I am Embarrassed

I remember when I was in high school a friend of mine met a young lady and asked her for a date. She accepted but said she would meet him at a certain place. Every time they went out he would pick her up at this certain place when the date was over he would take her to her house but she would never let him walk her to the door. She would get out and walk around to the back door to go in. This went on for some time when he started getting suspicious. So one night when he let her out he watched to see where she went. He noticed that she did not go in at the house he let her out at, but went to a house a few doors down. After a while he began to ask questions but she would change the subject. Then finally one night he told her I know you don't live where I have been letting you out and then he drove her in front of her home and said this is where you live. Why are you telling me you live there when here is where you live? Then she told him this story. My dad is nothing but a drunk and I am embarrassed for you to meet him. We have nothing because he drinks it all up. Look at me my clothes are used; nice, yes, but still bought from a second hand store. Then my friend said listen to me, I am not dating you for the way you dress or where you live or even who your parents are I am dating you for who you are. As time when on he married that young lady and raised a family. Is that not the way God is? He doesn't love us because of where we might live, the way we dress or the money we may or may not have. He doesn't love us because of the family we were born into. But He does love us for who we are John 3:16 For God so loved the world, (Who's in the world? You and I are!) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
As that young man said to that young lady," I am going to take you out of here and away from all this" and he did. That's just what Jesus told his disciples John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. That's what the Apostle Paul told the Church at Thessalonica in 1Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Thessalonians 4:17
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1Thessalonians 4:18
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. I like that "comfort one another with these words." When things look bad the child of God can have words that comfort. This isn't home so don't get too comfortable. For we aren't going to be here long; our real home is a few doors up and Jesus is going to take us out of here and away from this to a much better place than my friend did for that young lady he married. To a place where there is no need of the Sun for the Son of God will be the light. A land where we will never grow old; a land where there is no sickness or death; a home that we won't be ashamed of and a Father that we will not be embarrassed for anyone to meet. Are you looking for His Return?

Contentment

This month of June our Pastor spent each Sunday morning in a series he named "Following Him As A Man." I must say he covered some deep ground and yes he even spent one Sunday morning dealing with sex. But on yesterday he preached form I Timothy chapter 6 verses 11&12 on "O man of God." He was not preaching to preachers but to men as he preached on Flee, Follow, and Fight. As he preached he said some things that the Lord spoke to me about or should I say reminded me. In verse 7 these words are said "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Each and every one of us were born with nothing and it matters not how much we gain in this life we will carry none of it out with us. I think many times if I could only have this or that I would be happy; but you know happiness in not found in things or how many things we have. Then he talked about riches and he said this "we in America are rich." We are, if you don't think so then get on a plane and go to a third world country and get outside all the tourist attractions and you will see. I have been there and seen it and yes it's true. I remember one night in Nicaragua in a meeting with about 1500 people, they had nothing we gave out tracts and not one did I see on the ground. They started a movie called the "Burning Hell" which was a movie I saw in the 70's; it is now 1993 the bulb went out in the projector and they sat and listen to just the sound and no one complained. They know what it is to have nothing! As I listen and as the Lord spoke to my heart I was reminded once again, that I am rich in Christ Jesus! The temptations that we all face will be like a snare to us and will drown us in destruction. So what did the Lord say to me? Very simple; "Godliness with contentment is great gain." Be happy and content with what I have! I have a wonderful family, A loving and great wife, a home to sleep in, friends to enjoy, a Great Church to be a part of, good health, a job God has placed me in, where I get to see God work in the lives of those others have given up on. I get to watch God change the unchangeable and give life back to those who for the most part have thrown it all out the window for drugs, alcohol, sex and a host of other things. I am about to shout now for He has been so good to me and my family and one day when I am finished here on this earth He will call me home; I am now going down the back side of the mountain; I don't have much here but my treasures are in heaven. Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:20
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: One last thought our Pastor told of a lady who died and left a large sum of money to four Churches ( ours being one). Then I had this thought "you can, take it with you and have interest too by leaving it here to work for the Lord." Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Here was a lady I have never seen or had the privilege of knowing yet God used her to speak to my heart months after her death. What a great God we serve! Be content with what you have and share it with others! One day after you're gone you too will get to speak to others.

 

 

 

 

 

Amazing or Is It?

It's amazing? How the mind works to put words together. It goes against everything I was taught in school and totally ends the need for spell check! It's the perfect example that confirms what you see may not be what' really going on. Acrodcing to rseearch at Cmabirdge Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid  deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. You know to, to many people you may look all confused but to God; well He knows our heart I Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
You may look like you have it all together even to the point of being successful; but that is looking at you from the outside. We see this all the time in prestigious people that have plenty of money; they appear to be successful and in most cases are. But then you hear of them getting a divorce, picked up doing something that was just not understandable to you. We have even read of them committing suicide. How could this be? They made us laugh, cry and want to like them or so we thought. But you and I are only seeing the outside not the inside. There was a song in the early 1970's by Savory Brown and the lyrics said

 

I'm looking in from the outside 

I wish my mind could read the score

Some day a door will open

Then I'll know then I'll see

What I'm striving for

If I could get an answer 
If someone would give me a clue
I know I'd feel much better 
But I can't find anyone
To put my question to

And when I'm old and wiser
And I look back on my youth
Will I be contented or will I see
Nothing but a faint search for the truth

The problem with that song is we can all look from the outside but looking from the outside we never get inside. Many run and hide and act as if they have not a care in the world but we can't see the inside. You've seen them they say things like "if I were any better I'd be twins." Something else I see is that when I'm older and wiser and look back on my youth and nothing but a faint search for the truth. Pilate asked that question many years ago! John 18:38
Pilate saith unto him, (Jesus) What is truth?
Pilate couldn't see the truth standing right in front of him. Neither can many in the day you and I live in. The truth is still Jesus John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. So when you look on your youth what are you going to find? Were you looking for the Truth….I wasn't but thank God the Truth found me because He was looking for me. And another thing what if you never have a youth to look back on? Cemeteries are full of young people. So what are you hiding on the inside? God already knows what's there!

The Big Cruise

A couple years ago my wife and I went on a cruise with some good friends from our Church. We had a great time to say the least. While we were out to sea one of our friends told me of an elderly couple he had met and they told him that this is where they live. They get off one cruise ship on to another they said it was as cheap and much better than a nursing home……Assisted Living….. I mean Retirement home. Could this be true? Oh yes it is; this is what I read. A lady by the name of Bea Muller has been a permanent resident since January, 2000 on Cunard cruise line's Queen Elizabeth 2. Mrs. Muller said, "I've got full-time maid service, great dining rooms, doctors, a medical center (where she volunteers), a spa, beauty salon, computer center, entertainment, cultural activities and, best of all she said dancing and bridge." That sounds awful good to me except for the dancing and bridge. Well that got me to thinking! It's for sure this life is too short and one day Mrs. Muller's cruise will be over and then what? I may never live on a cruise ship with fine dining and all the other things she talked about but those are not my life goals. Jesus as He spent the last night with His disciples He told them these words. John 14:1
Let not your heart (don't let the whole man) be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Jesus knew that His disciples would have many a tuff day, days they didn't understand, days they seemed confused, even days with no direction. But He wanted to leave them with a promise, I know you will be troubled but believe and put your trust in me. Because I'm going home to my Father's house, to prepare a place for you and I'm coming back for you. One day you and I will take our last breath here and as far as this land we will be just a memory. Good memories I am sure in the minds of those who knew us and loved us but none the less a memory. You may be thinking of that cruise ship retirement, but that too will be gone. But I have my eyes on something far better; how does this sound? Revelation 21:18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Revelation 21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

2Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. We will have no need of Doctors, fine dining, spa, beauty salon, computer center or any cultural activities. This sounds like a much better plan to me! Too many people are living their lives with only this life in view. We were born, live and die. But this life is not the end of the story. Our Bible certainly makes it clear that there is life after death and that there is a real heaven and a real hell. Everyone ends up somewhere! And, like Mrs. Muller, we have the choice to opt for the best of all accommodations: Heaven a choice of faith to believe in Jesus. I am booked for that fantastic journey. Make sure you are too for if not you'll miss the boat.

A Big Fish

I was trout fishing in the North Georgia Mountains some years ago when I stopped by one of those Mom & Pop owned stores. I stopped to get some hooks or something, but I saw something in there that I have never forgotten. It was a postcard of a huge Rainbow trout on the back of a flat bed truck and this is what it said "I caught a trout so big I had to call my friend John to haul it home for me." Now I have never caught a trout or have known anyone to catch one that size. I may have stretched the size a little bit to make the story more interesting…….NO! I mean embellished the size. Well, for whatever reason or words I used it was more than likely my pride wanting to shine. In the book of Jonah we read about the biggest fish story ever. I mean it's a big fish story; so big was this fish that it swallowed a grown man. Jonah 1:17
Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. I have no problem believing that God could prepare a fish big enough to swallow up Jonah, but I want to look at those three day and nights. I am well aware of the picture that is painted here about the Resurrection of our Lord but look with me in Jonah 2:7
When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
Was Jonah saying? Hey as my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord and I prayed. Do what? What in the world were you thinking and doing before then, Jonah! Shining your shoes so you might look sharp! I am going to be honest with you I have never been swallowed by anything but I believe before I was even swallowed I would be praying! I sure wouldn't be setting up house, this isn't a vacation! How long does one have to be fish food before seeking a little help? Here is what happened as Jonah's pride kicked in. You see Pride screams, "I can do it myself." "I don't need anyone's help," or "I got myself into this mess, I'll get myself out." Why is it that instead of immediately turning to God when things get messy we turn to our spouse, neighbors, co-workers, counselors, or other things. Can we not put trust in the God of the Universe who knows us, loves us and is willing and wanting to help us? No! And I speak for myself we must not let others know we are weak or don't know what to do. What will others think…that's pride showing up in mine and your lives. Have we not read the scriptures? Proverbs11:2
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Sharing our burdens and concerns with those who love us and know us is important but we should never make God our last resort. Peter put it this way 1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Once Jonah returned his thoughts to God, his prayer was answered. Jonah 2:10
And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. Are you confused and don't know what to do? Are you starting to smell like 3-day old fish food? Here are three things you can do

#1-
Cast all your care upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

#2 - Confess up 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

#3- Be an Over comer Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. You may ask who is the pronoun "him" referring to? Check it out Revelation 12:9
And you will overcome him the same way!

 

 

 

Did They Get it All

Let's use our imagination for a moment. Let's say you have been having some continuous pain for a while and you make yourself an appointment with a Doctor. After running some test the Doctor wants to meet with you and your spouse. He then tells the both of you that there were some lumps found that was causing your problem and that the lumps were Cancerous. Then he adds that there are more forms of treatment and successful cancer surgeries than there have ever been. So a date is set to remove the lumps. What would be the first words out of your mouth after the surgery? Would they be "Did they get all the cancer!" I think that would be my first words. A little cancer that's missed can actually end up destroying so very much. That is why it should be the surgeon's goal to do his very best to remove all the cancer. That's what God seems to be saying to His people in Numbers 33:55
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
The Israelites removed some of the cancer of idolatrous and immoral cultures, but not all of it. What they didn't remove kept coming back to attack for generations to come. That was bad in itself but worse that they were attracted to some of the culture they were supposed to get rid of. Compromise brought down the judgment of God and it ultimately even cost them their land.

For over 30 years I have been working with people who want real solutions to their problems. The problem I see that keeps coming up is they want their problems gone but they want to compromise. This always brings big problems. They want to keep their marriage but want to able to see their lover too. That will never work. They want to quit drinking or doing drugs but want to still go to the same place and hang with the same people. They want to fix their depression but don't want to go back and find out what is causing the depression. If you are going to get rid of the cancer you have to get of it all! A man some time ago got out of prison and wanted me to give him some advice so he wouldn't start back drinking. I asked him did he plan on going back to the same places and people he was hanging around before he went to prison. He told me that he was for those are the only friends he knew. I then asked him how many letters or times did these friends come to visit him while he was in prison? He told me they never wrote or came. I said then you don't have any friends do you? Proverbs 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. He didn't want to get rid of it all. That is like a person coming from a cancer operation and saying I hope they didn't get all the cancer. We want our problems gone but we don't want to get rid of all that is causing them because everything is not all bad we think. Ask the mechanic if he thinks all the small steal shavings should be removed from the newly rebuilt engine. I think he would agree if you want your problem solved yes they must all be removed. So it is with all problems; mine, yours or anyone's. Too many compromise and therefore forfeit the solution and think they can handle problems they never could before and wonder why they failed! To get what we've never had, we must do what we've never done. I would write that down if you want something different!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning

What would you think if you read an ad such as this, Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return, doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success. What would be your response? Well 5000 applications were taken for a crew of 28; no this was not for the T.V. series Gilligan's Island, but for an exhibition to the Antarctic. On August 1, 1914 Sir Ernest Shackleton set sail with a crew of 28 on an exhibition to the Antarctic. Their mission was to cross the Antarctic on foot- something never done before.

Had someone told you years ago the problems and troubles that you would encounter as you went through your Christian life would you have still been willing to follow Christ? Too many times we want to have a parade going on everyday of our lives. People waving and smiling, flag flying, money flowing; in other words everything going our way. It's not going to happen! There will be hazardous, long months, bitter cold, complete darkness, constant danger; Hey, are you still in? I am! I was reading my Bible one day and this is what the Lord showed me
Philippians 4:11
Not
that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:12
I know both how to be abased, (live in poverty) and I know how to abound: (prosperity) everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Paul said he had learned which means he didn't always know. That's what the Christian life is, learning what we don't know. Peter put it this way 2Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. The question is are you growing? Watch out for this danger Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Get your eyes and mind on Him and He will without doubt get you through this day because He is the Author of Salvation Hebrew 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
He is also the Almighty which is;

Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. He is also the Anchor of hope Hebrews 6:19
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; As you and I start this week let's have the attitude of learning and allow the Lord to teach us something this week and when He does write it down. For if you don't the thief may come and steal it away from you. John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: But Jesus said "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrre yoooooooooou reeeeeeeeady for this week? I am excited what the Lord will teach me this week!

 

Goals

Goals are made all the time some I have accomplished and others I have not. Webster says a goal is the end or final purpose; the end to which a design tends, or which a person aims to reach or accomplish. So what are my aims what am I trying to reach or accomplish? What are yours? When in college I had a teacher whose name was Jim Smith. I took every class he taught and the day came when he became the song leader at the Church where I was a member. This was a great day to say the least! As I got to know him better I notice that every time he signed his name he put a Bible verse. So one day I asked him why he did that! This is what he said "that's my life verse, I sign my name and I always put that verse. I told myself I need me a life verse! So I asked myself what I wanted most out of life! I thought on this for a while and asked myself many questions. This was something important not just something I would do I wanted it to mean something, how I really felt. Solomon when asked by the Lord what he wanted this is what he said.1Ki 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

1Ki 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

1Ki 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Not great riches not ever great health but an understanding heart! So here the Lord brings Jim Smith into my life, a man I had great respect for. I had a great desire to know God's word; you see when God found me I could not quote one Bible verse. I can remember when in the military I saw the words John 3:16 and asked my friend what was that? He said it's a Bible verse don't you know that! No I didn't! I was 20 years old at the time. So what would be my life verse? What did I desire? Then I read it and without doubt this was it and now over 30 years later when I sign my name I add this verse. Before I tell you what it is let me share something else with you. You may have a goal today and goals are not easy to reach it takes work and a desire. As we work toward our goals opportunities will come, but along with opportunities will also come doubts, others will tell you it's not possible, you will want to quit. The first thing I did was write that verse down and began to put in my head and then when it was in my head I moved it to my heart. I read it every day until I knew it. Why you might ask? Because the day would come when someone would ask me what is this and I needed to be able to tell them without hesitation. So what was and still is my greatest desire? Simple 2 Timothy 2:15- Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. You can have all the goals you want but remember a goal, not in writing, is simply a wish. So how many goals did you say you had?

 

Bed of Roses

I wish all in life was like being in a bed of roses; but wait it is! Roses are pretty; have soft peddles but they also have thorns! If one was to lay in a bed of roses you would have some pain and disappointment. Jacob did Genesis 42:36
all these things are against me.
Elijah prayed that he might die; 1Kings 19:4
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

John the Baptist had his doubts Matthew 11:3
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Even our Lord Himself cried: "My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Many think they were born in the dark and must go through life in a gloomy state of mind with a depressed spirit. They gaze on the lowering clouds and hardly ever see the patches of bright blue skies and all one must do to see the blue is look up. I love what Psalms 146 says; read it with me.

Psa 146:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Psa 146:2
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Psa 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

Psa 146:4
His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

Psa 146:5
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

Psa 146:6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

Psa 146:7
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

Psa 146:8
The LORD openeth the eyes
of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

Psa 146:9
The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

Psa 146:10
The LORD shall reign forever,
even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.

While you live Praise who? The Lord! Are you happy? Happy is he that has the God of Jacob for his help. Who is helping you? Is it the Lord? Make sure you are standing in Christ! Your feelings will change but "The Lord shall reign forever." John Bunyan put it this way "I have two sorts of money. One which I deposited in the bank and the other I keep in my pocket. What is in the bank is permanent, while the other is always changing. Feelings are like coins in my pocket, always changing." So you can be feebleminded or have an attitude of ready to quit and with those attitudes you will always see the valleys. How about looking up because you're not in charge anyways and when you are looking up you see things differently and can go over the river singing!

Psa 1:1
Blessed (Happy)
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Who are you listening to? Where is your delight? What are you thinking about?

Wise

In the Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary the meaning of the word "wise" is Properly, having knowledge; hence, having the power of discerning and judging correctly, or of discriminating between what is true and what is false; between what is fit and proper, and what is improper; as a wise prince; a wise magistrate. Solomon was deemed the wisest man. But a man may be speculatively and not practically wise. Who wouldn't want to be wise! I mean being able to know what is true and what is false. We could look someone in the eyes and know without doubt that what they were telling us was true or either false. Who wouldn't want that gift! I'm sure you would like that; I would love to have that kind of wisdom wouldn't you? As I was reading my Bible the Lord showed me something that just jumped out at me. Let me share it with you. In Proverbs 16 and verse 23 it says The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. That is, a man that is wise in heart, as in
Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. His heart will teach his mouth what to say, when to say it, and before whom; he shall not be at a loss in what to say, nor how to say it; it will furnish him with words and things; My lips will say right things at the right time; wonderful, I'm ready for that you might say. Are you? Well here is how it's done. The mouth is controlled and can only speak what is going on in our hearts; Matthew 12:34……for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. That means I am going to talk about what is going on in my heart; that's what will come out of my mouth. Ever been around someone and they say a bad word? Know why? Because that's what was going on in the heart, and they couldn't control what came out the mouth. Notice it said the "abundance" Great plenty; an overflowing quantity. Like a pool of water that gets too full, the water is going to over flow so what we talk about the most is what our heart is full of. So when our heart is full of God it will come out our mouths but not only that our heart will teach our lips and we will know when and where and how to say it. If a man or woman gets mad and goes to fussing and talking loud it is easy for you and I to do the same; it's called getting in the flesh. We were born knowing how to do that, is that the way God wants us to handle a disgruntled person? I think not because Proverbs 15:1 teaches us how we are to react A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. What do you want to do? See who can get the loudest and say the most hurtful things? I love the next verse Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge the right way. Where does the wise get his knowledge? Simple Psalms 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Psalms 119:10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Want God to come out of your mouth? He must first be in your heart! So what are you thinking about? Has someone hurt you? Then expect bitterness and unforgiveness to come out. Thinking about you and yours a lot? Then expect to hear the pronouns like I, me and mine used a lot in your vocabulary. Well, I just want the Lord to be seen in me today and I want to spend time thinking about Him today because I realize that without Him I'm nothing and He is the one others need to see and focus on. Stop right now and lift your hands in the air and say thank you Lord for your blessings on me; it will do you good!

 

Slave

One of my good friends just got back of a long needed vacation with his family. Vacations are great! For a few days we get to do what we want. No phone calls, No problems, Sleep as late or get up as early as you want and then decide what will be the daily activity. It is a time when we are free from the things we become slaves to. You see not all slaves wear chains; not all slaves are sold on an auction block. Some slaves have been physically free all their lives but are slaves to guilt over those mistakes of our past, shame over what we've been, or what we've done. Yes, slaves to our dark said, our anger, selfishness, habits and patterns that we just seem powerless to break. Why you can even be a slave to religious bondages! Fears of legalisms, allowing others to have power over us making us feel inadequate and helpless without their advice. It allows them to put shackles on us. We don't need to become slaves to religion or religious leaders and we don't need to become slaves to our past what you and I need is a Liberator and the liberator we need is Jesus Christ for He comes with what could be the very best news you have ever heard. Look with me in John chapter 8 John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, (surely, surely) I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin (lives a sinful life) is the servant (salve) of sin.

John 8:35 And the servant (slave) abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

John 8:36 (So) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (Absolutely free)

Look at these two verses John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:36
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

There's no religion, no spirituality, nor ritual that can liberate you from sin's shackles. The only one who can do that is the man who bought your freedom with His Blood. Mark 10:45
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
(To redeem many people)

He gave His life on the cross to take the guilt and the penalty for every wrong thing we've ever done. There is no other way to break sin's hold over us and to keep our sin from condemning us for all eternity. The line had been drawn between spiritual slavery and spiritual freedom and it runs by the cross of Jesus Christ. The question is have you ever stepped across that line and into His waiting, forgiving, healing arms? You cross that line when you say Lord I understand now that you love me so much that You died for me. You took my sin and gave me a new life in Christ Jesus and have "MADE ME FREE." What He's done for others He'll do for you because He is no respecter of persons." Act 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: That's how I got in the family! God didn't say this boy came from a good family and has had a good up bringing so he'll be good for my family. Oh no! That's not the way it happens at all. I was a sinner and when I realized that I asked God to forgive me and He did just that and He put me in His family and nobody can put me out. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
"Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, No freedom from my sorrow I felt; But Jesus came and listened to me And glory to God, He set me free, He set me free, He set me free, He broke the bonds of prison for me. I'm glory bound my Jesus to see, for glory to God, He set me free."

House or Home

Southern Railroad Company in 1905 constructed a tunnel along the face of Lookout Mountain and this tunnel intersected and sealed off the natural entrance to the Lookout Mountain Cave. In doing this, the Lookout Mountain Cave was completely shut off to the public. But
Leo Lambert, a local cave enthusiast knew of Lookout Mountain Cave and had even explored the cave prior to it being sealed off. He had a desire to reopen it to the public and devised a plan from which to do so. In 1923, Mr. Lambert along with a group of investors decided to enact his plan. His idea was to drill an elevator shaft from another point on the mountain to access the cave from the surface above. On December 28, 1928, while excavating the elevator shaft a worker operating a jackhammer discovered a void in the rock and felt a gush of air.
This void was located at the 260 foot level, still 160 feet above the Lookout Mountain Cave. Upon further inspection, an opening, 18 inches high and five feet wide, was discovered. Lambert, along with a small crew, entered this opening to explore the new found cave. While exploring they discovered a number of unusual and beautiful rock formations, flowing passages and several stream beds. Pushing their way deeper and deeper into the cave, they finally reached its marvelous jewel, the waterfall. Mr. Lambert and his exploration party were awestruck by its magnificence and beauty, and quickly returned to the surface to share their new found discovery with the rest of the crew.
Lambert named the falls in honor of his wife "Ruby." While in pursuit for something else Mr. Lambert found something that was far more important than what he was searching for. That's the way life is we are in pursuit of our dreams, we are working hard, we are making progress and then all of a sudden the Lord shows
us something far more important that will bring more enjoyment into our lives than we could have ever imagined. Can you remember the day that you were on the track toward your dream? It could have been a business, a bank account, a dream house (noticed I didn't say home for you can't buy a home just a house) position, or maybe it was just to fit in with a certain kind of people. We have all had dreams. Digging our way to what we thought would bring us true happiness when all of a sudden the Lord shows up and says this is the way walk ye in it! Some; like myself and hopefully you followed His direction and as I had said many times "I would not trade one day with the Lord for all the days without Him." Like the songs says

 

There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! No, not one!

None else's could heal all our soul's diseases, No, not one! No, not one!

 

No friend like Him is so high and holy, No, not one! No, not one!

And yet no friend is so meek and low-ly No, not one! No, not one!

 

There's not an hour that He is not near us, No, not one! No, not one!

No night so dark but His love can cheer us, No, not one! No, not one!

 

The song goes on for two more verses as it tells us that Jesus is a friend that will not forsake his children or a sinner so bad that He would not take him into His family. Then we are told of the gift like the Savior that was given and then "Will He refuse us a home in heaven? "No, not one! No, not one!"
Wait that means me! Excuse me but I am just going to have to shout about my HOME in HEAVEN (home, remember you can't buy homes) John 14:2-In my Father's house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. "I go to prepare a place for you. (Wayne)
V-3-
And if I go and prepare a place for you, (Wayne) I will come again and receive you (Wayne) into myself; that where I am, there ye (Wayne) may be also. Don't you see it? Put your name there and you can shout too!

 

Money! In the Field

When my grand children were young I would tell them stories and in those stories I would give them a way to answer with an A answer or a B answer. Let me explain. I would say "you are out playing in this field and you saw a bag, you ran over to it and opened it up and it was full of money what would you do? A-would you tell your Mom & Dad or B- would you hide it and spend it yourself? How would you answer that? In a case like this I would say "it's my lucky day and hide the money and spend it myself. Not on wrong things mind you but on good things. Why I would give some to the poor, battered children, the Church, children's hospitals and a host of other worthy causes. You know like you hear people say they only play the lottery for the children! I have yet to hear of any lottery winner giving anything to the children. But to read how they went broke after a few years. So let's say I choose to hide the money and spend it myself. Now finding the money wasn't wrong; but it wasn't mine. If it's right why do I have to hide it? Now let's say I go in to a store and spend some of the money and the serial numbers come up and the police are called and I am taken in for questioning. So I tell them what has happened then they say we want you to look at something. They then show me a video tape of the money being taken and the person taking it. The body of the person taking the money looks like mine even his face except for the mask looks like me. Guess what? I may be going to jail for a long time for something I didn't do!

That is just a story I made up but what about this. James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Now I am sure if we found a bag of money in a field I would hope we would do the right thing. But what about when we know to do right or good and we don't do it? James says it is sin! So if I know something is right and I hide it; what is that?

Genesis 3:8
And they (Adam & Eve) heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Genesis 3:10
And he (Adam) said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. If it's not wrong don't hide! Here is what is interesting; we may think we are hiding it but Psalms 69:5
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. We battle with it every day it's called sin; small, little, big, large it really doesn't matter it is sin and we all need help with it. 1John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1John 1:10
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Every sin has its origin in your heart.

Small compromises lead to great disasters.

Our sinful habit hurts those who follow us.

We lose our freedom of choice after we have chosen our actions. The consequences of our actions are now up to God.

God balances guilt with blame. Accept the blame for our actions and God, through our confession and forgiveness will eliminate the guilt.

 

If you were to find the money in the field don't hide it! For God knows where it's at!

 

 

Complaining

Complaining is something we all do from time to time. We complain if it rains too much and we complain if it doesn't rain enough. We complain if we miss an opportunity, we complain if we get sick, we complain if we….you get the picture I'm sure. There is not one who is reading this now that hasn't been treated wrong at one time or another. We have cried, felt lonely and left behind and at times we have felt that no one even cares about poor oh little me. But wait, there is nothing you or I can do about the troubles that come into our life is there? Well I think there is! Troubles will come that is for sure and if we live with a troubled attitude it will only make things worse. Try this instead of listing the troubles and problems why not make a gratitude list. That's right a list of things that you are grateful for. Let's see! How's your health? Are you enjoying eating every day? Loving family? Maybe you are glad the weekend is almost here? Do you have clothes to wear? Someone who loves you? Maybe you're the hero in your sons or daughters life? You are taking a vacation in a few weeks? A wife who still loves you and has encouraging words for you each day? If all else fails you may have a pet that awaits for your arrival each day. I love it, when all else has gone wrong I walk in the door and my dog is always glad I'm home. I am sure you can think of others to add to your list. Remember now only put on your list things you are grateful for. This is a terrific way to change your attitude in a hurry. You may say why is that? When I was in the military we were taught about our enemy but we were also taught about our weapon and how to use it. Now with that in mind let me show you something about our enemy. Our enemy only wants to do three things and he is very successful at doing them and he has destroyed many a person's life. John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: There they are Steal, Kill, Destroy…Steal your joy by your complaining... Kill your desires by dwelling on the past; which you can do nothing about. Destroy your zeal by getting you to think everybody is against you and no one loves you. Think like that and you'll soon be so depressed and stressed out and feel you're hopeless. But I love the next part of that verse…. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Now you can dwell on what's going wrong or the abundant life! I choose the latter! I say let's cut the pity party short and shift to the gratitude list because gratitude will get you much farther in life than complaining. The weapon we need to know how to use is our Bible it needs to get off the table and into our hearts. Psa 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Notice he said in our heart not our head. This is not Bible memorization for that will be in your head David said in your heart. Wonder what my wife would say if I said "sweetheart I love you with all my head." No, I love her with all my heart and there is a big difference. With my heart I know her and love her. So it is with Jesus Christ I know Him and love Him with my heart.

Now get busy with your Gratitude list…..only things you're grateful for! You have 10 minutes and we are turning the light out on the pity party.

Daily

I'm one of those morning people. As you already know I'm sure! You have to admit that there are some advantages to those early hours of the day, getting started on things before there are interruptions, beating the world to the punch. Zephaniah 3:5
The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

Co-workers will fail you some days, your boss will, your family will, your mate will, your church, fellow believers, even spiritual leaders. But "every morning, He will not fail."

I'm so glad God has based some of His central promises on daily delivery, because we don't experience our life as weeks, or months, or years. What we do we do a day at a time, and so does God! He meets our needs in the form of "daily bread" Matthew 6:11-Give us this day our daily bread. "His mercies are new every morning Lamentations 3:22-23-It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Lamentations 3:23-They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. In Psalm 68:19-Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us
with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. We're told that God is our "Savior, who daily bears our burdens." That's a good thing, because that's how we experience our burdens isn't it - the weight of this particular day.

Deuteronomy 33:25-
Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. Our strength will equal our days. You will never have a day for which you do not have matching strength, even if some days give you more to carry than the day before. The Apostle Paul tells us one big reason why we never need to "lose heart." 2 Corinthians 4:16-
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. So, no matter how battered you got yesterday, God has promised that He will give you a renewing, rejuvenating, re-energizing touch each new day. Some days you're going to wake up anxious. Some days you're going to wake up dreading the day. Some days you're going to be excited about what's ahead. Other days you're going to be overwhelmed by what's ahead, or some days you may be discouraged, or eager, or exhausted. But however you are, no matter what that day holds, the sun is going to come up again. It always does. And God is going to light this day, no matter what. So why don't you claim God's guarantee for yourself. "every morning He faileth not" You can count on HIM! Now put some excitement into your day and a smile on your face, for the Lord will give you the strength for this day and this day only. Concentrate on today! Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Today is all we can handle!

We Need this Bridge

Sometime today you will more than likely have to go across a bridge to get to where you are going. Bridges are very important getting us from one place to another and without some bridges it would be impossible to get there. There are bridges that go over lakes, rivers, creeks and other highways. I think of some of the important bridges of our day. There is the Golden Gate part of Route 101 and California State Route 1; it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The Golden Gate was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1937. There is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway it is the longest in the world over water measuring 23.87 miles. It's amazing what a difference a bridge can make it literally brings people and places together. And for all people, there needs to be a bridge for them to get to the most important destination of all - heaven. Actually, Jesus has bridged the "Grand Canyon" between a holy God and us sinners by His death for our sins.

2Co 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled (Brought into friendship from a state of disagreement) us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (restoring relationships)

2Co 5:19 To wit, (to know) that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them (He didn't hold people's faults against them); and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (This message of restored relationships to tell others)

2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors (representatives) for Christ, as though God did beseech (beg) you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him (Christ)
to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Let's look at it another way:

2Co 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled
(Wayne Sosebee) to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to
(Wayne Sosebee)
the ministry of reconciliation;

2Co 5:19 To wit,
that God was in Christ, reconciling
(Wayne Sosebee) unto himself, not imputing his trespasses unto him; and hath committed unto
(Wayne Sosebee) the word of reconciliation.

2Co 5:20 Now
(Wayne Sosebee) is ambassadors
for Christ, as though God did beseech
you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2Co 5:21
For he hath made him
(Christ)
to be sin for
(Wayne Sosebee), who knew no sin; that
(Wayne Sosebee) might be made the righteousness of God in him.
(Christ)

You can put your name in there or anybody else, because it's all about Christ and I thank Him for giving the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ sled blood on Calvary's cross. Don't you? For He is the bridge!

 

 

What Happened Friday

Well, I missed writing my email/blog on Friday not by choice. This was the first one I had missed in over six months of writing them. Let me share with you what the Lord taught me last Friday. My day started off rough; my computer crashed and I was unable to write and no way to tell anyone what had happened. Then $50.00 was missed placed; so my Friday started. I was very discouraged to say the least. I was going to have to take my computer to Best Buys and let them fix it. I was really having an awful day when the Lord spoke to my heart and reminded me of what I had just written the day before "Why I don't care how bad a day I am having it is nothing compared to Job's! He lost everything in one day. " The Lord reminded me of that. Know what I did? I started praising the Lord and singing and making melody in my heart and I soon forgot about all my troubles, for there was nothing I could do about them anyways. I changed my attitude and it changed my action. I had to run by another company and meet with a man that I do business with. As I was leaving I told him I had to run by Best Buys and take my computer and told him about it crashing. He said let me look at it, I went and got it out of the truck. He turned it on and to my wondering eyes the computer came on and this is what it said; "windows has solved your problem." I was already in the praise mode and I just shouted out and said "well just praise the Lord for He is good, all the time He is good! My Pastor taught me that; just thought I would share that with you it might just help you some day. Man was I excited that computer screen might as well have said "The Lord has solved your problem." He's the one that did. But my day was not over yet there was more to follow. Later that day I went in one of my customers home and as I entered her kitchen I sensed something was wrong then she told me that her husband had just passed away May 6. I went about my work and when I was finished I sat down with her for a minute just to talk. As I talked with her the Lord impressed on me to have a word of prayer with her, I did and she was more than thankful. Then I told her "Mrs. Poole you have become more of a friend than a customer and if there is anything I can do to help you please call me." What started off to be an awful day turned out to be the best day of the week and I don't have the space to tell you about the Reformers meeting that night but the Lord blessed again. He showed Himself to be real and I credit it to when I changed my attitude from poor me to how great the Lord is and began to praise Him. I have also found out two of our RU students were baptized last night. I knew one was being baptized but a second one got saved Sunday morning and both were baptized at Cross Roads Baptist Church. Don't know if that helps you but it is still helping me.

So this week when things are going wrong just change your attitude from poor me to Praising the Lord for your blessings on me. Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; You see, it's all about Him anyways!

 

 

Good News, Bad News

I have you ever stopped to get a little something from a convenience store? Candy bar, coke, chips, water or gas. How did the person behind the counter treat you? With kinds words or a smile or were they a real grouch? Maybe you're the one behind the counter or someone others will meet today, how will they react? The choice is ours we can focus on being a grouch or a good news person, it is all up to you. Ask yourself this question how would I like others to treat me? We can read the newspaper and watch T.V. and get all the news off the internet. I have noticed it is mostly bad new not good. If I were to ask you if you could buy a Good News newspaper and from page to page it had wonderful inspirational stories about people overcoming adversity and doing good things for others would you read it? Now remember, if you did you couldn't complain about the bad news because you wouldn't be read about it. Now what are you thinking? Are you thinking, well I really need to know what is going on in the world I live in. Ok so you enjoy being able to complain! Remember by the choices we make, by the attitudes we exhibit, we are influencing lives every day in positive or negative ways….our family, our peers, our friends, and even strangers we don't even know. So how can we over come all the bad news? We will never be able to overcome it all but we can overcome a lot of it. Here is my attitude on bad news. I hardly ever listen to the news on the T.V. hardly ever do I read a newspaper. I don't even listen to a radio very much. How in the world do you know what is happening you might ask. Good question and here is my answer. If it's that bad someone will let me know. When the Twin Towers were destroyed I didn't hear about it from the radio, T.V. I received a phone call and they told me. That's how I find our most things that are bad. When I get up in the mornings I read my Bible that book always encourages me and enlighten me. Why I don't care how bad of a day I am having it is nothing compared to Job's! He lost everything in one day ; read about it Job Chapter 1. So I can dwell on the negative if I want but that's not what the Lord wants me to do. Psalms 145:1
I will extol (highly praise) thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:2
Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:3
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Psalms 146:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 146:2
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Psalms 147:1
Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

Psalms 148:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

Psalms 149:1

Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Psalms 150:1

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Psalms 150:2

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Psalms 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Psalms 150:4

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Psalms 150:5

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Psalms 150:6
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Know what I think? I think we should have an attitude of PRAISE. What do you think? Because bad things will happen with or without you.

 

Look Past the Garbage

I have noticed over the past few years that I am not as strong as I was at one time. Last Friday night once again I was reminded of that. We were moving things out of my office into storage when I tried to pick something up that in times past would have been no problem. But this night it was a major problem, I needed help and then it was still difficult for me. I have also noticed I have aches and pains in my joints my eyes aren't what they use to be and I think my hearing is starting…..you get the picture I am sure. I can look back and wish I was what I used to be or I can look at it another way. I like this way best "Yep, my body is wearing out, I guess, but I'm just grateful I'm here for it." You just have to see beyond your aches and pains to the blessing of at least being alive to feel them. Here is how you weigh them out: physical problems – small stuff, being alive – big stuff. Look at Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Do you see the picture? The farmer is complaining about the mess his oxen make in the barn. If I didn't have those oxen, I wouldn't have all this manure. But wait if you didn't have the oxen you wouldn't have the harvest you are having. A little mess because you've got a big blessing. Too many times I complain and even get frustrated by things that aren't working, things that are hurting, things that need fixing, problems that need solving, jobs that need doing. Maybe I too forget that the reason I've got a problem is because I have a gift from God. I've been given blessings, opportunities, years, people who love me, people who look up to me, people who need me, and I have also been given a work to do. I can complain about the manure, or I can be glad I have an ox. I can gripe or be thankful for the gifts. I can be negative because of the mess, or I can be positive because the mess is the result of progress.
Psa 16:5
The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. {You Lord, are the one who determines my destiny}

Psa 16:6
The lines are fallen {boundary lines mark out} unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. {my inheritance is something beautiful}

Where is your attitude coming from? Is it coming from your load or your Lord? From your burdens or blessings! The mess from the wrapping paper or the gift from God that was wrapped in it! Look past the garbage to the goodness of God. Be thankful that you are here for it.