obstacles; and win all our battles for us. Simplified: it is trusting in His promises.
Hope: (Rom. 11:29)
“Hope is the wish that faith delivers”
Hope is not faith; it is weaker than faith; it is not expectation, but a longing; a wishful thinking It is man’s dream apart from God’s grace. Many times we mistake hope for faith. Hope has no power; it moves no mountains--but it rides upon the wind and dissipates as a cloud; it delivers nothing. Hope only sees what faith delivers…yet we must never lose hope in the Lord, never quit dreaming.
Charity (1 Cor. 13)
“Charity is the essence of love”
Of the “big three” Charity rates the highest! Yes, even higher than faith for the Bible says “The greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). Charity is love’s action; it is the greatest because it gives, which is the ultimate goal of love--to give. Charity is the “giving” of love, and our God set the example--“For God so loved that He gave…” That, my friends, is the ultimate charity.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Grey Areasa
Gray Areas?
Often, when we are debating an issue, someone will challenge us with “Chapter and verse please”, but there is not always a chapter and verse for things that are right. Why don’t they ask the Holy Spirit for chapter and verse? Let me say first that there are no gray areas, not really; my Bible is written in black and white, and is as plain as black and white. Nevertheless, here are seven guidelines for us to use to determine what is right and wrong when there may not seem to be an applicable verse:
Ask yourself “How does this affect me…”
1. Spiritually?
2. Mentally? (see James 1:8)
3. Morally?
4. Emotionally?
5. Ethically?
6. Physically?
7. and Socially.?
If you are honest, you will get your answer as to whether something is wrong or right, and how important it might be to you.
This is true with standards that some claim are more preference than scriptural; Many times people say that to skirt the issue, and are most likely under conviction. You cannot fight the Holy Spirit, nor argue Him away.
Often, when we are debating an issue, someone will challenge us with “Chapter and verse please”, but there is not always a chapter and verse for things that are right. Why don’t they ask the Holy Spirit for chapter and verse? Let me say first that there are no gray areas, not really; my Bible is written in black and white, and is as plain as black and white. Nevertheless, here are seven guidelines for us to use to determine what is right and wrong when there may not seem to be an applicable verse:
Ask yourself “How does this affect me…”
1. Spiritually?
2. Mentally? (see James 1:8)
3. Morally?
4. Emotionally?
5. Ethically?
6. Physically?
7. and Socially.?
If you are honest, you will get your answer as to whether something is wrong or right, and how important it might be to you.
This is true with standards that some claim are more preference than scriptural; Many times people say that to skirt the issue, and are most likely under conviction. You cannot fight the Holy Spirit, nor argue Him away.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Master of Wind and Wave
Matthew 9
Isn’t it amazing that the elements, which have no scruples at all--no sense of right and wrong--no will of their own can obey the words of our Lord, when men have such a time doing it? One clearly sees that the Word of the Lord has great power; the elements have no choice but to obey, and why should they hope to do otherwise? My friends, we hold this same Word in our hands every day! What power we possess! What neglect we give to it!
The atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima told of an awesome power--so powerful that man stood in awe at its destructive force, and yet, we hold a greater power in our hands in the Bible! The Word is greater in that it creates instead of destroys. The one has the power to destroy the world, while the other has the power to create it. To make something out of nothing is by far a more awesome power than that which destroys what has been made. Japan saw devastating, unbelievable destruction when the bomb was dropped, and yet the miracle of birth is seen every day, and little is said about it. The Japanese saw death, chaos, mass destruction, while the birth of a child sees a vibrant new life; which do you suppose is the greater of the two? Yes, Jesus is Master of wind and wave, but He has yet to master the hearts of men. It seems that the elements, though having no sense at all, are wiser than the wisest of men. Don’t take the Bible for granted; let it build your life into a vibrant, new life also, by regeneration.
Isn’t it amazing that the elements, which have no scruples at all--no sense of right and wrong--no will of their own can obey the words of our Lord, when men have such a time doing it? One clearly sees that the Word of the Lord has great power; the elements have no choice but to obey, and why should they hope to do otherwise? My friends, we hold this same Word in our hands every day! What power we possess! What neglect we give to it!
The atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima told of an awesome power--so powerful that man stood in awe at its destructive force, and yet, we hold a greater power in our hands in the Bible! The Word is greater in that it creates instead of destroys. The one has the power to destroy the world, while the other has the power to create it. To make something out of nothing is by far a more awesome power than that which destroys what has been made. Japan saw devastating, unbelievable destruction when the bomb was dropped, and yet the miracle of birth is seen every day, and little is said about it. The Japanese saw death, chaos, mass destruction, while the birth of a child sees a vibrant new life; which do you suppose is the greater of the two? Yes, Jesus is Master of wind and wave, but He has yet to master the hearts of men. It seems that the elements, though having no sense at all, are wiser than the wisest of men. Don’t take the Bible for granted; let it build your life into a vibrant, new life also, by regeneration.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
1/16 The last of the "Quips"
Now notice, if you will, that there is a message in Hosea for all of us. If you follow many of these “quips”, you will see what the Lord expects from His children, and note that they seem to “flow“ into a rich and sweet dialogue. Let’s take a look:
First we have the indifference of God’s people: “For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.” (Hosea 2:8). We fail to see the Lord as our provider, and forget that our welfare is in His hands; we are not thankful. There was no awareness of God in her life. Therefore,
”I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope:” (2:15) The “valley of Achor is a valley of sorrow; the word “Achor” means sorrow. Judgment is coming in the form of sorrow, and trouble, and chastisement from the Lord toward His people. This is the reward of indifference, You see, it boils down to this…
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: (Hosea 4:6). We do not recognize the Lord in all His glory; our lack of knowledge of God will be our destruction--the destruction of our joy and our blessings; the destruction of our happiness and prosperity in this life. It is partially because of our lusts for the “party” spirit…
“Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” (v.11). “Partying” turns our hearts away from the good and true, and prompts us to seek after folly and steals our heart. The most precious gift we can give the Lord is our own heart. You see, he wants true worship…
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Our “sacrifices” that we render to Him are nothing when they are done with a heart that is divided. We need to repent, and turn back to God as Israel was to do in 2 Chronicles 7:14…
“They return, but not to the most High:” They returned to their religion, as we often do, and not to the Lord. “Religion” is not always practiced in truth--from the heart. Return, and repent, and seek the Lord in truth, for they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth, but then the Lord says…
“For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:” (Hosea 8:7) they worship the wind; as if the worship would blow away with the slightest breeze, and the slightest whim. The wind shall be the inheritance of fools; the sowing and reaping of mans doing, and not unto the Lord. The Lord admonishes us to…
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12) It is time to seek Him. In v.1 of this chapter we see that Israel was called an “empty vine” They were fruitful, but only unto themselves. I am afraid this describes much of our labor today! We are bearing fruit, but for our own benefit and our own glory, and not for the Lord. Then the Lord must remind us that He, and He only is Lord, “for there is no saviour beside me.” (Hosea 13:4).
If we will return to the Lord and honestly and truly worship Him, he promises “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.” (13:14). He will raise us up in the last day, and we shall ever be with the Lord. What a precious promise! It will cause the good man to reciprocate that love, and, collectively, we can say…
“so will we render the calves of our lips.” (Hosea 14:2). We have great reason to praise Him, and offer the sacrifice of praise to Him. Those of us who will dwell under the shadow of the Almighty, (see Psa. 91) will return to Him with all our hearts as seen in Hosea 14:7: “They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine:” We shall grow in the Lord, and be blessed, and have sweet fellowship with Him. And our fruit shall no longer be our own, and for our own benefit, but He will bear fruit through us, and we will realize true worship in the Lord.
First we have the indifference of God’s people: “For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.” (Hosea 2:8). We fail to see the Lord as our provider, and forget that our welfare is in His hands; we are not thankful. There was no awareness of God in her life. Therefore,
”I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope:” (2:15) The “valley of Achor is a valley of sorrow; the word “Achor” means sorrow. Judgment is coming in the form of sorrow, and trouble, and chastisement from the Lord toward His people. This is the reward of indifference, You see, it boils down to this…
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: (Hosea 4:6). We do not recognize the Lord in all His glory; our lack of knowledge of God will be our destruction--the destruction of our joy and our blessings; the destruction of our happiness and prosperity in this life. It is partially because of our lusts for the “party” spirit…
“Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” (v.11). “Partying” turns our hearts away from the good and true, and prompts us to seek after folly and steals our heart. The most precious gift we can give the Lord is our own heart. You see, he wants true worship…
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Our “sacrifices” that we render to Him are nothing when they are done with a heart that is divided. We need to repent, and turn back to God as Israel was to do in 2 Chronicles 7:14…
“They return, but not to the most High:” They returned to their religion, as we often do, and not to the Lord. “Religion” is not always practiced in truth--from the heart. Return, and repent, and seek the Lord in truth, for they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth, but then the Lord says…
“For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:” (Hosea 8:7) they worship the wind; as if the worship would blow away with the slightest breeze, and the slightest whim. The wind shall be the inheritance of fools; the sowing and reaping of mans doing, and not unto the Lord. The Lord admonishes us to…
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12) It is time to seek Him. In v.1 of this chapter we see that Israel was called an “empty vine” They were fruitful, but only unto themselves. I am afraid this describes much of our labor today! We are bearing fruit, but for our own benefit and our own glory, and not for the Lord. Then the Lord must remind us that He, and He only is Lord, “for there is no saviour beside me.” (Hosea 13:4).
If we will return to the Lord and honestly and truly worship Him, he promises “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.” (13:14). He will raise us up in the last day, and we shall ever be with the Lord. What a precious promise! It will cause the good man to reciprocate that love, and, collectively, we can say…
“so will we render the calves of our lips.” (Hosea 14:2). We have great reason to praise Him, and offer the sacrifice of praise to Him. Those of us who will dwell under the shadow of the Almighty, (see Psa. 91) will return to Him with all our hearts as seen in Hosea 14:7: “They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine:” We shall grow in the Lord, and be blessed, and have sweet fellowship with Him. And our fruit shall no longer be our own, and for our own benefit, but He will bear fruit through us, and we will realize true worship in the Lord.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
1/12 Quips from Hosea
“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love:” (Hosea 11:4)
No man can come to the Father, lest He draw them (John 6:44); the Lord draws us in two ways--with the cords of man, and with bands of love. As a matter of fact, He draws all men the same way! The “cords of a man” are those good enticements we all enjoy; they bind us to a goal, and set our eyes on it. The Lord draws with great promises and many blessings; He lures us unto Him with hopes of good things, and true peace and joy, and He always fulfills His promise to us.
“Bands of love” are much stronger, they draw us from the depth of despair and destruction to the glorious realm of the Lord’s kingdom; greater love hath no man than this…and they come from an everlasting love--the love of God (Jer. 31:3). A gentle, kind love that compels men to reciprocate it, and to draw nigh unto God; I believe these are those “bands of love” and they too are binding, but in a marvelous way--in a glorious communion. There is no greater band to bind us than the love of God which secures us forever unto Him.
No man can come to the Father, lest He draw them (John 6:44); the Lord draws us in two ways--with the cords of man, and with bands of love. As a matter of fact, He draws all men the same way! The “cords of a man” are those good enticements we all enjoy; they bind us to a goal, and set our eyes on it. The Lord draws with great promises and many blessings; He lures us unto Him with hopes of good things, and true peace and joy, and He always fulfills His promise to us.
“Bands of love” are much stronger, they draw us from the depth of despair and destruction to the glorious realm of the Lord’s kingdom; greater love hath no man than this…and they come from an everlasting love--the love of God (Jer. 31:3). A gentle, kind love that compels men to reciprocate it, and to draw nigh unto God; I believe these are those “bands of love” and they too are binding, but in a marvelous way--in a glorious communion. There is no greater band to bind us than the love of God which secures us forever unto Him.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Quips from Hosea
“And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope:” (Hosea 2: 15)
The “Valley of Achor” was a place of weeping. The Lord will sometimes give us weeping for hope. There is hope in trials, while mirth and gaiety is folly; the happiness this world offers is a fake happiness, founded on worldly principles, and worthless in the realm of the righteous; it is stubble instead of straw. Yes, our hope lies in the strength of adversity; in the “crying times” we see the Lord work best in our lives. Our prayers are best rendered when we are “hurting” and they seem to gain in intensity as we speak them to the Lord. These are the prayers that stir the heart of God; these are those which move Him, in His great compassion to intercede on our behalf. The earnest prayer of a broken and contrite heart gain the ear of our Mighty God, and things begin to happen—good things, things of truth and honor. So…though it could be a reproach to some, the Valley of Achor becomes a blessing to others, because they call upon the Lord in their distress. Solomon, the “wise one”, also spoke of this in the Ecclesiastes; he knew of the power of sorrow, and the worth of mirth.
The “Valley of Achor” was a place of weeping. The Lord will sometimes give us weeping for hope. There is hope in trials, while mirth and gaiety is folly; the happiness this world offers is a fake happiness, founded on worldly principles, and worthless in the realm of the righteous; it is stubble instead of straw. Yes, our hope lies in the strength of adversity; in the “crying times” we see the Lord work best in our lives. Our prayers are best rendered when we are “hurting” and they seem to gain in intensity as we speak them to the Lord. These are the prayers that stir the heart of God; these are those which move Him, in His great compassion to intercede on our behalf. The earnest prayer of a broken and contrite heart gain the ear of our Mighty God, and things begin to happen—good things, things of truth and honor. So…though it could be a reproach to some, the Valley of Achor becomes a blessing to others, because they call upon the Lord in their distress. Solomon, the “wise one”, also spoke of this in the Ecclesiastes; he knew of the power of sorrow, and the worth of mirth.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Wickedness around Us
The Wickedness around Us
Often, as I am dwelling on, and praying about the wickedness of this world, a fit of mild depression comes over me. We hear the daily news; read the newspapers, and it seems that all hope for sanity has been swept away by conniving minds, and workers of iniquity. We are surrounded on every side by humanism, and immorality, and flagrant idolatry and it seems as though we are thrown into the pot with them, and all is coming to a boil, but praise God that he is in control. As I dwell on these things, I am also reminded of my part in them!
Yes, I have a part in the wickedness of the world too, and so do all of us. Let us not be too quick to condemn, lest we fall into our own judgment, and wallow in a wretched pool of filth. You see, I have to be reminded that I am as wicked as they, except that I have put certain restraints on that wickedness, or rather, the Lord has, and now I am guided by His Blessed Spirit.
Yes, we seem to be living in a cesspool of evil, and there is not much that we can do about it on our own, but thank the Lord, he can do something; He can change lives and hearts. Let this be our prayer; that God would stir the hearts of His people to pray, and that He would change the hearts of others and turn them around, and change the entire world by doing so. Though we dwell amidst evil, we need not be companions with it; seek the wonderful life-changing grace of God, and “draw nigh” unto Him.
Often, as I am dwelling on, and praying about the wickedness of this world, a fit of mild depression comes over me. We hear the daily news; read the newspapers, and it seems that all hope for sanity has been swept away by conniving minds, and workers of iniquity. We are surrounded on every side by humanism, and immorality, and flagrant idolatry and it seems as though we are thrown into the pot with them, and all is coming to a boil, but praise God that he is in control. As I dwell on these things, I am also reminded of my part in them!
Yes, I have a part in the wickedness of the world too, and so do all of us. Let us not be too quick to condemn, lest we fall into our own judgment, and wallow in a wretched pool of filth. You see, I have to be reminded that I am as wicked as they, except that I have put certain restraints on that wickedness, or rather, the Lord has, and now I am guided by His Blessed Spirit.
Yes, we seem to be living in a cesspool of evil, and there is not much that we can do about it on our own, but thank the Lord, he can do something; He can change lives and hearts. Let this be our prayer; that God would stir the hearts of His people to pray, and that He would change the hearts of others and turn them around, and change the entire world by doing so. Though we dwell amidst evil, we need not be companions with it; seek the wonderful life-changing grace of God, and “draw nigh” unto Him.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
What is life?
A cessation in eternity,
Limited by beginning and end;
Compassed of blessings and afflictions,
Of great joy, and multiplied sorrows;
Of sunshine and shadows,
And moments of love;
Of hate, and envy and strife and pride.
Life—the mystery of the universe;
The prize of every mortal;
The laughter of an elated heart;
The tears of a bereaved soul;
It is highs, and lows,
Good and bad;
Health and sickness,
Wealth and poverty;
It’s remorse and gladness,
It’s goodness and evil;
It’s gentleness and harshness,
Anger and temperance.
A mixture of all these,
Wrapped in a shell of flesh;
Bursting into eternity,
Yet subject to time.
Life is boldness and fear,
It’s pride and humility;
It’s piety and extravagance,
Flamboyance and obscurity.
It is love and hate,
Passion and sedateness;
Ah, life—with all its intrinsic little secrets;
Its great hold on our eternal souls.
How does one fit in?
Simply by being all he can for the cause of Christ.
By trusting Him over all fears,
Anxieties, and every obstacle that might cause one to stumble;
And going forward,
Walking, working toward eternity.
Life is height and depth,
It’s soaring and falling;
It’s wickedness and poverty,
And riches and grace;
It’s a commitment to all these—and more;
It’s a rapid rush toward eternity,
And a slow, peaceful gait;
Oh, who can describe this mystery of life?
Who can tell of what it consists?
It is the “breath of God” given to man;
It’s natures’ hope, and animals’ joy.
It’s a mist, a vapor that is seen,
And soon passes;
Gone, dissipated into thin air of eternity;
Oh mortal, cling to life,
For what it’s worth; cherish it.
Life is merely the postponement of death!
Make the most of it with Jesus.
Limited by beginning and end;
Compassed of blessings and afflictions,
Of great joy, and multiplied sorrows;
Of sunshine and shadows,
And moments of love;
Of hate, and envy and strife and pride.
Life—the mystery of the universe;
The prize of every mortal;
The laughter of an elated heart;
The tears of a bereaved soul;
It is highs, and lows,
Good and bad;
Health and sickness,
Wealth and poverty;
It’s remorse and gladness,
It’s goodness and evil;
It’s gentleness and harshness,
Anger and temperance.
A mixture of all these,
Wrapped in a shell of flesh;
Bursting into eternity,
Yet subject to time.
Life is boldness and fear,
It’s pride and humility;
It’s piety and extravagance,
Flamboyance and obscurity.
It is love and hate,
Passion and sedateness;
Ah, life—with all its intrinsic little secrets;
Its great hold on our eternal souls.
How does one fit in?
Simply by being all he can for the cause of Christ.
By trusting Him over all fears,
Anxieties, and every obstacle that might cause one to stumble;
And going forward,
Walking, working toward eternity.
Life is height and depth,
It’s soaring and falling;
It’s wickedness and poverty,
And riches and grace;
It’s a commitment to all these—and more;
It’s a rapid rush toward eternity,
And a slow, peaceful gait;
Oh, who can describe this mystery of life?
Who can tell of what it consists?
It is the “breath of God” given to man;
It’s natures’ hope, and animals’ joy.
It’s a mist, a vapor that is seen,
And soon passes;
Gone, dissipated into thin air of eternity;
Oh mortal, cling to life,
For what it’s worth; cherish it.
Life is merely the postponement of death!
Make the most of it with Jesus.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Principles for Giving:
1. Give cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7);
2. Give liberally (Prov. 11:25);
3. Give anonymously (Mt. 6:3);
4. Give to a need (Deut. 15:11);
~Much of our giving is for impression, or for gaining the favor of another.
~Don’t give to the rich in hope of gaining their favor.(Prov. 22:16)
5. Give as if giving alms to the poor.
~many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives in hope of cheering them up. This is not true giving. Though the intent is good, we are not to think we can relieve sorrow with riches.
6. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others; (they may need cheering up, but that comes through the hand and instrumentality of the Lord.)
7. Giving must fit the need;
~True giving fulfills a need for others, and not necessarily for self gratification.
8. Give ungrudgingly (1 Peter 4:9, 10);
9. Give with no hope of return or reward (Exodus 22:25);
This is true giving--from the heart--it is genuine and productive.
10. Never give to oppress another; to make feel they “owe” us something, or are obligated to us.
~Some give to promote themselves over another; to belittle the poor. (Zech 7:10)
2. Give liberally (Prov. 11:25);
3. Give anonymously (Mt. 6:3);
4. Give to a need (Deut. 15:11);
~Much of our giving is for impression, or for gaining the favor of another.
~Don’t give to the rich in hope of gaining their favor.(Prov. 22:16)
5. Give as if giving alms to the poor.
~many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives in hope of cheering them up. This is not true giving. Though the intent is good, we are not to think we can relieve sorrow with riches.
6. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others; (they may need cheering up, but that comes through the hand and instrumentality of the Lord.)
7. Giving must fit the need;
~True giving fulfills a need for others, and not necessarily for self gratification.
8. Give ungrudgingly (1 Peter 4:9, 10);
9. Give with no hope of return or reward (Exodus 22:25);
This is true giving--from the heart--it is genuine and productive.
10. Never give to oppress another; to make feel they “owe” us something, or are obligated to us.
~Some give to promote themselves over another; to belittle the poor. (Zech 7:10)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
12/10 "The Early Bird..."
The Early Bird
I usually get up, and out of bed before the “crack” of dawn. I sit, and wait for that lazy old sun to rise, and for a new day to begin; sometimes it seems as if it will take forever, but then I see it wakening and stretching its arms across the sky. I can almost see that first yawn of brightness, as the sun peeks over the horizon, and I know then that soon he’ll be lighting my day. He will send some heat my way, along with the brightness of his glory. Yes, old sol, that great orb in the sky will shine for another day, and then slowly fizzle out and sink once again into a deep slumber below the western horizon, and the cycle begins anew after awhile. It is a “natural occurrence”; it is ordained to be so every day until the final day when the Lord decides that the time has been fulfilled, and He sets this earth at rest. Until that day, I hope to rise early and spend the early morning hours with Him; I hope to have some quiet time—some “quality time” with my Lord, and to finally rest in His bosom at the last day. I hope to use the daylight hours to glorify my God, and to uplift His glorious name. It’s what happens between sunrise and sunset that matters most though, because that’s when I am available for His service; that is when I function the best. Some mock my patterned life, but let them mock; some miss out on the joy of the morning and the fellowship of their God because they are as lazy as the sun itself, and rise just as slowly; they fizzle out quickly and seek the repose of the slothful, and dread the coming day ahead. Let them rest, and I will glory in the morning, in the presence of my King.
I usually get up, and out of bed before the “crack” of dawn. I sit, and wait for that lazy old sun to rise, and for a new day to begin; sometimes it seems as if it will take forever, but then I see it wakening and stretching its arms across the sky. I can almost see that first yawn of brightness, as the sun peeks over the horizon, and I know then that soon he’ll be lighting my day. He will send some heat my way, along with the brightness of his glory. Yes, old sol, that great orb in the sky will shine for another day, and then slowly fizzle out and sink once again into a deep slumber below the western horizon, and the cycle begins anew after awhile. It is a “natural occurrence”; it is ordained to be so every day until the final day when the Lord decides that the time has been fulfilled, and He sets this earth at rest. Until that day, I hope to rise early and spend the early morning hours with Him; I hope to have some quiet time—some “quality time” with my Lord, and to finally rest in His bosom at the last day. I hope to use the daylight hours to glorify my God, and to uplift His glorious name. It’s what happens between sunrise and sunset that matters most though, because that’s when I am available for His service; that is when I function the best. Some mock my patterned life, but let them mock; some miss out on the joy of the morning and the fellowship of their God because they are as lazy as the sun itself, and rise just as slowly; they fizzle out quickly and seek the repose of the slothful, and dread the coming day ahead. Let them rest, and I will glory in the morning, in the presence of my King.
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