Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Today

Yesterday we looked at the farmer living for today with tomorrow in view and what a mistake that was for him. I believe we are to live today to its fullest we are living today in real time. They use that term in stock market trading which means you can watch what the stock market is doing at that very moment. But you and I are living today in real time but tomorrow is not lived in real time nor is the past only today. What we have we have today. The past or yesterday as we call it; we can see our failures and many times see why and how we failed. Lot's wife was a woman who was incapable of looking forward because she was too busy looking backwards. Then we have the future with all of it possibilities; that word possibilities means something that is possible. It is possible for almost anything to happen in the near future and it's not wrong to plan for the future but we must live our lives in the present. The Lord Jesus when leaving this world told His followers that He would return

John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go
(present) to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
(future) and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. The Lord is coming and we need to be watching for Him at the present for we know not when He is returning

Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. My Pastor taught me years ago that when you see the word therefore; see what it's there for. Why is it there for? Watch for ye know not when the Lord will come. When He comes I assure you it will be "today." Let's live each day as if He would return not that He will return in the future for He could return today and if He does will you be ready to meet Him? As Dr. M. R. Dehaan always said "perhaps today." He was looking for the Lord Jesus to return every day; he died before He returned but as Job said long ago

Job 19:25
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: I love it when I read the phase "I Know" for if Job could know and John could know that means you and I can know. So Know that our redeemer is coming and it could be today.

Monday, August 30, 2010

The Crash

What happened in 1929 when the stock market crashed? After reading about it these are a few facts I found out. A vice president of the Earl Radio Corporation jumped to his death from the window of a Manhattan hotel. His suicide note read, "We are broke. Last April I was worth $100,000. Today I am $24,000 in the red." This happened in early October, weeks before the crash. The wife of a Long Island broker shot herself in the heart; a utilities executive in Rochester, New York, shut himself in his bathroom and opened a wall jet of illuminating gas; a St. Louis broker swallowed poison; a Philadelphia financier shot himself in his athletic club; a divorcee in Allentown, Pennsylvania, closed the doors and windows of her home and turned on a gas oven. In Milwaukee, one gentleman who took his own life left a note that read, 'My body should go to science, my soul to Andrew W. Mellon, and sympathy to my creditors.' This all happened because stock prices had been on the rise, they gained the reputation of being a safe way to invest. Many investors believed stocks were their ticket to riches. A great number of investors were purchasing stock on the margin, meaning they put 10% of the investment down and borrowed the remaining 90%. For example, if $10 worth of stock were purchased, the investor put in $1, while the mortgage broker put in the other $9. It was a good deal as long as stocks were gaining value. However, if the stock lost value, the stockbroker would issue a margin call requiring the investor to pay back the loan. In the example above, not only did the investor lose the $1 he invested, he also had to pay back the $9 he'd borrowed. At this time many people had put their hope in and about tomorrow for which the Bible warns us not to do. Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. In Luke chapter 12 we find a man who did just that; let's look at him for a moment. We read of a man who was already rich but we also see he was not happy with what he already had.

Luke 12:16
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
The thing we notice is he wants more which caused his mind to ask questions.

Luke 12:17
And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
Then he began to talk to himself and answer himself

Luke 12:18
And he said, this will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
All this man had on his mind was himself; eat drink and be merry.

Luke 12:19
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Was this good farmer living for today with tomorrow in view? Be careful about tomorrows view for I have heard others say only ___ more years until I retire then I'll be able to do_____. Is this not what that farmer was doing? God has allowed us to see what tomorrow beheld for this man and what God called him because of his thought pattern.

Luke 12:20
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: (no tomorrow) then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? This man didn't jump out a window but he got the same results thinking tomorrow will be better than today; you can't live tomorrow today. The Lord has already told us don't brag about tomorrow but He has told us to live for today. Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.
Give us tomorrows? No, no, no! This day, today that's all you and I need to be concerned about, not tomorrow for when tomorrow comes it will be today. When I was a child I would pray "'now I lay me down to sleep if I should die"…. There's the possibility we might not be here tomorrow so live today and enjoy it for one day it will be your last. Have a great day and a great week.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Make Sure

All the airline passengers have just squeezed down that narrow aisle to their seats and everyone is getting settled in.  And the ground agent comes onboard and says, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a destination check.  This is flight 305 to Atlanta."  The next part is what I love - it's so diplomatic, it's almost ridiculous.  "If Atlanta is not in your travel plans for today, this would be a good time for you to exit the aircraft."  Translation: "Hey, pal - make sure this flight is going where you want to end up!"
It doesn't matter how nice the plane is, how nice the people are, how sure they thought that this was the right one - if it isn't going where you want to go, you cannot afford to be on it.  That's obvious when it comes to our travel destination.  It should be obvious when it comes to our eternal destination.  But often we don't do a destination check. In a recent survey, 78% of Americans said they thought their destination when they die would be heaven.  Since this is the one thing you can't afford to be wrong about, there's an important question that those folks need to consider - all of us do.  On what can a person base their eternal expectations?  How nice the people are?  How nice the religion is?  How much they think this ought to be the way to get to God?  It's not true for an airplane flight - and it's not true for getting to God and to God's heaven.  Only God can tell us how to get to Him, what He says - and only what He says - is the final word. Here it is - in the words of Jesus Christ Himself.  Found in,

John 3:3" Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  Those words have been over used, they've been misused, and they've been abused.  But they weren't invented by some cult or some right-wing religionist.  It was the Son of God Himself who told us that the way to give ourselves a destination check, to see if, in fact, we will go to heaven when our heart has beat for the last time is to answer this question, "Are you born again?" The Bible explains just two chapters earlier how you can be born again - speaking of Jesus - it says,


John 1:12
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"To all who received Him, to those who believed in Him, He gave them the right to become children of God."  You have to be born into His family to be His child, just as you were born into your earth-family.  And you were born again at the moment you "receive Jesus." That means welcoming Him into your life.  And then it says, "You believe in Him."  That refers to putting your total trust in Him as your only ticket to God's heaven. Why?  It is because it is your sin that will keep you out of heaven, because sin carries an eternal death penalty according to the Bible.  The Bible calls that hell.  And only Jesus could - only Jesus did - die to pay that death penalty so you don't have to.  That is how much He loves you.  Only He can remove your sin from God's record - and only people with their sins forgiven can enter God's sinless heaven.  Jesus left no room for any question. He said in

John 3:5
"You must be born again."
You have no more important thing in your life to do than to make sure you have boarded the flight that is going to heaven.  To be sure that you have told Jesus you are putting all your faith in Him alone to forgive your sin; to take you to heaven when you die.  Only He died to make it possible. This could be your day to begin your personal relationship with Jesus Christ; to ensure your place in heaven some day, to know every sin in your life has been erased from God's Book forever. It's when you say, "Jesus, I am turning from the running of my own life. I'm grabbing You with both hands like a drowning person would grab a rescuer. I am Yours." See you in Church Sunday! Have a great weekend and we will meet again on Monday. God Bless you is my prayer.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Rattle Snake

A few years ago while on vacation I went to a Church that had taken over an old drive-in movie. I had never seen anything like that so I decided to go the drive-in Church service. I must say it was some experience! As we drove up to where they had sold tickets to see the movie; you were given a bulletin with a prepackaged Lord's Supper. Now to find that spot where you would pull up on that small little hump that would set the front of your car so you could see the screen. No screen here only a high platform where the preacher would soon appear. We put the speaker on the car window so we could hear what was about to happen. The service soon started and before long it was time to take the offering. How would they do this I asked and then I saw some men going from car to car with a bag on a stick; I must say it did make me smile. I did leave with a good illustration; sad to say that after leaving such an unusual place all I would have would be an illustration. That is what I would like to share with you this morning. The preacher told the story of a man who had climbed so far up a mountain that the weather had turned cold and there was snow on the ground. As he walked he saw a rattle snake that had gotten too far up the mountain and needed help to get back down to a warmer climate. The snake asked if this mountain climber would pick him up and take him back down to a warmer climate. The man said, "I would but you would bite me and then I might die." The snake assured him that he wouldn't do such a thing and continued to beg the man to take him to a warmer climate. The man reached down and picked the snake up. The snake thanked the man and off they went toward a warmer climate. After getting the snake to the warmer climate the snake struck and bit that man who had taken him down. The man said to the snake, "You promised me you wouldn't do that." The Rattle Snake said to the man, "You knew who and what I was when you picked me up!" I am afraid we think we can do or try certain things and they will not affect us. We can drink, take drugs, view pornography, have an affair and sneak around and do who knows what and tell ourselves that somehow we will be exempt from any long term affect. We know what we picked up and just like that rattle snake these things too will bite. Read this

Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 23:31
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

Proverbs 23:32
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Proverbs 23:33
Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. We are no match for sin and we will lose if we play around with it every time.

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: The thief is our enemy, the devil, the evil one, who is out to destroy you and your life.

1Peter 5:8
Be sober,
(Keep your mind clear, and be alert). Be vigilant; (be awake) because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Be careful and don't get caught in his traps for they will devour you and those around you.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

What If

I was talking with a young lady on yesterday and the last time I saw her she had red hair, but yesterday she was a blond. I asked her why she had changed the color of her hair and in the course of the conversation I found out that the natural color of her hair was brown but I have never seen her with brown hair. As I thought about that I wondered how many people think about what if. What if I would have married my high school sweetheart? What if I had went to college? What if I would have…….. Guess what you will never know if you are one of those who think that way. In my case I am glad I didn't marry the girl I was dating in high school. I am glad I went to college for if I hadn't only God knows where I would be now. I am glad I married the young lady I did because after 40 years and almost 9 months I still want to be with her and around her and spend time with her. I'm also glad of that one night in the back of a 40 foot tractor trailer; I listened to a man named Ken who told me about the Lord Jesus Christ. That night I promised him I would go to Church on Sunday. I made good that promise and that morning my life changed eternally and I have never looked back. I never question the what if's for they never happened. I do rejoice in what I do have now because of the decision I made that April morning back in 1973. As I get closer to the finish line I don't want to be like the runner who after leaving first as he steals second, but had that split second guess that caused him to get thrown out. Nor do I want to be like the runner who looked back to see how far he was ahead only to lose the race by the one that was breathing down his neck. The Apostle Paul put it this way

2Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Paul said he fought a good fight, he didn't say he won. He said he finished his course not anyone else just his and he said that he kept the faith. That phrase "the faith" is mentioned 42 times in the New Testament, look it up for yourself and let the Lord bless you in The Faith. That phrase starts off with Jesus Christ in Acts 3:16 and ends up with Jesus Christ in Revelation 14:12.


Acts 3:16
And his name
(Jesus) through faith in his name (Jesus) hath made this man (the lame man) strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him (Jesus) hath given him (the lame man) this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Let me just stop and say Thank God for The Faith!


Revelation 14:12

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Have a great day in The Faith of Jesus Christ.


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Investments

Ever done anything that was just dumb? I mean like standing in front of a vending machine making one of the hardest decisions of the day. Would I like a Coke, Sprite, Orange, or maybe water? Then it comes time to put your money in and push the button. Usually, you get what you just paid for, but not always. Sometimes, nothing comes. That's when you push the button again, and again, and again. O boy, it's not working and the machine refuses to give you your selection, but the coin return isn't working either. These are frustrating times but then you do something dumb you're desperate enough to try it again, thinking that maybe just maybe it will give you your heart's desire. So you again, put in your money and still, get nothing in return. You my friend have just experienced a bad investment. As I think about bad investments I wish that a vending machine was the only bad investment I have ever made, but it's not. One day I started investing in the lives of others and God has blessed greatly. But there was one who invested his life in mine and His name was Jesus Christ and I kept hearing the words of Paul to young Timothy

Philippians 4:9
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. The things you have learned, the things you have received, the things you have heard, the things you have seen, do! What will it matter 100 years from today the earthly treasures I have had; for they will crumble in the hands of others. Now pouring your life into another will pay big dividends not only now but in eternity also. What's the cost of a life that has been delivered from the destruction to come? All I can say is that I am glad someone invested in my life. Have you invested in another? Whether you know it or not you are; good or bad but you are investing so make it a good investment. Stop today, be honest with yourself and ask the question "Am I making good investments or bad investments in the lives God allows me to come in contact with?"

Monday, August 23, 2010

The Coat

There is an interesting verse in Genesis 37 its verse 3 which read like this Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. Here we have a father showing favor to one out of 11 sons; how do you think that made them feel? On top of that Joseph tells them of his dreams of how they are bowing down to him. That's like rubbing salt in an open wound. Let me put it in a way that might help us understand better what's taking place here. Let's say you come home to your wife and you tell her how much you love her. But that you have been thinking, after seeing all the hard work that she has been doing around the home that maybe it would be good to have another woman here to help her. So you bring in this nice looking young lady to help but before long you are spending quite a bit of time with her. One morning your wife finds you taking some of her clothes out of her closet. She stops you and says that those are her clothes but you quickly say, "Yes, I know dear but they have become quite tight on you because of the extra pounds you have put on and they will fit the new lady perfectly." How do you think that would make her feel? I don't think that would go over too well! I think that's how Joseph's brothers may have felt. Jacob without doubt made a mistake but before we blame Jacob with it all let's go back and look at something. Back in Genesis chapter 27 we see Isaac showing favoritism to Esau, Jacob's brother. What Isaac did wasn't right either but none the less he did it. Now Jacob showed favoritism toward Joseph and it causes havoc in the family. So much so that they decide to kill him and then lie to their father and say that some evil beast hath devoured him. Why did they dislike their brother Joseph so much? They hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. Jacob not only gave him favoritism but he didn't correct him like he should Genesis 37:11
And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying. What happened? You know the story, Joseph's brother's hatred was so bad that they wanted to kill him but instead sold into slavery and lied to their father. In our day we call this a dysfunctional family. We must be careful about putting a coat on one of our family members for it will cause problems in the family. It's going to be a great week so put a smile on your face and be nice to those around you and treat everyone fair or as you would have them to treat you. Have a good and Godly day for this is the day which the LORD hath made so rejoice and be glad in it.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Mask

The word mask means:
a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise. Wonder how many times we put on a mask or a disguise? How are you doing someone may ask and our reply "if things were any better I would be twins". More than likely you put on a disguise so you wouldn't have to tell how you really felt. It could be just a saying you say to others but the only one who really knows is you. Many times people try to create an air about them that they are something they are not. They wear clothes they can't afford so others may think they are doing well. They are only putting on a mask. Some go to places they can't afford so others will think they are financially well off. What's wrong with being who we are? Paul put it this way in

1Corinthaians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: Paul said "I'm just Paul and I am what I am by God's grace." Remember Abraham? He put on a mask.

Genesis 12:12
Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, this is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

Genesis 12:13
Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. Sara these Egyptians will see how good looking you are and if they know I'm your husband they will kill me to have you. I am going to put on this mask and disguise myself as your brother. Abraham wanted to be someone he wasn't. Now I find it strange that in

Genesis 26:7 we read this: And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, she is my sister: for he feared to say, she is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon. Same thing but its two different people what is interesting is that Jacob is Abraham's grandson. We must be careful about putting on those mask that disguise ourselves for others are watching and if not watching then hearing about what we have done. Many disguise themselves on Sunday so others will think they are Christ like when on Monday through Saturday they look and act totally different. Have a great weekend see you Monday and please just be yourself for that is easy to do.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Welcome

Storms come into all our lives and when that storm comes what are you and I looking for? A safe place! Years ago when my wife and I with our first born son were living in Oklahoma; late one night we had all gone to bed. For some reason I had gotten up; the air didn't seem right and for some reason I turned on the radio. I was listening when all of a sudden they said a tornado was on the ground. It was only 2 miles up the road and coming in our direction. I began telling my wife to get up as I grabbed our 18 month old son and out the door we ran, across the yard bare footed with a yard full of sand spurs to a storm cellar. I slung open the door and we ran down into it. We didn't stop first to see if there were rattle snakes, scorpions or tarantulas! We just ran in for it was a safe place for us to be from the oncoming storm. I am afraid that too many churches have turned out to be a place where you find more storms than a place where you feel safe. Let's look at the first Christians and see what and how they did things.


Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:43
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 2:44
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Acts 2:45
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

These first Christians devoted themselves, the Bible says, "to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer." Could this be the key; a church that stays focused on the majors and not on the minors? The majors are studying the Word of God together, celebrating your common ground in Christ, remembering His cross, and waging war together on your knees. Not majoring on personalities, buildings, budgets, music styles, or putting people in categories.

It goes on to say that "all the believers were together...they gave to anyone as he had need." They focused on needs, not programs. And "every day they continued to meet together in the temple. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." Well, of course they won the favor of all the people! How could they miss when they provided a place where you could count on being loved, count on having people care about your needs, and count on finding a safe place. That's the storm cellar so many are looking for in this increasingly stormy world. Do we provide such a place of safety? Is the storm door open or does it have a lock on it? Can anyone come into the storm cellar or have we put people in categories? My wife and I sure were glad that night we had a safe place to go with our son from the oncoming storm. When we got to the storm cellar we were welcome. Why not today make someone feel loved and welcomed I believe that is what our Lord wants us to do.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Face to Face

We live in the day of wonderful communications we can email someone and they can read it instantly. We have cell phones and we can call those we know in another state without the long distance charge. I remember when I had only 8 months left in the military; my Dad would call and he would say we have 3 minutes so talk. I am glad those days are gone. I am afraid we are becoming a recluse people. Let me explain there are two people riding in a car and no one is speaking a word but they are both texting to other people somewhere else. Doesn't make much since to me; I think texting is a wonderful thing but "Hello" there are real people all around you that need a kind word from you. The personal touch in communication is being lost.

E-cards replace birthday cards, voicemail messages replace live conversation, abbreviations replace words, and our souls are quietly hungering for intimacy lost and a touch of humanity through person-to-person communication. Reach out and touch somebody let them hear your voice and see your face and make this world a better place if you can.

Proverbs 12:25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Go the extra mile, speak and talk to someone face to face. It will do the other person's soul good just as it will your own.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Know

Jill quietly got the peanut butter from the cabin, slowly removed the lid and just as she was about to get her a big spoon full she heard her mother from another room say "don't eat any peanut butter." How could she have possible known, what Jill was about to do. Then there was the time Jill saw the black berries on the table and helped herself to just two of them. Her mother soon entered the room and after talking with Jill for just a moment said "I wished you wouldn't have eaten those blackberries for I just had enough for the pie I was going to bake. How did Jill's mother know? The same way mine and yours did. We were not always as quiet as we thought and just as the color of Jill's tongue gave her away so we too had tale, tale signs. Sooner or later our wrongs catch up with us. The same is true of the Lord for we are told in

Numbers 32:23
but if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

We think just because we are thinking about wrong no one will ever know. You think? The Lord knows our thoughts

Psalms 94:11
The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

1Corthians 3:20
And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. The sad thing is our temptation starts in our mind and then we find ourselves doing what we really don't want to happen in our lives. What do we do to help overcome these temptations?

2Peter 2:9
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, ……The Lord wants to help us in every part of our lives that we might become stronger. We must trust the Lord in every area of our lives and not be quiet as we try to get that spoonful of peanut butter. The Lord knows what and why we are doing those things and remember if we have to hide to do it, it's wrong. If we have to slip and be quiet it's more than likely wrong too. Be careful what you think for the Lord already knows just as He did with Adam and Eve. He had to call for them and the reason was they were hiding and the reason they were hiding was because they had done something wrong.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Followers

What if you had never heard the name Ludwig van Beethoven? You were later asked to go to a junior high School musical where they would be playing some of Beethoven's music. You have entered in and taken your seat. Remember now that you have never heard any of his great compositions? Then you hear the junior high band play a Beethoven symphony. And what do you have to say about Beethoven? "Did you say this guy was a genius? I just heard Beethoven! It was awful!" No! No! You didn't hear Beethoven. All you heard was some people doing a bad job playing his music. Don't judge Beethoven based on how some people play his music. Let me remind you that many are judging Jesus the same way. Jesus has been judged by how well His followers have played His "music." And sometimes, they have butchered it! That's given many people a reason not to follow Jesus themselves. Without doubt you have seen the hypocrites; you've seen the divisions and disagreeing all in the name of Jesus. Maybe you've been personally wounded by some people who called themselves Christians. Maybe someone has hurt you on purpose; I know these things happen they have happened to me but it's how I react that's important. Read what Pontius Pilate, who tried Jesus, had to say

Matthew 27:22
Pilate saith unto them, what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, let him be crucified. Notice what Pilate didn't say, he didn't say what will I do with Christians. Nor what will I do with Christianity. But what will I do with Christ? Jesus said to person after person, "Follow Me." He didn't say follow My followers or follow My leaders or follow My religion. He said, "Follow Me." It's all about Jesus. On Judgment Day, it will be all about Jesus and what you did with the Man who died in your place to pay for all the sins of your life. The only thing that will matter at that moment will be what you did with Jesus. God won't care what you did with Christianity, but He'll base your whole eternity on what you did with Jesus. Jesus wasn't a hypocrite. Jesus didn't come to start a religion called Christianity, or denominations that have filled our day. The wrongs done in Jesus' name were horrific things that Jesus would have no part of and for which He will hold people accountable. If your trust is in anything other than Jesus, you're hanging onto a life preserver that simply will not save you. Only the Man who paid your spiritual death penalty can do that. Only the Man who has eternal life can give you eternal life. And that can only be the Man who conquered death Himself and His name is JESUS. Followers of Jesus can be just like that Junior High band, leave you with a bad witness. Never base who Jesus is by His followers!

Friday, August 13, 2010

No More Box

Has something ever gotten you down so much that you were willing to just give up? Roberto Duran started feeling that way in the fifth round and fought unto the eighth round while boxing Sugar Ray Leonard for the welterweight title on November 25, 1980. Finally after two minutes and forty-four seconds into the eighth round, Duran has had enough. Roberto Duran waves his arms and walks away from the fight in the eighth round. "No m á s, no m á s," Duran told the referee. "No more box". Duran maintained that he was sick. After the match, his doctor reported that the fighter had eaten too much too quickly after the weigh-in, and all the food had given him a stomachache. Maybe that's what Paul is teaching young Timothy in
1Timothy 3:6

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Paul says not a "novice" which means (One who is new in any business; one unacquainted or unskilled;) There's a lot going on in that verse, one who is unskilled thinking that it really doesn't matter they will just learn as they go. The end of the verse shows the real danger being lifted up….fall in the condemnation of the devil; improper conduct, which will bring reproach to the Lord's work. Could it be like Roberto not thinking that eating too much would cost him the fight? He should have known better but whatever reason he didn't think and the price was costly. We all must watch out for that pride that wants to stick its head up from time to time. Over time we learn to make good decisions and we decide not to quit but find out what went wrong and why we felt that way. We learn from our mistakes and become stronger while learning that Pride is Personal Responsibility In Daily Efforts. Have a great weekend and do your best to stay cool. See you in Church!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Ice

As many of you know I have been working with those with addiction problems for the last five years. I want to educate each of you somewhat this morning on a drug call "ice" and the dangers of it so that you may be aware of what is going on around you; yes, maybe closer than you think. This article was written by my friend Dr. George Crabb who is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician. He practices Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine in Rockford, Illinois. He also serves as the staff physician and medical advisor to the Reformers Unanimous International Ministry. This is a true story and sad in every way that you are about to read.


 

Methamphetamine By: Dr. George Crabb"

Matt was a young man of seventeen whom I first met in my medical clinic in 1996. His mother brought him to me to address his drug use. Matt had been smoking, drinking, and sniffing glue since junior high. He then graduated to marijuana and a "little" cocaine in his early high school years.  He had recently dropped out of school because he could no longer "make the grade." His girlfriend had turned him on to crystal methamphetamine (ice) within the past two months. The change in his behavior alarmed his mother and resulted in a visit to my office. 

Matt told me that after using ice, he was not the same. He thought that his brain had been damaged and wondered if I had any medicine to "fix it." He promised me he would never use it again, but he did. In fact, he started to use it more and more until he lost his job, his girlfriend, and his mother threw him out of the house. 

I saw him one other time soon after these events transpired. Something was dramatically different. His short term memory was gone. He would forget what he was talking about in mid-sentence. But, what concerned me the most was this penetrating paranoia that permeated his being. He was hyper-vigilant, scanning the waiting room, as he paced the room like a caged animal. He kept mentioning to me that "people" were out to get him. 

I called his mother, and together we made every attempt to help Matt. Unfortunately, to no avail. Approximately three weeks later, his mother called me and informed me that Matt had found a gun and killed himself at the age of eighteen. 

This is a tragic story, but not an isolated one. Matt was a real person who learned the devastating consequences of ice use. This is a drug that is highly addictive and highly destructive. It is sweeping across our nation and will be knocking at the door of your RU chapter or church if it hasn't already. Let me describe this drug they call, "Ice." 

"Ice" is 'crystalline methamphetamine hydrochloride,' and can be smoked or injected intravenously, whereas plain methamphetamine powder is snorted or taken orally. The ice form of the drug gives a more intense high, or "rush," than the powder form of the drug. It is many times more addictive than the powder form. The powder form is frequently cut or diluted with other harmful substances, but ice crystals are usually pure drug, which is much more potent and destructive. The high is longer lasting than either cocaine or meth powder. Ice is by far the most addictive substance known to man. Almost nobody, like Matt, tries ice just once. 

The high Matt and others received from ice gives them a sense of energy and alertness, competence and intelligence, power and control. Loss of appetite, hyperactivity, and endurance are common as well. Matt would go days without feeling tired or needing to sleep or eat. The euphoria is associated with delusions of power and invincibility. 

The long-term consequences of ice or methamphetamine abuse include memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, panic, and rage. The later stages of addiction are characterized by a form of dementia - mothers abandon their babies, teenagers shoot their parents, families are destroyed, and communities are crippled. Addicts are unable to hold a job or care for their families; they are consumed with their drug use and cannot do anything else. 

The real harm with ice is not only its highly addictive potential but its neuro-toxicity (neuro - brain, toxicity - damaging.) Ice is much more toxic to brain cells than cocaine. As devastating as the crack cocaine problem has been, ice promises to be much worse. Ice addicts sustain significant brain damage. Matt suffered from 'methamphetamine psychosis' with severe paranoia. He felt as if the whole world was "out to get him."  Homicide, trauma, and suicide (as was the case with Matt) are the most common causes of death for ice addicts.  Within five years, 90% of addicts are either brain-damaged, dead, or in prison. 

Ice is burning down homes (meth labs), destroying families, polluting the environment, and corrupting our neighborhoods. Ice is destroying our workforce and flooding our prisons, hospitals, and rehab centers with brain-damaged people. It is infiltrating our schools and churches and killing our young people. It is an epidemic that will touch millions. 

We must kneel before our God and ask for His grace to help those in need, then stand and demonstrate the compassion of Christ to them. There is no answer to the ice epidemic outside of Jesus. The medical field can offer assistance in dealing with the complications caused by the damage done to the physical body (and this can be extensive); but the Answer is the TRUTH. We must reach out and freely offer to them the "Cure" which is Christ. The addict needs to exchange the methamphetamine for the Messiah!


 

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Future

Can what we see affect our lives? Well, you tell me

Lamentations 3:51Mine eye affecteth mine heart. I want to look at the present, past and future and how it affects each of us. David and his men have just returned from the camp of the Philistines which was a distance of about 80 miles. They were tired and looking forward to getting home but when they arrived they saw something that shocked them.

1Samuel 30:1
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; Ok, we will just rebuild may have been their first thoughts; angry sure but it's not the end of the world. Then they noticed something that shocked them to their very core;

1Samuel 30:2
And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. Their families have been taken and this was something that could not be rebuilt nor replaced. What they saw in the present caused them to weep.

1Samuel 30:4
Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. Then there was the time when the enemies of the Jews made them captive from their own land. To make things worse they are asking them to sing the song which they had sang in their homeland. As they began to think of their past joys and victories, they find themselves captive in this strange land with no real song to sing for there is no rejoicing in their hearts.

Psalms 137:1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. There are times when we think of the past and what we saw and experienced causes us to weep. Now the future no one can tell but I do know that if I keep doing the same things I've always done I am going to keep getting the same results I always have. So if the future is to be different we must do differently in the present. In the book of Luke we read of a man who was rich, but it was too late when he realized that money is overpriced. Yes, he had fine clothing and a wonderful house; why it may have had a 5 camel garage I don't know. What I do know is that he forgot the future until it was way too late. Money may buy nice clothes, nice automobile, wonderful houses and land but there are some things it will not buy. Many stand in line at the EZ store to buy their chance at winning a million or two. What they never think of is they already have what it takes to make them happy. No one can buy a home, loving wife and children, good health and good up standing charter in the community with a wonderful testimony. Those are some of the things money will not buy. There is something else that money will not buy and that's eternal security. This man in the book of Luke missed what was really important; if he could have only seen the future he wouldn't have been weeping. One of my good friends who died three and half years ago had a saying he always said; it's on his tombstone. He said "you need to be ready because you just don't know." He knew the future was coming and it did in December of 2006. The man in the book of Luke wasn't ready for the future. What do you think?

Luke 16:22
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Luke 16:23
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, As he begs for one drop of water he tells us of the flames and the torment, he warns you and I of this future event as he begs for someone to be sent to tell his family or they too will be in the same place soon. He realized what was priceless too late. As you and I live our present day remember there are some things that are very precious to each of us. As we remember our Past let us not dwell on all the bad choices we have made for there is nothing we can do about them. As we think of our future let's make sure we don't repeat the bad choices of our past. Let's make sure we know the future is coming and be prepared for it. We must know that we know the Lord Jesus as our Savior if we know that we are prepared for the future.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Past Experience

I remember reading of a man who met a lady who told him for a certain amount of money she would tell him his future. He said, "You can tell me what will happen tomorrow in my life?" She said, "I can." He responded, "How wonderful that you can do such a thing as that and tell me my outcome." He said, "I tell you what; I will pay you twice as much as you asked for if you can tell me what happened to me on yesterday." I think you know the rest of the story. Is that not what happens to us when we allow ourselves to become paralyzed with fear when we think about the future? That's what the Israelites did when they sent the spies into the Promised Land. They saw people much larger and stronger than they.

Numbers 13:27
And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

Numbers 13:28
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. Here was an opportunity that was missed because they allowed fear to overpower their trust. Here is what they didn't do; they never looked backward to see what God had already done for them. They let their present fear dominate their past victories. Didn't God guide you? Hasn't God fed you and gave you water to drink has not God provided shade in the day time with the cloud that followed them? Hasn't God provided warmth in the night with the fire that was above them? Now you tell me God is going to destroy you. Oh, it's easy for you and I to say, "Why didn't they just trust God. It's so easy for us to say that because we have read the rest of the story. As far as mine and your future are concerned we can't read what the future will be; the past we know but the future we don't. That's the way it was when they made the decision on what they saw and felt; and we do the same thing. We are just like them, we forget our past experience. If you find yourself wondering where God is, or becoming paralyzed with fear over what is next, hold tight to this:  The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in _______. (Fill in the blank.) God will carry you as He has done before, as He always will.

Numbers 14:8
If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

Numbers 14:9
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. Why were the Israelites so afraid? Here is what I think

Numbers 13:33
And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. They lost confidence in God, they went on what they saw and then they saw themselves as grasshoppers instead of whom and what they really were. It does matter who we trust and it does matter what we think of ourselves. Just remember what God has done in the past He will do in the future for without doubt He loves His children.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dream

Have you ever had a dream and woke up the next day and couldn't remember it, no matter how hard you thought on it? King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and he was so troubled, that he couldn't sleep. The problem was that he couldn't remember the dream; all he knew was that it troubled him. So he calls his magicians, psychics and the astrologers and said I need you to interpret a dream for me but for the likes of me I can't remember the dream. If you will tell it to me I will give you gifts, awards and will give you high honors. When the King finds out that they can't interoperate he's angry and very furious, and commanded them to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. Here's the problem, Daniel was about to be destroyed and he hasn't even been given a chance to interoperate the dream, why he didn't even know about the dream until a decree went out that the wise men should be slain.

Daniel 2:13
And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain. Then Daniel wanted to know why the decree was so hasty? Daniel then went and desired of the king that he would give him time and that he would show the king the interpretation. Here is the lesson we should learn from Daniel. He goes to his house and makes the thing known to his three friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Here is why he did that,

Daniel 2:18
That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Daniel said help me pray concerning this secret that we don't perish with the rest of the wise men. As they prayed the secret was revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said blessed be the name of God forever and ever for wisdom and might are his.

Danirl 2:19
Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

Daniel 2:20
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: Sometimes we find ourselves in a problem we can't fix or solve in our on strength this is the time we need our close friends helping us pray that God would give us the answer. I have found; more times than none that God answers our prayer when we seek his face. Watch out this week for we may just find ourselves in a situation we can't solve or fix. Now we can ask others to help us pray and we can go to our Heavenly Father and request that He show us the way or we can just handle it ourselves. I would prefer we just go to God and ask for His help, for He loves to help His children. Stop, Look and Listen and see if God want lead you in the right direction notice I said the right direction and not what you think is the right direction. Have a great week and watch God work in your life this week

Friday, August 6, 2010

The Field

Picture a field ready to farm or plant seeds, the field doesn't care what is planted in it for it will produce whatever is planted. Let's say the farmer doesn't take the time to plant anything, what do you think will happen to the field? Abundance of useless weeds will come up and produce seeds that will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind. Weeds! The farmer cultivates his field keeping it free from the weeds that would choke and strangle the good crop. That takes work by the farmers. If I were to think of my mind as a field; and it is in one since and we need to tend to it as such. We should watch out for the weeds that try to slip in. Watch out for useless and impure thoughts that will rob us of the good thoughts that will produce good fruit. Watch out for negative thinking for that will rob you of joyful thinking. I heard a man say just the other day that he was asked this question "what kind a person do you think you are"? His answer "I think I am pretty incredible". I said that is pretty arrogant don't you think. No, he said the Bible didn't say I shouldn't think highly of myself it said I should not think more highly than he ought.

Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Too many say things about themselves that aren't true; like I'm worthless or good for nothing and much more. Keep talking like that and you are allowing the weeds to grow and weeds have seeds and seeds come up and produce more weeds. What I think of myself is important to me and my future.

Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: What we think is important. If I keep telling myself that I can't then that is what the mind tells my body the results are failure. If I allow my mind to receive the weed on negative thinking it will only produce wrong thinking about myself and others. What do you think about yourself? Just remember for as you think in your heart you become. Have a great weekend and don't miss out on what is going to happen at your Church this Sunday. Our Great Lord and Savior has something planned just for you; don't miss out. See you Monday!


 

Thursday, August 5, 2010

PIG

I have a strange question to ask this morning. If I were to ask you which of these animals you were most like wonder which one you would choose? There is the Chicken, the Cow and the Pig; which are you most like? Before you choose let me tell you a story. One day the Chicken had a wonderful idea. He decided that it would be just wonderful if they could do something for the fine folks down at the Church. He said I know, it would be real nice if we were to fix them a breakfast one Saturday. The Chicken said I'll give the eggs and then he asked the Cow if she would be so kind as to give the milk. She said, "I'll be glad to do that." Then the Chicken asked the Pig if he would be kind enough to supply the bacon and sausage. The Pig replied, "Wait a minute you two have agreed to give but you are asking me to commit." I am afraid there are many like the Chicken and the Cow and very few like the Pig. There are some who just have a wonderful idea but never plan to add any labor to their idea. There are also those who are willing to give of their abundance but that is all. Now the Pig in the story gave more than an idea and much more than from his abundance. He would have been the only one committed to the breakfast. Marriages break up because one or both partners only think of themselves which in return show no commitment. It is always easy to give advice and give away what we have so much of, but commitment that is another story. It will cost you time and money and it will cause you to become selfless instead of selfish. Commitment will teach you patience and it will also teach you to watch what and how you say things to others. Zig Ziglar says if we learn to give people what they want we will find that in the process we will get what we need. In the book of Ephesians chapter five and in verse 25 we read
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Notice what it didn't say, Husband love your wife as they love you. Oh no love your wife like Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it. I am convinced that if a husband will love their wife as Christ loved the Church and be willing to give themselves to their wife we would see fewer divorces in our land. While we were yet sinners Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Which animal are you? The Chicken with wonderful idea's but no commitment. The Cow with the abundance but still no commitment, or the Pig that is willing to commit to the job before them or the man or woman they are married to. The son, the daughter; or are you just willing to commit to yourself the things you enjoy and the things that make you happy? I hope there are more pigs reading this than chickens and cows. How can you know? Ask yourself this question who is most important and that will tell you how much pig is in you.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Excited

My family and I were on vacation in Arizona and I was excited; boy was I excited. Way back when I was around 12 years old there were two things I wanted to see before I left this world. One was Halley's Comet, it only comes every 76 years and the year was 1962 and it would not come until 1986. Would I still be here to see it? I sure was! The other was the Grand Canyon and I was able to see that too. We had driven around 80 miles to see that wonderful hole in the earth. We stayed there and watched the sunset and it was a beautiful sight to behold. With an excited voice I said "let's return and watch the sun rise in the morning"? I was the only one excited about that; no one was willing to leave their comfortable bed early in the morning to drive 80 miles to see the sun rise. My oldest son; and the best one on the trip at that time, said he would come with me if I wanted to see the sun rise. After giving it more thought I decided not to show for this spectacular viewing of the sun rise. That's what I want to write about today is excitement. When my eyes open in the morning I jump out of bed with the excitement of a brand new day. I tell myself that this is the day the Lord hath made I will rejoice and be glad in it. What an opportunity this is, another day of life. I want to be excited about it for one day I will not be able to jump up, so while I can I am going to do it with all the excitement I can. There are many that only get excited about going on vacations, cruises, mountain trips and such as that. I get excited about that too! But let's get real, put all of that together and it only adds up to a few weeks at most. What about the rest of the year? I'm excited because my heart is still beating. I am excited because my lungs can still hold air. I am excited because with my glasses I can still see. I am excited because my health is still great. I am excited because I have a wonderful wife. I am excited because I have a family that loves me; even if they wouldn't get up to go see the sun rise. I am excited because I have friends that enjoy my company. I am excited about hearing one of my friends on the radio this morning.  I am excited because I have somewhere to go this morning. I am excited because 14 years ago I started a business and because of that decision I have a job today. This is a new day, get excited for tomorrow you might not be here! Enjoy the day and the people you come in contact with. I love what David said when they wanted to kill him. David was distressed, but not for long he couldn't stay that way so this is what he did

1Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. He did not run nor did he feel sorry for himself neither did he get depressed, discouraged or disillusioned. He got encouraged or may I say he got excited. What's wrong today? Are you distressed, discouraged maybe even disillusioned about something you may or may not have control over? My advice to you is look at it differently and encourage yourself in the Lord your God. I don't care what happens to you today or for that matter the week encourage yourself because if you don't you may not get excited unless you are going on vacation. Did I tell you I am excited about today and can't wait to get started; I'm so excited I was up before the sun. GOOD MORNING WORLD HERE I COME!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Interceptor

The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile
system, the primary of its kind used by the United States Army. Patriot uses an advanced aerial interceptor missile and high performance radar systems. The systems were stationed in Kuwait and successfully destroyed a number of hostile surface-to-surface missiles I'm sure you have heard the name "Patriot". The missile comes in for the attack and the Patriot intercepts and destroys it. Our troops are safe and the target is missed all because the Patriot intercepts. What a wonderful tool to protect our young men and women from harm. Wouldn't it be nice if we had something that intercepts "Gossip" before it destroyed lives like a missile? The word "Gossip" means a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others, rumor or report of an intimate nature. Why does anyone want to share rumors or even facts for that matter? The Bible tells us not to repeat such things

Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 16:28
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. Those that spend their time telling Gossip cause wounds that go deep, so deep that it separates and destroys friendships. We all have been hurt by others and sometimes it's just a misunderstanding so before we go and talk to everyone but the person we've got the problem with why not first do what Jesus told us to do.

Matthew 18:15
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. What are we told to do; go to the one that has done us wrong? Go to them personally one on one and tell them and work it out between the two of you. When is the last time someone has came to you or you to them? Probably never! Well, case closed we can't do anything about it…wait, wait, wait; not so fast for there is something we can do. Let me ask a question; who is at fault the one who is spreading gossip or the one who is listening to gossip? I think the one who listens may be as much or more guilty that the one spreading the rumors. This is the reason I say that:

Proverbs 26:20
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Don't give more wood or more fire to the one bearing the tale. In other words be an interceptor missile with a high performance radar system so you might save another person's character as well as build your character. Here they come with that big juicy story about ………. are you ready to fire the missile or are you ready to listen? Why not make the decision today to be an interceptor you'll be glad you were for you might be the target later; what would you like others to do on your behalf?

Monday, August 2, 2010

knowing

We have read as well as seen on T.V. buildings with walls cracking and crumbling, roofs buckling and falling to pieces. Floors crashing, sometimes trapping and killing people as we asked how have these disaster happened? These buildings looked sturdy why the sudden collapse? After investigation we find that the builder had not followed the proper building specifications and plans. Willing to gamble with the lives and the safety of human beings for the sake of making money, they had cut corners. It is always sad to hear of such a thing happening and we may be quick to say someone needs to pay. Before we agree so quickly to that let's ask ourselves is that not what some people are doing with the eternal life of so many? The Churches around our country are beautiful, nothing wrong with that but are people being taught about eternal life and how they may have it? There are two important things God wants us all to know #1- It's God's desire that you and I know about His salvation.

2Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

#2- God's desire is that His children grow spiritually.

1Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: We must ask ourselves this question, is what I put my trust in good enough after death? Paul put it this way:

2Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove (test) your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (Castaway) It is too late after we leave this life. The wise man built his house upon a rock and that rock was Jesus Christ. Not only does God want us to know we are going to heaven He also wants us to grow in our salvation so we might know Him. Paul said in

Philippians 3:10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Paul says I want to know Jesus Christ not just about Him but to know Him. I could tell you about my wife and if you had never met her then you would only know about her. I know her because I have had the desire to know her. Then Paul says I want to know about His power of His resurrection. Paul says I am seeing lives changed before me and the Lord Jesus is doing it; His power far exceeds my power raising men from the death of sin, into a life of love. That I might learn to have fellowship with Jesus Christ and how does one do that? You have fellowship with Him by reading, knowing, as well as applying His word to our lives. Two things God wants you and I to know; know his way, Salvation and know His word, the Scriptures and without doubt we will have fellowship with Him. Enjoy the week and have fellowship with the Master this week.