Category Archives: General

Easter 2014

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He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Today we remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although this is primarily a Christian celebration, it is spoken of throughout the world. It is our proclamation that Jesus endured unspeakable torture, was crucified, died, was buried and spent three days and three nights in the tomb. Then, God raised him from the dead and gave him a glorified body!

Jesus was the first man to emerge victorious over death. All who confess him as Lord, believing that God raised him from the dead are saved, and have everlasting life. When Jesus returns, we who believe will receive bodies like the one which God gave him when he was raised.

Today, as we celebrated Easter, my wife found a video which I would like to share with you. The music is taken from a song written by Leonard Cohen. I hope you enjoy it!

Hallelujah: Easter Version

Balancing Facts And Truth

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I have not posted in a good while. It has been a long, hard winter around here, and I have been busy. I am, however, glad to be seeing signs of spring!

Lately, I have been thinking a great deal about how to strike a good balance between truth and facts. What do I mean? As I read and listen to the news, I learn of more and more unrest–wars, violence, disasters and catastrophes. Looking at the facts can easily bring overwhelming sadness and leave us with little hope. On the other hand, The Bible gives us a multitude of reasons for optimism. The question is whether or not the promises in scripture are true and whether or not we believe them.

So how do we remain on target when it comes to giving appropriate attention to current events and the trials we all face each day, while striving to maintain an attitude of hope and trust in God and the Lord?
The book of Proverbs teaches us that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. It also tells us to keep (guard) our hearts with all diligence, because the issues of life proceed from them. We can do this by absorbing God’s words and truths. We learn about the events of the day primarily to enable us to become involved in partnering with God in bringing about positive change.

Our prayers are a vital part of this activity, but it will also involve other actions. Rather than dwelling on the course of this world, we seek God’s wisdom in responding to it. If we become overwhelmed by the evil, we are neutralized, thereby becoming ineffective in changing the negative tide. My thoughts turn again to the verses in Philippians which give us a beautiful set of steps to follow:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)

Remember the miracles!

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Recently, my wife and I were reflecting on the state of our nation and world as we begin another year. To be sure, there are huge challenges and at times, it seems like evil is moving much faster than good.

Many Christians seem to be spending more time focusing on fear than considering the miracles which occur regularly. We know that the devil and his kingdom are alive and working to steal, kill and destroy. This should come as no surprise. Nevertheless, God and His kingdom are also alive and well, working to bring light to overshadow the darkness.

We must not ignore the evil, as though it will simply cease. However, we must remember and take hold of the signs and miracles which God is working among us. God always gives good gifts to His children. Take some time to consider the many blessings which God has given you. It is far too easy to be overwhelmed by the works of darkness and those who do them, but if we really focus on God, His love and power, our strength will be renewed. We are more mighty than the most powerful person in the devil’s kingdom, because we are in the kingdom of God!

When it comes to His children, God never seeks to harm them. He always fights with and for them. Jesus paid the price for all of our sins and their deserved consequences. If you have made Jesus your Lord and you believe that God raised him from the dead, you have eternal life. Nothing can separate you from the love of God! Nothing in faith is more important than these truths. Because of this, we can thankfully focus on the goodness of our heavenly father and remember the things he does for us each day.

I don’t always live with unshaken confidence and peace. I become angry and frustrated at times. It’s much easier to know the truth than it is to live it, but I’m going to keep reaching toward the goal! Even before Jesus came, God always tried to show His love and mercy to those who loved Him. Now, we have even greater access to God’s rich blessings!

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalms 103:1-5 (KJV)

Being Thankful

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For me, the holiday season begins with Thanksgiving.
With all of the emphasis on Black Friday and retail sales, it is far too easy to forget the reason for the season. Celebrations, gifts and visits with family and friends are a wonderful part of this time of the year.
I remember, several years ago, around this time of the year, while speaking with a young lady: she was disappointed because she failed to close a deal she was attempting to complete. As we spoke, it didn’t take her long to respond to her own emotions by saying: The most important thing is to keep Christ in Christmas!
She realized that the joy and blessings of the season were more significant than her temporary disappointment.

So, as we enjoy visiting, breaking bread, shopping, decorating and caroling; let’s thankfully remember God’s blessings and share them.
Although we sometimes endure hardships in life, we also experience joy. Let us share some of that joy with others.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV)

A Favorite Poem

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At our Prayer Breakfast this morning, I shared one of my favorite poems.
I hadn’t read or heard it in quite awhile, but it came to mind recently, so I searched and found it.
It is one which I think should be performed. Here it is for your enjoyment!

The Touch Of The Master’s Hand
Myra
B. Welch

 

Twas battered and scarred,
and the auctioneer
thought it scarcely
worth his while
To waste much time on
the old violin,
But held it up with
a smile.
"What am I bidden,
good folks," he
cried,
"Who’ll start the
bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar,
then, two! Only two?
Two dollars, and who’ll
make it three?
Three dollars, once;
three dollars, twice;
Going for three . .
."
But no,
From the room, far back,
a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked
up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust
from the old violin,
And tightening the loose
strings,
He played a melody pure
and sweet
As a caroling angel
sings.

The music ceased, and
the auctioneer,
With a voice that was
quiet and low, said:
"What am I bid
for the old violin?"
And he held it up with
the bow.
"A thousand dollars,
and who’ll make it two?
"Two thousand!
And who’ll make it three?
"Three thousand,
once; three thousand,
twice;
And going and gone."said
he.

The people cheered,
but some of them cried,
"We do not quite
understand, what changed
its worth?"
Swift came the reply:
"The Touch Of The
Master’s Hand."

And many a man with
life out of tune,
And battered and scarred
with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to
the thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A ‘mess of potage,’
a glass of wine;
A game – and he travels
on.
He is ‘going’ once,
and ‘going’ twice,
He’s ‘going’ and almost
‘gone’.
But the Master comes
and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul
and the change that’s
wrought
By the touch of the
Master’s Hand.

By Their Fruit

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When I read horrible news stories such as the account of the Navy Yard shooting and the cowardly attack at a civilian mall in Kenya, I am reminded of the words of Jesus, when he said that you will know who people are really following by the fruit they produce. We know that there are instances where people travel the wrong road for a time, but if they are followers of God, they will get back on track when they learn that they are not doing God’s will. The most notable biblical example of this is Saul in the book of Acts.

On the other hand, when you follow a religion or other system which teaches that death and destruction are God’s works and that you are doing his will when you steal, kill and destroy, then you are serving Lucifer! As we see from the example of Saul (Paul) in scripture, not everyone who does evil is a child of the devil. The bottom line is that if you truly believe you are called to bring death and destruction on others, you are being led by Satan and his kingdom.

God is love. Everything he does is good. Jesus came to show us God’s nature. He lived as God would if he were a human. No matter what you claim as your faith, if you live as Jesus did while he was on earth, you will be living in a godly manner. That is, a very simple and straightforward way to stay on a godly path is to look at the life of Jesus Christ and do your best to live like him.

A Powerful Affirmation

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At our monthly prayer breakfast, I read three verses which can transform our lives if taken seriously. I have been reading a great deal lately about positive affirmations and the effect they have on us. Similarly, negative confessions also affect us dramatically.

The Bible teaches us that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. It also shows us the connection between our thoughts and our words. As we speak, we hear our own words. As we hear the words, we consider them. Through repetition, we establish patterns in our brain and form chains of thought. This process molds and shapes our lives.

After reading the scripture, I gave everyone the following assignment: read these verses aloud each day until our next breakfast which will take place on the first Saturday in October. Of course, we don’t have to stop there! As you read this blog, I invite you to join us. Here is the scripture.

John 14:12-14
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

ASSIGNMENT: Read this scripture aloud every day until the next prayer breakfast.

The Armor Of God

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In a recent post, Leigh asked if my book discussed the armor of God. After considering the question, I decided to write this reply, which I hope will be helpful to everyone.

If you read my book, you will not find a topical discussion of the armor of God. Nevertheless, if we take a look at the verses which list the elements of this armor, we learn that they are discussed throughout the book. The armor of God is an integral part of our Christian life. Here is a synopsis of how I believe I cover the various aspects of the topic.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

(see the chapters: “God Is Light” and “From Glory To Glory”)

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

(see the chapters: “God IS Light” and “Building The Church”)

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

(see the chapters: “Words Of Faith”, “Rulers Of Darkness” and “Resistance Is Crucial”)

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

(see the chapters: “God Is Light” and “Resistance Is Crucial”)

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

(see the chapter: “Natural And Supernatural Prayer”)

Ephesians 6:14-18 (KJV)

In general, you will notice that over twenty-five percent of my book is scripture. My goal throughout the book is to show you how various principles and practices flow throughout The Bible. In other words, it is important not only to read scripture, but to connect the right verses together.
I appreciate and welcome your comments and questions!

Will Eternity Be Boring?

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Whenever you see a movie or hear most discussions about heaven or life in eternity, you are given images of floating on a cloud somewhere, listening to the angels singing praises to God.

I don’t know about you, but as much as I love God and enjoy praising him, I think that spending eternity like this could become rather uneventful after awhile. Rememver: we’re not talking about minutes, hours, days, months–or even years–we are talking about something which never ends! So from a biblical perspective, exactly what will we be doing for eternity?

I can not give you exact details, but if we consider Jesus, who is the first man to emerge victorious over death, we get a glimpse of what our future holds. According to 1 John 3:2, when Jesus returns (appears), we will be changed and be like him. So if we pay attention to the way he was after he was raised from the dead, we can learn a bit about the things we will be able to do in our new, glorified form when he comes to rapture us out of this current world. Remember when the apostles were huddled together in a room with the door locked tight for fear of the Jews who had crucified The Lord just three days earlier? While they sat there, Jesus appeared in their midst–seemingly out of nowhere!

In his new glorified body, he had the ability to zip around from one place to another with ease! Obviously, he could move through walls without any problem. When he walked with the men on the road to Emmaus, he was able to appear so that they did not recognize him. We also know that he ate fish with the apostles when he prepared breakfast for them by the sea.

At the end of the age, when God brings forth the new heaven and earth, everything will be perfect! We will have a new paradise much like the garden of Eden described in Genesis, only this time, it will never end!

Although our images of eternity are generally limited to views of heaven, we will also have a wonderful earthly paradise to enjoy! We won’t need air travel as we know it in order to travel all over the globe–or the universe! We will have spiritually powered bodies without the limitations of our current model. Our incorruptible and immortal bodies will last forever! Think about it: Jesus is already around two thousand years old!

This topic is fresh in my mind because of a stimulating discussion I had at our August Prayer Breakfast. Obviously, we can not make definite statements concerning how our new life will be living in the new heaven and earth, but the thoughts in this post seem to line up with scripture. I think we can look forward to an exciting adventure!

Awakened To Pray

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I remember several years ago, waking up in the middle of the night. Suddenly, I was led to pray for my grandfather. There was no audible voice, but the message was clear.

I had no detail on why I was supposed to pray, but when I did, I felt peaceful and had a strong impression that the prayers were important and were accomplishing something. I prayed with my understanding as well as with my spirit. After awhile, I relaxed and fell back to sleep.

The next day, I received word that my grandfather had suffered a heart attack. He was stable and ultimately recovered and lived for many more years. When I learned that the attack occurred around the time I was awakened in the night, I was amazed and thankful. I praised God for working to help my grandfather and began to learn about the importance and power of our prayers.