A Savior, Christ The Lord

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”-Romans 5:1-2

Faith and hope, pillars of the gospel.  Essential ingredients to salvation.  One might set out flour, yeast, and salt, but unless they are combined you will stand there and starve to death.  United together you have fresh bread, to be baked and consumed to give life. 

 Christ was the unity of salvation, gifted for all men.  You would expect that if a man could choose the place of his birth, he would choose a wealthy family.  A fine home, and all the creature comforts.  Christ didn’t come this way; he entered the world among the humble and lowly.  His nurses were livestock.  His crib a manger.  Yet, in his coming, and in his ministry, we find the essential ingredients to salvation.  Within these essential ingredients: faith and hope.  Glorious hope!  Saving faith!  What salvation can we expect through faith?  Look again at Romans five versus one and two.  You see man is not born into this world equal to God, no, we are unequal.  Of all the problems that confront us today.  Poverty, war, conflict, discrimination, racism, mental illness, inequality; of all the problems that confront us, the greatest is sin.  It is that God is holy and just, and we are not.  We are lost, unrighteous, unholy, and prone to break the holy commandments and sin against a holy God.  I have a precious daughter who is seven years old.  She is the sweetest thing, most of the time.  Yet, I tell you now if I sat her down at the table and put a plate of cookies nearby and told her “Don’t touch.”  She might obey for a moment, but not long after she will find a way to sneak a cookie and then justify to me how and why she did it.  People are the same way, we cheat, lie, commit adultery, etc.  Instead of coming clean we try to justify ourselves and cover it up.  Little realizing that we are bound in chains, and the condemnation of sin has us imprisoned.  We are caught up in an irreconcilable debt that we cannot pay.  Have you ever been in debt?  Are you currently in debt?  Have you ever borrowed, and spent with the intent to pay it back?  The word of God says that “the borrower is servant to the lender.”  If you have not believed in Jesus there is a sin debt owed, you are a servant to it, and unless someone pays the debt then there can be no salvation. There can be no peace.  A man stands before a judge with a charge of murder, the judge holds the man’s life in his hands.  Even if the accused pleads guilty, does that mean there is peace between him and the judge?  No, why not?  Because he is still waiting for the sentence. They are not going to have peace while the penalty remains.  So, it is with us.  There is no peace while the penalty remains.  However, because Jesus came, paid the debt and is there as an advocate for us, we can be justified, and saved from the: curse, condemnation, penalty, and practice of sin.  Liberty is liberty, and Christ has power enough to take you out of sin and keep you out of sin.  Stop and take all this in.  Really pause and consider the awful shape humanity would be in without Jesus.  Without hope, without love, without peace, without assurance of faith, and unable to enter heaven.  This was the fate of all peoples, before Christ came.  It was the reality of a small band of shepherds keeping watch over sheep by night, when an angel came with a proclamation of glorious hope, and saving faith.  “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

God didn’t cast us aside or leave us in our sin.  Christ is the hope and salvation of all people.  The conquering king, the payment for sin.  Our hope, our pardon, our payment, our prophet, our peace, our Redeemer, our Savior!  Jesus Christ.  He came on a silent night, born to a virgin Mary, in a stable; with only angels, animals, and shepherds to keep him company.  He came bringing salvation and that salvation can be obtained by faith.  Faith in Christ the Lord.  

Proper Gift

“For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.”- 1 Corinthians 7:7

In first Corinthians chapter seven, the Apostle Paul is writing as a single man.  No doubt he was answering the Corinthians concerning the various relationship statuses that they were experiencing as new members were added to the body of Christ.  In answering, he leaves behind sacred instruction to us.   

For most people, they imagine that they will one day marry. That they will have a wedding day, a home and children. A life of romance, and a best friend to grow old with.  Of those who are sound in the faith it is likely that they hope to find a wife or husband in church. The gift of marriage, godly marriage, is well supported.  So, it should be.  However, the Apostle writes, “for I would that all men were even as I myself.”  Not married, but single.  Single and entirely devoted to God.  He calls this a proper gift.  A true, right, correct, suitable gift.  Yet it seems that all too often singlehood is not looked upon as a proper gift. As one progresses into their thirties, it might feel like you’re in a game of musical chairs and the music is about to stop, while all the seats are taken.  The dreams of marriage you once had slowly slip away into the reality of your single life.  The Hallmark holidays have no cards or candy for you.  Movies and television use you as a third wheel or the third corner of the love triangle.  At best you are mashed into the lives of married people.  At times it may feel more like a curse than a gift. Certainly, if your only purpose in this life is to live for the things of this life, then married or single you’re doomed.  However, if our resolve is to live totally and completely in the will of God then the gift of singlehood, and the soul who would use it; they are exceptional.  Those who are called to be completely and totally focus on serving Christ and embrace such a calling; they are rare indeed.  Those that resolve to “attend upon the Lord without distraction.”  This is not for those who are less than, or who have been left out, far from it; it is for those who are trusted.  Trusted by the Lord to be able to keep under their body and bring into subjection.  Trusted by the Lord to live a life of sacrifice and surrender.  To place on the altar the basest passions of the human condition. To accept that at the end of this life they may be without children, without someone to grow old with, living alone (though they are not alone) in an empty and quiet home.  Their contribution and calling in this world will be entirely spiritual. For that, those souls, those sanctified individuals living this proper gift of singlehood should be esteemed.  For they are esteemed, they are married to Christ and every day they are a living example that he is enough, and more than enough!  They can go where the married cannot. They can leave when the marriage must stay. They can spend when the married must save. They are light and swift for the gospel.  Someone mentioned to me not too long ago: “Our church is not sure what to do with single people. We don’t know where they fit in.”  If the church is a social club, then it is easy to see how it would struggle to find a place for the unmarried.  However, if the church is a church of Jesus Christ, and all as members of His body; then the married and the single have a part in the body just the same.  What your relationship status is doesn't matter.   

It is of great consequence to every sanctified believer that we settle in our hearts that we will serve the Lord no matter what.  Married or single.  That we hold the will of God above all else and recognize that every man has his proper gift in this life.  To those who have been given the gift of marriage, use it for the glory of God.  To those who have been given the gift of singlehood, use it to further the gospel.  We must each accept and embrace the calling of God for what it is, and do not pander to the world, or the worldly church.  The gift of singlehood is a proper gift, a beautiful gift.  Thank you God for those brothers and sisters who gladly receive it.    

The Song Of Life

“Come they told me

A new born king to see

Our finest gifts we bring

To lay before the king

So to honor him

When we come”

“That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear.  In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” – Luke 1: 74-75

In this life, we are all little drummer boys (or girls).  Each day, each step, each decision we make the rhythm of our life is being played.  The song of our soul poured out on our drum.  This instrument of life (the ability to live) is what God gave to us, and we play on it as we see fit.  God has given us choice, and we can choose whom we would serve; ourselves and the devil, or the God that loves us.  This choice was bought for us; bought by God’s own Son on a cross.  This man, Jesus Christ, left the hallowed halls of heaven and was born in a manger to a virgin Mary.  He came and dwelled among the forsaken, rejected, wretched, and poor.  He lived this life sanctified to God and then sanctified Himself on a cross so that we might be sanctified.  God’s amazing grace was embodied in Jesus Christ.  The Savior of the world, the Lamb that was slain, the little baby born in a manager.  He bought and brought a way out of sin for you and me.  We come into this world carnal, wretched, needy, and sinful; but Christ our Savior has made a way that we might have life in this life and have it more abundant.  There is now a choice to every man, you can live for yourself (your desires, your wishes, your ambitions) or you can live for him.  You can play your song of life to honor your own selfish desires, or you can play for the King who gave His life so that you might serve him.  He bled for you, died for you, Christ loved you so much that he was willing to sacrifice himself for your chance at spiritual life.  Willing to sacrifice himself so that we can have this gift of hope. 

We have one life to live.  One song to play.  There is no gift we can bring to honor the King.  “I am a poor boy too, and I have no gift to bring that’s fit to give our King.”  However, our time on earth that God has given to us to be stewards of.  We are drummers playing for whom we choose.  Let us play our drum for Him and play our best for Him.  Him who left heaven, was born in a manager, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who became a servant to all and suffered on a cross; resurrected on the third day the conquering Lord bringing unto us the gift of salvation.  Let us play for Him. 

(lyrics at top: Little Drummer Boy, adapted) 

Thanksgiving

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”-Psalm 100:4

According to Webster, when you are grateful you have a due sense of beliefs and benefits; and a willingness to acknowledge and repay these benefits.  Thankfulness is defined by your depth of gratitude.  A heart of thankfulness is a heart guarded against bitterness.  One that is given to praise toward a God who gave you such things as ye have.

The gates of the city of Jerusalem, and the courts of the temple of God were a sanctuary to the people of Israel.  The gates and courts were a passage to worship, and the Psalmist was giving us good instruction as to how to enter in and approach God.  Today the passageway of worship is through the Spirit, for God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth; yet we must approach God in the same manner.  We enter with thanksgiving and praise.  All people on earth should be thankful, yet how quickly the devil and the carnal nature sweeps in to place us on the throne of all things.  Twisting us to believe that we were not given these things about us, but that they came by chance.  That we were not afforded the opportunity and wherewithal to gain such things as we have need of, but that they are gotten singularly by our own strength.  How can one enter praise of God when he or she believes himself to be God?  Christ came down and brought us truth that not only delivers us from sin but places us in the right fellowship with God.  When we are in fellowship with Christ, we might obtain a deep sense of recognition that God is heaven, and we are given so much from his hand.  Thanksgiving invites praise, it puts us in a place of humility so that we can bless His name and be led by God’s goodness.  A heart of pride and vanity will struggle to find such a place of thanksgiving.  Offering praises to God will come to him (or her) as a foreign language.  It will cling to their tongue, and they will not darken the doors of a church.  The place of prayer will be a strange place, and the Word of God unfamiliar.  The merits of Christ lost on them, and their fruits of the Spirit barren.  The one who is unthankful, and ungrateful is cut off from the blessing of thanksgiving.    

Thanksgiving is about far more than turkey and dressing.  Football and family.  It is a weapon against the devices of Satan.  A sentry against sinful tempers.  It constitutes our praise and frames our prayers.  “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)  

The Dangerous Question

“The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”-Matthew 19:20

What lack I?  An honest, and dangerous question to ask the Lord.  Sadly, many of us will intentionally or unintentionally avoid such a question.  Either we are too self-assured, too self-centered, or self-confident. Too busy, high minded, or afraid to reach deep enough into ourselves and be honest with our Lord.  Honest enough to ask, “what lack I yet?”

The rich young ruler came to Christ seeking assures and direction to obtain eternal life.  Christ commanded him to keep the commandments.  To which the young man responded: “which?”.  No doubt when Christ began listing the commandments the young man’s heart was glad.  He knew those scriptures and knew you could not find fault against him there.  Those boxes were checked.  When Jesus finished the young ruler promptly responded “All these have I kept..”  Then the young man proceeded to ask the dangerous question, “what lack I yet?”  In asking he was willing to submit himself to the closest examination from Christ.  He welcomed Jesus to take out the search light and look behind every nook and cranny.  To make a clean sweep into the far corners of his heart and bring to light whatever Christ would find.  Christ found the very thing that he loved the most, and it was the very thing that he lacked to be perfect.  Jesus said, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”  The ruler was confronted with his most treasured possession, his treasure.  The comfort, status, pleasure, and prestige that came with them.  The scripture says that he “went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”  In his eyes it was too much to give.  Too much to forsake.  The treasures of this world were more than the treasures of the world to come.  The life of wealth was richer than the life of sacrifice.  He could give some, but he could not give all; and he went away sorrowful.  Herein lies the danger and blessing of this one question: what lack I yet?  When asked with an earnest and sincere heart before Christ; you will get an answer.  The Holy Ghost will search your heart, your life, and bring to light your most treasured possession.  It may be riches, ideologies, identities, relationships, aspirations.  Whatever the case, the call will ultimately be the same: “sell all.”  Give up what you are and what you love most and surrender to Christ.  Follow him.  Follow him despite everything because he is worthy.  Follow him because he is hope for life eternal.  Follow him because what you give is a fraction of what you gain. 

The thing is, when you ask Christ “what lack I yet?”  You don’t get to choose his response.  You lay it all on the line, and the comfort box that you have crafted for yourself will be busted wide open; in an instant.  Just a few words “go, sell, follow” and it upends your entire life.  You are forced out of your comfort zone to rely totally on faith.  No, many, many people will not dare to face Christ as this young ruler did. They will not surrender themselves to this daring test, this searching question: what lack I yet? Will you? 

He Went Out

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

We live in a society of imaginative certainty.  The idea is to be insulated, insured, and settled.   Our careers, relationships, insurance policies, retirement plans, and assets are the foundations by which we craft our own little castles.  The imaginative certainty is enough to keep us from experiencing greater depths of the true reality of faith.  When you trust in this world you are parlaying your own destruction in hopes we might gain more imaginative certainty.  All the while there is a depth of faith that could be ours remain unexplored except we “go out not know whiter we went.”  

             Before God called Abraham, he was living around his family, friends, and no doubt trying to make his own way in this life.  He had a house, a wife, and perceived a future.  Then God called him.  The call of God is a special thing, it demands action.  It demands acceptance or denial.  It demands that you follow or flee.  Abraham was not called to advance his kingdom; in fact, the opposite, Abraham was called to leave all that he knew and go out into the complete unknown.  He knew God called him, he knew he was promised that somewhere over yonder was a land for his inheritance and that God would make him a great nation beyond all that he knew.  His faith would have to be totally in God: all that he had, was, or ever would be, placed in the hands of God.  It was the promise of God against the comforts of life.  Imagine if tonight you received a verse, scripture, or unction from God that told you to “go out.”  You know it’s from God, and you know little else.  You know you must “go.”  Pack up your things, sell your house, quit your job, gather your family and get in the car ready to drive.  Where to?  You have no clue, but God will tell you.  Will there be dangers?  God will protect you.  How will you eat?  Where will you sleep?  What about your family?  What will your wife or husband think?  The Lord will provide.  This was Abraham’s reality; he lived in imaginative certainty before God called him.  He obeyed, thereby experiencing faith reality.  The certainty is imaginative because in a moment our little castles can be razed to the ground.  Faith is reality because when we trust in the Lord and “go out” we experience the reality of living in faith and by faith.

As Christian, sanctified people; the only difference between imaginative certainty and faith reality is obedience. He is calling us to live by faith, faith in his Son, faith in his Word, faith in the Holy Spirit.  That He will teach, lead, and take you way out of your comfort zone.  It’s comfortable to build our own castles (not easy but comfortable).  It’s comfortable to trust in the things of this world.  The way of personal gain is tried but not true; the way of losing all so that we might win Christ is true but less tried.  It takes abandonment, obedience, sacrifice, and perpetual going out.  It may be lodging someone who needs a bed, going out and preaching on street corners, going out and quitting your job because it causes you to work on Sunday.  Reaching out to people who don’t look, talk, think or have any way to repay you.  The way of “going out” is the way of faith; it is total dependence on God and absolute abandonment of self.   It is the way Christ lived and calls us to live as well. 

Repent Ye

  “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” – Matthew 3:2-3

In ancient days the roads were often rough, rocky, and filled with obstructions.  The kings and aristocrats would send men ahead of them to “prepare the way.”  Remove any obstructions, smooth out rough places and grade out any high places.  This would hasten the coming of the king. 

John the Baptist was the voice crying in the wilderness; preaching repentance for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Through his preaching, he was to prepare the hearts of men and women for the coming of the Lord.  The message of repentance is turning away from sin.  It is a turning of heart, a turning of mind, a turning of all of who you are.  A call to leave off your sinful ways to follow the ways of righteousness.  This was John’s baptism, the baptism of repentance.  As he preached, the people would flock to him.  Picture in your mind this man clothed in camel’s hair.  This wild man of the wilderness who rejected the traditions of the Jews and stood on the banks of the Jordan River, offering hope to those who would hear.  Proclaiming the coming of Messiah.  The deliverer.  Like the Jewish Mikveh, the water of baptism was to symbolize washing, cleansing, purity and pardon.  However, without a sincere heart of faith, it would only begat a wet sinner.  However if they confessed and turned, God would grant them pardon and they would then be a prepared vessel for the coming of the Lord.  To borrow an analogy from a much-respected preacher I know, when a home is bought, it must be swept and cleaned before moving in.  No one wants to live in a dirty house.  So, the heart needs the same in preparation for the Master.  When we are in sin we are unfit for the Holy Spirit’s habitation, we are unworthy for the coming of the Lord (which is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit).  We are unfit because he is Holy and we are not, we are unfit because He wants to lead us to righteousness, and we want our own way; we cannot serve two masters.  Therefore, preparation is needed.  The house must be first cleaned up, sins of the past washed away, and a resolute desire to serve him instilled.  Then, and only then, can it be a fit, prepared vessel for the habitation of the Holy Ghost.

Repentance is that preparation, it is that cleaning; it is the remission and pardon for sins past, coupled with the resolve, determination, action to pursue righteousness.  It is believing that you can be cleansed because of the Christ who died.  Died for you.  It is the desire for Jesus in one’s life.  When you repent, God forgives, and in that act of grace brought about by your faith God ready’s your heart for the habitation of the Lord.  It is not for your glory, but for His.  He ready’s you for the Holy Ghost to come and live inside. 

What Is Worth Your Time? Guest Week: Levi Collier

 “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” Proverbs 3:9 

“What is worth your time?” This question has weighed heavily on me recently. Time is one of, if not the greatest resource we are given. Even though it is limited, we often spend it quite carelessly, especially those of us in America. We are consumed with the cares of this life. We watch as our jobs, houses, cars, air conditioners, and so much more consume our time and money, without us even realizing it. There is a saying that goes something like “the more you own, the more it owns you.” We have so much here, yet we spend our resources on worldly things that will not further the growth of His Kingdom nor lead us there. The Lord has revealed to me that many of the normal things in the average American lifestyle, at their root, are entirely wastes of our time as followers of Christ. 

In 1 Samuel, we see the story of a man named Saul, who was God’s anointed and chosen king of Israel. Saul over time changed his priorities from serving God, to keeping his power. The Lord had blessed him with his position because of his humility, yet that was the very thing he gave up to keep his crown. Saul became more and more sinful, and even caused the people of Israel to sin. He was violently protective of his kingship. This story is a snapshot into the nature of mankind. What is precious to us is what we will devote our time, money, and thoughts to. Through the power of sanctification, the Lord has blessed us with the power to make Him our first priority, and the ability to live that out. If we are righteous, then we will do the works of righteousness and be laborers for God. Our time and our efforts are a reflection of who we serve and display to others the intentions of our hearts. 

There is a world full of people who do not know Jesus. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14. We are given the responsibility to tell the world about Jesus. Our efforts must go towards making more disciples for Christ. The Lord has placed this on my heart to share so that others may begin to spend their time righteously and not wastefully. I have been guilty of wasting some of the precious time that the Lord has blessed me with. With the society we are faced with here in America, it will take much time and effort to reach the hearts of men. Our culture seems to grow deeper into sin. While church is a major blessing, the people of this world aren’t going to show up there if we do not show up for them outside of the church’s walls. The plan is simple: spend time with others in an effort to teach them about Jesus. “Little is much if God is in it.” There is nothing more worth our time than growing His kingdom.

Your Own Mercy

“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”- Jonah 2:8

Mercy is God’s unmerited favor.  It is extended towards all mankind, and it is something that is predestined to both you and me.  God’s infinite mercy flows down through the line of time and without we would be doomed.  The scripture says that the Lord’s mercy endureth forever.  It also says that it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not, and that mercy rejoiceth against (or until) judgment.  The mercy of God is fully, completely, and entirely extended to you and me. 

To understand the subject of lying vanities we can look back through the scriptures and find numerous examples.  The Israelites, when they thought Moses was dead on the mountain top, called up Aaron to make a golden calf to be worshiped.  In the time of the kings of Israel, they would build altars to false gods and establish areas of “worship” (sinful acts and unholy sacrifices).  The nations around Israel would serve gods that they believe would bring prosperity, vitality, and victory.  When people observe lying vanities, they observe manufactured gods of this world that they place their trust and hope in.  These gods are of the creature, and not the Creator.  It is no different today.  When our hope and trust is placed in manufactured gods we create and we ourselves are given to support, exalt and encourage such; we “observe lying vanities”.  The stock market, universities, governments, public figures, sports/movie stars, politicians are just some of the many lying vanities that cannot save.  If observed with time, devotion, trust, and sacrifice they will demand that you forsake your own mercy.  Not to mention the love and practice of committing sin against God.  When you “observe” lying vanities, you “forsake your own mercy.”  You forsake the mercy of God reaching down to bring true redemption.  To point you in the way of salvation.  You forsake the Christ that died and the blood that bought your pardon.  Blood that can redeem you from the pit of sin and bring you back to the plains of righteousness.  You forsake the fellowship with God, and His guiding providence over your life.  God desires to lead his people.  How can he do it when we are wrapped up in “observing” the lying vanities of the world?  God’s mercy is always reaching, but how often is it cast aside to observe the vanity of this world?  A world that we will soon pass away from.  

If a soul’s worship is directed towards the creature more than the Creator, his call on that soul’s life extends only so far.  Then one day it dies and meets judgment forsaking the mercy that God intended.  God will justifiably send the soul to hell; a soul has been given mercy and willingly chose to forsake that mercy.  Why would we be angry with a God who did exactly what he said he was going to do?  It is the lying vanities that must be forsaken so that the truth of the gospel can shine through and bring us into the worship of the one true God.  When we reach judgment, it will be forever too late.  Too late for the sinner to convert and come to Christ, and too late for the Christian to do any more for Christ.  As the scripture says: “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” (Ecclesiastes 11:3)

Wives Give Honor-10-15-24

“And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.”-Esther 1:20

Obeisance, honor and a similitude of reverence can be coerced through violence and intimidation.  This is the way of tyrants and fascists.  One may not love their leader, or respect them, but if kneeling or submitting saves their neck then so be it.  This submission is not motivated by devotion, but self-preservation.  While the result may seem similar, it is very different.   

In the time of Esther, the king would command that wives appear before their husbands on command.  The power was in the hands of the man, and the throne.  When queen Vashti chose not to come when she was called this shook the king and the princes.  The chain of command was threatened, and their power was threatened.  How did the king deal with this?  He dismissed her and sought another wife.  Out with the old, and in with the new.  While God used his pride and arrogance to bring about deliverance (yet another example of how God can work despite man’s depravity), it is still a shameful thing that honor must be coerced, forced or leveraged.  That a husband should be thought of as a tyrant in his own home.  The modern-day feminist movement views God in this way.  That he is an unjust tyrant, and by extension so are men.  The system is all equally unjust and must be overthrown, muzzled or trained.  The feminist is only picking up what Satan has already laid down.  That old lie that God is not God, and we should be.  He would have women war against the submission to the husband, and husband against submitting to God.  Forgetting that God’s holy kingdom is not like mans.  God is just.  God is loving.  He is on the throne, and he offers a better and more perfect way than what mankind could create.  He commands the husband to be subject unto Christ.  As Christ was to the Father.  A Christ who left heaven, surrendered comforts, helped the lowly, and sacrificed himself on the cross.  This submission is what the husband must model in the home.  Men honor God by leading through love, humility, integrity and fidelity in all things according to the scriptures.  Husbands are to lead by example and reinforce the law of God through word and deed.  When the husband fills his role, it makes the wife’s role much easier.  Hers is to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed.  To guide the home, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  Our culture today seems to look down on women who choose motherhood over career advancement; but God doesn’t.  A maid can clean a house, but that doesn’t mean she can keep a home.  Mom is on the frontlines.  She sees the scars and tends the bruises.  She looks to what comes into the home and is watchful of what or who rocks the cradle (so to speak).  When you take away the role of the godly women at home, you take away both the guard and the garrison.  You take away instruction and the instructor.  What career could have more impact than molding the future generations to serve the Lord and further the cause of Christ?  What branch of education is better than training up a child in the way they should go?  Businesses go bankrupt, countries fall but work in the home stands eternal in the hearts of the children. 

A godly woman must give honor to the husband, but the scripture commands the husband to give honor to the wife.  What a tremendous honor a godly woman is!  To men “great” or “small.”  So says the Word of God: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:10-11) There is no battle of sexes in the Christian home, because the calling on our lives is greater than what is seen and heard by the natural man.  We are striving for eternal things, together; and God, Christ, and His Word is our way forward.   

Do You Talk Yourself Into Apathy?

Do You Talk Yourself Into Apathy? -10-9-24

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28:1

Action is uncomfortable, and boldness will draw attention.  It is easier to hide, reason away, and use any excuse to be apathetic.  Effectively “fleeing when no man pursueth.”  The devil uses fear and doubt as chains to hold back the pursuits of the righteous.  However, what we must always remember is, “the righteous are bold as a lion.” 

To this day, I can still remember when my dad first taught me how to cut the grass.  He showed me how to choke our Honda push mower to get it to start.  He showed me how to engage the blade and how to cut straight lines.  With sweat on my brow, an ache in my legs, and a smile on my face, I guided that mower over the entire yard; then cleaned it off and put it up until our next engagement.  As time went by (coupled weeks or so), the joy of cutting the grass soon faded.  When it was time to mow the lawn there was no more spring in my step, I had to be persuaded, prodded, and lectured.  The reason for my apathy was I had learned how to talk myself into apathy.  From the first time I cut the grass to the hundredth time I cut it; the obstacles that stood in my way, largely, had not changed.  The only thing that had changed was my outlook and attitude.  The first time, it was a new and exciting adventure.  The hundredth time, it was a chore, and when it became a chore, I found reasons why I should do nothing.  In the morning, it was too wet, in the afternoon, it was too hot, and in the evening, it was too dark.  I talked myself into apathy.  Mentally searching for obstacles to use as excuses.  Intentionally enlarging minuscule adversity to justify not doing anything.  How many lost souls remain that way, simply because the righteous talk themselves into apathy?  How often do we mentally search for obstacles to use as excuses?  God help us to search our hearts.  Has there been neglect to witness to your hairdresser, co-worker, grocer, schoolmate, simply because of reasoning to apathy?  Talking yourself into apathy can extend beyond witnessing to your fellow man.  How many times have we quenched the moving of the Holy Ghost because, “that’s just not what they do here” How many times have we neglected our personal devotion time to the scriptures with a promise of “I will get to it later.”  When God puts something on our hearts, whether it is a new and exciting adventure or nothing short of a chore, it does not matter, we must go out in obedience.  Fleeing from the task is shameful, and wicked.  The antidote to apathy is a good dose of faith. 

When we proclaim that we are Christian’s, followers of Christ, and the Master puts something on your heart; it is there for a reason.  You might think it uncomfortable to carry it out.  You might be a little embarrassed or feel a little corny…well, really, who cares?  Take a leap of faith and say, “Lord, I will.”  He will guide and direct you.  God does not need us to be qualified; he needs us to be willing.  He will guide us and teach us to perform what is needed to advance his kingdom.

God Be Merciful

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13

Humility is essential to the Christian life.  If you want to go to heaven, you must repent of your sins and become sanctified, which takes humility.  To become sanctified, you must leave your way and resolve to follow Christ; this takes humility.  One must abandon their personal pride and strength, placing their full trust and confidence in Christ.  And leave it there.   

                When the Holy Ghost convicts and convinces you that you are a sinner it is both a blessing and an act of grace.  You have reached a point where you understand that you are wrong and need to change.  You have reached a wonderful realization, a realization that you are lost.  If we never knew that we were sinners we would go through our whole life thinking that we were “ok”, only to die and meet God, a condemned sinner bound for an eternity in hell.  What a tragedy!  Though we obtained all this world riches, it would be far better to obtain genuine Holy Ghost conviction and follow Christ.  Conviction from God is a precious gift, and it comes to every man.  Yet, mankind justifies themselves and reasons away from it.  Unwilling to admit that they are wrong.  It is in this light that we find the ugliness of pride revealed.  When you are so confident in your strength and the reasoning of your own mind that you are unwilling to listen to the counsel of God.  There are far more who will go to hell because of pride than ever did because of drinking, rioting, and such like.  There are many who sit in church, dressed in nice clothes, driving nice cars, and are whole heartily convinced that they are righteous; because of pride they are unwilling to look at the true state of their soul and “examine themselves to see if they are in the faith or not.”  Pride will blind the eyes to the path of God and blind the mind to the counsel of God; pride will condemn the soul as sure as any “substance” sin will.  The scripture says, “let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts.”  That tells me, all you must do to be wicked is follow your way over God’s. 

When you decide to follow Jesus, admit you were wrong, repent and become sanctified.  It does not leave a bitter taste in your mouth.  It does not bring turmoil and bondage; far from it, it brings liberty.  It takes the pressure off you and allows you to live in fellowship with God and Christ.  Living in fellowship with Christ will develop in you every virtue that the man Jesus Christ embodied.  Perhaps not in one single prayer, it might take a lifetime, but as my minister once told me: “the joy is in the seeking.” However, this cannot begin unless one finds a place of humility and admits they are lost without God.  That they are a sinner in need of saving.   

Beautiful Faith

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” – Luke 1:38

The Christian life is a life of faith.  The Bible tells us in Hebrews eleven (the faith chapter as it’s called) that they “looked for a city that has foundations whose builder and maker is God.”  This contrasts with the worldly life which is a life of sight.  The Christian, who is a Christian, is striving, believing, and hoping for the unseen; opposite to the man who is not a Christian.  A man without faith in God is striving, believing, and hoping for the here and now.  It is accepted that we are born into this world a natural man with a mind and propensity towards things that are temporal and carnal; therefore, it stands to reason that if you are going to walk by faith then you must first experience some sort of transformation; a change, a conversion.  This is accomplished through faith; through faith you can be born again into a life of faith. 

The Bible doesn’t tell us a whole lot about Mary and Joseph before Jesus came on the scene.  We know their lineage, we know they were engaged, we know some of their immediate family, and we also know that they were righteous (really that tells you all you need to know).  The angel told Mary, “Thou hast found favor with God.”  One can readily assume that with a testimony like that, Mary was a woman of faith, and a good thing too, because she was being called upon to perform a monumental task.  In these few short verses found in the first chapter of the book of Luke, this humble and amazing woman teaches us a valuable lesson about the life of faith.  It is very easy to believe and have faith when everything is as it should be.  We all have our little plans laid out in front of us, I did, I was going to graduate high school, go to college, etc.  If the wind is calm and the boat is headed due north following the point of the compass; what great need is there for faith?  I imagine (but cannot confirm) that Mary and Joseph had their plans as well.  They were to be married, and have a house, Joseph would likely take up his occupation and life would continue as planned.  Perhaps two kids, a comfortable home, nice neighbors, etc.  Then one day, an angel appears, and their world is turned upside down.  I ask you as I ask myself, where is your faith when your world is turned upside down?  Not where is it, do you have it or not, but where is it?  Who do you trust in?  Do you trust in yourself?  Your sight?  Your bank account?.......Or God.  Where is your faith?  The life of faith is proven through times of crisis and in times of crisis where we place our faith can determine everything.  It is the difference between Abraham and Lot, Saul and David, Josiah and Manasseh, Saul and Paul.  Faith, and the life of faith glorifies God and that is a beautiful thing.   

Mary’s faith was a beautiful faith.  When the angel came and turned her world upside down, she didn’t have to take a walk and mole it over.  There wasn’t a long line of questioning of the angel as if they were in the courtroom.  She simply said, “be it unto me according to thy word.”  Beautiful faith, Lord give me that kind of faith.  The kind that when the whole world is falling to pieces and all my life’s ambitions are tossed out the window, I can say to God “be it unto me according to thy word”; come sorrow or pain, loss or gain.   Faith answers all, and a life of faith carries us home to heaven.    

The Light & Lamp

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119

It’s amazing how when it’s dark, everything seems to be a bit further away.  Those objects and landmarks that you were so sure of, are just out of reach.  Without a light, inevitably you trip, fall, or step on something.  Even the most well-traveled path becomes difficult to navigate.  How much more the path that you have no knowledge of?  The path that you have never traveled before.

             Every person on this earth is a traveler to eternity.  We don’t know how long, or short, our journey may be.  No more than we know which day will be our last.  The uncertainty of tomorrow is a darkness in and of itself.  The day to day: what, when, where, and how weighs on all of us.  We are constantly downloading information, analyzing, running a risk/reward analysis, to hopefully produce a satisfactory course of action.  This could be for something as simple as where to buy milk on your way home; or as difficult as deciding a career path.  Like a toddler taking his or her first steps, we are ever teetering on discovery and failure.  We live in a world of uncertainty and trying to wade through it produces anxiety (to say the least).  In addition to the darkness that is the uncertainty of tomorrow, there is another darkness, the uncertainty of the soul.  One could have their whole life planned out, making all the right decisions at all the right times.  They could be saving, preparing, and acting just as they should.  Life could be perfect on the outside, but inside, there is darkness and unrest.  When you are out of fellowship with God, it invites sin into your life.  This brings darkness and uncertainty to the soul; outwardly everything may seem to be in its proper place, but inwardly that soul is stumbling and tripping every step of the way.  As we travel to eternity in a world full of darkness, it stands to reason that we need light to guide our way.  God has provided that for us.  Jesus is the map, the compass, and the navigator.    “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  He also said: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.”  God does not expect those who would serve Him to have it all figured out, he just wants you to trust Him.  He is not looking for ability, he wants willingness.  The scripture tells us that “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”  Jesus Christ came down from heaven and took on mortal flesh.  He was the first sanctified man and lived this life as an example that we should follow, and he did not leave us without help.  He was the light of the world while walking on earth, and he is the light of the world today.

This is accomplished through the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost.  A Comforter who can live within a repentant soul.  This Comforter acts in the name of Jesus (rather is Jesus himself) and will light your way.  We live in a blessed day: we have the Word of God in every sense.  In the sense of the Word left on record (i.e. the Bible), in the sense of the Word that lived in mortal flesh, Jesus the incarnate; and finally, in the sense of the Word that can dwell within us (the Holy Ghost).  Truly, “thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  If the Word is not your light today, it can be.  You don’t have to travel in darkness.

Words Matter

“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”-James 5:12

When someone gives their word, they give themselves.  If you commit to being somewhere, you must make sacrifices to be there.  If you commit to work, you must show up, and work.  Even in the small things, especially in the small things, our words are only as good as our ability to follow through.  Words are easily spoken, but consistency of action is stubborn.

The Apostle James gives us ample exhortation on how we should speak.  Here he is exhorting the church, (echoing the words of Christ) not to swear ourselves, but let our communication simply be “yea” and “nay”; and telling us not to overcommit ourselves to a binding oath.  Why?  For my part I see a few reasons.  First, it is the part of the Christian to always tell the truth.  In our lifestyle and actions.  What we say and do will directly reflect the overall testimony that we give to those around us.  Therefore, if we give an oath, if we swear ourselves to something, then we bind ourselves to it.  This gives ample opportunity to fall into condemnation, because so little in this world is under our control.  For example, King Saul, after his son Jonathan had won them a great victory, swore that none should eat lest he die.  Then his son Jonathan ate, not knowing his father’s oath.  Saul was so blinded by his own legalism that he was going to kill his son, but the people saved Jonathan.  All this because Saul presumptuously opened his mouth in an oath (herein is the slippery slope of legalism.  When you and/or your church culture swear themselves to the doctrines of men, you can get to the place where a sleeve that is six inches off the shoulder instead of eight inches, means you have sinned.  Or, if you sit on a plane and glance at the in-flight movie then you have sinned.  Now, don’t take me wrong, the church should abstain from the world, and live to the scriptures; however, this should come from the place of love and passion to draw nigh to God, not the oaths of men forced on the congregation).  Secondly, our “word” should be enough.  Our lifestyle is so consistent that when we say “yes” no oath is needed, because we are going to do it.  Or make every possible effort to.  If you have an appointment, then meet it.  If you have a responsibility, then fill it.  If you have a job, do it.  The Christian must be consistent because we are ambassadors for Christ.  Christ is consistent.  Furthermore, who doesn’t want consistency in their life?  You cannot build anything without this trait.  How unsung it is!  It doesn’t take intelligence or skill to be consistent, yet intelligence and skill mean little without consistency.  Lastly, if you make your “yea, yea” and your “nay, nay”, if you strive for consistency; then it will cause you to be very careful about what you say yes too.  The vacation might seem like a good idea, but what is it going to pull you away from?  The promotion comes with a pay increase, but what will it cause you to work towards?  That certain someone may be the most attractive person you ever laid eyes on, but you’re not just marrying their body, you’re marrying their values.  Again, we put ourselves in what we say “yes” too.   

A consistent church full of Christians who are always in prayer, instant in witnessing, dutiful in scripture, loving their neighbor, opening their hand to the poor, and living so they have something to give; this church will grow.  It is so easy to get distracted in this “land of opportunity”, and sometimes serving God means knowing when to say “no” and committing when it’s time to say “yes.”  Words matter because what we say is what we should do, and what we do is who we are. 

The Witness

“Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;”-Hebrews 10:15-16

Has Satan ever told you: “you’re not sanctified.”  Or “you’re not born again.  “You don’t have salvation.”  In Revelation twelve and ten the scripture calls Satan the accuser of the brethren. It’s a tricky one, because, if you listen to Satan, it will sow doubt in your mind.  On the other hand, how do you know it’s not God talking to you, and telling you where you ought to be?  When it comes to the salvation of our soul, we must be sure.  So, how do we know we are Sanctified (I.e. saved, brought into full fellowship with God and Christ, and have the power of the Holy Ghost living within)?

We are all guilty of the same crime.  We are all sinners, and we have been tried, convicted, and condemned.  If it were not for Jesus Christ, we would all stay that way.  However, when you repent, and believe by faith that Christ paid the penalty for your crimes then you are free from the guilt and punishment of those crimes.  You are free from the sinfulness you have done.  This is justification.  However, while free of committed sins, you are still a slave to carnal sin.  Which is the nature of sin that caused you to do it in the first place.  Therefore, the indwelling of the Holy Ghost is a second, necessary work of grace. The Holy Ghost must move in and cast the old nature of sin out.  We are sanctified by the Holy Ghost, and He is our character witness.  If you were accused of a crime, you didn’t commit, or of a crime you did commit, and we set at liberty from; a good lawyer would start by reviewing the facts of the case.  Detailing your alibi, and finally, calling in some solid character witnesses. They would come in and witness under oath that you are not guilty.  In this manner, the Holy Ghost is a witness unto us.  Why, he is the strongest and most powerful witness there is!  He is sent by Jesus himself to testify to all accusers that you are redeemed!  The Holy Ghost works in tandem with the Word of God.  The sanctified will read their Bible daily and “look into that perfect law of liberty and continue therein.”  As you read, you see.  You see what is comely, and what is uncomely.  The scripture likens it to looking in a mirror.  You see what is good, and what you need to shape up (maybe the beard is getting scraggly, or the hair is out of place, those eyebrows need a trim, etc.).  As you are led and guided by the Holy Ghost, and the Word of God, it conditions your spiritual ears to the call and leading of the Shepherd.  Which is Jesus Christ.  You become accustomed to the sound of His voice.  Not an audible voice, but an internal “knowing” of His will.  As sheep know the shepherd’s voice.  The more you know His voice, the more foreign the voice of Satan becomes, and you recognize it right away.  Herein is one of the dangers of indulging on the world (i.e. listening to ungodly music, television, social media influencers; etc.); it blurs the senses, and robs you of that keen sense of the Holy Spirit.  It numbs your “knower.”  The man who dies of hypothermia dies slowly and comfortably.  It’s the same way when you remain in the frigid waters of the world. Furthermore, if the witness of the Holy Ghost is inside of you it will testify to the accuser day in and day out.  It will testify in your disposition, dress, and decisions.  It will testify in your manner of life and concern for others.  The abiding change in your life, the confidence towards God; that can only be brought about by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

Herein is how we know, because we have the abiding witness of the Holy Ghost.  You don’t need habitual sin to keep you close to God, but a complete salvation.  A salvation witnessed and imparted by the Holy Ghost. 

On Pastors

”And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”-Jeremiah 3:15

In scripture, the word pastor is synonymous with the word shepherd.  Rightly so, because the responsibilities of a pastor (elder, bishop) closely align with that of a shepherd.  The shepherd is the caretaker, protector, and guide to the flock.

 God used shepherds all throughout the scriptures. He called Moses who was a shepherd for his father-in-law. He called David, who was a shepherd for his father Jesse and shepherds were the first among many to announce Jesus Christ. Shepherds are tasked with guarding, guiding, tending and caring for their flock.  Christ said: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Herein is the first qualification, are you willing to give your life for the sheep?  A shepherd must love his sheep.  He must love them because they are going to test him, kick him, bite him, and wander from him.  It may be a flock of three or a flock of three hundred, they must love the flock.  Not love what the flock can give them, but the flock themselves.  These “pastors” today who speak falsehoods and pile up numbers; I wonder do they even know their flock?  When God calls someone out of the general body of Christ to be a shepherd, he places on them a solemn responsibility and an eternal accountability.  The scripture says: “obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17) Shepherds do not own the flock. They are not lords over the flock, but rather shepherds to the flock.  King David wrote in Psalm chapter twenty-three: the Lord is my shepherd. In this chapter he gave us a wonderful example of what a shepherd should be.  He says that his shepherd makes us lie down in green pastures.  Meaning we are full, safe, and satisfied. That he leads us to still waters to drink from.  Meaning they are pleasant and accessible waters that will quench our thirst. That we are led in paths of righteousness, therefore away from the paths of unrighteousness and wickedness.  That we are led for Christ’s name's sake, that we might serve and surrender to one who is greater and mightier than us, and though we walked through the valley of the shadow of death. We will fear no evil. Valleys are vulnerable places to be, but with the shepherd we are safe. No person can do all this, so it is mandatory that a shepherd must know the Good Shepherd.  They must be a follower of Christ, if they have any hope to lead others to, and in Christ.  The role of the pastor is one who is continually pointing and guiding them to that Good Shepherd which is Jesus Christ.  As with the role of the shepherd, it is a meek and humble task. The Lord spoke many truths to Jeremiah, and God touched this man who then went out and gave many rebukes to the pastors of his day.  He called them brutish and sought not the Lord.  He called them destroyers and told them that their evil doings have scattered the flock.  Their choices had an impact on the people they were supposed to guide.  No doubt, the one who is called to shepherd souls is called to a serious responsibility.  It is mandated by scripture that the pastor should be given double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 

The apostle Peter called Christ the chief Shepherd.  He is the one who we look to in all things.  Yet, there are men and women who are called to serve Christ by serving his flock. So the apostle writes to those as well: “ The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.”-1 Peter 5:1-3

Is It Time To Move?

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.” Act 9: 13-14

Moving is no small task.  When you must touch, organize, box, and categorize everything you own, it really puts into perspective what you own.  To a degree, the exact same thing happens within yourself.  We are always obtaining, learning, categorizing, and compartmentalizing; consciously or unconsciously.  The whole of ourselves is labeled and categorized just like our homes, the process of which going largely unnoticed until called upon to “pick up and move.”  That is truly when you find out what you love, what you’re leaning on, and how comfortable you really are.

                 In Acts chapter nine we find the conversion of Saul to Paul.  Saul was a Pharisee who persecuted the Christians, and God struck him down.  Saul was then converted and became a disciple of Christ.  During this time, the Lord was working on another man as well, Ananias.  Ananias was a disciple and no doubt an active member of the early church.  The Lord came to him in a vision and told him that he was to go see Saul and put his hand on him so that Saul might receive his sight.  He told him that Saul was praying.  Ananias responded much like many would: “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.”  Ananias had already organized, sorted, and categorized Saul.  He knew his reputation, conduct, and “that man”, was not the kind of guy you laid hands on.  Ananias initial response was one of a man who was being pushed out of his comfort zone.  He was being called to pick up and move.  Saul was an unknown and it would take faith to obey the Lord’s will.  We may have a certain person or situation labeled and boxed up, but when God calls you to move, it doesn’t matter, we must yield to the Lord’s will.  The more we compartmentalize and standardize, the harder it is to pick up and move.  Jesus told Ananias to “go thy way” that Saul was a chosen vessel; and Ananias resolved that God’s way was his way, and he went to the house where Saul was and laid hands on him so that he might receive his sight.  Ananias trusted God, picked up, and moved.  Saul became the apostle Paul, and went throughout the known world establishing churches, preaching the gospel, and contributing thirteen books (if you give him Hebrews) to scripture.    

In our sanctified life, we are going to be continually called to pick up and move.  You are going to be called to a situation or circumstance where you must trust God.  It may be a physical move, like, to another town, city or country.  It may be a new ministry, or a relationship that you must develop; or let go of.  When you are a disciple of Christ you have crucified yourself and it is his will and not yours.  Are there going to be comfort zones, and social groups that you trend towards?  Sure.  Most folks are not jumping up and down to go preach to inmates on death row, or live with the elderly full time, but that’s why it's sacrifice, and that’s why it's faith.  We must as Christians realize that God is not in a box; just because you feel comfortable preaching to the white middle class doesn’t mean he wants you to only preach to the white middle class.  We must pick up and move.  It may be hard and uncomfortable.  It might cause us to re-evaluate ourselves, risk our safety, or upset our group.  However, in the end it is always “thy will be done”.  Christ picked up and left heaven for you and me; ought we not to do the same?  

Glory To His Name!

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” – 1 Chronicles 16:29

            God’s people have always gathered to worship.  The Jews gathered for Passover in Jerusalem, David danced before the Lord in the presence of all the people, Ezra read the law in sight of all the congregation.  Pentecost had a hundred and twenty in the house, and in the establishment of the early churches they were exhorted to assemble.  The followers of Christ gather to worship him.

Throughout the world we find elements of worship but not the very thing itself.  We see men and women gathering to a sports team, band, or a specific person of fame.  They show reverent love for that person (or entity) and would gladly devote their time, money, and energy to glimpse their glory.  There are men who worship their women and women who worship their man.  The worship of money, recognition, government, ideals, and patriotism are common as well.  There are elements of worship without the church as well as within the church.  All too often the experience of “church” (i.e. the songs, the crowd, the talent, the emotion, and the notion that unless you have these things then you have failed to worship) is enough; never mind if Christ is glorified, or God magnified.  We find elements of worship, but false worship, counterfeit.  So, one could argue no worship at all.  Worship is not a production or theater; it is the flower seeking to bask in the warmth of the Son Jesus Christ.  The mountains climb to touch the heavens.  It is the whole of our existence endeavoring to give glory unto the Lord.  Granted, what is within may well produce what is without, i.e. singing, praying, rising of hands, rising emotion, etc.  But that is not the emphasis.  It cannot be, else one day your worship will run dry, and turn false.  Thankfully, God gives us direction and he calls us to worship “in Spirit and in truth”; he calls us to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness”.  God is worthy of this worship.  There is tremendous value in meeting, praying, singing, and preaching.  However, the emphasis and validity of worship doesn’t rest completely on the gathering.  True worship must be an inward experience before it can be an outward one.   

The beauty of the earth testifies to the glory of God.  The majesty of it all bends to God's will in worship.  The magnificence of creation displaying and proving God’s mighty hand.  What the creation is without, holiness is within.  The beauty of holiness within testifies to the glory of God.  Not choosing your own way, or seeking your own pleasure, but the surrendering of your will to Christ; and gladly so.  Offer yourself a living sacrifice, so that God can get glory out of your life.  This genuine experience of the heart brings about genuine, true worship and it manifests itself when we gather.  It manifests itself because we have been in prayer, in devotion, in study of scripture, in good works, in testifying to the Lord Jesus, in loving our neighbor and living the scriptures.   Then when we are at times singing, lifting our hands, testifying of Jesus’s goodness, preaching with faithfulness; the Spirit of God sanctions the worship and inhabits our praise.  It is something that cannot be manufactured, only manifested.  Manifested according to God’s divine will.  Thank God for true worship!  Collectively, individually, within and without.  Thank God for worship.  Glory To His Name! 

All Things Are His

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”- 1 Corinthians 8:6

Sometimes you’re talking to your kids, and you end up preaching to yourself.  The other day I was talking to my six-year-old daughter about a stuffed animal she was given for her birthday.  It was a plump, unicorn with wings named “Dumplin’.”  I had taken the animal from her (due to misbehavior) and her argument to get it back was that I had stolen it.  Her words: “you stole it, and we are not supposed to steal daddy.”  While I was inwardly impressed at her quick thinking, this couldn’t stand.  Therefore, my response was: “honey, I’m the parent, therefore everything in this house is mine.”  She replied: “but they gave it to me.”  I followed up with, “I understand that honey, but it’s still mine, because I’m the parent and you are the child.  The word is “vouchsafed” honey, it’s granted into your care by me. I am letting you own it, and therefore I can take it at any time.”  I spoke this to her, and then the Holy Spirit spoke to me as well. 

 

Everything that I think I “own” has been vouchsafed to me.  My family, health, wealth, mind, house, car, clothes, talents (or lack thereof), etc.  It has all been granted to ownership. It is not mine.  It all came from God, gifted into my care through His benevolence.  Since it came from God, should he choose to take it back He is not robbing me, or stealing from me.  He is not a cruel or mean God.  He is simply taking back what was vouchsafed into my care.  In the book of Job, Job lost everything because he became the preferred target by Satan himself.  God asked Satan “hast thou considered my servant Job?”  Satan took the challenge and proceeded to take virtually everything from Job.  This would cause many to blame God and curse him, but Job simply spoke those beautiful words that have echoed through the ages.  Words giving hope to millions: “naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  Job understood that it all came from God, and in this understanding, he anchored himself.  When all around Him was turmoil, Job clung to this truth.  We have no issue blessing God when he is blessing us.  When the job promotion comes, or the next child is born, or the investment is prospering, praise God!  Yes!  Praise God.  Yet, when suffering finds its way to our doorstep, and we are stripped of something we hold dear, it is much more difficult to view this as a blessing. To see this as a part of God’s plan to conform us to Christ.  God’s plan to carry out His divine will.  To trust Him completely, realizing that “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away”.  Recognizing that all things came from Him, and when this life is over it will all return to Him.  Furthermore, whatever is, is God’s.  When we settle ourselves into this, it will change our view on things in this world.  It matters how we use our time, how we use our money, how we teach our children.  It matters because we are under the Lordship of God and His Son Jesus Christ. It matters because it can all be taken away.  Life is precious, death is sure, and we are not our own.  What God has given, he has given that we might glorify Him!   

 

God is our Father.  He teaches us in ways we cannot even begin to understand.  This is why the Christian life will always be principled on faith.  We are a people of faith, and we walk by faith.  We are walking and obeying a God that is beyond all we can see or think; yet he is a good God that is guiding us into His perfect will through the Holy Spirit.  While we may not always see it now, we have faith we will see it by and by.  While the world moves in fact, we walk in faith.