“Using the Seed God gave us”!

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love”. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Hearing incredible promises in a lifetime is so great for an individual. Most often trumpeting promises far more than it delivers. But the promises in the above text are completely reliable. Indeed, the benefits of heeding Peter’s words, and the consequences of neglecting them, are great because Peter’s words sustain us from being useless and unfruitful in our relationship with Jesus Christ and enables us to live in the present in light of our past conversion and our hope for the future. Doing as Peter instructs can keep us on the road to “Dropping the Rock”, as we triumphantly focus on our entry into the kingdom of our Lord. So, let’s not neglect Peter’s instruction and bring our perception into reality in being confident in the salvation God has provided and not let those rocks sets us up for a fall. 

We drop the rock by being attentive and becoming cooperate with God by developing ourselves. As we exercise our new nature we add virtue to our Faith, then knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and finally Love. As we go through this sequence of character development, the divine nature has matured enough to be encouraged to “Drop the Rock”. But do we?

Many Christians still carry around like a heavy rock that which cannot be put down. Everyone has sinned, and one of the results of sin is guilt. We can be thankful for guilty feelings because they drive us to seek forgiveness. Repentance is part of the process of faith that leads to salvation (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 3:19). Jesus said the process works like a seed; the seed is planted, in us, and although it is entirely present, it is very small.  As it grows, it becomes large and helpful. Seeds are complete but undeveloped. In the same way, God has planted within us all we need, but these resources require time and growth before they become visible to others.

We know that Jesus died to wash away our transgressions. The scriptures say that God "remembers them no more." We understand that we cannot erase them by ourselves. And yet old guilt still haunts us at times. The majority of the people in this world have the ability to alleviate their guilt through some kind of apology, but for some of us that is not enough. Nothing we do can erase the feeling of guilt and the knowledge we did something wrong. We risk making ourselves sick with worry and regret, and risk the lifelong pain of shame, depression, and anxiety. And even worse, we risk missing a close, open relationship with the God who has forgiven us, and "remembers our sin no more". In our guilt we spiritually hide from Him.

So then, what to do? Perhaps there are some practical steps we can take to find healing and “using the promise seed God has given us”. “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all”. Romans 4:16

The obscure suggestions may be the obvious: 

(1) Take an inventory. Get out a piece of paper and write down everything you can think of that causes you to feel guilt about anything. This is very personal, so guard it carefully. Ask yourself if all of this is guilt or is some of it a kind of perverse pride that we just like to beat ourselves with.   “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.1 John 1:9

(2) Talk with a trusted person. Is there someone in your life, a pastor, or Stephen Minister at your church that you trust completely? Find someone and discuss your list with them. There is something about sharing with another human being that puts it all into perspective. “A gossip betrays confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret”. Proverbs 11:13

 (3) Make Amends. Have you found that there is someone out there that you will need to make amends to? Approach this very carefully, discussing it with God and your confidant in step It takes courage to ask for forgiveness.  It takes inner strength to reach out to those we have wronged.  It takes a loving heart to admit sorrow and contrition. Critical, but not an act to be rushed into. “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses”. Mark 11:25

(4) Pray. Ask God to, once and for all, remove the painful weight you have felt from old, unresolved guilt. Ask Him to help you to drop that rock forever. Sin and failure are human. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”. Psalm 147:3

It is time to move on. The book of Romans says that we have been justified by the blood of Christ. The word justification means "Just-as-if-you-had-never-sinned." It means much more than forgiveness. As God looks at us this very moment, he has not only forgiven us, but does not even remember those things that may still be weighing us down with guilt. If God has forgotten them, it is time we do the same. This is pointless and runs counter to the victorious Christian life God wants for us. A wise saying is “If God has saved you out of a sewer, don’t dive back in and swim around. “We are no longer meant to live under guilt.  My fellow Christians, isn't it time we drop the rock? 

 Better yet are you prepared to let go of the rock — and to mean — almost unimaginable questions: Why not me? Why not this? Why not now? Plus think in some way, “my faith might serve as a three-watt night-light in a very dark world, displaying faith to a faithless world, hope to a hopeless world, love to a loveless world and life to a dying world, why not me”?

"May Thy rich grace impart,

     Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspires.

As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,

     Pure, warm, and changeless be, ---- a living fire!"

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for trying to carry what you have elevated forever. Help us as we seek to drop the woundedness of that rock, we still experience from old acts in our lives, we pray in the name of Him who took the weight of all our sin upon Himself.  Amen

God Bless You and This Ministry!

My Crew Gets IT, I Think?

"What prepares us for God’s love?"

Lately this question has been one of many bible group reflections? Usually, it annoys my mind during times when life is not as prosperous as other times, or during talking the talk with others that think they have everything on earth but don’t know the knowledge of the reward. Which results in“What they have up in the heaven?”

“Forwe wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesian 6:12 

 To me this is when Satan uses his shrewdness, he waits until life is hard and when we are more vulnerable (though he has plenty of missiles for our good times as well). He suggests to you that God does not love you, he suddenly sounds compelling. Why do we get tangled up in his web and not use our wits and Faith when suffering comes our way? One reason we ask this question of “God’s love” again and again is because it is spiritual, which makes it difficult to see.“we must acknowledge our need to see by faith” 2 Corinthians 5:7

This is why we need to listen to our heart and the Holy Spirit as well as the aid of other people in Christ who can join you in prayer during these times of Spiritual battles; encouraging us with their presence and truth of the word. But there may be another question to ask, one which Jesus posed to the apostle Peter. “Do you love me?” John 21:15-17. Our answer will not change his love (2 Timothy 2:13), but it might suggest that the problem lies within us, rather than in God?So, at the very least our thinking will be directed by prayers and lead to vastness for the love of God and for us to love him in return.

As the discord of this question continues, “What prepares us for God’s love?” does it become the Big Lie for us because we daily, personally and individually hear it so much in our doubtful mind or are we surrounded by the conditional love of finite humanity and we cannot easily comprehend that God would love us? We know our faults. We know that God is perfect and sinless (Do you every doubt this thought?). We know that we are not. Why would God, who is infinite and holy, love us, who are finite and sinful? And yet the great truth of the gospel is that He does! Time and again, Scripture reminds us of God’s love for us. But because it is unseen because we are not in a daily relationship with God by his word, we tend to follow the quote, “Show me the Money” the reward, so I can believe it. But the reward the Lord gives is the inheritance, the all-satisfying joy of knowing him forever. So, to work heartily for the Lord means to work heartily for the reward of joy in the Lord.

It’s like when I was a football coach when I pulled the team together and said, “Let’s do this for the win!” What I meant is, let’s do this for the reward of winning.

The Christian need never fear punishment but can look forward to crowns of reward that he can cast at the feet of the Savior those rewards on the basis of what we have done, we can safely say that there will be a time of reward for believers and that the rewards will differ somewhat from person to person. “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12). Since Jesus will be distributing 

Perhaps the greatest picture of God’s love is Jesus’ passion and crucifixion. Paul reminds us, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8). Jesus’ work on the cross was a clear, unmistakable declaration of love. And this love is unconditional.

Remember, Paul was formerly an enemy of Christ. He vehemently persecuted Christians. He lived by the letter of the law rather than through an understanding of God’s love. Paul, if he even thought of God’s love, probably felt that God could not love him apart from rule-following. Yet, in Christ, he found God’s grace and accepted God’s love. One of his greatest articulations of God’s love is this: “If God is for us, who can be against us? neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-32, 35-39). 

Look to Scriptures with Passion, question and for more about God’s love for you setting aside a daily time every day. Here is a start:

1 John 4:8 – “ … God is love”

Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Ephesians 5:25-27 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

John 15:9-11 – “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

1 John 3:16a – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”

So, the simple answer is, “Yes-Yes”, Are you Listening, God loves you! As hard as it may be to believe or see, it is the truth. Finally Think of what God has called you to do or better yet marinate on the following questions daily, “What is your Purpose? Who are You? And Whom do you Belong To”?

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“Bearing the Big Anguish of the World”

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”When he had said this, he breathed his last.Luke 23:46

Rather than focusing on leaving behind or a loss, Luke highlights our Lord’s complete and unmitigated trust in God His heavily Father. Although He carried the weight of the world on His shoulders, Jesus would not lose hope in God. Luke is making an important point for us, especially concerning our prayer life! If you are like most people, there have been times in your life when you have felt as though the weight of the world were on your shoulders, rather than on Jesus’ shoulders. I remember the trials and affliction of losing a sister recently, my sorrow was so great it felt as though I was abandoned by God and I was so tempted to pray, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me/us? When this happened, I refocused my thoughts on Christ through prayer in a letter:

Dear Anguished,

Many days in my mind, I went to see your sister’s headstone in the cemetery again today. The visit made me want to write to you. Almost daily, I stagger across something that brings her to mind-and if this happens to me, how much redundant it must happen to you! Confessing, ah so tough for me at this time, that this memory or at least the emotions they create are not very enjoyable. Be assured: when impelled by such things as the sight of her baby pictures, a video of her dancing as she is being silly and the healthy-looking scent of chocolate (which she enjoyed), I savor my thoughts. But some things evoke memories that stir first anger then joy. Chief among these things is the way she left this earth. But the joy is when I saw the bumper-sticker slogan: “Prayer changes things!” Lord in Your Mercy, Thank You!

So how in the world do we know if God even hears our prayers? Even I at times it is difficult or when in anguished a thing hard to engage in “prayer”. Honestly, sometimes I may find myself not having any idea even what to say to God, especially during times of grief. It seems as though prayer should be so simple, yet at times it is so hard. I cry out, maybe prayer is something we need help with or maybe this is something we aren’t supposed to do on our own right now?

In Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, we see that God does indeed help us with this. We are encouraged to continue “praying at all times in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18. Interesting this Praying in the Spirit. What does it mean for us? How do we go about praying “in the Spirit”? You see Paul is not trying to confuse us. Think of his words as telling you that your prayers must be kept faithful in line with the Spirit’s words (Galatians 5:25). We order our prayers according to God’s written word-praying those things the word commands us to pray Matthew 6:9-13, making our requests and speaking our thanks in the same manner God’s written word itself speaks thanks and praise. In the beginning it can be as simple as, “Lord have Mercy or Jesus wept”.

Thanks be to God, even in our darkest hour of Fear which I call, false-Evidence -Appearing- Real. Yes, at times we do have a tough row to dig, but even then, all is not lost! I think to myself, “Ron, regardless of how burdensome our circumstances may be, we may trust our Lord to uphold and sustain us always through Prayer”. Remember we are not forsaken; we will never be forsaken. Yes, our Lord Jesus died on the cross forsaken by God for our sins, but on the third day He rose again triumphant and victorious over all that would defeat us. Having fully paid the eternal penalty for the sins of all the world-including all of our sins -Jesus then committed His spirit to the Father’s keeping. 

Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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” (Philippians 4:6-7). Worry about nothing; pray about everything.

Bear in mind as Christian’s this is our way of communicating with God. We pray to praise God and thank Him and tell Him how much we love Him. We pray to enjoy His presence and tell Him what is going on in our lives. We pray to make requests and seek guidance and ask for wisdom even during times of Anguish and Anxiety.

Behold, the Bible contains many examples of prayer and plenty of encouragements to pray (see Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12 and Ephesians 6:8.God’s house is to be a house of prayer (Mark 11:17), and God’s people are to be people of prayer: “Dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love” (Jude 1:20-21). 

Dear Lord, 

help us remember what a difference it makes when we make time with You a priority for life. Awaken us in body and spirit each day with a desire to meet with You. Grant us words of affirmation, assurance and wisdom with the help of the Holy Spirit over our hearts as we prepare to go into each day in your word. 

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“Foolishness” Folly to “Knowledge and Wisdom of God”?

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight” 1 Corinthian 3:19

Once you start to receive the knowledge and wisdom of God flowing into your life, you will find something very interesting that will start to happen. You will start to see the difference between the knowledge and wisdom of God versus the knowledge and wisdom of this world.

I use to love to openly discussed Politics, Sports as well as someone’s age or favorite desert. I even would get defensivewhen non-Christians mocked our beliefs or used Gods name in vain. These days, political opinions are blasted on social media with outrage, shout-a-thon talk shows, as well within families where they are tied, it seems, inextricably to one’s moral compass. Politics are stressing people out as much as work and money. The problem is a lack of listening and a cultural belief that relationships are kind of disposable. Rather than be civil it has become normal to call each other losers and cut people off completely. Just recently, it was suggested to me by a family member that I need to choose between Eternal Punishment or Eternal Life because of my Political views. I thought to myself this question, “What is a Godly decision “needed now? That is when I started carrying around the following scripture:

“The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating”. Proverbs 18:6

Jesus' strategy when He was arrested, stripped naked, scourged and interrogated and when Jesus was being reviled, 1 Peter 2:23 says, "He did not revile back; when He suffered, He did not threaten." He trusted the Father to vindicate Him. If you are mocked for your faith, keep your cool and bite your lip. Don't let angry people push your button or lash out in anger.God will give you wise words to say if you let His love control your tongue. Pray for your enemies. Jesus said it best in Matthew 5:43-44: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." How many of us actually obey that commandment?

For me, the first word that came to mind was “Foolishness” but as always scripture comforted me to have a mindset to be meek and humble. I keep the following scripture in my pocket to remind me to put wisdom into action:

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established

” Proverbs 24:3

“Think of the Messiah, meek and gentle; then think of me, Paul – yes, Paul himself! – making his appeal to you. You know what I’m like: I’m humble when I’m face to face with you, but I’m bold when I’m away from you!  Please, please don’t put me in the position of having to be bold when I’m with you, of having to show how confident I dare to be when I’m standing up to people who think we are behaving in a merely human way”. 2 Corinthians 10:1-2

When I hear the mention of the word fool. The first person I think of was the comedian Richard Pryor, followed by Eddie Murphy, Bernie Mac, Redd Foxx, Chris Rock, Moms Mabley, Robin Williams, George Carlin, followed by the Three Stooges, Larry, Curly, and Mo. It is interesting to me that none of these men fit the definition which Proverbs gives us of the fool. The “fools” I thought of are all funny, rather harmless and basically well-intentioned and innocent. All of them evoke a certain sense of pity, mixed with great amusement. Not so with the fool in the Book of Proverbs This is but one of the reasons why the study of “the fool” is important, “someone who disregards God’s Word”, The unbelievers or skeptics. They continue doing the same foolish things over and over again, to their own destruction Proverbs 18:7. To Graphically illustrate the behavior of fools: “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” 

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practices like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

The story above speaks about two men and each needing to build a house.The first man was foolish and chose to build on sandy soil where it was easy to access and easy to dig the foundations. In a few short weeks he was almost finished.

The second man was wise and chose to build his house on a rocky hill, where it was very hard to access and to dig the foundation. He spent many months building his house.

As time passed a huge storm broke upon the houses of these men. After much rain, a flood swept through the valley and the man's house that was built on the sand was swept away. But the second man who had built on the rocky hill was safe. No matter how hard it rained or how fierce the floods were his house remained solid and immovable.

Let's ask ourselves the question. What's the foundation of our life? Are we like the foolish man, are our lives built on sand? What about our lives? When Satan brings temptations and trials to us it may feel like we are being battered by a flood!

The Bible has much to say about fools. The word fool today usually means “a senseless fellow, a dullard.” The biblical definition has the added dimension of “someone who disregards God’s Word.” The Bible lists many characteristics of such a person, often contrasting him with one who is wise. Ecclesiastes 10:2 says, “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.”

When the Bible in general speaks of foolishness it describes a moral and spiritual condition. Not a low IQ.The following is a partial list of some characteristics of a fool from the book of Proverbs: a fool hates knowledge takes no pleasure in understanding (18:2), enjoys wicked schemes Proverbs 10:23 proclaims folly Proverbs 12:23 spurns a parent’s discipline (15:5), speaks perversity (19:1), is quick-tempered (12:16), gets himself in trouble with his proud speech (14:3), mocks at sin (14:9), is deceitful (14:8), and despises his mother (15:20). A foolish child brings grief to his or her parents (17:25; 19:13). A foolish woman tears down her own house (14:1).

I truly believe that a believer can live a life of wisdom that honors God, instead of a foolish life that dishonors him.

Believers live a life of wisdom by making the most of their time. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity”.Colossians 4:5

Believers live a life of wisdom by understanding God’s will.“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God”. Romans 8:14

Believers live a life of wisdom by staying sober.“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”.1 Peter 5:8

Believers live a life of wisdom by being filled with the Spirit. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”Ephesians 5:18

To someone today, I challenge you to turn the hearts of those exhibiting foolishness toward wisdom and possibly save their lives and their eternal souls James 5:20. This is how I respond to their foolish behavior:

1.    I pray for them. God is able change anybody. Don’t ever give up. You can’t change them but you can pray for God to change them.

2.    Keep the right attitude and motivation toward these foolish people. It’s easy to become judgmental and arrogant toward them. Remember, God loves them as much as He loves you.

3.    Be prepared to set boundaries and protect yourself from being harmed by foolish people.

1.     

2.    We do not have the power or the right to condemn anyone to hell. That position of judgment belongs only to God. A born-again Christian cannot be “damned” because he or she has been purchased by the blood of Christ Colossians 1:14). 

God Bless You and This Ministry!

"How to Drop the Rock"

My Grandmother's example of Christian faith has played a significant role in any positive impulse I have ever shown in this world. I can see her standing at the kitchen stove whistling one of her favorite hymns as she made her famous hamburgers (most of family thought it was in her hands but I place my money on her singing). On a good day she would stand there and just sing them out loud. Some of the hamburgers in that skillet must have become very tender with the determined attention they received. I remember her placing her hands on me when I was very small, asking God to heal me from an illness I had at the time or when I was afraid. He did. She was kind to a fault, generous with what little she had to give, slow to anger, quick to lift up with laughter, and slow to put down. She was a good woman, and God blessed this earth with her for many years. 
 

And yet, this shining example of what Christ can do in a life, had a nagging doubt in her quiet moments. On more than one occasion she expressed a concern she had; that God might feel she "was not good enough" because she fell behind in her Bible-reading plan, again; or she would say,” I’ve been trying to go to church in the last four months, and the pace has been overwhelming”. Oh, she understood that we have all gone astray like sheep in a flock. But she made sure we attended Sunday School every Sunday and not go off course. And she understood that God sent his Son Jesus to die for the sin that we universally experience. She knew that she could not earn favor with her redeemer by the things she did. And yet, will God think I'm "good enough". She was carrying that "rock" around on her back, and in spite of all she knew or believed, she could not "drop the rock". 
 

And I wonder if the rest of us who call ourselves the washed, the redeemed in Christ, don't carry a bit of this rock too. That troublesome guilt trip and anxiety that drags along behind us. The weight of sins past that still cling to us like superglue. Some part of us still feels that when we stand before the judgment seat of God, we will be pronounced a failure, a sinner, "guilty as charged". We just haven't made the grade. St Paul cried out in anguish one day saying something like, "Who will deliver me from this body of death? The things that I want to do, I don't do, and the things that I don't want to do, that is exactly what I do." 
Paul felt the weight of that rock from time to time. And so, do I. Do you? 
 

We can have our consciences cleansed when we bring our sin, our failures, and our miserable attempts to appease God to the foot of the cross. The atonement of Christ forgives our sin and cleanses our conscience (Hebrews 10:22). We acknowledge our inability to cleanse our own hearts and ask Him to do it for us. We trust that Jesus’ death and resurrection are sufficient to pay the price we owe God. When we accept Jesus’ payment for our personal sin, God promises to cast our sins away from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 8:12).

It's time that we, once and for all, drop the rock. Release it. Let it go. We are not meant to have that burden. When the rock was rolled from the tomb, it was also taken off our backs. The weight of sin is not for the Christian to carry. Jesus removed every last milligram of it. More on this next week and learn: "How to Drop the Rock" 

 "My faith looks up to Thee, thou lamb of Calvary, Savior divine. 

Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, 

Oh, let me from this day, be wholly Thine." 

Our truths can remain clear as we continually confess our sin to God and trust that the blood of Jesus is sufficient to make us right with Him. We continue to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). We trust that, in spite of our imperfections, God delights in us and in His transforming work in our lives. Jesus said, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). 

PRAYER: Father, how can we figure out that we no longer carry the guilt of our failings? And yet we know what the scriptures teach us. Help us to take on the significance of what Jesus did for us in a way that sets us free and learn, “How To Drop the Rock”. We pray this in the name of the one who is our advocate, Jesus. Amen 

God Bless You and This Ministry!