“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
I wonder if this is what the Apostle Paul was being inspired to write when he penned these words onto the parchment: Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil
(Ephesians 6:13 NLT).
We all know how easy it is to serve God and be a Christian when everything is going good. We boast about wonderful church services and the moving of the Holy Spirit. We tell everybody at the restaurant what a great time we had in service. Being with Jesus will cause one to feel that way. There is nothing better than basking in the Spirit of God and experiencing His wonderful presence in your very soul. But what about the other times? You know them, the times when you just don’t feel spiritual. Like when that coworker smarts off to you on Monday morning or when your spouse is not in a complimentary mood toward you. When your job is boring, your bank account is overdrawn, your car needs fixing, your roof is leaking, and your teenage daughter has fell in love with a Hells Angel. Yeah, those times.
Neither Dr. King nor the Apostle Paul were inspired to say those times would be easy to endure. What they were inspired to say is the down to earth, rubber meets the road, truth. The same Holy Spirit that was with you last Sunday is still with you. The same Jesus that embraced your heart and whispered encouraging words into your spirit last Sunday is still with you! So how do we stand during the difficult times? The same way we stood in the sanctuary; by immersing ourselves once again in Christ. Putting Him on is simply allowing Him to cover us up. If we leave the Holy Spirit in the sanctuary we are forfeiting the strength and help available to us out here in the world. How do you measure up today? Can you go the distance? If you are in Christ and He is in you, you can!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Stinky Feet
“You shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8 NKJV)
Dr. Scholl’s was not in existence when Jesus decided to take it upon Himself to do a little foot care unto His disciples. It was not actually about their feet anyway but it would be something they would never forget. From that point onward every time they entered a house and had a servant wash their dirty feet it would be a constant reminder of who Jesus is; and who they were.
The event was a strike against pride, the kind of pride that says that we can wash our own feet. You know what I’m saying. The kind of pride that says we have been saved, washed in the Blood, born again, redeemed, and all the other Christianese phrases you can think of. Christianese? The language of church folk. It is foreign to the unbeliever. They may hear it and have some idea what it means but are not able to connect it with the Gospel. Foot washing is not literally required in order to be saved. Many churches have foot washings and that is fine as long as we realize it is an illustration of servitude. Servitude that starts with letting Christ wash our feet that we may allow Him to wash the feet of others through us. Or did you think it was about you and you serving others? If so, that is the pride Jesus was putting down.
Peter did not consider himself worthy enough to have his feet washed by his Master. Human pride in his heart spoke for him. Jesus came to save sinners and if we think for one minute we are not worthy of His grace and mercy, we will perish being to prideful to submit to One greater than us. “Let Me wash your feet Peter, or you are not My disciple.” That is how I translate what Jesus said to him. Old Pete got the message; “wash all of me then,” he said. You and I are His disciples if we allow Him to do for us what we need done. Church going, Bible reading, foot washing, communion taking, are all good things but do not wash our feet. Only Jesus can cleanse our sin stained bodies. We stick our dirty feet into His pan if we want to be His. We then are to tell others what He has done for us and invite them to have a seat and let Him do it for them.
Feeling stressed? Worried? Sick? Afraid? Have a seat, put your feet in Jesus’ hands, and walk away humbled, refreshed and strengthened having dealt a blow against your pride.
Dr. Scholl’s was not in existence when Jesus decided to take it upon Himself to do a little foot care unto His disciples. It was not actually about their feet anyway but it would be something they would never forget. From that point onward every time they entered a house and had a servant wash their dirty feet it would be a constant reminder of who Jesus is; and who they were.
The event was a strike against pride, the kind of pride that says that we can wash our own feet. You know what I’m saying. The kind of pride that says we have been saved, washed in the Blood, born again, redeemed, and all the other Christianese phrases you can think of. Christianese? The language of church folk. It is foreign to the unbeliever. They may hear it and have some idea what it means but are not able to connect it with the Gospel. Foot washing is not literally required in order to be saved. Many churches have foot washings and that is fine as long as we realize it is an illustration of servitude. Servitude that starts with letting Christ wash our feet that we may allow Him to wash the feet of others through us. Or did you think it was about you and you serving others? If so, that is the pride Jesus was putting down.
Peter did not consider himself worthy enough to have his feet washed by his Master. Human pride in his heart spoke for him. Jesus came to save sinners and if we think for one minute we are not worthy of His grace and mercy, we will perish being to prideful to submit to One greater than us. “Let Me wash your feet Peter, or you are not My disciple.” That is how I translate what Jesus said to him. Old Pete got the message; “wash all of me then,” he said. You and I are His disciples if we allow Him to do for us what we need done. Church going, Bible reading, foot washing, communion taking, are all good things but do not wash our feet. Only Jesus can cleanse our sin stained bodies. We stick our dirty feet into His pan if we want to be His. We then are to tell others what He has done for us and invite them to have a seat and let Him do it for them.
Feeling stressed? Worried? Sick? Afraid? Have a seat, put your feet in Jesus’ hands, and walk away humbled, refreshed and strengthened having dealt a blow against your pride.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Grace Today
Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD. (Genesis 4:26 NIV)
Time was marching on after the murder of Able. God had issued His promises of suffering that mankind would inherit due to the disobedience of Adam. It is evident that Gods presence had not forsaken the first family even though they were defiant. Eve understood that Seth had come by the hand of God.
It is encouraging to me to see that men began to call on the name of the Lord. After all they had been through one would think God would not listen. We could not hold a grudge against God if He had chosen to stop with the murder of Able and allowed Eve, Cain, and the rest of them all to die out. Not giving them anymore children but putting an end to sin at the very out start. “Nipping it in the bud,” as Barney Fife would say. We know now that is not what He did.
You may think you have gone to far in your defiance today. Perhaps someone has even told you that you are an outcast forever. They are wrong and your thinking is wrong. The mercy and grace of God was in the world at the beginning and is still here today. The key to realizing it is to follow the example of the first offspring of sinners; call on the name of the Lord!
Time was marching on after the murder of Able. God had issued His promises of suffering that mankind would inherit due to the disobedience of Adam. It is evident that Gods presence had not forsaken the first family even though they were defiant. Eve understood that Seth had come by the hand of God.
It is encouraging to me to see that men began to call on the name of the Lord. After all they had been through one would think God would not listen. We could not hold a grudge against God if He had chosen to stop with the murder of Able and allowed Eve, Cain, and the rest of them all to die out. Not giving them anymore children but putting an end to sin at the very out start. “Nipping it in the bud,” as Barney Fife would say. We know now that is not what He did.
You may think you have gone to far in your defiance today. Perhaps someone has even told you that you are an outcast forever. They are wrong and your thinking is wrong. The mercy and grace of God was in the world at the beginning and is still here today. The key to realizing it is to follow the example of the first offspring of sinners; call on the name of the Lord!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Joseph Who?
(Matthew 1:20 NLT).
“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.
“Are you kidding me?” Wonder why Joseph never asked that of the angel? You know, we are not told a lot about this man named Joseph. It is assumed he was a carpenter by trade because Mark in his gospel tells us that Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). We know he was a just man and a son of David (Matthew 1:19, 20). We know that he and Mary had other children, 4 boys and an undetermined number of girls (Mark 6:3). Joseph is one of those people that today we would say had his 15 minutes of fame in the Christmas story. He is portrayed in Christmas plays as the one standing beside the manger, holding a staff and smiling. I am sure he had a lot to say but the Bible does not record a single word of his. What the Bible does say about him is of great importance. Joseph was a man that obeyed God. Now you will not find that written per say anywhere in the text. What you will find is that he took Mary to be his wife, as the angel commanded him. You will find that he took Jesus to Egypt as commanded by the angel. You will find that he obeyed once again and left Egypt and took Jesus back to Israel. You will find that he obeyed God by way of a dream and took Jesus to Galilee to the city of Nazareth. The last snapshot we have of him is at Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve (Luke 2:41 – 50). When the people said that Jesus was the son of Mary about eighteen years later it is very likely that Joseph had died at some point (Mark 6:3). What you will not find is Joseph questioning anything that God told him to do or complaining about having to do it. In the history of the world this man Joseph should top the list in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11) but he is not mentioned. Wonder why?
Could it be because that he is not really Jesus’ dad? That would be my guess. If Joseph had of become a central character in the life of Christ then people may have confused him with God; Jesus’ real dad. Joseph had no problem doing his part in raising the Son of the Living God. Can you imagine how much more pleasant life would be for us if we could only have the same attitude and allegiance that Joseph did. Not wanting to be center stage but just doing what God would have us to do without questioning or complaining. His name was not on Jesus’ birth certificate but it is written in the Book of Life. What more would one want?
“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.
“Are you kidding me?” Wonder why Joseph never asked that of the angel? You know, we are not told a lot about this man named Joseph. It is assumed he was a carpenter by trade because Mark in his gospel tells us that Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). We know he was a just man and a son of David (Matthew 1:19, 20). We know that he and Mary had other children, 4 boys and an undetermined number of girls (Mark 6:3). Joseph is one of those people that today we would say had his 15 minutes of fame in the Christmas story. He is portrayed in Christmas plays as the one standing beside the manger, holding a staff and smiling. I am sure he had a lot to say but the Bible does not record a single word of his. What the Bible does say about him is of great importance. Joseph was a man that obeyed God. Now you will not find that written per say anywhere in the text. What you will find is that he took Mary to be his wife, as the angel commanded him. You will find that he took Jesus to Egypt as commanded by the angel. You will find that he obeyed once again and left Egypt and took Jesus back to Israel. You will find that he obeyed God by way of a dream and took Jesus to Galilee to the city of Nazareth. The last snapshot we have of him is at Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve (Luke 2:41 – 50). When the people said that Jesus was the son of Mary about eighteen years later it is very likely that Joseph had died at some point (Mark 6:3). What you will not find is Joseph questioning anything that God told him to do or complaining about having to do it. In the history of the world this man Joseph should top the list in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11) but he is not mentioned. Wonder why?
Could it be because that he is not really Jesus’ dad? That would be my guess. If Joseph had of become a central character in the life of Christ then people may have confused him with God; Jesus’ real dad. Joseph had no problem doing his part in raising the Son of the Living God. Can you imagine how much more pleasant life would be for us if we could only have the same attitude and allegiance that Joseph did. Not wanting to be center stage but just doing what God would have us to do without questioning or complaining. His name was not on Jesus’ birth certificate but it is written in the Book of Life. What more would one want?
Monday, December 12, 2011
Gods Gift For You
All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. (The Message, 1 Corinthians 7:23-24)
I have seen several news reports that say holiday spending is up this year. We usually spend money to buy gifts for others as our way of showing them how much we care about them. Sometimes we buy gifts out of duty feeling pressured to give something to someone out of obligation. Other times we give gifts to those we love to show them they are appreciated. For those we truly love we cannot put a dollar amount upon their worth to us.
One report stated that Americans spent over 41 billion dollars last year on our pets! Why are we so in love with our pets? Perhaps it is because we mean something to them. They depend on us. They need us. They reciprocate our love. I saw a bumper sticker that read, “The more people I know the better I like my dog.”
Do you realize how valuable of a gift you are? You may not feel like you mean anything to anyone but I have news for you; you do. You might think you are an outcast, the black sheep of the family or the unappreciated coworker. Christmas time is depressing for you because like Charlie Brown, there are no cards in your mailbox. No invitations to parties, no family to have dinner with, no banquets to attend. Christmas is just another day.
God appreciates you. He loves you and cares about you so much that He gave you life to begin with and then paid the ultimate price to have you for His own. The old devil kidnapped us by way of Adam and Eve in Eden but God paid the ransom to get us back! That Nativity scene in front of the church or in the neighbor’s yard is but a symbol of how much God loves you. He gave the life of His Son in exchange for yours! People may not appreciate you but Jesus does! The Apostle Peter said that all the silver and gold in the world is not worth as much as you are to God! That little symbolic plastic or porcelain baby in that manger scene should remind you of how valuable you really are. A Gift from God to you.
I have seen several news reports that say holiday spending is up this year. We usually spend money to buy gifts for others as our way of showing them how much we care about them. Sometimes we buy gifts out of duty feeling pressured to give something to someone out of obligation. Other times we give gifts to those we love to show them they are appreciated. For those we truly love we cannot put a dollar amount upon their worth to us.
One report stated that Americans spent over 41 billion dollars last year on our pets! Why are we so in love with our pets? Perhaps it is because we mean something to them. They depend on us. They need us. They reciprocate our love. I saw a bumper sticker that read, “The more people I know the better I like my dog.”
Do you realize how valuable of a gift you are? You may not feel like you mean anything to anyone but I have news for you; you do. You might think you are an outcast, the black sheep of the family or the unappreciated coworker. Christmas time is depressing for you because like Charlie Brown, there are no cards in your mailbox. No invitations to parties, no family to have dinner with, no banquets to attend. Christmas is just another day.
God appreciates you. He loves you and cares about you so much that He gave you life to begin with and then paid the ultimate price to have you for His own. The old devil kidnapped us by way of Adam and Eve in Eden but God paid the ransom to get us back! That Nativity scene in front of the church or in the neighbor’s yard is but a symbol of how much God loves you. He gave the life of His Son in exchange for yours! People may not appreciate you but Jesus does! The Apostle Peter said that all the silver and gold in the world is not worth as much as you are to God! That little symbolic plastic or porcelain baby in that manger scene should remind you of how valuable you really are. A Gift from God to you.
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Messiah?! In Bethlehem?
Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. (Luke 2:17 NKJV)
A couple of guys are sitting around the table in the Bethlehem coffee house having their usual morning get together before heading off for their jobs. “Hey guys did you here what the shepherds are going around town talking about?” One of them asks. “No, what are they saying?” One of them asks. “Well, rumor has it that some angles appeared to them while they were in the fields keeping watch the other night. I don’t know but if you ask me it sounds a bit strange.” Another one chimes in, “I tell you what, those shepherds can come up with some stuff. It has to get boring following those sheep all day and all night.” Then one asks, “What did the angels do to them?” “I understood that they gave them a message about the Messiah being born.” The Messiah?! The Holy One of Israel? The Deliverer? Being born here in Bethlehem? Ha! Maybe in Jerusalem but not Bethlehem.” One of them adds, “I remember somewhere hearing that one of the Prophets said He would come from Bethlehem.” Another one asks, “But why would God send His angels to a bunch of shepherds and tell them instead of the Rabbis?” The other says, “Yeah, if God was going to do something like that He would not waste His time or efforts on a bunch of sheepherders. He would send an angel to one of the Pharisees first. That news is what our people have been waiting to hear for hundreds of years so I cannot imagine Him telling it first to shepherds.” They look at their sundials and determine its time to go to their jobs. “Well, I will see you guys tomorrow; Shepherds and angels, what a riot!” One of them comments.
Sound familiar to you? This conversation could take place at Starbucks in New York or Judy’s Diner in Fort Chiswell. The Good News of the Gospel seems to arouse more skepticism than interest. Jesus is not as important to the majority as He is to us. Thousands have heard of Him but few know Him. It is interesting to note that the shepherds went to see what the angels told them was happening. Had they believed that the angels were just a vision from lack of sleep and to much fig tea and never followed through, we would have never known they were the first to be told. God would have got His message out; some other way.
Are we following the example of the shepherds? Are we going about the town telling people about our encounter with Christ? Or, are we following the example of the scoffers. The Christmas season is a great time for Christians to tell others about Christ. Share with someone where you met Christ and offer to introduce them to Him.
A couple of guys are sitting around the table in the Bethlehem coffee house having their usual morning get together before heading off for their jobs. “Hey guys did you here what the shepherds are going around town talking about?” One of them asks. “No, what are they saying?” One of them asks. “Well, rumor has it that some angles appeared to them while they were in the fields keeping watch the other night. I don’t know but if you ask me it sounds a bit strange.” Another one chimes in, “I tell you what, those shepherds can come up with some stuff. It has to get boring following those sheep all day and all night.” Then one asks, “What did the angels do to them?” “I understood that they gave them a message about the Messiah being born.” The Messiah?! The Holy One of Israel? The Deliverer? Being born here in Bethlehem? Ha! Maybe in Jerusalem but not Bethlehem.” One of them adds, “I remember somewhere hearing that one of the Prophets said He would come from Bethlehem.” Another one asks, “But why would God send His angels to a bunch of shepherds and tell them instead of the Rabbis?” The other says, “Yeah, if God was going to do something like that He would not waste His time or efforts on a bunch of sheepherders. He would send an angel to one of the Pharisees first. That news is what our people have been waiting to hear for hundreds of years so I cannot imagine Him telling it first to shepherds.” They look at their sundials and determine its time to go to their jobs. “Well, I will see you guys tomorrow; Shepherds and angels, what a riot!” One of them comments.
Sound familiar to you? This conversation could take place at Starbucks in New York or Judy’s Diner in Fort Chiswell. The Good News of the Gospel seems to arouse more skepticism than interest. Jesus is not as important to the majority as He is to us. Thousands have heard of Him but few know Him. It is interesting to note that the shepherds went to see what the angels told them was happening. Had they believed that the angels were just a vision from lack of sleep and to much fig tea and never followed through, we would have never known they were the first to be told. God would have got His message out; some other way.
Are we following the example of the shepherds? Are we going about the town telling people about our encounter with Christ? Or, are we following the example of the scoffers. The Christmas season is a great time for Christians to tell others about Christ. Share with someone where you met Christ and offer to introduce them to Him.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Taking On The Giants
I put on the whole armor of God and then headed out the door to shop for all the Black Friday deals! Earlier in the day, much earlier, people of all ages took on the commercial giants of merchandising in order to get bargains that only come about once a year. The giants were prepared as they had their marketing strategists working for months on plans that would baffle the Pentagon war planners. Limited items with low prices coupled with long aisles proved to be a challenge for the giant fighters to overcome. Some were bivouacked on the sidewalk awaiting the trumpet that would sound charge! Weapons varied from pepper spray to handguns. Pushing and shoving, yelling and fussing, pulling and tugging, the giant fighters made their way to the bargains with such savagery that would make a rugby match look like a little girls tea party. Suffering from lack of sleep many of the shopping soldiers feel in the trenches before reaching their prize. Others clamored over one another in order to dive into the bowels of the big box giant in order to lay hold of their pearl of great price. Within hours the troops had retreated with their booty. About midday I walked through the battlefields. It was apparent that the giants had survived. They had succeeded in feeding the bargain starved attackers. The coupon packing, ad carrying, smart phone equipped warehouse warriors boasted of their victories while the giants wallowed in their profits.
I wonder what the Lord thinks about our Black Friday. I am sure He is not against someone getting a bargain; legally of course. I wonder how He views the stores for pitting person against person and how He views the people that participate. I guess that was what Jesus was trying to tell us when He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). I am glad I did not have to wait until Black Friday in order to get free redemption! I am glad that God did not just make a few redemption coupons available so that we would have to battle one another over them. Thank you God for Jesus!
I wonder what the Lord thinks about our Black Friday. I am sure He is not against someone getting a bargain; legally of course. I wonder how He views the stores for pitting person against person and how He views the people that participate. I guess that was what Jesus was trying to tell us when He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). I am glad I did not have to wait until Black Friday in order to get free redemption! I am glad that God did not just make a few redemption coupons available so that we would have to battle one another over them. Thank you God for Jesus!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)