"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35 (niv) Jesus gave us an example to follow when it comes to our prayer life. We see in the scriptures that He rose up early in the morning and had fellowship with God the Father. Today is the day that we are supposed to set our clock's back "one hour" due to day light savings time ending. It's a common thing to set our clocks back and look forward to the extra hour of sleep that comes with it. It seems that our schedules in our lives leaves us with this anticipation of an extra hour that we can use to rest our bodies and minds through sleep.
I want to challenge you to do something different than the common thing when we set our clocks back one hour. Tonight, when I set my clock back, I am going to spend it in prayer time. I'm reminded when Jesus was in the garden praying and He rose and found the disciples asleep He said to them, "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:40,41 (niv) So many times we fall into the hands of the enemy because, indeed, our bodies are too weak to spend the extra time in prayer that we so desperately need.
Will you join with me tonight and don't wait until you are already in the bed to lean over and set the clock. Determine that you will set your clock before you retire to bed so that you can set it back one hour and "watch and pray" so that you don't give in to temptation. I believe that God will bless those that commit to this today. May God bless you!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Poll Questions
I've started a new thing on this site just to get some feed back on some things. See the poll question located in the right column. You can give me feed back with the comment portion of this post or any other post after you give your answer, if you want to.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
God-commissioned
In the book of Galatians, Paul was writing to the churches of Galatia. The Galatians, having launched their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works. Paul found this to be disturbing. His letter is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith.
I like what Galatians 1:1 says "first" about Paul; "Paul, an apostle - sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead" (niv). The Message puts it like this; My authority for writing to you does not come from any popular vote of the people, nor does it come through the appointment of some human higher-up. It comes directly from Jesus the Messiah and God the Father.
Paul said, I'm God-commissioned. We as Christians need to remember that we are commissioned from God and that we need the Holy Spirit leading our lives in every endeavor that we take. We have a commission from God to spread the Gospel of Jesus to everyone that we come in contact with. Are we fulfilling that commission? Is there someone that you need to witness to today because God has put them in your path? We need to always remember that we, just like Paul, are God-commissioned and have a work to do in His kingdom.
I like what Galatians 1:1 says "first" about Paul; "Paul, an apostle - sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead" (niv). The Message puts it like this; My authority for writing to you does not come from any popular vote of the people, nor does it come through the appointment of some human higher-up. It comes directly from Jesus the Messiah and God the Father.
Paul said, I'm God-commissioned. We as Christians need to remember that we are commissioned from God and that we need the Holy Spirit leading our lives in every endeavor that we take. We have a commission from God to spread the Gospel of Jesus to everyone that we come in contact with. Are we fulfilling that commission? Is there someone that you need to witness to today because God has put them in your path? We need to always remember that we, just like Paul, are God-commissioned and have a work to do in His kingdom.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
No sloppy living
Paul's words from I Corinthians 9:24-27 says; "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (niv). I haven't been able to get the loss of the championship game out of my mind yet (I guess it's my competitive side coming out), but Blake seemed to get over it rather quickly. I guess due to going right into the basketball season!
As I read this scripture, I am reminded to put our life as Christians in perspective as to the outcome of the game that was lost Sunday night. You see, Blake's team has put a lot of "blood, sweat, and tears" into the season that started just over 4 months ago and they had a great season only to come up short of the goal that they had set from day one, WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Paul reminds us that in an athletic race, everyone runs, but only one wins. He tells us synonymously to run the race to win (our Christian walk). All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. (msg) We as Christians have to look for the ultimate goal, we have to train hard (read the Word, Pray without ceasing, practice self-denial) because we are "after one that's gold eternally"(msg).
Paul said that there would be "No sloppy living for me!" (msg) We should have the same attitude as he did and when we find ourselves in the heat of the battle facing temptation, persecution, hardships, troubles of any kind we should say "I'm not going to get caught napping, I'm staying alert and in top condition" (msg).
Be encouraged today to get in the best Spiritual condition that you can so that you can reach the ultimate goal and receive the ultimate crown, Eternal Life!
As I read this scripture, I am reminded to put our life as Christians in perspective as to the outcome of the game that was lost Sunday night. You see, Blake's team has put a lot of "blood, sweat, and tears" into the season that started just over 4 months ago and they had a great season only to come up short of the goal that they had set from day one, WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Paul reminds us that in an athletic race, everyone runs, but only one wins. He tells us synonymously to run the race to win (our Christian walk). All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. (msg) We as Christians have to look for the ultimate goal, we have to train hard (read the Word, Pray without ceasing, practice self-denial) because we are "after one that's gold eternally"(msg).
Paul said that there would be "No sloppy living for me!" (msg) We should have the same attitude as he did and when we find ourselves in the heat of the battle facing temptation, persecution, hardships, troubles of any kind we should say "I'm not going to get caught napping, I'm staying alert and in top condition" (msg).
Be encouraged today to get in the best Spiritual condition that you can so that you can reach the ultimate goal and receive the ultimate crown, Eternal Life!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Special Prayer Request
I have received news that Sister Dana Richardson's father, Bro. Charles Roy, suffered a stroke and passed away last evening at 10:15. I would ask you to keep the family in your prayers as they go through this time of sorrow with the death of their loved one. Dana, Jeremy, and Caleb are very good friends to my personal family and also to the family of Kempville Chapel. I myself have shared many conversations with Bro. Charles and I pray for his wife, Charlene, as she is dealing with the lose of her spouse.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Encouragement through Disappointment
Last night as Blake and I stood on the 40 yard line after the ballgame, we shared a father/son moment that I will always cherish because it brought back some of my football days memories with my dad sharing moments with me after the games. Blake's team had a great season, one to not hold their heads down over. They came up one point short last night in the championship game (which I was able to attend because of the GREAT people of our church) with a 14-13 loss to end the season at 7-1. As Blake and I stood on the field together after the game, with tears in our eyes, I encouraged him to take this disappointment and turn it into encouragement that there will be moments of victory as well as defeat but we have to keep everything in perspective. What makes a team great is learning to cope with getting beat as well as winning, and I tried to tell him that we have to do the same in life, we have to keep our heads up and keep on giving it our all no matter the outcome.
I'm reminded of the scripture in Philippians 3:13,14 that says, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (niv) Paul explained it well to Timothy and I believe this is a verse that we as Christians can take and let it be an encouragement to us to fight the fight, continue in this race, never quit because of difficulty, and always look to God for our strength and encouragement.
I'm very blessed and appreciative to the congregation of Kempville Chapel for allowing me the time last night to spend with my son.
I'm reminded of the scripture in Philippians 3:13,14 that says, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (niv) Paul explained it well to Timothy and I believe this is a verse that we as Christians can take and let it be an encouragement to us to fight the fight, continue in this race, never quit because of difficulty, and always look to God for our strength and encouragement.
I'm very blessed and appreciative to the congregation of Kempville Chapel for allowing me the time last night to spend with my son.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
A Constant
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3 (NIV).
Jesus went to the Father to prepare for us a place in Heaven and He promises that He will be coming back. Where will I be when He makes His return? Spiritually, where will I be when my Savior comes back to get me. These are "constant" questions that should be on our minds everyday. We should live our lives in a way that we are looking toward the east every moment of the day.
My prayer today is that when He comes back to receive His Bride, is that I will be in that number! I want to be ready!
Jesus went to the Father to prepare for us a place in Heaven and He promises that He will be coming back. Where will I be when He makes His return? Spiritually, where will I be when my Savior comes back to get me. These are "constant" questions that should be on our minds everyday. We should live our lives in a way that we are looking toward the east every moment of the day.
My prayer today is that when He comes back to receive His Bride, is that I will be in that number! I want to be ready!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
I wonder?
Last night in the youth room I shared with the young people a video that was taken from Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ" movie that kind of summarized the events leading up to, during, and after the cross. As the youth were watching, I began to watch their faces and when the video got to the point where they had Jesus tied up and beating Him, their faces started to change a little. When the soldiers then laid Jesus down and took His hands and drove nails into them, some of the youth covered their eyes and some even turned their heads. I wonder if we as Christians have submitted to turning our heads and covering our eyes when it comes to our worship to the Father?!
Where are the Christians when the doors of the church are opened? You hear all the time about physical exhaustion, being "drained", being "too tired", "had too much to do", etc... I wonder what Jesus was thinking when He took those stripes for me? I wonder what Jesus was thinking when they put the crown of thorns on His head? I wonder how much was "drained" out of Him? How tired was He when He hung on the cross for me? I wonder just how exhausted He was in the garden, praying?
I wonder what He thinks of me and my commitment towards Him? I wonder if He was talking about me when He said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34).
Where are the Christians when the doors of the church are opened? You hear all the time about physical exhaustion, being "drained", being "too tired", "had too much to do", etc... I wonder what Jesus was thinking when He took those stripes for me? I wonder what Jesus was thinking when they put the crown of thorns on His head? I wonder how much was "drained" out of Him? How tired was He when He hung on the cross for me? I wonder just how exhausted He was in the garden, praying?
I wonder what He thinks of me and my commitment towards Him? I wonder if He was talking about me when He said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34).
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Faith
How fitting it is for "the shield of faith" to follow truth, righteousness, and the preparation of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:16). Faith is the instrument by which the unsaved came to salvation (Eph. 2:8) and continues to be of paramount importance in the life of a saved person. Paul said, "We walk by faith, no by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). Though unspecified in this passage, he believed that this faith works "through love" (Gal. 5:6). To him, love and faith went together (Eph. 6:23). He would have agreed with John that faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4), because here he depicted faith as a defensive shield to ward off fiery-tipped arrows the devil's emissaries aim at Christians. Arrows of all kinds seek to penetrate God's people: arrows of disunity (Eph. 4:2,3); unholy anger expressed or unexpressed (vv. 25-32); sexually permissive thoughts, words, or acts (5:3-7); temptations to indulge in drunkenness (v. 18); attitudes that threaten joy, thanksgiving, and submission (vv. 19-21); unloving attitudes and acts instead of Christlike love (vv. 22-33); and more.
The previous paragraph is from an article on faith from Pastoral Ministry by John MacArthur; pg 139. As I was reading this article, or chapter, I couldn't help but agree with the author about the firey darts that are thrown to Christians today and I have a sense of concern that we let some of them penetrate our hearts, minds, attitudes, love, etc... This I believe is a major cause of disunity in the church, because we don't sometimes put on the armor of God and allow it to make us strong in our battles. We as a body of Christ have to learn how to use the faith that is in Jesus to fight our battles. When the enemy throws something at us we need to pray and look at Scripture to make us strong in our faith and let it fight off the wiles of the devil.
Remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". Be certain in your battle against the enemy today and use all the weapons of our warfare from God. We should take confidence in the fact that we have a tool in the army of God that is both defensive and offensive that we can use to fight the enemy with. Let your faith be strengthened today as you get closer to God through prayer. Prayer is the battle.
The previous paragraph is from an article on faith from Pastoral Ministry by John MacArthur; pg 139. As I was reading this article, or chapter, I couldn't help but agree with the author about the firey darts that are thrown to Christians today and I have a sense of concern that we let some of them penetrate our hearts, minds, attitudes, love, etc... This I believe is a major cause of disunity in the church, because we don't sometimes put on the armor of God and allow it to make us strong in our battles. We as a body of Christ have to learn how to use the faith that is in Jesus to fight our battles. When the enemy throws something at us we need to pray and look at Scripture to make us strong in our faith and let it fight off the wiles of the devil.
Remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". Be certain in your battle against the enemy today and use all the weapons of our warfare from God. We should take confidence in the fact that we have a tool in the army of God that is both defensive and offensive that we can use to fight the enemy with. Let your faith be strengthened today as you get closer to God through prayer. Prayer is the battle.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Defensive & Offensive Weapons
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:14-18 (NIV)
If you read the previous passages of scripture (vs. 10-13) you see that we have a battle to face and that we are to put on armor to fight that battle with. We are not battling against flesh and blood (although sometimes it may seem that way) but we are fighting a realm that is beyond most people's imagination. If you are a "born again Christian" you have a wrestling match that is never ending. This shouldn't be scary, disheartening, frustrating, or whatever the emotional feeling that a person has, because we have the armor for the battle laid out in the scriptures.
We have before us five (5) defensive tools (armor) that are used in this battle and two (2) offensive tools (armor) that is also used.
Defensive armor:
TRUTH - Isaiah chapter 11 tells us of the "root of Jesse" a "Branch", "the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him", "Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins and Faithfulness the belt of His waist". Jesus is the "Truth and the Life" (John 14:6)
RIGHTEOUSNESS - Isaiah chapter 59 tells us that the Lord put on righteousness as a breastplate. We have to put on the righteousness of Jesus Christ as a breastplate and let it be a protector to us (it protects the vital organs, heart, lungs, etc...).
PEACE - "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7. We must walk in the peace of God and let Him cover our steps and protect us with peace that passes all understanding.
FAITH - I John 5:4 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." We have to have the shield of Faith to "use" to fight off the schemes and shots that the enemy is firing at us.
SALVATION - We are to put on the helmet of Salvation and receive the mind of Christ. First Thessalonians 5:9 says; "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, who died for us...".
Offensive armor:
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD - "God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it - no matter what." (Hebrews 4:12,13) (MSG)
The Word of God is to be our guide and roadmap. We are to use it's words as a weapon on this warefare with the enemy.
PRAYER - First Thessalonians 5:17 says; "Pray without ceasing". Eugene Peterson put it this way: "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." (MSG)
Join with me today and let's fight this battle with the right tools!
If you read the previous passages of scripture (vs. 10-13) you see that we have a battle to face and that we are to put on armor to fight that battle with. We are not battling against flesh and blood (although sometimes it may seem that way) but we are fighting a realm that is beyond most people's imagination. If you are a "born again Christian" you have a wrestling match that is never ending. This shouldn't be scary, disheartening, frustrating, or whatever the emotional feeling that a person has, because we have the armor for the battle laid out in the scriptures.
We have before us five (5) defensive tools (armor) that are used in this battle and two (2) offensive tools (armor) that is also used.
Defensive armor:
TRUTH - Isaiah chapter 11 tells us of the "root of Jesse" a "Branch", "the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him", "Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins and Faithfulness the belt of His waist". Jesus is the "Truth and the Life" (John 14:6)
RIGHTEOUSNESS - Isaiah chapter 59 tells us that the Lord put on righteousness as a breastplate. We have to put on the righteousness of Jesus Christ as a breastplate and let it be a protector to us (it protects the vital organs, heart, lungs, etc...).
PEACE - "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7. We must walk in the peace of God and let Him cover our steps and protect us with peace that passes all understanding.
FAITH - I John 5:4 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." We have to have the shield of Faith to "use" to fight off the schemes and shots that the enemy is firing at us.
SALVATION - We are to put on the helmet of Salvation and receive the mind of Christ. First Thessalonians 5:9 says; "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, who died for us...".
Offensive armor:
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD - "God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it - no matter what." (Hebrews 4:12,13) (MSG)
The Word of God is to be our guide and roadmap. We are to use it's words as a weapon on this warefare with the enemy.
PRAYER - First Thessalonians 5:17 says; "Pray without ceasing". Eugene Peterson put it this way: "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." (MSG)
Join with me today and let's fight this battle with the right tools!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Time
Paul requests "that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death" Philippians 3:10. I used this scripture in the message yesterday morning and it is on my mind as I start this day today. I want to use this time to just say that "I love the Lord". As I look back on my life I see different places, intersections, where God has led me down different paths to teach me and mold me to be what he would have me to be. I am learning to spend time in His presence so that I can experience Him in a way that Paul was talking about. I want to "know Him" and in order to know Him I have to spend some time in "intentional engagement" with Him. Just like you get to know someone by engaging in some activities with them we have to engage in some TIME WITH HIM!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Transformed in His presence
I have been reading in a book called Spiritual Formation and I am led to share with you today part of what I have read concerning "Transformation". There is an important principle to understand first and I believe that this is the key to our transformation process: People with receptive hearts are transformed in the presence of Christ." Our hearts and minds have to be receptive to the Word of God, Presence of God, and the Working of God. We can't allow our hearts to be receptive to the things of the world and expect God to transform us at the same time.
Transformation is the goal for which God has destined all those who will believe on Him. He tells us in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Transformation is a part of the redeeming act at salvation; we are regenerated, made new. Yet transformation is also a process by which Christ is shaping believers into His likeness, conforming us to His image.1 The bible says in Genesis that we are made in the image of the Godhead, in the likeness of the mercy, grace, and love of God. Even though we are a part of this world we are not to be of the world. I John 2:15-17 says, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (niv)
I like what the author said about Peter's life as described in Luke 5:1-11. At the revelation of "Who" Peter had met by the waterside, he responded in several ways: He fell (his self-sufficiency melted, he was humbled), He confessed (his self-righteousness melted, he was repentant), He was astonished (his self-understanding melted, he believed), and he responded (his self-employment melted, he was called).2 Peter was transformed by being in the presence of the Lord (with Jesus). We have to make it a priority to spend time in the presence of God everyday so that we can be transformed, continuously. May God Bless you today!
1 White Wing, Foundations - Spiritual Formation pg 14
2 White Wing, Foundations - Spiritual Formation pg 14,15
Transformation is the goal for which God has destined all those who will believe on Him. He tells us in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Transformation is a part of the redeeming act at salvation; we are regenerated, made new. Yet transformation is also a process by which Christ is shaping believers into His likeness, conforming us to His image.1 The bible says in Genesis that we are made in the image of the Godhead, in the likeness of the mercy, grace, and love of God. Even though we are a part of this world we are not to be of the world. I John 2:15-17 says, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (niv)
I like what the author said about Peter's life as described in Luke 5:1-11. At the revelation of "Who" Peter had met by the waterside, he responded in several ways: He fell (his self-sufficiency melted, he was humbled), He confessed (his self-righteousness melted, he was repentant), He was astonished (his self-understanding melted, he believed), and he responded (his self-employment melted, he was called).2 Peter was transformed by being in the presence of the Lord (with Jesus). We have to make it a priority to spend time in the presence of God everyday so that we can be transformed, continuously. May God Bless you today!
1 White Wing, Foundations - Spiritual Formation pg 14
2 White Wing, Foundations - Spiritual Formation pg 14,15
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Perseverance, Character and Hope
Do you remember the story of the "tortoise and the hare"?
One day a hare saw a tortoise walking slowly along and began to laugh and mock him. The hare challenged the tortoise to a race and the tortoise accepted. They agreed on a route and started off the race. The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time. Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he'd sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race. He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep. The tortoise, plodding on, overtook him and finished the race. The hare woke up and realized that he had lost the race.
If you read this story you will often be reminded of the moral of the story, "Slow and steady wins the race." This may be the case but I look at this story in a different way. The Bible says in Romans 5 : 1-5 (niv)Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." The tortoise had to overcome some obstacles in the way if he was going to be the victor in this race against the hare. The tortoise new that he was the slower one of the two so he had to persevere no matter this circumstance. When he decided to persevere the end result was that he was building character that was different than that of the hare. The hare was being foolish in his commitment to this race and allowing himself to be distracted along the way. I like to look at it this way, I like to believe that the tortoise from the very beginning had hope that he would finish the race and in his perseverance his character got him to the finish line.
We have to have the same perseverance in our daily lives that we live. We will be faced with challenges, circumstances beyond our control, sicknesses, doubts, frustrations, etc... But can I tell you the good news about all that? We can be the victor's by persevering till the end and in our persevering, as the scriptures said, we will have a hope that is beyond anything earthly. Listen to the Holy Spirit in your life today and allow Him to build your character.
My prayer for us today is that we will be concerned with our character. Is God pleased with me? This is a good question to ask yourself and I think that the answer lies in our perseverance, character and hope.
One day a hare saw a tortoise walking slowly along and began to laugh and mock him. The hare challenged the tortoise to a race and the tortoise accepted. They agreed on a route and started off the race. The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time. Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he'd sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race. He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep. The tortoise, plodding on, overtook him and finished the race. The hare woke up and realized that he had lost the race.
If you read this story you will often be reminded of the moral of the story, "Slow and steady wins the race." This may be the case but I look at this story in a different way. The Bible says in Romans 5 : 1-5 (niv)Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." The tortoise had to overcome some obstacles in the way if he was going to be the victor in this race against the hare. The tortoise new that he was the slower one of the two so he had to persevere no matter this circumstance. When he decided to persevere the end result was that he was building character that was different than that of the hare. The hare was being foolish in his commitment to this race and allowing himself to be distracted along the way. I like to look at it this way, I like to believe that the tortoise from the very beginning had hope that he would finish the race and in his perseverance his character got him to the finish line.
We have to have the same perseverance in our daily lives that we live. We will be faced with challenges, circumstances beyond our control, sicknesses, doubts, frustrations, etc... But can I tell you the good news about all that? We can be the victor's by persevering till the end and in our persevering, as the scriptures said, we will have a hope that is beyond anything earthly. Listen to the Holy Spirit in your life today and allow Him to build your character.
My prayer for us today is that we will be concerned with our character. Is God pleased with me? This is a good question to ask yourself and I think that the answer lies in our perseverance, character and hope.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Duelling IPods
This may seem like an unusual title, but hang with me for a minute. The past two days have been filled with "busyness" with the fall break from school that the kids have. I'm not complaining, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with my wife and kids these last two days. But with that being said, we were driving down the road today and the Lord gave me these two words, "duelling IPods". Do I have your interest yet?
What I mean is this. For a good while now Bailey has had her own IPod (for those that don't know about them they are little musical radio looking things that you download music on) and Blake has NOT had one of his own. So, with this arrangement on long car rides there is always controversy over the IPod with it being Bailey's and Blake wants to listen to it. You get my drift? Well since Blake has had a birthday this month he has decided to save the money and buy for himself his very on IPod, which he did yesterday (PRAISE THE LORD). After sitting up half the night last night downloading songs onto his IPod and then updating Bailey's IPod, today's travel down the road was actually "quiet"! As I noticed the silence I looked in the rear view mirror and saw that both kids was enjoying their very own IPod at the same time, the Lord put these two words in my spirit "Duelling IPods".
Well what does this have to do with anything spiritual you might ask? Well, I asked the same thing when the Lord gave me these two words. The bible says in Romans 14:11 "For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." and verse 12 says: "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." We cannot ask or even desire to put our eternal future in what someone else has. We are not going to get to Heaven on grandma's coat tail. We have to have our own salvation and walk it out for ourselves. We can't get caught up in tradition, religion, charismatic movements, what ever the title, we have to have a down right genuine Holy Spirit convicted moment that causes us to turn from our sins and turn to God. We have to have our own relationship with Jesus!!!!
Let me encourage you today that you don't have to live on someone else's experience with God. You can experience God's love, His mercy, His blessings, His goodness, His everlasting faithfullness. All you have to do is give Him yourself!
What I mean is this. For a good while now Bailey has had her own IPod (for those that don't know about them they are little musical radio looking things that you download music on) and Blake has NOT had one of his own. So, with this arrangement on long car rides there is always controversy over the IPod with it being Bailey's and Blake wants to listen to it. You get my drift? Well since Blake has had a birthday this month he has decided to save the money and buy for himself his very on IPod, which he did yesterday (PRAISE THE LORD). After sitting up half the night last night downloading songs onto his IPod and then updating Bailey's IPod, today's travel down the road was actually "quiet"! As I noticed the silence I looked in the rear view mirror and saw that both kids was enjoying their very own IPod at the same time, the Lord put these two words in my spirit "Duelling IPods".
Well what does this have to do with anything spiritual you might ask? Well, I asked the same thing when the Lord gave me these two words. The bible says in Romans 14:11 "For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." and verse 12 says: "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." We cannot ask or even desire to put our eternal future in what someone else has. We are not going to get to Heaven on grandma's coat tail. We have to have our own salvation and walk it out for ourselves. We can't get caught up in tradition, religion, charismatic movements, what ever the title, we have to have a down right genuine Holy Spirit convicted moment that causes us to turn from our sins and turn to God. We have to have our own relationship with Jesus!!!!
Let me encourage you today that you don't have to live on someone else's experience with God. You can experience God's love, His mercy, His blessings, His goodness, His everlasting faithfullness. All you have to do is give Him yourself!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Muddy, soupy foundations
As I was doing some reading and research in the office this morning I was reminded of this weekend and how muddy it was due to the saturation of rain over the past few weeks. Friday night I officiated a high-school football game in Byrdstown, Tn. (Pickett County) where the "field of play" was almost un-playable. We arrived at the school only to find that about 20 percent of the field was under water and the rest of it was a muddy, soupy foundation of a field to contend with. Reluctantly we continued with the game and I'm sure that with the many number of players from both schools, all the coaches, 6 officials, and many band members the "tide" or "gain" (whatever detergent preferred) stocks are booming right now!
This led me to the thoughts of how my "foundation" is with Christ. How is the "field of play" that I am playing on in my walk with God everyday? The bible tells us in Psalm 102 : 25 that God laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of His hands. Also in the book of 1 Corinthians 3 : 11 it says "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (NIV). The universe made by the hand of God is our "field of play" and we have been commissioned by Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that Gospel is that He did lay a foundation for us. A foundation that IS NOT "muddy or soupy" it is a clear foundation of love and atonement for sin. The bible says that we have an advocate with the father, Jesus! He is our foundation and nothing else should be "built up" in our lives than Him and His gospel!
So how is your foundation today? Do you have a relationship with Him that is going to stand when the torrential rains come? I am determined that I'm going to stand on a "solid foundation" and that He is my Master Builder! Everything that we are should be "founded" by the Lord Jesus Christ. We don't have to walk on muddy, soupy ground in our devotion with Him, we can be on the solid rock and the "chief cornerstone" is the rock on which we stand with every aspect of our lives!
I encourage you today to be on the firm foundation of Jesus and give Him everything about you!
This led me to the thoughts of how my "foundation" is with Christ. How is the "field of play" that I am playing on in my walk with God everyday? The bible tells us in Psalm 102 : 25 that God laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of His hands. Also in the book of 1 Corinthians 3 : 11 it says "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (NIV). The universe made by the hand of God is our "field of play" and we have been commissioned by Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that Gospel is that He did lay a foundation for us. A foundation that IS NOT "muddy or soupy" it is a clear foundation of love and atonement for sin. The bible says that we have an advocate with the father, Jesus! He is our foundation and nothing else should be "built up" in our lives than Him and His gospel!
So how is your foundation today? Do you have a relationship with Him that is going to stand when the torrential rains come? I am determined that I'm going to stand on a "solid foundation" and that He is my Master Builder! Everything that we are should be "founded" by the Lord Jesus Christ. We don't have to walk on muddy, soupy ground in our devotion with Him, we can be on the solid rock and the "chief cornerstone" is the rock on which we stand with every aspect of our lives!
I encourage you today to be on the firm foundation of Jesus and give Him everything about you!
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Hovering Spirit of God
This morning I am led to the first chapter of Genesis where the Bible says that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Gen. 1:1,2 (niv)
As I was reading this I found myself wondering if we as Christians feel formless and empty from time to time. I will admit that this is the case with me sometimes. But as you go on to read the scriptures in Genesis you find that as God was creating things, everything that He created He saw was Good. Everything! Therefore, I don't have to feel formless and empty because I know that I am made in His image and in His likeness (Gen. 1:26).
The Lord put it in my spirit this morning that just like He was hovering over the waters, He hovers over you and I today, yesterday, and always. We have the assurance that no matter the circumstances or no matter where geographically we are He is with us. We need to learn how to sense His Spirit hovering about us, walking with us, talking with us, shaping us and forming us to be what He wants us to be. I'm thankful today that I know that I am the temple of the Holy Ghost and that with Him living in me and guiding me through the cares of life that I don't have a reason to feel formless and empty. I am God's creation and He sees that I am good.
It is my prayer today that we let God form us and make us what He wants us to be and that our posture and prespective is God breathed!
As I was reading this I found myself wondering if we as Christians feel formless and empty from time to time. I will admit that this is the case with me sometimes. But as you go on to read the scriptures in Genesis you find that as God was creating things, everything that He created He saw was Good. Everything! Therefore, I don't have to feel formless and empty because I know that I am made in His image and in His likeness (Gen. 1:26).
The Lord put it in my spirit this morning that just like He was hovering over the waters, He hovers over you and I today, yesterday, and always. We have the assurance that no matter the circumstances or no matter where geographically we are He is with us. We need to learn how to sense His Spirit hovering about us, walking with us, talking with us, shaping us and forming us to be what He wants us to be. I'm thankful today that I know that I am the temple of the Holy Ghost and that with Him living in me and guiding me through the cares of life that I don't have a reason to feel formless and empty. I am God's creation and He sees that I am good.
It is my prayer today that we let God form us and make us what He wants us to be and that our posture and prespective is God breathed!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A name change
This morning as I was looking to post another thought I was lead to change the name of my blog from Pastor Meadors to Sojourn. The word sojourn means to have a temporary stay. As I look at life and all of the blunders, trials, joys, sadness, etc... I am reminded that this world is not my home. Where I am at this time in my life is for the glory of God and I must remember that this season and place is only for a temporary stay. We as believers have to have this attitude in order to make a difference in life and in order to be a difference in life. Are you tired of the same old, same old all the time? Did you know that you can be a difference in someone else's life as well as yours? If we will just be reminded that where we are in life is only for a short period of time and give God all that we can, this will be pleasing to Him.
This mornings devotional from My Utmost For His Highest from Oswald Chambers was from the book of Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He said that if you want to know how real you are, test yourself by these words -"Come to Me". In every degree in which you are real you will dispute rather than come, you will quibble (find fault) rather than come, you will go through sorrow rather than come, you will do anything rather than come the last lap of unutterable foolishness - "Just as I am". God wants us to come to Him just as we are, with our imperfections, our impurities, our selfishness, our humanities. He knows us right where we are and still he is calling us to "Come to Him". Be encouraged today that you can go to the Father in heaven and He will meet you where you are!
This mornings devotional from My Utmost For His Highest from Oswald Chambers was from the book of Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He said that if you want to know how real you are, test yourself by these words -"Come to Me". In every degree in which you are real you will dispute rather than come, you will quibble (find fault) rather than come, you will go through sorrow rather than come, you will do anything rather than come the last lap of unutterable foolishness - "Just as I am". God wants us to come to Him just as we are, with our imperfections, our impurities, our selfishness, our humanities. He knows us right where we are and still he is calling us to "Come to Him". Be encouraged today that you can go to the Father in heaven and He will meet you where you are!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Fearing the Lord
The bible says in Joshua 24:14 "Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord." Joshua was telling the Israelites basically to start out fresh with there walk with God now that they were in the land that God had promised them. To do away with the thinking and perverting (dealing with other gods) that their fathers had dealt with.
This week I have been in need of a word from the Lord concerning a few areas in my life and the Lord has answered that prayer. I received a phone call from a brother in Christ and he had a word from the Lord for me. When he called he received my voicemail and left me a message and I believe that God even had a hand in that because I have been able to save the message and play it over and over so that I could "hear" what the Lord was saying to me. I am learning to "hear" the voice of God when He is trying to speak to me. I am realizing that I may be putting other things in the way and they are running interference, if you will, and drowning out the voice of the Lord. I believe that we need to learn everyday how to "FEAR" the Lord. He is good! The prophet Nahum said, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (NIV) I like the way that Eugene Peterson put it in the Message Bible, God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, no matter how desperate the trouble.
Today I want to learn how to fear the Lord, because He recognizes me where I am!
This week I have been in need of a word from the Lord concerning a few areas in my life and the Lord has answered that prayer. I received a phone call from a brother in Christ and he had a word from the Lord for me. When he called he received my voicemail and left me a message and I believe that God even had a hand in that because I have been able to save the message and play it over and over so that I could "hear" what the Lord was saying to me. I am learning to "hear" the voice of God when He is trying to speak to me. I am realizing that I may be putting other things in the way and they are running interference, if you will, and drowning out the voice of the Lord. I believe that we need to learn everyday how to "FEAR" the Lord. He is good! The prophet Nahum said, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (NIV) I like the way that Eugene Peterson put it in the Message Bible, God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, no matter how desperate the trouble.
Today I want to learn how to fear the Lord, because He recognizes me where I am!
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