Author: rbeaird

TRYING TO FIND MY MINISTRY OR PLACE OF SERVICE…


Spiritual Blog - Ministry

Matthew 9:35-38 – “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.   36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”  NKJV

 

I often bite my tongue when someone says that to me as a justification for doing nothing.  I cannot count the number of times I’ve had someone tell me they were trying to find the will of God for their lives, their ministry niche or place of service.  I understand the desire to be obedient and consider it a commendable trait, but in light of the above passage and the expressed desire of the Lord to “seek and save the lost” how is it possible to find nothing to do in the Kingdom?

In my years serving as a lead pastor, I’ve had people come to me wanting something to do and when I suggested something beneath their perception of their gift, value or worth they were offended.  There have been times when a young person would come to me expressing a desire to enter the ministry and wanting me to be their mentor, I would assign them cleaning duties.  Some were offended and left, some grudgingly did the assigned tasks and others, without hesitation or complaint took on the task and did it with excellence.  The latter developed into servants God has used in wonderful ways.

How many people do you know who are lost?  How many do you suspect are lost?  How many of those have you entered into a conversation about their eternal destiny?  If there is a plenteous harvest lacking only laborers, why are our churches not more full each Sunday?  If we are to go into our Jerusalem, branch out to our Judea, and ultimately to the uttermost part of the earth or our world how is it that we can’t find anything to do or that we are willing to do?  Jesus said in John 4:35, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest?  Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”  The Bible tells us that “TODAY is the day of salvation and NOW is the accepted time.” 

I do not like manipulation and realize that what I’m saying could be considered such but if we truly want to be used of God there is plenty to do.  If we want to win souls for the Kingdom the harvest is plenteous.  If our motive is serving God and our fellow man then whatever our hand finds to do we will do it with our might and consider no task beneath us.  I was taught in the early stages of my pursuit of Christian Ministry to be willing to do whatever was set before me.  I was taught that if my assignment was cleaning the toilets I was to be the best toilet cleaner possible.  No matter what my assignment was, if I did it as unto the LORD I would seek to be the best possible at that work.  That is why, when I worked in secular employment I sought to be the best employee the company had because I considered my labor as unto the LORD and understood that if I claimed to be a Christian my actions reflected on my LORD.

If you are trying to find your ministry or place of service, go to your leadership and volunteer for whatever is needed.  If that is your niche God will make it prosper and thrive.  It may be that in your humility and service promotion comes to that which is your true gift, call, and niche.  We are epistles known and read of men, therefore, let’s present them the best view of Christ and Christianity we can.

God bless you as you go through this day!

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JUDGING – We All Do It…


Spiritual Blog - Judgment

Matthew 7:1-5 – “Judge not, that you be not judged.  2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  NKJV

 

If we only consider this passage it would be sufficient to give us a beautiful guide for life regarding JUDGING but the Bible is not silent on this issue and addresses it in the light of the reality that we all do and at times must JUDGE.  If we read John 7:24 we find the words of our Lord, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” NKJV.  Then in Matthew 7:16 we find our Lord addressing this saying, “You will know them by their fruits, grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?” NASB

Just as in giving, the measure we use is the measure we receive.  In this passage, there is a Life Lesson – “If you do not want to be judged, do not judge.”  Then, we see the Lord’s understanding that Judgment is a part of life and we will find ourselves in times of necessity and times of choice, bias, or prejudice practicing Judgment.  Regardless of the motivation for JUDGING Jesus declares, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”  That is arresting or should be.

I began my walk in Christian service in a church which, at that time, was quite judgmental with regard to a number of things.  I acknowledge, it was not the realized motivation of their hearts to be self-righteous but that was the result.  There was a desire to walk in holiness and be pleasing to God but in the process, some fell into the trap of comparing themselves with others and like the publican beat their chests and said, “I thank God, I’m not like them.” 

It is impossible to examine the fruit of a tree and not make a determination as to the quality of the tree.  However, in our examination, we need to be careful that we are not judging a particular tree or its fruit focusing on something minute and incredibly small while overlooking our attitude that is a large impediment.  Jesus even called it hypocritical for someone to self-righteously go to another and offer to help them CLEAN UP THEIR LIFE while we have a log in our own eyes preventing us from clearly seeing their hearts.

There are lifestyles and practices that bother me, as a Christian but before I judge another I want to be sure that my judgment is righteous and has a singular motivation to bring that person to the Light of God’s Love and Grace so they can see the need.  If my motivation is not redemption but rather a demonstration of self-righteousness then my judgment will result in equal and measured judgment from God.

We judge every day, whether we admit it or not.  Therefore, I declare that since you will not go through life free of any attitude or action of judgment, seek to be sure that your heart is pure, your motivation is godly and your judgment is righteous.  I tremble when I read the words of Paul in Romans 14:10-12, “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.   11 For it is written:   “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me,  And every tongue shall confess to God.”   12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” NKJV

May the LORD help each of us to consider our brother and sister and if we find someone “caught in a fault” we seek to restore them.   God bless you as you go through this beautiful day in His Love!

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REWARDS OF GIVING…


Spiritual Blog - Giving

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”  NKJV

 

There are two paths in giving and sometimes one or both are overlooked by many followers of the Bible and those professing Christ as their Savior.  I am going to venture out into a realm that can possibly put me in direct conflict with the philosophy and beliefs of some.  What I have to say will resonate with some, be eye opening to others, challenging to a few and potentially infuriating to another group.  I have no malice in what I’m saying, no ax to grind and hopefully will provide a thought or thoughts which will benefit you in your spiritual walk and development.  I am a seeker of truth and want all that I do and/or say to be pleasing to the Father and beneficial to those seeking Him and His Kingdom.

I see two pathways regarding giving taught in the Bible and both are practiced by believers around the world.  They both speak to “The Reward” of Giving and speak to something that needs to be addressed in churches all across this land.  Both are powerful but one is relegated to the Natural or “this life” and the other affects both worlds, “the natural” and “the spiritual.”  Both provide reward and depending on your purpose will be attractive to you.

There is the giving that focuses on “What is in The Hand” and giving that focuses on “What is in The Heart.”   One speaks of the act the other the motivation.  Both definitively impact your life.  I will address both types of giving and allow you to determine which is for you and which is desired by the Father, taught by our Lord Jesus and the better way.

WHAT IS IN THE HAND, GIVING – – Matthew 6:1

This is addressed in the Bible in many ways but in Matthew 6:1 we read, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen of them.  Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”  Jesus goes on to advise that if you make a public show of what you are doing your reward is what people think of you and that is it.  I believe in the Law of Sowing and Reaping and Reciprocity.  The Law of Multiplication is in effect and practiced both inside and outside the Church.

Some in the Church have almost made giving a “Retirement” or “Wealth Producing” Plan rather than an act of love for God, His people, and the Kingdom.  In this type of giving it is designed to GET or focused on the RETURN, not the need.  If I pray to be seen of men that is my reward.  If I labor to be seen by men that is my reward.  If I live a clean life to be seen of men that is my reward.  If my motivation is recognition then my giving is WHAT IS IN THE HAND, GIVING, and the recognition is my reward.

WHAT IS IN THE HEART, GIVING – – Mark 12:43

This is also addressed in the Bible in many ways and in Mark 12 Jesus positioned Himself near the treasury and watched what people gave there was a reason.  He watched those who had much as they brought their gifts and then the widow with her two mites and His response was surprising then and now to many.  He said, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury, for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

God’s focus and the Giving that results in a REWARD from the Father have the  focus on the MOTIVATION behind the giving and the PROPORTION.  Her giving was motivated by her love of God, expressed her faith in His promises and was, in a real sense, giving herself in totality to God.  Most of us have experienced times when the Holy Spirit prompted our hearts to give an amount that was more than most would consider reasonable but out of our LOVE we gave in obedience.  I believe that is what David is specifically addressing in the Psalms when he declared, “I was young and now am old, and I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread.”

A seasoned minister once spoke to me about giving and said, “Son, if you don’t notice it when it leaves, you won’t notice it when it comes back.”  He then quoted Luke 6:38 and said, “Live by this truth and know that God takes into account your motive as well as the amount and always considers the proportion.”  That took root in my heart and I have sought to live by that principle in giving.

Someone told me that we are to “give to get, to give to get.”  I believe we are to “give to live” and our giving is to be an expression of our love and confidence in God.  I have had people seek to donate to the church but with conditions and I have usually refused those gifts.  I’m not talking about giving for a cause or needy family and designating it for that purpose but I’m talking about the desire to control.  If I give, it is unto God and if those that receive the gift misuse it that is between them and God my motivation was to honor God and address a perceived need and prefer to give anonymously.

God bless you and may you be enriched in your life in all things.

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SIXTY-NINE JONATHAN EDWARDS RESOLUTIONS…


Spiritual Blog - Jonathan Edwards

Here is a listing of the 69 Resolutions which were made by Jonathan Edwards and worthy of our consideration as believers.  I have not modified the content only the presentation.  May they prove to be beneficial and a blessing to you as you read and consider.  I realize the list is long and you may want to read them in segments over time.  After I read them, I decided to post them in this devotional for your perusal.  God bless!

 

Jonathan Edwards [1716], Letters and Personal Writings (WJE Online Vol. 16) , Ed. George S. Claghorn

RESOLUTIONS

 

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the forementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30, [1723].

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

 

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10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any1 theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself (as much happiness, in the other world,) as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor

 

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to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the Golden Rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Proverbs 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining and establishing2 peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. [Dec. 26, 1722.]

34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. [Dec. 18, 1722.]

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. [Dec. 19, 1722.]

 

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37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. [Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.]

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day. [Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.]
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no: except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. [Jan. 7, 1723.]

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. [Jan. 11, 1723.]

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this12th day of January, 1722—23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were anyway my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12. [Jan. 12th, 1723.]

44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. [Jan. 12, 1723.]

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. [Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.]

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable,

 

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even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. [Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.]

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. [May 26, 1723.]

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. [July 5, 1723.]

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. [July 8, 1723.]

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. [July 8, 1723.]

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. [July 8, 1723.]

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, resolved to endeavor to imitate it. [July 8, 1723.]

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. [July 8, 1723.]

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. [June 9 and July 13, 1723.]

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. [May 27and July 13, 1723.]

 

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59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill-nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. [May 12, July 11, and July 13.]

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. [July 4 and 13, 1723.]

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it–that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. [May 21 and July 13, 1723.]

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully “as unto the Lord, and not to man; knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.” [June 25 and July 13, 1723.]

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. [Jan. 14 and July 13, 1723.]

64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered,” of which the Apostle speaks [Romans 8:26], and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalms 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. [July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723.]

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and everything, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th sermon on the 119th Psalm. [July 26 and Aug. 10, 1723.]

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect,

 

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and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. [July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723.]

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. [Aug. 11, 1723.]

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.

 

 

I have read these and although and since I am not 100% sure what he means on a few points I will not speculate as to his meaning.  I will leave the interpretation to you and have found these to be largely beneficial and worthy objectives for the Christian life.  The bottom line is that each of us should have a resolve to daily become more like Christ and less like us as we were in the world.

 

May the Lord richly bless you as you read, contemplate and venture into the life that is set before you on planet Earth!  I pray that the LORD enable you to live the abundant life not just exist on this planet.  God bless!
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DID YOU HEAR WHAT PAUL SAID???


Spiritual Blog - Bond Servant

Romans 1:1-7 – “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  NKJV

 

Through the years, I have noticed and been guilty of reading the Bible from strictly a Western mentality.  I have contended for years that if we truly want to understand what is being said we have to understand what it meant to those who read and heard in that day.  Here in Romans Chapter 1, we find some powerful statements by the apostle Paul.

BONDSERVANT – The word is “Doulos”, which often is translated servant, but if we render it properly it means SLAVE.  It identifies one who is totally the property of his master and when Paul uses it here it is not for show but for defining purposes.  Those who heard his declaration understood that he was calling himself a SALVE of Jesus Christ and that his life was no longer his in any way but entirely the property of the LORD Jesus.  We say that but do we mean that?  He was “willingly” a slave to the LORD.

CALLED TO APOSTLESHIP – The word is “apostolos” which signifies a messenger or envoy.  He is one who has been sent on a confidential errand.  Here it goes far beyond that and means an “extraordinary messenger” sent on behalf of the Master of the Universe, God Himself.  The fact that Paul said he had been “called” to be an apostle signifies that he understood that He was joined to Jesus just as the Twelve had been.  He was truly a messenger with authority.

SEPARATED UNTO THE GOSPEL – This is important in that Paul is not just separated “from” the world but “to” the Gospel.  He has identified a specific work and a work to which he is separated.  The Gospel is his life, calling and purpose and as a SLAVE his purpose that which the LORD determines not his preference nor is it optional.  He has chosen to be exclusively committed to the purposes of God regardless of where that might lead or what the result might be.

Paul identifies this “gospel” which is timeless in the heart of God, promised through the prophets of old and is now coming to fruition.  The commitment to the “gospel” is paramount in the mind and heart of this apostle.  He has a purpose, assignment and mission in life and later would declare, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 

Paul’s life and ministry are marked by his singular commitment and dedication to his calling.  He refused to be dissuaded or diverted but set his heart to fulfill the wishes of his LORD and MASTER to whom he considers himself a “willing slave.”  A slave for life by virtue of his choice to be completely bound by the Master’s desire.  That is an incredibly powerful message and testimony.  “I have totally committed my life, will, and desire to Him.  It is no longer my rights but His desire that controls my life and purpose.  I must decrease but He must continually increase.”   If that were the heart of each of us today, TOTALLY, we would see a revival like we have not heretofore seen.  I have not yet attained but I am, like Paul, pressing toward the mark, the prize of the high calling of Jesus.

    God bless you as you reaffirm your commitment and embark on the journey of this day!

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THAT WHICH WAS LOST…


Spiritual Blog - Lost

Luke 19:1-10 – “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”  6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”

 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham;  10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”   NKJV

 

I find the last few words of Jesus to Zacchaeus most compelling.  He said, “…for the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which WAS LOST.”  [Emphasis mine].  That corresponds with the truth that is woven throughout the New Testament concerning the Victory of Jesus at the Cross and Resurrection.  That which WAS LOST not that which is lost.  Do not misunderstand, I am not saying that people are not lost but that Jesus is making a declaration prior to His becoming the sacrifice for the sin of the world.  He is speaking prophetically and looking ahead in time in the natural.  However, in the Spirit Realm, He sees it as an accomplished fact.  He saw the devil defeated and man redeemed and/or rescued from the legal dominion of the devil.  Jesus is seeking that which was formerly in the clutches of the devil but now rightfully belongs to God, the creator and He is seeking that lost property or soul.

I believe the vastness of John 3:16 when it says, “WHOSOEVER…”  I believe the vastness of John in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  I believe in the completeness of Romans 10:10, “…for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”  I believe in the fullness and inclusiveness of the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”   I believe that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive them and in that act of forgiveness we experience the New Birth and become new creations.  We once were lost in sin but Jesus took us in.  We were aliens and strangers but now sons and daughters.  I believe!

Today is the day of Salvation!  Now is the Accepted Time!  If you feel the tugs at your heart then I urge you to respond to His call and know that He will not cast you aside.  You are welcome to enter through the doorway into the Kingdom of God.

God bless you as you go through this beautiful day!

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NO BILLY GOAT FOR A BBQ…


Spiritual Blog - Prodigal

Luke 15:11-32 – “Then He said: “A certain man had two sons.  12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.  13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.  14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.  15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”‘

 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.  21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.  23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.  26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.  27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

 28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.  29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might make merry with my friends.  30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.  32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'”  NKJV

 

I could leave off my comments and just post this passage and the impact would be incredibly positive for the Kingdom of God but I sense the Holy Spirit desires that I make some comments.  I want to draw out of this entire story the attitude of the older brother – No Billy Goat for a Barbeque or Woe is Me is an attitude possessed by far too many in the world of Christendom.

The beautiful story of a prodigal who had ‘wasted his inheritance’ on wantonness and waste returning home not asking to be restored to full sharing with his brother but to be received back as one of the hired servants is not the focus today.  The older brother had remained faithful and loyal to his father and the family enterprise.  He had suppressed any desire he had for sowing his wild oats and labored diligently.  Now, his brother returns from a life of debauchery and waste and his father treated him like royalty.  The older brother is insulted, offended, and angry.  Most of us would be as well, so before we criticize him we might want to honestly look in the mirror that reflects our heart.  He goes off and pouts.  Many are the times I have gone to a church member who took offense at something and felt their faithfulness unappreciated when someone who had been anything but was received back into the church fold. I cannot count the number of times I’ve ministered to someone who was overcome with anger at God because someone who had been a prodigal was received back into God’s graces and they felt slighted.

The attitude of the older brother blinds as to what God offers and what is available.  Consider what the father told this distraught son.  He said, “Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours…”  Did you hear that?  You are always with me, and ALL THAT I HAVE IS YOURS…His inheritance was his all along and he could have had the BBQ anytime he wanted but he had apparently not asked for it or demonstrated a desire for it UNTIL the wayward son comes home.  IT IS YOURS!  Your brother took his part and squandered it but what is left belongs to you.  It was right that we rejoice over one that was dead but is alive again, and was lost but has been found.  Forgiveness is a powerful part of faith and we must ever guard against resentment, bitterness, and self-centeredness.  One of the most powerful messages of the Bible is Reconciliation.  If we allow them to take root we will miss what God has for us and fail to realize the Abundant Life He has for us.

             God bless you on this beautiful day!

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SHOULD CHRISTIANS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE FINANCIALLY???


Spiritual Blog - Financial Planning

Luke 12:22-34 – “Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.  23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.  24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?  25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?  26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?  27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.  30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.  31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.  34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  NKJV

 

I have known people and more than a few preachers who considered it a violation of God’s directive to plan for the future financially.  After all, they demand, Jesus instructed us in Luke 12 to not give anything financial a second thought.  So, if the birds do not have to work for what they eat, neither should I.  I will just wait on God to provide.

I 100% concur that God is our source!  I also stand in complete agreement that mammon cannot be our focus.  However, I cannot ignore the overriding principles of the Bible with regard to counting the costs and providing for my own.  I believe that the ideal condition of the Christian mind is confidence that God will provide.  Negligence is never justified.  We are instructed to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” and I believe that applies to life’s planning and preparation.

Life should not be lived in FEAR or WORRY.  The believer should live with confidence that when we have done all we know to do and walked in obedience to God’s Word and the directive to our individual hearts, HE WILL PROVIDE.  The illustration of the ravens and the lilies of the field provide a beautiful word picture for us to visualize the keeping and care of God in all things in our lives.  If we allow concern for the natural things to overshadow the eternal we will live in fret and frustration.

David declared, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging bread.”  Can Christians have financial problems?  We see it every day!  Most of the times when I have faced financial difficulty I can trace the root to my error in judgment or failure to live within my means.  I am not discounting, today’s economic situation where some who WOULD WORK cannot find jobs and are facing incredibly difficult times.  Was that their making?  NO!  That is where God, the Church, the Community and Family come into the picture.  PROVISION comes from many sources but all under the guidance and direction of the LORD.

What we should make most important in our lives is GOD and then do that which we know to do and I am confident that God will provide.  This is not a cry for or against retirement planning, etc.  It is a cry for each of us to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness” and from that position live in confidence that GOD WILL PROVIDE!

May you receive His rich blessings on this wonderful day!  

 

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REASONS I’VE HEARD FOR REJECTION OF THE BIBLE…


Spiritual Blog - Rejecting

John 8:52 – “Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.'”  NKJV

 

Through the years, I have heard a great number of reasons people offer for disbelieving the Bible and this passage has been used, at least, Jesus’ response to His accusers.  He said, “If anyone keeps My words he shall never taste death.”  The comeback or justification for not believing the Bible or in Jesus was, “See, this is a blatant lie for every day there are people who believe in God and live as Christians who DIE, so it is all a lie.”  That mindset allows an individual to justify their rejection and gives a certain smugness, arrogance and even meanness when they encounter believers of the Bible and in Jesus.

         Never TASTE death must be understood in light of the clear teachings of the Bible regarding the impact the Victory of the Lord Jesus on the Cross and demonstrated in the Resurrection brings.  If we accept the Lord Jesus Christ walking in His Word DEATH no longer has a sting and in truth we will NEVER DIE.  Oh, we will experience what is called death among mortals but when we receive Jesus we embark on a course and journey called ETERNAL LIFE over which death has no power.  We experience, in this life, what the Bible calls SLEEP which is nothing more than a transition from the natural or present into the eternal.

Adam and Eve, it is often argued, were told by God that the day they ate the “forbidden fruit” they would die and they did not die.  However, if you view what took place in the light of the rest of the Bible you realize they did die, not naturally but spiritually.  Their separation from God was dramatic and could be understood as nothing other than spiritual death.  In the eternal scheme of things, we will either LIVE ETERNALLY or DIE ETERNALLY and that death will not be a complete obliteration of consciousness and finality that many view death as being but a death in which the consciousness of life is ever present but unreachable.

I have encountered a number of believers and preachers who, as one pastor said to me, “The Bible is a good book but filled with a number of myths and plenteous in error.”  If I do not believe the Bible record and consider any of its accounts or prophesies myths I will be an easy mark for the enemy of my soul.  I either believe God or I do not.  I believe the Bible is the Inspired Word of God and that although human hands and minds were involved in penning the words we now hold as the Cannon of Scripture, I believe the Holy Spirit inspired and guided those men.  I recognize that in translating text from the original there is the possibility of inaccurate translation but again, I believe that God is God and capable of guiding the translators in a manner so as to preserve truth.  I acknowledge there are some renderings from the original or near original language into English that I find troubling but I remember that Jesus said, “When He is come (the Holy Spirit) He will guide you into all truth.”  Therefore, I am comfortable and confident that the Bible is Inspired and provides us a guide for faith and practice in life.

God bless you as you embark on your daily journey. 

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AN INCREDIBLY REVEALING QUESTION…


Spiritual Blog - Question

John 5:1-6 – “After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.   5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”   NKJV [Emphasis mine…]

 

Every time I read this account of a miracle performed by our LORD I see something new or additional, but also have a tugging at my heart strings over the question.  Do you want to be made well?  That is an amazing question especially in light of the fact this man had been at the pool for a very long time.  He had, without question, resigned himself to his physical malady and plight and had in a very real sense allowed himself to view his status as VICTIM.  He was totally dependent on others to transport him or help him achieve virtually anything in life.

Jesus approached the pool of Bethesda and I have no doubt scanned the scene and fixed his eyes on this individual, not just because of his condition for all were in need of healing, but because of his mindset.  The question was arresting and I am sure the man was somewhat stunned by the question.  I can almost sense some outrage in his response, “Sir, I have no man to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”  In East Texas, the response would have been, “ARE YOU BLIND, I can’t walk to get to the pool.”  Jesus ignored his victim mindset and gave a command that demanded a response.  Jesus’ command shook the man free from his victim mindset.  The man complied with Jesus’ command and healing took place.

I have dealt with people in my years of Christian ministry to whom, I have asked the question, “Do you want to be free?”  Some were in the bondage of pornography, lust, and other things as they succumbed to the pull of the flesh.  I have had some declare with weeping, YES and others would, as this man offer one excuse or another as to why they could not be.  Some blamed their spouses for their infidelity and while I concur that a spouse can add to the problem the final decision is the individual who commits the act.  They could say NO and resist! 

In life, the question is, “Do you want to be made well?”  Do you want to be HEALED by the Blood of the Lamb?  Do you want to be transformed and become a new creation in Christ Jesus?  Do you want to have the shackles holding you back removed?  Do you?  Then, call to God with honest hearts and acknowledge your condition, repent of your attitude and dependency and do whatever the Holy Spirits directs your heart.  As with this man, the question, “Do you want to be made well?” is the first step toward the complete and total healing of the whole man.

God bless you as you go through this day!

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