July 1, 2013 Thanks Be to God

Read 2 Corinthians 1-2 Thanks Be to God 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. QUESTIONS abound in our culture. And there are always questions about God. Who is he? Where did he come from? Does he really care about me? Why doesn’t he just make everything right, so people don’t have to suffer? Is he real? The answers have been coming from many places throughout history. Some attack God. Some defend him. So what do we who love God say in response? These words from Paul are a key to our response. Note how Paul displays a deep trust in God, “who leads us in triumphal procession in Christ”. The essence to understanding God and answering these challenging questions is to go to “the fragrance of the knowledge of him”. Knowing God and believing in him can hold an incorruptible sweetness in our minds. Knowing that God is love and trusting God to fulfill his promises brings to us quiet above life’s tumult. Going to him in prayer in our deepest needs and greatest joys can fill us with a wondrous peace and exaltation. Knowing God brings sweetness to our soul. People who keep asking questions have an emptiness only God can fill. They strive to know everything but God, and they are never satisfied. Let’s help them know that we walk in “triumphal procession in Christ” that when they open their minds to know God, they, too, will savor the fragrance of God’s sweet salvation. It’s True! How sweet it is to follow the God who saves you.

June 29, 2013 Do You Prophesy?

Read 1 Corinthians 13 – 16 Do You Prophesy? 1 Corinthians 14:4 everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. DO you prophesy? Before you answer, “No.” let’s consider what “prophesy” means. You may think it means to foretell the future. That is one part of this gift from the Holy Spirit. But more often prophesying is the Holy Spirit coming to you to give you words and actions that teach people about God. The Apostle Paul defines prophesying around comfort, encouragement and teaching others about God. Some of you are gifted to teach with your mouth. Some of you teach of God with acts of comfort, and some show God to people with encouraging words and prayer. So I’ll ask the question again, “Do you prophesy?” If you see someone around you who is hurting, are you inclined to speak comfort to them? Are you ready to stop what you’re doing and listen to someone’s needs? Do you offer to pray for people? This is prophesying. Prophesy. Tell of and do God’s wonderful Word. It’s True! Prophesying is a precious gift to help others know the Savior.

June 28, 2013 Stay With God

Read 1 Corinthians 10 – 12 Stay With God 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. COMPLACENCY can happen quickly as we walk with God. Life can go well as we diligently try to be obedient to our loving Father and Savior. We receive blessings from our Lord, and consider life to be good. And because life is good, we might stop spending as much time in prayer. We may not read the Bible as often, or we may skip a few Sundays at church. Gradually temptation is more appealing. We look at the world less through our Savior’s eyes and more through our own. And the “world” doesn’t look so bad. Suddenly it is easier to step on the path that opposes God. Then issues arise, and we wonder, “Where’s God?” Guess what? He’s right where you left him. He’s wondering “Where are you? I thought you liked being with me.” Then we look back. And we see what happened. We come to understand that we carelessly fell into a life that does not walk on the path he has planned for us. Building and keeping a “good friend” relationship with someone else takes time, communication, and mutual understanding. It takes keeping in touch. Our relationship with God is the same. He’s always there to keep you safe and bless you as you love him and follow him. Stay in touch with your Father, Savior and Spirit. Temptation is strong. It’s True! You need your God’s strength to resist evil and to enjoy your walk with him.

June 27, 2013 Show God's Freedom

Read 1 Corinthians 7 – 9 Show God’s Freedom 1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. OUR God is a wonderful, loving God, isn’t he? He gives you himself, freeing you from sin’s shackles that you may live a full and free life with him. He calls out to you to come and walk with him as you arise each morning to step into life. You have many opportunities each day to feel his good pleasure on your life. Freedom is a wonderful thing when you choose to use it wisely. But there is a sad reality in the church. When you look at the pattern of how many Christians live, sadly you will find very few differences between their thinking and behavior and that of the non-Christian culture. This has to be a great heartache for God. In essence people who say, “I believe in God.” and then live their own way are telling the world, “God’s nothing special.” Please be careful of what you say and do. It’s not about you. It’s about your Savior, who died for you. It’s about your Father, who created you. It’s about the Holy Spirit, who lives within you. God loves you so much he unshackled the bonds of sin and gave you freedom. Use your freedom well. Show your friends what freedom from sin truly looks like. It’s True! God frees you to live well in him.

June 27, 2013 God's Love Letter

Read 1 Corinthians 1 – 2 God’s Love Letter 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ — their Lord and ours. THE Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth. And he wrote it to someone else. He wrote it to you. What? You weren’t alive then? You’ve never been to Corinth? You didn’t know Paul, and he didn’t know you? It doesn’t matter. God appointed Paul to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, and the world is still here. You are part of the world. God gave you life and put you here. Prayerfully, he has called you to himself, just as he called those believers in Corinth. And this message is for “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” When you understand this letter to be written directly to you, I hope that this letter takes on a deeper and more personal meaning for you. I also hope that you begin to see the entire Bible as a letter from God to you personally. God’s Holy Word is a message of love that demonstrates how God personally gave himself through Christ Jesus to the world across cultures and time. He gave himself so that we might know him and be saved through him. So what should you do with the rest of this letter to the Corinthians? What might happen if you approach God’s Word as his love letter of truth to you? It’s True! The God, who is love, has written to you.

June 25, 2013 Unsung Heroes

Read Romans 16 Unsung Heroes Rom 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. WHEN YOU list the many remarkable people in scripture, do you include Priscilla and Aquila? You should. Look at who they are and what they’ve done. Paul calls them, “fellow workers in Christ Jesus”. That is quite an honor, isn’t it? This great Apostle who has severely labored, debated, and been humiliated for his teaching of the Lord Jesus calls them his “fellow workers”. They are his equals in ministry as they have labored alongside Paul. No, we don’t have any of Priscilla’s and Aquila’s written words, and we don’t know what they have precisely done. But we do know they have sacrificed themselves for the Kingdom of God, working with and risking their lives for Paul and Jesus’ church. “They risked their lives for me.” is a remarkable statement. To risk their lives, Priscilla and Aquila, this wife-husband team, might have stood by Paul when the mobs tried to stone him. They might have traveled with him to new territory and to help plant churches. They might have stood against persecution and mistreatment because they stood for the Gospel. Priscilla and Aquila left a wonderful legacy of faith and service didn’t they? It’s True! That faithful service sometimes requires we risk, even give our lives for the Gospel.

June 24, 2013 Jesus' Calendar

Read Romans 15 Jesus’ Calendar Romans 15:17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. WHEN our kids were young, and when all the schedules and priorities had to be met, the natural thing to do was to determine who would do what, and when it would be done. Being a parent means guiding the activity of a household, determining the priorities, and confirming that all things get done. We had a planning calendar on the refrigerator to be sure all was in order. Life got a little edgy when people didn’t do what they needed to do. The family’s needs drove all of us to particular activities. When we each did our part, family life was good. The Apostle Paul seeks to define himself as clearly as he can as a member of Christ Jesus’ “family”. He tells the Romans in this sentence that he is doing his part, and Christ Jesus is the one who motivates him. Everything Paul has done to minister to Jews and Gentiles has been the result of what Jesus has done to him, for him and through him. Jesus has set the calendar with his Gospel message, and Paul gives glory to him as the catalyst for everything he does. When you consider how you spend your time, is Jesus Christ your catalyst? When you mark your calendar for the week, do you mark down what Jesus has marked on your heart to do? It’s True! Jesus’ prepares your schedule.

June 23, 2013 Eternal Meal

Read Romans 14 Eternal Meal Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. CHURCH SUPPERS, potlucks, or whatever you want to call them are pretty popular occasions. People love to bring their favorite foods and share the recipes they love to make. And people enjoy eating and drinking together. These are good things. Jesus liked these events. He did some great ministry while enjoying a meal. But there’s more to the Kingdom of God than that, isn’t there? It would be wonderful to see the church potluck be a place to invite the homeless and hungry in for a meal. It could be a place to invite people who are lonely and discouraged. It could be a place of righteousness, peace and joy. Proper eating and drinking are the foundations of physical health. And a meal can be a means to a person’s spiritual health. When you invite someone to a meal, their heart is grateful. And you have the opportunity to speak to them about them. You can ask how they’re doing. You can show Jesus’ love and tender mercy. You can even tell the person of Jesus’ righteousness that saves them to a life in heaven to feast with him forever. It’s True! A meal is Jesus’ reminder of his death and life for you.  

June 22, 2013 It's Now

Read Romans 13 It’s Now Rom 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ONE of the families in a church I formerly pastored came to live in our town knowing they would stay only 2 years. Because they are a family gifted in many ways and eager to use their gifts for the Gospel, their short stay and their willingness to serve create the perfect picture of what Paul is talking about here. They clearly understood that God has awakened them to the Gospel, and they have but a short time to make an impact for Christ in each community they live. There isn’t time to “figure things out” and to weigh the pros and cons of choosing a church and making commitments. There is no time to hold back—there is only time to go forward, to say, “Here I am.” As Christians, we need to live life this way. What if you only had 2 more years to live? Or 2 more months? Or 2 more days? How do you know you don’t? If you pray, read the Bible and/or go to church, it is likely God is talking to you in some way. It could be last Sunday’s sermon. It could be a verse you read this morning. It could be a thought you had while you prayed. It could be a Christian friend or series of friends saying something to you. It could be what he is stirring in your heart right now. My question to you is: Are you urgent about what you hear? Do not wait until it is convenient for you to respond. Faith is never about convenience, it is about action. The time is now—when God calls. It’s True! God clearly tells you what you need to do now.

June 21, 2013 A Trust Builder

Read Romans 12 A Trust Builder Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. WHAT does it mean to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices”? I’ve been thinking a good deal about sacrifice lately. Sacrifice is a big deal with God. In the very first sacrifice in Genesis 4, God preferred Abel’s sacrifice to Cain’s. Abel’s sacrifice was the image of the blood sacrifice that God would require of the Hebrews for centuries. And the blood sacrifice is what God required of his Son for you. Sacrifice in God’s view is a way to turn your heart to see him. If, for example, we don’t sacrifice our time, our Spiritual gifts or our money to God, we have no opportunity to truly trust him. For example, years ago, I began to “sacrifice” my time to read the Bible every day. As I gave my time to know God’s Word, I began to know him. And each day in the last 3 decades, I have grown into a deeper, trusting relationship with God. I shudder to think what I would have missed had I not set aside that time with him. If we don’t sacrifice to God, we cannot experience his giving back to us. We will not grow into a place where we know him at all, much less totally trust Him. The more we release what we have to him, the more we trust him when we see how he gives back to us. Sacrifice is a trust-builder. Be willing to give what you have to God and watch him generously give his life back to you to richly dwell in your Lord all your days on earth and eternally in heaven. It’s True! Sacrificial living is close living with Jesus.

June 20, 2013 A Purpose for Your Life

Read Romans 11 Your Life’s Purpose Romans 11:36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. ARE YOU wondering what your life’s purpose is? Then dwell on this verse. You are among the “everything” that “comes from him”. And you “exist by his power”. And this is so because you are “intended for his glory”. A life of purpose is pleasing the One who created you and showing him to those who don’t know him. God wants you to live the type of life that shows those around you how good and gracious is he. God wants you, in your activities, your attitude and your words to let people know of his grace that brings salvation to all who believe in him. How do you show God to those you meet each day? The key thing is this: live as closely as you humanly can to God’s ways. There are many, many resources today that tell you how you can have happiness, peace, money, a better job and more friends. But nothing is as true and lasting as the Word of God. When God says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He means to actually do this—not to simply think about it. He means to serve someone in trouble; he means to forgive someone; he means to give a listening ear. And the list goes on. When you live according to God’s Word, you bring him into the reality of daily living. People around you see that he is indeed real and alive. And God’s name will be praised and glorified. That’s your life’s purpose. It’s True! Purposeful living purposefully seeks God and shows God.  

June 19, 2013 Preach the Gospel

Read Romans 10 Preach the Gospel Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” ARE YOU a bit uncomfortable with these words? The Apostle Paul calls you to action with an urgency to preach, “Jesus saves.” He states in the previous verses that one must call on the name of the Lord to be saved. So, he asks, how do people call on Jesus unless they get to hear about Jesus? Paul is clear to say that Jesus’ followers have the responsibility to “preach” to people who do not know Jesus. Now don’t think you’re off the hook because you’re not a “preacher” or do not have the gift of preaching. It’s true. Not everyone does have that gift to “officially preach” in front of others with sermons on God’s Word. But you all have a mouth or a means of telling people what they must know, don’t you? Then you must tell your unsaved friends what they must know for their salvation into eternal life: “Jesus saves.” Yes, tell with your mouth. Communicate with your actions, too, as you show love, forgiveness, joy, peace and kindness. Also, Jesus’ followers must also send others to preach. Missionaries, a pastor planting a new church, or people going door to door are some who are commonly sent to preach the Gospel. Do they need funding? They certainly need your prayers. Join with them for the preaching of God’s Word. Yes, you must tell. Jesus’ call is clear, it’s urgent, and it’s certain. It’s True! When you tell someone, “Jesus saves!” you are preaching REALLY GOOD NEWS!

June 18, 2013 Deep Passion

Read Romans 9 Deep Passion Romans 9:1-4 I speak the truth in Christ — I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. WOW! Is Paul passionate for his people, or what? I can’t understand such a deep love! What? Offer my soul to God to trade Heaven for Hell so a group of people would be saved? I couldn’t do that. But Paul expresses this! God has placed in Paul a deep, deep passion for the Jews who have not yet proclaimed faith in Jesus. That’s why Paul is able to endure many hardships—shipwrecks, beatings, jail, deprivation and ill-health—for the sake of his own people to know the Gospel. He desperately wants all to know Jesus as Lord of their lives. Where did that passion come from? I think each of Christ’s apostles developed this passion for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They had the opportunity to become intimate with Jesus. Jesus showed them his love by going to the cross and coming back from the grave. They saw the reality in the flesh of our Lord’s triumph over death! So the apostles understood more completely than any of us can understand how real and true and perfect God’s love is for us. That’s why they were willing and able to give their lives entirely for the Gospel. Can we be like this? Only when we come to know Jesus in a deeply intimate way. Study the Word. Pray and listen. Then go and do. Jesus will become real to you, too. It’s True! Knowing Jesus makes you passionate for him, for all.

June 17, 2013 Welcome Peace

Read Romans 8 Welcome Peace Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. LIFE AND PEACE. These are the gifts God gives to you through his Spirit. Are there any better gifts? When you walk through life, there are many days conflict seems to rule. In the workplace, in your home, in your relationships, and unfortunately, even in the church. People argue, disagree, and separate. People in any kind of “group” have their own ideas, their own desires and their own goals. Most of the time, they give no thought to the good of the group, considering mainly their own preferences and motives. How do groups of people get past this conflict, these competitions “my way”? The answer is seeking peace from the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is a guide, a Counselor, a Comforter, a Strengthener. He is the Spirit of Truth. When you read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will help you see the power of making peace with such tools as humility, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. The Spirit of God “opens” God’s Word to you in such a way that it becomes a manual of instruction to help you in life’s issues. The Spirit’s presence in you is the only way you can truly understand God’s way of peace. Do you need peace in your life? Then open God’s Word, the Bible, and pray to the Spirit to show you how to respond. Proverbs, the Psalms, and all the New Testament shows you how Spirit-filled men and women overcame conflict and welcomed peace into their lives. You can do the same. It’s True! You can.

June 16, 2013 Loving Response to Freedom

Read Romans 7 Loving Response to Freedom Romans 7:5-6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. WE LIVE in a country that cherishes its freedom. We live based on what we like to do and want to do within the limits of the laws of the land. But to make the most of that freedom, to truly enjoy the blessings of our freedom, we have certain responsibilities as citizens. Voting, volunteering, engaging in debate, helping one another are some of the basic responsibilities of our republic. We are often told to cherish our freedom because men and women have died defending this precious gift. The Apostle Paul is expressing the change that has come in the world because Jesus has founded a new “country”—the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension into Heaven, God’s Kingdom began, and we get to be citizens in this Kingdom. How does that happen? It happens when we understand what Jesus has done, when we ask him to forgive our sins, and when we call him, “Savior”. The way we understand is through the Holy Spirit, who comes to teach us how to live in our new freedom that releases us to lovingly respond to Our Savior, who died to free us. Yes, in Jesus, we are free now to serve our Savior “in the new way”—serving with our heart, not because a law tells us to serve. My friend, you are free when you have faith in Jesus. Being free in him, you will enjoy the pleasure of serving him in his Kingdom forever. It’s True! True freedom is when you are forever bound in Christ.

June 15, 2013 A Gift of Forever Life

Read Romans 5-6 Gift of Forever Life Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. WHAT a contrast in this scripture. Paul summarizes his teaching in Romans 6 with this very distinct, plain sentence that makes all the difference in who we are now and who we will be for eternity. Do you grasp that you pay for sin with death? Do you see that Jesus paid for your sin with his death? Do you see eternal life is a “gift of God”? This is the powerful hope we find in Jesus Christ. When people talk of other religions having the same God, check it out. No other belief or understanding offers a God, who gave of himself to a cross so he might give you the gift of life. What’s more, only the holy God gives his Spirit to help you know him and to live within you, so you can understand how you must live your life. When you begin to deeply absorb the truth of God’s gift into your heart and mind, you begin to grasp what it is to worship him, to obey him, and to follow him in all things. God is so incredible! He gives life to you forever if you but accept the offer. His gift is a way to turn your life from death and eternal destruction to your eternal life. If you have yet to receive God’s gift, take some time and pray to God. Admit you have sinned, that your life has been a “wage of sin”. Confess the truth that Jesus has paid the wage of death for your sin. Know that you must change. Trust Jesus to be your Savior and the Lord of your life. He will give you life forever. It’s True! God’s gift is for you. He’s paid for you.  

June 14, 2013 A Problem, A Solution

Read Romans 3 A Problem and A Solution Rom 3:23-25 everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. 24 But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25 God offered him, so that by his sacrificial death he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. WHAT’S THE WORLD need to know? Here it is: There’s a problem: everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. There’s a solution to this problem: by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. What does knowing the problem and the solution do for you today? I pray it gives you a sense of fear, knowing you are born far away from God’s presence. I pray it gives you comfort, hope and joy knowing offers his eternal solution. Sin makes us wrong before God. But God offered his Son, so that by his sacrificial death he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. When you confess your sins and confess Jesus as Lord, you will be saved to life eternal. Whether this is the 10,000th time or the first time you’ve heard this, stop for a while and consider this remarkable truth. Tremble at the thought of being separated from God. Rejoice in God’s life promise. Receive the promise and be saved. It’s True! How lovingly and sacrificially God has solved the problem.

June 12, 2013 A Very Good Life

Read Romans 2 A Very Good Life Rom 2:9-11 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. PAUL is very direct with his words. Some find this offensive to hear about punishment and to be accused of doing and even being “evil”. But two realities of life are these: Evil exists. Good exists. We must know this and accept it. And we must know the difference, or we will be eternally trapped in evil’s darkness and suffering. I don’t know why this is so hard to understand. A simple illustration of this is balancing a checkbook. If you make a subtraction error, the checkbook is out of balance. You have made a mistake. When you correct the mistake and subtract correctly, your checkbook balances. When you make a mistake in life, you are out of balance—too much to drink, too lazy to work, too busy to read God’s Word, too corrupt to honor your marriage, too violent to live in peace with others, too busy to be at home. Evil breaks down families and communities. Evil fills the jails. Yet, people say, “It’s all relative. Each action we take needs to be understood in its own context.” What does God say to that attitude? He condemns it. He judges it. He says, “Obey my commands.” Yes, the language is direct. Love the Lord’s commands. Do good for him and for others. Live in faith that Jesus is your Lord, and you will live in glory, honor and peace. It’s True! God is very direct. After all, it’s a matter of life.

June 11, 2013 No Shame

Read Romans 1:16 – 32 No Shame in the Gospel Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. I’M ASHAMED to say I can’t say, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel.” One time I had a conversation with a “good, church-going man”. He has done things in his church and in his community. The conversation shifted to Heaven and the likelihood of him going there. I asked him if he was sure Heaven was his eternal home. His answer surprised me. After all, he had earlier spoken of Jesus. But then he said, “I hope so.” He thought that if he did the best he could, helped people and did good, that God would allow him to be in Heaven. I paused and thought for a minute—then I said, “There’s nothing you can do to be welcomed into Heaven. It is what Jesus did for you on the cross.” He stopped talking and sat silent—then I said, “Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?” I didn’t get a reply. And that’s as far as it went. Two things I ask myself—Why did I wait and ponder if I should talk to him about “works versus faith”? And Why didn’t I push the conversation further? Is it because I am ashamed of the gospel? Could be. It could be I don’t trust Jesus’ words enough to press the point to someone I just met. Perhaps it is because I didn’t want him to feel awkward or challenged. I do know I needed to lovingly and patiently take the conversation further. One thing that I am feeling about this is that I am more ready to ask the questions the next time. I don’t feel I am a gifted evangelist, but I’ve never really tried. I’ve never really opened my mouth for the gospel. But I want to try. I want to present Christ. This is what he has commanded me to do, and I want to do it. It’s True! Everyone must hear that the Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

June 10, 2013 Give Grace

Read Romans 1:5-15 Give Grace Romans 1:5-6 Through Christ and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. WHAT motivates you to do what you do? Some of the things I do are to fulfill my responsibilities in my work, to help out at home and to be in relationship with my family. I think most people do what they do for the same reasons. We use what we have to help and care for others. Paul defines his purpose in life as a result of God’s grace—“to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” Paul was mindful of God’s gift of love and grace for his salvation. As Paul receives the grace, he extends God’s grace to call others to faith in Jesus. Paul’s purpose is to give as generously as he has received. As you work to care for others physically, you are also to care for others spiritually, offering God’s grace and love to all you meet. Keeping God “to ourselves” would be as if you took the salary we made at work and put it into a bank but never used it. Your money would do no one any good. Your family would suffer because you would not use your money for food or shelter. Keeping the Gospel to yourself is similar. No one will benefit from God’s grace gift to you if you do not share it. You’ll have personal some benefit, but you will have much more if you invest into God’s people offering God’s great love for them. Enjoy God’s gifts to you. Offer his gifts to others. It’s True! Gifts are to be given.

June 9, 2013 An Unperfect Servant

Read Romans 1:1-4 An Un-perfect Servant Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. HOW do you introduce yourself? I remember when I was a child how adults would ask me, “Who is your father? Who is your mother? What is her maiden name?” Today I sometimes connect with people who know my children. Or I connect with people through what I have done. Or they get to know me for what I am doing. But I’ve never said, “I am a servant of Jesus Christ.” when I introduce myself. Should we say that? It is a bit scary to verbalize your commitment to Christ, isn’t it? After all, if we say it only to ourselves, there is no one to hold us accountable. If we have an “un-servant” attitude, we can get away with it—in the public’s eye. But what happens if we let people know that we live for the purpose of serving Jesus Christ? What if we confess that orally to God? Does the thought of committing to God publicly and privately in these ways scare you because you know you’re not perfect? I hope not. Paul made that statement knowing he wasn’t perfect. Paul had struggles with his relationship with God. He had issues with others in the church. He wasn’t always perfect. Some in the church even disliked him. Yet, he identifies himself as a servant of Jesus, focusing his eyes on his Master and not on the world. Obedience to Jesus, not perfection to the world is on Paul’s mind. God does want you to commit to him in your heart and publicly. He knows you will need help to fulfill that commitment. He wants you to trust him to help you and to guide you. That’s what Paul did, and his life is a living testimony to power of God. It’s True! When you focus on Jesus, people will see Jesus in you.

June 8, 2013 Treasured Possession

Read Malachi 3-4 Treasured Possession Mal 3:17-18 “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” AT THE END of the Old Testament readings, you could call this Scripture a good summary of the history of mankind to this point. From the Garden of Eden through the Great Flood, God’s calling of Abraham, the Egypt Exodus, the establishing of God’s people in the Promised Land, the developing power of Israel, Israel’s exile into Babylon, and God’s restoration of his people to their homeland, it is clear. There is a “distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” Those who have been wicked, living lives in disobedience to God have been cast aside. God has judged them and turned his face from them. Those who have been righteous, living lives in obedience to God have been welcomed into his presence. He has honored them with his blessing of his presence. As you continue to read and enter into the New Testament, you will see God come to earth and in his Son, Jesus Christ, he will call his people to righteous living. That call continues today. God’s Word is his call to you to turn from wickedness to righteousness. You might say, “I’m not wicked. I’m a good person.” But God’s Word tells you that any sin you commit of any size is wickedness and “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom 3:10) The only way you become righteous is by God’s grace of salvation poured out to you. Give thanks to God that he offers this to you. Turn to him in faith. Confess your sins. Accept Jesus as Lord. Live a righteous life. You will be his treasured possession. It’s True! There is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Which are you?

June 7, 2013 What Do You Say?

Read Malachi 1- 2 Get Real Mal 2:17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask. I LEFT off the last half of this verse because I want you to stop and consider the answer. In what way might you have wearied the LORD with your words? Have you vainly spoken his name? “Oh, my _____!” is a common, vain phrase today. Have you prayed for forgiveness with empty words, knowing you’ll sin in the same way again? Have you promised him you’d be more faithful to him but not changed your ways? Have you promised someone you’d care for them but left them waiting? Perhaps a shut-in or aged parent awaits your visit, but you call and say, “I’m too busy right now.” Perhaps you sing, “I love you, Lord.” and you go to the bar and stare at the women. Perhaps you judge another for a sin you often commit. The Hebrews needed to put God’s words on their heart and live in the fullness of his words. They needed to stop justifying their sin. So do we. It’s True! A parent quickly wearies of a disobedient child. God will weary of your disobedience, too.

june 6, 2013 Thirsty No More

Read Zechariah 13-14 Thirsty No More Zech 14:8 On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. ONE of the many reasons to read the “Old Testament” (besides the fact it is the Word of God) is to more deeply understand the imagery Jesus uses to identify himself to his people. For example, Jesus often defined himself as the “Son of Man”. This was a term the Jews would understand from the prophecies in Ezekiel and Daniel, knowing Jesus was identifying himself as the God of Judgment. Now notice here the phrase “living water”. This is a picture of the eternal peace and joy that will come to the new Jerusalem, which is the Church (Rev 21). The image of living water here is one of eternal peace and life in the power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus said in John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” The people knew he was speaking of this imagery of the eternal life and peace prophesied here and elsewhere in the prophets (see Ezekiel 47 & Jeremiah 17). Jesus does not speak in mere words. He speaks in the eternal truths of the eternal God, author of Scripture and of our lives. Who is the source of the Living Water? The Father, the Son and the Spirit flow into your life when you trust your God. Is your soul dry? Are you thirsty for peace and joy? Would you like to rest in the hope and love of a Savior whose living water is ever-flowing? Drink of the Living Water of your Living God from the Living Word, and be eternally satisfied. It’s True! Jesus promises to continually fill you with him.

June 5, 2013 Follow and Lead

Read Zechariah 10 – 12 Follow and Lead Zech 10:3 Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. BE A LEADER for Jesus. The world desperately needs you. God calls you to lead people to him. We as Jesus’ followers must take the leadership mantle to be a shepherd to a lost world. I implore and encourage you to stand up, to take the staff of salvation—God’s Word—and lead. One of the reasons the church is shrinking in America is that its people leave the leadership mantle to “someone else”, thinking the paid minister or youth leader will do it all. We have been given the Gift of Salvation and eternal life; yet, too often we leave the gift on our desk at home or in a drawer, so no one can see it. We wander in our salvation because we negate our shepherding responsibility. Regardless of who you are in the church or in the culture, if Jesus is your Lord, you are appointed as a shepherd to some. They may be your household, your workplace, or your friendships. You are saved today because men and women through the centuries took the mantle of leadership to lead you to Jesus. They knew it is a life and death matter, so they told you, and you are saved. People need to know Jesus. They need to come out of their wintering desert into the green pastures of life in Christ. Follow your Great Shepherd and lead people to him. It’s True! God demands you lead people to Him.

June 4, 2013 Jesus' Instrument of Love

Read Zechariah 4 - 9 Jesus’ Instrument of Love Zechariah 8:20-23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” 23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” THE REASON I love the book of Zechariah so much is the ways God demonstrates his compassion and shows how he will restore his people. And not only will he restore them, he will bring many more to join his people. God will cause those who do not know him to seek after his people and to follow them as they go to the LORD. Today, those who have are Christians, who confess their sins and confess their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior (I hope you are one!) are the “Jews”. This is a literal and figurative term for God’s people. Christians are God’s people, and Zechariah’s prophecy is an assurance that God will cause many to follow us. His Holy Spirit will move through the land, and people will seek the LORD. When they seek God, will you be there to help them find Him? Will you be one who is ready to lead them to Jesus? Will you be one who will demonstrate to them God’s grace and salvation? Will you be one who is ready to be Jesus’ instrument of love in his eternal saving purpose? It’s True! God desires to use you to build his Kingdom.

June 3, 2013 Be Clean!

Read Zechariah 1 – 3 God’s Cleansing Agent--Grace Zechariah 3:1-7 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” 5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. 6 The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: 7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.’” THIS IS one of my favorite passages in Scripture. It is the time of restoration for Jerusalem. God is calling his people home from exile in Babylon! But in this vision Satan is trying to display their grievous sins, to show them they are dirty. And God is restoring, forgiving and cleansing his people! Imagine that. No. Understand that truth. Trust that truth. Receive that truth. God forgives! Oh, how Satan wants to accuse you. He wants to point his finger and tell you how bad you are. He wants to laugh at you, pile the dirt on and cover up your hope. He wants to fill you with despair and send you away from God to the pills, the booze, the pornography, the depression, the filth. But know this. God cleanses a heart that says, “I have sinned. Forgive me, Lord God.” God is so amazing! Trust his forgiveness. Be clean! It’s True! God forgives your repentant heart.

June 2, 2013 The Propht is Mad

Read Jonah 3-4 Jonah’s Ticked Off Jonah 4:1-3 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” JONAH was grieved to the point of death that God had saved Nineveh. Nineveh had been evil to Israel, and Jonah had no place in his heart to love his enemy. Sometimes I have counseled people to pray for their enemies, and they give me a strange look. They are probably thinking, “I can’t stand that person. Why would I want to pray for him?” Could it be we know that in praying for our enemies God might show them his compassion? Could it be God would save them from their wrongdoing, even to eternal life? Jonah obeyed God to go to Nineveh, but his heart was still in deep conflict with his mind. He did not want Ninevah to repent and be saved. Do you obey God by studying his Word, yet disobey him in the ways you think and act? God loves even your enemies, and he calls you to do the same. Open your heart. Pray for your enemies. Remove hatred and resentment. Receive God’s love and give it to others. Trust God’s commands and free yourself to receive all he has for you. It’s True! Removing anger from your heart makes more room for God’s love in your heart.