New Level, New Devils

The phone rings; I answer and say "Reformers Unanimous this is Wayne can I help you. The voice on the other end sounds discouraged and heartbroken; they are frustrated and have come to a point to ask for help. This is a big step for them because they have tried to work out their problems with drugs, alcohol or whatever and have failed more times than they want to admit. They began to ask questions and I answered with what they can understand at the time for it is impossible to explain the program to someone who has no idea of what is required. The problem we run into many times is that some have allowed their addiction to take full control of their lives. It starts out as fun and ends up in horror; let me show you. First it is like a toe hold it seldom restricts and is enjoyable and satisfying, but it never stays there. It then moves to a foot hold and this slows your progress somewhat but you tell yourself I can quit anytime; or that's what you want to believe. Then like anything else it continues to grow and then becomes a strong hold and this slows your progress as well as productivity and becomes like hand cuffs; in other words it's not hid any longer. Then comes the strangle hold and this is where it takes over, it's not fun but you can't stop for it has complete control of your life. So what can I do when I realize that this person who just called me needs more help that I can give them? In the case of one young lady her friends and relatives sent her out of state for help; a 30-day program and $10,000 dollars later she came home only to find herself back involved with her strong hold. It may be impossible to help everyone in a 30-day program when it took more than 30-days to create the problem. So as I face the New Year I have set a very high goal to go to the next level and help those who can't or don't think they can do a self-help program. We want to open at this point a Men's Home and then in the near feature a Home for women as well. This will be a home where we will teach them how to have control over their lives once again. We'll teach work ethics, put them on a daily schedule and teach them how to handle their finances. They will be in a 24-hour 7-day a week controlled environment which will last six to eight months. They will attend Church on a regular basis; wait, wait; why will Church make any real difference? It won't, if that's all they get; but that is not the goal, the real goal is that they will come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and build a lasting relationship with Him; and that my friend will make the difference! Someone in our area has to have the vision and the vision is shining bright in my heart. The goals have been set and at this moment we are moving forward with phase one to Incorporate Scarlet Thread Ministries; this should be done by the middle of January. We then move into the second phase which is to apply for a 501 c 3 none profit organization which will take longer. We are excited about the New Year and what the Lord is going to do; we ask for your prayers as we, with the Lords help endeavor to move in this direction. The phone rings; I answer and say "Reformers Unanimous this is Wayne can I help you; and no matter what is said on the other end I will have help for them here in our area.

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

You May Have Dreams

In two days we will start a brand New Year and a New Decade; I'm sure you would like to see 2010 be a great year for you and your family. You may have dreams of what things may be like; but may I remind you that dreams are only dreams unless you do something to make them different. Do you remember David and Goliath? Better yet the day they met? Goliath a man of war from his youth 1Samuel 17:33
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. David on the other hand just a shepherd boy who had found himself on the edge of an oncoming battle. It's wasn't long before David found himself on his way to face this giant of a man; Goliath. David had a clear mental picture of what he wanted to accomplish; destroy the enemy; Goliath. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why wasn't these trained men going to fight instead of this shepherd boy? Here what I think, they let thoughts of inadequacy send shock waves through their hearts and fear set in and they were unable to achieve their goal. David on the other hand drew from past experience 1Samuel 17:37
David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
David's confidence was neither in his abilities nor confidence in himself but as we clearly read his confidence was rather in The Lord. Therefore David was able to keep his emotions from getting off track. As David came into view Goliath made his first mistake by cursing the God of David 1Samuel 17:43
And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Goliath made his second mistake by insulting David himself 1Samuel 17:44
And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. David didn't waste precious time with such foolishness for he knew why he was there and what he was there for and stayed focused.

1Samuel 17:48
And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

1Samuel 17:49
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

When the smoke settled David who it appeared the odds were against walked away unhurt and gave the honor to the Lord for the battle. As this New Year quickly approaches what are your plans? Are they dreams or are they visions? Are they what you plan or are they Gods plans for you? Habakkuk 2:2
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Write your vision down so it will be plain so anyone that reads it will understand it. Stayed focused because there will be those who will willingly tell you it will not work, no-one will ……. Others have tried the same thing and look at them now. They will come, yet those who have done nothing and have no plans to do anything will gladly give their opinion Yes even the Goliath's will come who have success records but they too will taunt you; stay focused for if God has placed it in your heart He will perform it. On tomorrow I will share with you in part of what God has placed in my heart for the future; and I am excited! Make your plans for the future and watch God work; like David just trust HIM! Don't let thoughts of inadequacy send shock waves through your heart and fear set in that you are unable to achieve HIS goal or goals in this upcoming year.

Riches

We live in one if not the wealthiest country in the world but yet people everywhere are not happy. They want more and more. I hear people say "I don't have any problems that more money will not solve" "If I could just find a way to make lots of money" and I hear this one a lot "if I could just win the lottery then all my problems would be solved." Then on the radio and T.V. we hear things like you can't win if you don't play; now that is true but what they forget to tell you is that the chances of you winning is next to none. Wonder what would happen if they said we want you to play the lottery but in doing so remember you will more than likely not win the big prize. I got behind a man in a store not long ago as he was buying lotto tickets; he went outside to scratch off the winning ticket. As I was walking out of the store he was on his way back into the store. I asked him if he had just become rich; his answer was "I am if $3.00 makes me rich". Back into the store he went to cash in his ticket only to use his winnings on another ticket which found its self in the trash with all the rest. Proverbs 23:5
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
You may still have the idea that if I could just win life would be different; would it? I have never won anything in my life so I couldn't answer that. I went on line to see how the winners were doing and let them answer that question; here's what I found. Bankrupt ex-lottery millionaire William "Bud" Post III dies of respiratory failure in Seneca, Pennsylvania. Post had won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery on February 24, 1988. From a 1993 interview: "Everybody dreams of winning money, but nobody realizes the nightmares that come out of the woodwork, or the problems." Do what! Bankrupt millionaire how could you bankrupt with 16.2 million dollars? I guess the Bible is right again for riches certainly make themselves wings and they do fly away. I know what you are thinking that would not happen to me and you may be right. You may not bankrupt but there are other things that have happened to those lucky lotto winners. Michael Allen is clubbed to death in a Lewiston, Maine motel room. Billie Bob Harrell, Jr. commits suicide. In June 1997, Harrell won $31 million in the Texas state lottery. Having spent his $10 million prize in just seven years, Winnipeg lottery winner Gerald Muswagon hangs himself. Well I would say that riches didn't make these people very happy at all. Oh no, you see I would give to those who have not; really! Then let me ask you how much are you giving them now? If your answer was nothing then why do you think your heart will change? I think I will just look to my Bible to see what will make me or anyone else happy.

The
Labor of our hands will make us happy
Psalms 128:2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Our Family will make us happy
Psalms 127:5
Happy
is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. This verse is talking about our children and my children have made me very happy.

Wisdom and Understanding will make us Happy
Proverbs 3:13
Happy
is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

I like what Jesus said
John 13:17
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

I love what the maker of mankind has to say about His creation He made us and He knows what makes us happy all you and I have to do is to starting listening and reading what He has written down for us. The writer of the book of Hebrews put it this way Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Now go do the things that will make you happy!

 

Excuses

As we wait for 2010 to arrive there are most likely things we intended to get done but failed to get them accomplished but time waits for no man it moves on and 2010 is coming ready or not. As I think about that word come I am reminded of what Matthew tells us in chapter 11 verse 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
I noticed four words "Come unto me, all" not just a few but all. That includes everyone which means me, you and anyone else you can think of. That word come means to move toward something: approach
<come here>
b: to move or journey to vicinity with a specified purpose <come see us>
<come and see what's going on> here we see an invitation being given. This reminds me of our Salvation we have an invitation to be forgiven and what do we do with such an invitation? In the book of Luke chapter 14 starting with verse 17 we read And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

Luke 14:18
And they all with one
consent
began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

Luke 14:19
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

Luke 14:20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

An invitation was sent out but when the invitation arrive to those who had been invited they began to make excuses.

#1- "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: "What a poor excuse who buys property without first looking at it?

#2-The next is just as bad "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them"

I have bought 10 Oxen and I need to go examine them to see what I really bought.

#3-Then the third excuse is a poor one too but at least in it we are told where this man stood "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come" My, wife told me I couldn't come; sorry.

Sounds like the excuses people make today about not going to Church. "It's the only day I have to sleep"
"we are still looking for the right Church" {sorry they all have faults} "all they want from me is my money" {if you have that much money everyone else is worrying you too} "it's the only day I have off" But remember what it was called "an excuse" which means to decline, shun: - avoid, refuse, reject. Would it really have made any difference about the ground or oxen and could not the man's wife have come along too, remember it was a great meal {supper} made for all. The problem is they didn't want to come, so they each in their own way shunned the invitation at hand. Did you notice too that every man made his own choice? With the invitation the responsibility to except or reject was with the one the invitation was sent. What difference would it have made to go look at real estate you had bought without looking at? You have already purchased it, going to look at it in the dark when you can't see it wouldn't change anything? Just remember when we shun God and those who are trying to reach us, we make the wrong choice. We may make goals for the upcoming year and there is nothing wrong with that at all but we must remember to live each day that God gives us to the fullest for tomorrow we may not have. So this week as we count down the days in 2009 let us remember this past year and not make the same mistakes.

Love

Here it is two days before Christmas and many are still busy trying to get that last gift to make sure everyone you care about has something. But wait a minute; could there be a gift from us to someone else that didn't cost anything? I think so and that might just be the best gift that could be given and that gift is just plain love. Here let me explain; a good meaning for love would be "the willing, sacrificial giving of oneself for the benefit of others without thought of return." We hear people say "love ye man" but wouldn't it be better to say "I love you;" sure it would. Let's break that word love down. The letter L could mean "listen" just stop and listen to what others are really saying Luke 6:45
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. What are you hearing others say? Are you listening? Then the letter O which could mean "overlook" there are a lot of things we could overlook, like others faults maybe they did you wrong; what a nice gift that would be this Christmas if we just overlooked whatever. Then the letter V which could mean "Value" there is value in all of us but it is so easy to find the faults; you know why? Here's why John3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Last we see the letter E which stands for "Expression" which means we have the opportunity to express our gratitude, it could be a simple thank you for someone buying your lunch or a thank you for a gift given to you, there are many ways we could express our love. Why not before Christmas go to someone and say to them "I Love You" and see what it will do for the one you tell it to. A small gift that cost us nothing and might just be the most priceless gift received; why would I say such as that?

1John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us. While we were without Christ He loved us; He was willingly sacrificially giving of Himself for our benefit and all that love was without expecting anything in return. Jesus said on the night He was born "I Love You." As He walked the streets and healed those around Him He was saying "I Love You." When they nailed him to the cross He was saying "I Love You." Let's say I Love You to someone before or at least by Christmas Day. I hope you each have a very Merry Christmas for Christ is the reason for the Season and I hope you make much of Him. I will not write again until Monday December 28 may our Lord and Savior bless each and everyone.

 

Ham

We had decided to go to a children's home and give gifts to those who had no family to share with at Christmas time. My wife and I decided to not buy each other anything for Christmas and buy for those kids; we did and had a wonderful time that night. As I was back in the kitchen getting ready to leave I was asked if I would like to have some ham; I said no I don't want to take away your food. I was then told that they had plenty and wanted me to have some; I said ok. It was then I noticed something different happening there was a quick look and a nod and all of a sudden I looked out the window and a pickup truck had pulled alongside of my van. The rear door was opened as they began to load hams into my van. I had to stop them saying what am I going to do with all those hams, to which I was told that I could give them to those who needed them. As I drove home that night I began to think what I could do with all those hams and here is what I came up with. There was a place in town where drugs were sold, a liquor store on the corner a pool hall in another building behind the liquor store. I thought what a great place to give those hams away; we'll go and sing and preach and give hams away and many agreed. But as we got closer and closer to the night there were those who were giving that idea a second thought and when that night came there were only a few who were still wanting to go. We met and loaded up the ham which we had cut and put into smaller packages; the sky was getting darker and darker and rain was soon to fall. Off we went; as we arrived the rain had began to lightly fall and the car came to a stop I jumped out and ran into the pool hall before anyone else could get out of the car. No one knew where I had gone; when they found me I was in the pool hall telling everyone to come outside we had some ham we wanted to give them. The man who was running the pool hall said it's raining outside why don't you just come in here. I told him we were going to sing some songs and have a short message from God's Word; he said that will be fine. He then began to unplug the video games and we jumped at the opportunity. We sang some songs and preached a short message about the Birth of Christ; I can't tell you all that happened that night because it is too much to tell in such a short space. When we finished there we went on to the liquor store and gave out more ham. We then started down the street knocking on doors giving the ham away until it was all gone. Why did I tell you that? No, it was not to let you know how God protected me that night; it's a wonder I wasn't beaten up that night. If we are not careful we forget about those who live in a different world those who have given their lives over to drugs and drink and dwell in the dark side of town. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. As I read my Bible it was not the religious who came to Jesus it was those who were blind, deaf, lame and sick. There was the woman at the well who was ashamed of her life so much so that she came to draw water when no one was at the well. You see Jesus doesn't care where we are rich or poor sick or healthy all He wants is for you and I to see we need Him and He will forgive us. Act 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Rom 2:11
For there is no respect of persons with God.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. There it is before anyone can be found they must see they are lost and there my friend is where Jesus comes in. As we went that night to a place others refused to go we not only left them with ham and a Merry Christmas but with the Gospel of Jesus Christ which they really needed to hear. Wish someone a Merry Christmas who really needs to hear you say it to them.

Troubled

Matthew 2:3
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Christ has always stirred men's emotions, the wise men sought Him and worshiped Him, Jerusalem feared Him, Kings wanted to kill Him and Herod was troubled about the birth of Christ. Was it because of His power, His truth or for what He came to do? Could have been that Herod was troubled about his sin or maybe his guilty conscience or just may be about his godless living, but whatever, he was troubled about something and his trouble rubbed off on the whole city of Jerusalem. Which tells me that when we are troubled it will affect those around us? The truth is also the same when our emotions are just the opposite; here is what I mean; Luke 2:13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:15
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. Did you see it? "And suddenly" without warning angels; a multitude of heavenly host began to praise God and saying "glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men." We see shepherds who may have been tired, sleepy, hungry, and lonely; all of a sudden something changed their attitude and it was all because of someone else. So much so that they jumped to their feet and went to Bethlehem to see for themselves and as they returned look what happened Luke 2:17
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. These shepherds were not troubled, but excited; you see no one really cares what you are troubled about and if you tell them you will only trouble them. When you are excited everyone wants to know and you enjoy telling them. Herod was troubled and only five miles or less away was the joy of the whole world but he was too troubled to go and see for himself. How troubled are you this Christmas? I hope you are joyous so much so that it is rubbing off on someone else. It's up to you, you can enjoy the season or you can be troubled it's up to you; I chose being Joyous! How can I not be when we celebrate the birth of the King of Kings Jesus Christ the Savior of the world; put a smile on your face and be as the shepherds were of long ago and just see how it will affect those you are around. It is Christmas week and it's going to be an exciting week; just you wait and see.

 

No Room

As we read the Christmas story in the book of Luke chapter 2 it is always exciting to me to put myself in the city of Bethlehem that night. Can you imagine how many people must have been in the streets that night; they had come from everywhere. Maybe Joseph and Mary went to the inn to see if they could get a room for the night but there was not one; not for that night anyways. But that's not exactly what the Bible says is it! Why was the phrase "no room" used? Why didn't it read something like this "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because all the rooms were taken at the inn." No it plainly said No Room! Not rooms! So as I read that it intrigued me to look into it and here is what I found. The phrase "No Room" is only found three times in our Bibles look at them with me Luke 2:7
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. As busy as it was that night in Bethlehem there was something I noticed as I read that second chapter of Luke; no one within that city had time to see about a young woman who was great with child and when she had the baby no one seemed to even care. God had to go outside of the city to some shepherds and they willingly came to see the child because they had room and time but within the city of Bethlehem there was no room. Then I looked at the book of Mark and read this Mark 2:2
And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. Here we find a house so full that there was no room for all to get in; it was packed but for what purpose? If we continue reading there was a man sick of the palsy (paralytic) and no one moved out the way to let the four men who brought him in. As I read those verses I didn't read of anything going on inside; I mean no moving as Jesus preached the word unto them. Preaching will stir folks but these people were so set on just being there and judging all that was going on they almost missed the blessing and some did. So these four men who had brought their friend was not going to stand and wait so they ripped a hole in the roof and let down their friend and two things happened. #1 Jesus saw their Faith  Mark 2:5
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. #2 Those that had crowded in so that the man sick of the palsy couldn't get in the scribes or religious people began to have questions in their hearts Mark 2:6
But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Mark 2:7
Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? Lots of times Church people just don't have room for Jesus they are too busy making sure everyone else is doing it right that they don't have room for the one who really does matter; Jesus! Then in Luke chapter 12 we find a man so concerned with how the Lord had blessed him that all he could see was I don't have any more room to put my stuff. Luke 12:17
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? So he let his stuff get in his way of having Jesus in his heart when it mattered most. Why do I say when it mattered most; here's why Luke 12:20
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? His stuff really didn't matter for it will be someone else in the morning. I lived long enough to see that too many just don't have time for Jesus; no room in their heart, no room in their Church and no room in their life and when this life is over there will be no room in heaven and that's not their plan I'm sure. So this Christmas make room for Jesus in your Heart and in your Church and if Jesus is not in your life make room for Him and don't end up like the man in Luke 12 plenty of stuff but no Jesus when the last day came.

Star

Call them the magi if you like or call them astrologers, scientists but I like what they are called in the second chapter of Matthew "wise men." We are told in the book of Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Let's get some understanding about what Matthew is telling us. Matthew 2:1
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Matthew 2:2
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
I have heard jokes made about these wise men but what they were doing and believed was no joking matter. These men were not following just any star but they said "we have seen HIS STAR and are come to Worship Him." What about the day you and I live in? Will it just be Christmas by name with all the food and gifts family and friends and will our minds just be focused on the here and now. Or will we be wise and give thanks to whom this day belongs; Jesus Christ, will we Worship Him and be thankful for the gift of long ago and will we tell Him so? Or will we just try to be first in line at the family get together! I think we would be considered wise if we stopped and thanked our Lord for all He has done for us and the gift of eternal life He has so graciously given to all that have asked. Remember those wise men didn't say that they had seen the star or a star; no definite articles here but they used a personal pronoun "HIS" referring to Jesus! The moment you attach the idea of personality to things that are around you, there come into the heart a desire to go further, to see more and ask questions. The reason many are stopping and not asking questions like the wise men is that they are only seeing stars not His Star. So what are you seeing this Christmas? Is it December 25 or is it CHRISTmas?

Great Joy

Webster says the word "great" means Large in bulk or dimensions; a term of comparison, denoting more magnitude or extension than something else, or beyond what is usual; as a great body; a great house; a great farm. He defines the word "joy" as The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. Did you know that, that phase "great joy" is only found 7 times in the New Testament! I found that very interesting; where and how it was used. Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Here we see the wise men; you know what was going on? The Birth of Jesus Christ; you know what? That should bring great joy; the magnitude of our joy because of the birth of Christ should cause us to have excitement and good fortunes. Then the next time we see that phrase is in Matthew 28:8 And they {Mary Magdalene and the other Mary} departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. Yes, you read it right fear and at the same time great joy. One may ask themselves how can one be fearful and have great joy at the same time. I love the great minds God has so blessed us with for we can shut our eyes and picture what that morning might have been like. Some like to call that day dreaming, call it what you will. But I like to get in a quiet place and think about how it might have been back long ago. A grave yard might be kind of a spooky place before light. Let's say it was you and your friends and you arrive at the grave of one whom you loved very much and watched just a few hours ago as they sealed up the grave. Now you show up and the grave is open; do you think you would have some cold chills running up and down your spine? Then you take off and run into the one that you saw and thought was dead. Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Do you think Jesus might have said "You girls looking for me?" What did those women do? They fell down and held Him by His feet and worshiped Him. So what brings "Great Joy?" The birth of Christ the Savior of the world and then the Resurrection! He's not dead He's alive and they held on to His feet. We need to hold on too; you see God is not going to let go of us for we are written in the palms of His hands Isaiah 49:16
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. It's not the Lord that let's go it's us. The two greatest events in history; for without His birth there could have never been His death and without His death He could have never resurrected that Sunday morning. No wonder those wise men had great joy and no wonder those women had great joy. I wasn't at either event and I have great joy. The two most exciting times of the year are Christmas and Easter they both bring me great joy! When I'm feeling blue I think about the one who loves me so, Jesus Christ. The one who came and was born in a manger; remember that box in which live stock are fed from always brings great joy to my heart. That's what Christmas does; think about it for if it wasn't for the birth of Jesus there would be no "GREAT JOY."

Christmas or Happy Holidays?

It's getting closer and closer to Christmas; yes I said it, Christmas not happy holidays but MERRY CHRISTMAS! It's the time of year we celebrate the birth of Christ; you know the baby born in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago the world has never gotten over. I love this time of year for many reasons, one is that my Dad made a big deal out of Christmas and you know I don't ever remember him saying "Happy Holidays." No it was Christmas to him and I have fond memories of the Christmas's gone by. Another reason is the reason for the season; yes, Christ the Savior of the World who would come and give to us the greatest gift anyone could ever give, eternal life. The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in human history. Stop and think with me for a moment the night Jesus was born, it was like almost any other night except for the crowd that had come to pay their taxes. There were many people that night in Bethlehem that normally would not have been there. There were no rooms in the local Inn; the no vacancy sign had been placed for all too see long ago. Somehow Mary and Joseph found a manger to stay in for the night. So what's a "manger" Webster says it is A trough or box in which fodder is laid for cattle, or the place in which horses and cattle are fed. That box in which live stock are fed from, may or may not have had shelter; don't know but that really doesn't matter for God could chosen any place to be born and He chose a manger. Then after His birth the first to be told were not those in the Palace but some shepherds keeping watch over their sheep; have you ever asked yourself why? These were men of social outcast and the Lord made it known unto them what was going on in Bethlehem. The moment Jesus stepped into the realm of humanity He began reaching out to those who felt they had no place of real importance. The problem is the more important we think we are the harder we are to reach. The more money we have the harder we are to reach. So God doesn't waste valuable time and heads straight to those shepherds who would receive Him. How would you have acted that night if those shepherds had come to you and told you what they had seen? Luke 2:17
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Luke 2:18
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. They did what? "Wondered" why didn't they go see for themselves? Life hasn't changed much from then people are told all the time about Jesus the Savior and that they can have eternal life and what do they do? They Wonder! That's not the way the shepherds acted Luke 2:20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Those shepherds got excited so much so that they Glorified God; Webster says this about GLO'RIFYING- Praising; honoring in worship; exalting to glory; honoring. Can you see those shepherds waving their hands maybe jumping up and down lifting up their voices and why were they not wondering? We are told in the same verse "for all the things that they had HEARD and SEEN, as it was TOLD unto them." That is the reason people don't get excited today because they are wondering about what they have been told. There are also those; like myself, who believe what was told them and has seen for themselves. Therefore we glorify and praise God and yes we get excited about this time of year, CHRISTMAS. Take Christ out of it and all you have is MAS whatever that is and if that's all we have I guess Happy Holidays will work fine. But I'm all about Christ so therefore I can say Christmas and at the same time praise God and thank Him for His goodness to me. Don't you just love this time of year? CHRISTMAS!

Try

My Dad used to wear a little pin on his suit coat lapel that said simply "Try God." I understand what he was saying; you have tried everything you thought would help, try God for He's the answer you have been looking for; and he was right. My wife and I were riding down the road the other day and we saw a sign that read "Try Jesus" and I got to thinking is there any place in the Bible that tells us to "Try Jesus or God?" Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "try" as- to put to test or trial <try one's luck> —often used without <try out a new method> b: to subject to something (as undue strain or excessive hardship or provocation) that tests the powers of endurance. As I look in the Bible I found that the word "try" was only used 17 times 13 times in the Old Testament and 4 times in the New Testament and it carried these meanings refine, to test, investigate, find out, discern, examine, a putting to proof, to approve. But nowhere did I find where we are to try God or Jesus. We try lots of things we don't like but when it comes to God or Jesus are we to try them like we would; say ice cream? No, the Bible tells us that He knocks at our hearts door and we are to open up the door to our heart and let Him come in. We are told in Psalms 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Taste and see not taste and hope you see but taste and see what? "That the Lord is good." I have never in my life heard one person say I tasted and I saw but the Lord's not good. No! I did hear this on Friday "when I gave it over completely to the Lord He began to solve my problems but it wasn't until I surrendered." That is the key "surrender" not try and see but taste and see, then one is more than willing to surrender their life over to Him the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The problem is we are too busy trying to fix the mess we have gotten ourselves into. That's what King David tried to do with Bathsheba; that's what Peter tried to do when he told the Lord "Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee." Wonder what the outcome of that night would have been if Peter would have only surrendered? Do we not do the same things; I mean we try to fix all our problems and there are some that we can't fix. But the good news is there is nothing that God can't fix. That's what we do," I'll fix it," I'll make it work," I have come to the conclusion there is not one thing I have come across that I can't tear up and in some cases I even have tools to do it with. But there is not anything that God can't fix; just get out of His way! Surrender and let Him do what He does best. This week you will come across things you can't fix, just surrender and see what the Lord will do. I think you will find that He does a much better job than you could ever do. Now have a good week.

Do Right

Have you ever done something that at the time you did it you felt no remorse? But later you had bad feelings about what you said or did? In Matthew Chapter 26 we see two men who had bad feelings after something they did. One was Judas and the other was Peter; both were sorry for their actions but only one asked for forgiveness. A few weeks ago I did something that I was so ashamed of and at the time I did it, it seemed like the right thing; even though I knew it was wrong. I had forgotten what Dr. Bob Jones senior had said "DO RIGHT IF THE STARS FALL!" Which means you can never do right by doing wrong. Well in less than two hours I would not only feel bad for my actions but would also apologize for my actions to the one I had offended. I asked for forgiveness and didn't try to justify my actions I was wrong in what I said and did. Then I asked the Lord for His forgiveness; that is what principle #10 of the Reformers program tells us to do "God balances guilt with blame. Accept the blame for your actions and God will remove the guilt." Keep it hid and it's in the dark and the enemy will use it against you forever. Now here's Judas who decides to sell Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver

Matthew 26:14
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Matthew 26:15
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Peter on the other hand had a problem with his words

Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

Matthew 26:33
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

Matthew 26:34
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Look how Peter answered

Matthew 26:35
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Well how did you do with that statement Peter?

Matthew 26:69
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

Matthew 26:70
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

Matthew 26:71
And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

Matthew 26:72
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

Matthew 26:73
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

Matthew 26:74
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying,
I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. No matter how much Peter tried to convince those around him that he didn't know this man Jesus, he had been seen with Him and his talk gave him away. So Peter tries to convince them by his actions and his loose words but Peter could not get away from the words of Christ and the preaching of the rooster which brought him to the place of asking for forgiveness.

Matthew 26:75
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Judas on the other hand did something all together different.

Matthew 27:3
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Matthew 27:4
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

Matthew 27:5
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. No matter how much you would like to undo the wrong you can't; but we can be like Peter and weep and ask for forgiveness or Judas just feel sorry for our action and go and try to undo them our self and then punish ourselves for our actions; which is worthless. For crying out loud, just realize what you have done and ask the Lord to forgive you and He will. See you Monday!

 

Too Busy

It's that time of year that everyone is rushing about, trying to work through their "to-do" lists so that they can…add more items to their "to do" lists. Have you ever just stopped for a moment and looked at the life of Jesus? Was He busy? Sure He was but He was not ruled by His schedule and He never seemed rushed and even though it looked like He was late He wasn't. Like the time it looked like He was four days late; I mean His friend Lazarus the brother of Martha and Mary. What do I mean by it looked as if Jesus was late? Looking at it through human eyes I would say it was a little late to heal someone if they had been dead four days. But that was not the case, Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead and everybody seemed happy but I wonder if Lazarus was happy? How would you like to be in heaven for four whole days and all the sudden your back; jerked right off the streets of gold and back into this life. But even though it looked like Jesus was late He wasn't. As you read your Bibles have you ever noticed that while Jesus pursued His plans, He always welcomed interruptions from people in need? I have never read of anyone coming to Jesus and Him saying "I'm sorry, I can't help you today for I need to be in Bethany
by sundown, could you please get with me later for I am burning daylight as we speak. I think too many times we get too busy and we don't have time for the important times and things in life. When my youngest son was playing high school football his mother and I never missed a game. I didn't think much about it for I enjoyed the games, but then one night it was pouring down rain and there were very few in the grand stands. As his team walked onto the playing field I noticed something, our son stopped and looked into the stands and didn't move until his eyes saw his mother and I; he did that every game. I am so glad that we took the time! Life is short and if we are so busy planning the to-do list so we can clear it to put more to do's on it, then I'm afraid our life loses its balance. As I write this I am reminded of Luke 8:41
And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

Luke 8:42
For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged {crowding around} him. They're on their way but then something happens that stopped their progress. Luke 8:43
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Luke 8:44
Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. This is taking too much time Jairus' daughter is dying let's get going we must hurry. Then Jairus hears the words he does not want to hear.

Luke 8:49
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

Luke 8:50
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. Jesus says there is plenty of time just believe me and as you read on you find a 12-year old girl united back with her family. I wrote all this to tell you that Jesus is never too busy to stop what He is doing to listen to and help you in your time of need; "Fear not: believe only " So go ahead ask Him for He's got the time; do you

Paper Plates

How do you feel when you throw away a paper plate? Do you feel a great sense of regret? NO, I would say it doesn't even bother you; I have never awakened in the middle of the night with this thought "I didn't save my paper plate I can't believe I threw it away." No, it doesn't bother me at all for that's what they are made for. I remember years ago I and my best friend were going to a camp meeting and we stopped to get something to eat. After we finished we headed for the trash to throw away our paper products and without thinking I shoved the whole tray into the trash and walked out the door. My friend came out just a laughing and I turned and asked him what he was laughing at. He said you just threw everything away tray and all; I didn't realized I had done that, wonder how many times I have done that in the past? At home my wife has some nice plates that says "fine china" that's what she has written on the back of them, for it's the best we have. Now we don't throw those plates in the trash we wash them put them back up and reuse them over and over again because they are valuable. I am afraid too many today feel like they are no more than paper plates. They've been neglected, compared to others, ignored, backstabbed and abused so they have the feeling that they are worthless. They are throwing themselves away socially by the friends they choose to be around, by alcohol and drug abuse, sexually, and even suicidal thoughts. But here is what's so tragic you see God didn't make us to be paper plates and here are three reasons why!

#1-
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: God says that we are treasures, in other words you are fine china.

#2- Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Workmanship isn't something just thrown together, it's no accident, it's not random; you're a masterpiece made by the master of the universe, God Himself and there's not another like you. The reason "unto good works "

#3- 1Corthians 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
God says you're His treasure, His workmanship, and the one He paid a lot for. You can tell the worth of something by what a person is willing to pay for it. God paid for you with the blood of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, and even though you have sinned, He wanted you back so much He sent His Son to pay the death penalty in your place. You are very expensive! If you feel like you're not worth much, then it's time to pay a visit to the cross where Jesus Christ died for you. That's how much God thinks you're worth - the life of His Son. Don't feel worthless you're not paper you're fine china.

Be Ready

I didn't hear much about Pearl Harbor on yesterday, I must confess I didn't watch any TV and all I heard on the radio was just a brief clip that today was the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Have we forgotten? On December 8, 1941 the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress and declared, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy --the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." After a brief and forceful speech, he asked Congress to approve a resolution recognizing the state of war between the United States and Japan. The Senate voted for war against Japan by 82 to 0, and the House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1.What happened Sunday morning December 7, 1941? It was just like any other morning at 7:30 a. m. but all was to change at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time. A swarm of 360 Japanese warplanes bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on its wings appears out of the clouds above the island of Oahu. A surprise attack struck a critical blow against the U.S. Pacific fleet and drew the United States irrevocably into World War II. With diplomatic negotiations with Japan breaking down, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his advisers knew that an imminent Japanese attack was probable, but nothing had been done to increase security at the important naval base at Pearl Harbor. At 7:02 a.m., two radio operators spotted large groups of aircraft in flight toward the island from the north, but, with a flight of B-17s expected from the United States at the time, they were told to sound no alarm. Thus, the Japanese air assault came as a devastating surprise to the naval base. Before this attack was over there would be a loss of five of eight battleships, three destroyers, seven other ships were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to repulse the attack. Japan's losses were some 30 planes, five midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men. An awful day in our history; 68 years ago but not forgotten or has it? One of the problems was President Roosevelt thought there was more time, so the guard was dropped and we were deceived in thinking all was good. As we look at another day in the near feature we know is coming, even close at hand; but the question is are we ready?
Matthew 24:4
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

There is a possibility that God's children can be deceived.

Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 24:44
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
As we read Matthew chapter 24 we are told what will be the signs of Jesus' return. Many are not watching and are not ready, many are thinking sure the Son of man is coming I know but I don't think today will be the day? Watch out that you are not deceived for we don't know the hour or the day but we can read of the signs; be ready! Do not be deceived! Watch! "For ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Don't be deceived and let the enemy over take you for there are three things he wants to do in your life. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: Don't let him! Fight back by doing three things to combat him #1 Be not deceived #2- Be Ready #3- Watch; because Jesus said I am come that they might have life, and that they might have
it more abundantly.

Be Ready!!!!!!!!!!!

Surprise

Ever surprised yourself? I try to be careful not to say "I'll never do that!" "I'll never say that!" Why? Because I have said those things and yes I have also done those things I said I would never do. Ever been disappointed in God? Oh, you may not have ever told anyone that you were. The Bible has some that did say it. Martha said it "where were you Jesus? We needed you? My brother is dead, if you had been here this would not have happened. The Disciples were rowing, the storm was raging that Jesus had just sent them into. Where is He? Jesus is nowhere to be found. The waves are coming in on us, does He not care? How could he let this happen to us, He knows we love Him, we are going to die and it's all Jesus' fault? We may never say it like that but I'm sure we have felt it. The phone call comes "we have your daughter at the station. You'd better come down." The letter on the kitchen table "I've left. Don't try to find me. Don't call my cell. It's over. I just don't love you anymore."
The Doctor says; "I'm afraid our news is not good."
You may be living in a dream world—

There will be no financial collapse in my family.

My children will never be buried before me.

People will treat me fairly.

This church will never divide.

My prayer will be answered.

Look what Job said:

Job 23:3
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

Job 23:8
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

Job 23:9
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:

 

Is this the same Job we read of earlier?

Job 1:8
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there
is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Job 1:20
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped,

Job 1:21
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Job 1:22
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Job 2:10
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips?

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Job 19:26
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Be careful what you say and please don't say I'll never do…..you'll never catch me doing……..That may have been what the wayward son said in Luke 15 "you'll never catch me with the pigs" I'll never eat pig slop." He may plan not to, but none the less he found himself doing both. See, he surprised himself! And we have too.

Today

The culture that you and I live in often teaches that humility is a sign of weakness and aggressiveness will gain you the prize. Webster tells us that "Humility is freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God. While he says to be aggressive is tending to aggress; making the first attack. As we read what the Psalmist has to say in Psalms 84 does it sound like humility or aggressiveness Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. {A deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God.}

Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. {A modest estimate of one's own worth}

Psalms 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalms 84:12
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Wait a minute we must not forget the evening news that informs us of all that is going on so we can lie down at night and worry about what tomorrow will bring. Murder, death, robbery, rape and more evil; we face as the sun rises in the east on the next day of which we will hear the same. That's the last thing most people hear before they go to bed; no wonder they have trouble sleeping at night! They may be wondering if they will be the next invasion by some drug crazed mind looking for an open door. No wonder people are fearful. Look at what the Psalmist says "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. " So he humbles himself to the place of just being a doorkeeper and then he tell us that "For the LORD God is a sun and shield" Is he telling us that it's God that give him light in a dark world and that it's God that has become his protection? Sure he is! Do you remember the day that Jesus disciples came to Him and asked Him to teach them to pray? Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. So what did He teach them? Among many things He taught that day, He said this Luke 11:3
Give us day by day our daily bread.
How many days? One at a time! Not today and the rest of the week just today and today Lord protect me from evil and temptation "And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. " In other words give me light to live by for this day. He didn't tell us to be aggressive if we ever wanted to amount to something He just plainly said trust Me, Ask Me, follow My lead, you don't have to be aggressive I'll do that for you, just trust Me! If you don't listen to the news how in the world will you ever know what's going on? If it's bad enough someone who laid awake the night before worrying about it will be kind enough to tell me. So why should we both lay awake? Have a great weekend and enjoy today for that's all we have right now; just today.

Great Answer

A Few months ago I had the opportunity to set in a court room with one of our students who was waiting for his case to be called. As I set there I was amazed at how people tried to prove that they were not guilty. I thought to myself that here were people who knew they were guilty but they were going to do their best to convince the Judge they were not. Some of the questions that were asked were was there any alcohol in the vehicle? They would give answers like this, yes but it was not opened. The officer has in his report that there was an open container and the answer would come, well I knew nothing about it. Who was in the vehicle with you sir? I was by myself; well then sir can you explain why there was an open container and why you registered so high on the alcohol test? Then they would say your machine must be broken. Then the Judge would ask a question, how often is your machine tested. The answer, weekly! So what I am getting at is there was no hope for them ever winning their case because the evidence was against them. I watched it time after time and always the court found them guilty. As I watched case after case the Lord reminded me that I use to think just like that; you see I knew that one day I would have to stand before the Judge of this universe; how I knew that I really don't know, but I already knew what I would say. I would hang my head and say I just didn't understand. Wow! What a great answer that was; stupid thinking on my part. I don't think like that anymore because now I have a lawyer: 1John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate
{intercessor, consoler, or comforter} with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: What do I see here? We are in God's family John 1:12
But as many as received him, {Jesus} to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Then we are told not to sin but if we do we have a intercessor with God the Father His son Jesus Christ the righteous. Do I think we will live a perfect life after we ask the Lord to forgive us of our sins; No! But with the intercessor I won't have to give dumb answers, for Jesus Christ is my lawyer before the Judge of the universe and He will plead my case for me. I hope you are much smarter than I was back then. Now I know in whom I have believed and I'm not fearful of that day anymore for I have been bought with a price for I'm not my own, so therefore I can glorify God in my body. When the last day comes for me and I close my eyes in death I will just be starting to live. I must say I get excited about that from time to time; do you? You may, if you have your eyes on Jesus and not the storm around you for when you are watching the storm that's all you'll see.

 

Making a Difference

Have you ever felt that you have been eaten alive by your problems and hard times? There was a man by the name of Daniel who faced some hard times in his life. Once there were 120 princes and 2 presidents and they all tried their best to find fault with Daniel and could not find any. Daniel 6:4
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Now that says a lot about this man Daniel. But these men were not finished; they came up with another plan. Daniel 6:5
Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. So they came up with a plan; yes a plan that would put Daniel right in the Den of Lions. Daniel 6:7
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. All sounded good to the King, but wait a minute they used a little play on words "All the presidents" they forgot to say all except Daniel; who this whole plot is against. So the King thinking all were in agreement signed the decree. Now their plan was set in action all they had to do was wait for Daniel to go pray and bingo into the den of lions he would go. You and I may never have to face being thrown to the lions but let me remind you that tough as well as hard times will come our way. When Daniel knew he still did as he had always had done.

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel you just broke the law and now you are on your way to the den of lions. Everyone was happy because it seemed as if they had succeeded. So it was; Daniel was marched to the den of lions and spent the night; Do what? Spend the night! How in the world do you do that? Daniel was trusting in what his God could do for him and not what the lions could do to him. So it is with you and I when the tuff times come we can trust God for what He will do for us or we can look at the lions at what they will do to us; whatever those lions may be. The Bible has much to say about trusting God. 2Samuel 22:3
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalms 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. If you want to take the time you will find about 134 verses about trusting HIM {Jesus}. Daniel made such an impression in the King that this is what the King wrote. Daniel 6:26 I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. So it does matter how we act in front of others. In Daniels case it changed the King; who will it change in yours? Someone has their eyes on you don't disappoint them.

 

Rubble

When I was a boy I can remember my dad taking my brother and I to Church on Sunday nights and from time to time we would sing a hymn called "Rescue the Perishing." The words were "Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep oer the erring one, lift up the fallen, tell them of Jesus the mighty to save." Then the chorus "Rescue the perishing care for the dying Jesus I merciful, Jesus will save." That's a job every Christian should be busy at "Rescuing!" What if you were one of those that were trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center on that September eleventh day would you have been glad to hear voices of a rescue team? I'm sure you would have; I know I would have. There were men and women who risked everything to bring others out from under the rubble and restore them back to their family and friends. There was no way unless someone took the risk so that others could be rescued. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to seek and to save; here read it for yourself for Jesus did take the risk. Luke 19:10
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
The beauty is that Jesus came seeking willing to rescue those that were lost. What if you had been trapped under huge piles of rubble and then you saw light and men and women digging down to where you were. What if you yelled out and said please go away I can do this on my own! But you say I wouldn't have done that! No! The reason you would not have done that is because you realized that without a rescuer you were hopeless. The problem today is that people don't see that they are hopeless and therefore don't see the need to be rescued. Many think if they could just win the lottery, then they would be rescued. But that's not so. In the verse we just read before Jesus could rescue, something had to take place and that is the person had to see they were lost. In Ephesians 2:12 we read these words …..
Having no hope, and without God in the world: No God! No Hope! So that night many years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem not only did this world get hope and help but we received a rescuer that can rescue a whole world from the awful disease of sin. So the next time someone is trying to introduce you to the Rescuer don't stick your head in the sand, receive Him joyfully and you my friend will never be sorry. Just as those that grabbed hold of a fireman's hand that was rescuing them from the rubble on that awful day on September 11; I have never heard one of them say "I sure wish that fireman hadn't come along." Oh no they were very grateful and you will be too.

 

Hungry

Paradox; Webster says that word means seemingly absurd, yet true in fact. Let me give you some examples we die to live Romans 8:13
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify {put to death} the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Philippians 1:21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

We Decrease to Increase John 3:30
He {Jesus} must increase, but I must decrease.

We Hunger and Thirst to be Happy Matthew 5:6
Blessed
are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. I want to talk to you about hunger and thirst for a moment. As we enter into the Christmas season we should be happy for many reasons. We see in verse six that the word "Blessed" is used and that word carries the meaning of "HAPPY." Jesus is speaking to those who are hungry and thirsty, yet they are happy. I wouldn't think that this condition would produce happiness but sadness. How can a person be hungry and thirsty and be happy. Remember the children of Israel that after God had destroyed the Egyptians how they sang and praised God but just 3-days after being delivered they came to a place of bitter waters and they were not happy but very sad. Didn't sound like the thirst brought any happiness; for all they were doing was complaining? But we just read that "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst "The few who found the secret understood what Jesus was saying. Jesus did not say happiness is ours when we are hungry because Hunger and Thirst have produced much of our Misery. Jesus did not say Happiness is ours when we are hungry for many are desperately hungry for happiness, but it's always beyond their reach. There is a present possibility and it is found in the small word "are "that is the present tense for NOW! It's not what will be ours in the sweet by and by; not what we get when we have gone the last mile of the way; not what we receive as we cross death's chilling tide. It's ours today not tomorrow or later but today. One finds happiness only in a right relationship with God. Happiness is never a reality for those who live in sin. Happiness is shut out by the dark clouds of sin and there can be no possession of it until one is right with God. David put it this way Psalm 51:2
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:3
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Jesus talks about two of our bodies basic needs; these two words have the sense of urgency. Hunger and thirst describe the driving desire we ought to have for divine righteousness. The person who is never hungry is sick. We all have a natural desire for food and water it is a sign of health. We must eat in order to live, God made us that way. Disobedience to this natural law means death. We too must have the same appetite for holiness if not the same will take place. 1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: How long would you and I be satisfied with a snack; would you have crackers at a steak house? Too many times we are satisfied with a spiritual snack. Peter Marshall said it like this " Church members, in too many cases, are like deep sea divers, encased in suits designed for many fathoms deep, marching bravely to pull out plugs in bath tubs." Hunger and thirst are constant occurrences. We do not eat all we will ever need at one meal nor do we drink all we will ever need in a few swallows. Our health depends on a continual appetite. No person is more useless than the man who is satisfied with what he has done and what he is. The one who does not hunger and thirst to improve through righteousness is unapproved by God. So feed yourself with spiritual food from God's table on a daily basis and you will grow, grow, and grow if we fail to do so we will starve to death spiritually speaking.