That

That is a word we use all of the time, but have you ever really thought about what it means? Webster says the word that means- a word used as a definitive adjective, pointing to a certain person or thing before mentioned, or supposed to be understood. "Here is that book we have been seeking this hour." "Here goes that man we were talking of."

A word that is used to point out something before mentioned. With that in mind let's look at

Romans 6:6
Knowing this,(We know)
that our old man
(that's the person we used to be)
is crucified with him,
(Jesus)
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin)

Did you notice the word "THAT" was used three times? Knowing this, What? That our old man was crucified put to death with Jesus. Why? From this time forward destroy
sin in our bodies. That, from this time forward we are no longer slaves to sin. Webster says the word slave means A person who is wholly subject to the will of another; one who has no will of his own, but whose person and services are wholly under the control of another. Did that mean that a person who is wholly subject, who has no will of his own? We want to stop doing whatever we are doing, drinking, drugs, lust, anger………... but we can't. We have tried many times but we have yet to succeed in becoming free. The reason being we have become a slave to it and it controls us now listen! We know that the person we used to be. There it is the person we used to be. So there must be a change. We can't do this on our own, I have tried to do it on my own just like you have and failed. Until!!!!! I quit trying and started TRUSTING. For something to be old there has to be something NEW! The problem you are having is the same one I was having I didn't know Christ and I had never asked Him to forgive me of my sin and come into my heart. Guess what, many are trying and not TRUSTING.

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

So knowing the truth does more than set you free, it makes you free. That is much better than set free.

So it makes no different, for it is the truth that will make you free. You want that which is giving you a problem to be old? It can be for there are many that have been made free and they now know Jesus and they are no longer a slave to the drug, drink, lust, anger. Well to put it in short form, you can have as much as you want or as little as you are satisfied with. The problem, many are satisfied with too little. I am like the man who says I want it all. How about you? Everyone wants to be delivered from temptation the problem is they want to keep in touch. Have a great weekend and I hope you learned something this week from someone you were around. See you Monday and may the Lord bless each of you real good until then.

My Share

In the book of Luke chapter 12 we read this verse Luke 12:15
And he said unto them, Take heed, (be careful) and beware of covetousness: (greed) for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Could you shine a little more light on that for us Jesus?

Luke 12:16
And he spake a parable unto them, saying,
The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

Luke 12:17
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

Luke 12:18
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

Luke 12:19
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

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?

Luke 12:21
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. We see God calling what appears to be a very successful business man a fool. Why was this man a fool? Was it because it's wrong to be good at business? Should every business be non-profit? Should there be no planning for the future or retirement? Should there be no enjoyment of life and the fruit of our labors? Is it wrong to have an abundance of things? If that is what you got out of those verses then you missed it. The rich man's problem wasn't that he had nice things, planning for the future or that he had made a profitable business; why then did God called this man a fool? Look again at verse 21 So
is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Is God saying you didn't give me my share? No! Because everything belongs to God anyways, so what does "not rich toward God" mean? This parable is not about business or profits, but perspective here we read of a good farmer making big profits but in all that profit he only thinks of himself. Did you notice how he worded things "he thought within himself "What shall I do ""I have no room "bestow my fruits "This will I do": I will pull down my barns "I bestow all my fruits and my goods "I will say to my soul" This man was called a fool because all he could think about was himself not one time do we read of him saying anything about God. He didn't say thanks to God who brought the good weather and rain that allowed me to have this bumper crop. He didn't say I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father who has given me the ability to have what I have. No! Not one time was this man rich toward God. It would do us all good to sit down and take an account of what we have and thank God for allowing us to have it. I hope you have and I hope you have given God credit and not yourself; for without Him you wouldn't have a thing. Don't forget God provides us each day with all the oxygen we can breathe and if you don't think that is very important then just stop breathing. Why don't you just stop what you are doing and be rich toward God it will do you good and He wants to hear you. Invite God as your partner in your life and seek to develop your relationship with Him. Give Him the rightful place as Lord in your life. If you do this, you'll be in a secure place with treasures stored for eternity that no one or nothing, not even death, can take away

Tsunamis

 

In December of 2004 there was a Austrian man who was enjoying a day at the beach in Thailand when he saw the water suddenly being sucked out to sea. He had recently seen a show on the Discovery Channel about tsunamis and he knew what was coming next. He ran up the beach yelling as loud as he could, "Run for your life!" For he knew that in just seconds the full force of the tsunami would hit and anyone left on the beach would then be killed. There was this one German lady in her beach chair who said to me "I think I'll just sit here and watch" he said as he told the reporter that was interviewing him. She didn't move and then he hung his head and began to cry and said "she's dead." That is a sad story about someone be warned and did nothing about it. Among the tens of thousands who died that day, many died because they went unwarned. But there were those like that lady who were warned but refused to respond. In Hebrews chapter 11 I read of a man named Noah being warned; read it for yourselves

Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Noah being warned of things not seen as yet; wow, Noah was warned of something he knew nothing about. But Noah took advantage of the warning and prepared for what was to come. Had Noah refused to believe what he was hearing he too would have been washed away by the great flood that was on its way? I often tell people "it's for sure we are all going to die and what different will it be if I am wrong and there is no God or no heaven." "But if you refuse to heed the warning you need to asked yourself the same question what if I'm wrong and there is a God and a place called Heaven will it make a different." Let me answer that; "YES IT WILL" for if there is a Heaven then there is a hell and if the streets are paved with gold then there is fire in hell. Read this and see what you think
Luke 16:19
There was a certain rich man,

Luke16:20
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus,

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

Luke 16:23
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
(did you see that "s" on the word "torment")

Luke 16:24
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Two men, one rich the other a poor beggar; one believed the warning the other refused it; did it really make a difference? After death which one would you rather have been? If you chose the beggar then you have chosen right; so what did you say you did with that warning? Refuse it like the German lady and the rich man; if so then the tsunami is coming and in seconds, minutes, hours, days, months or years it will come upon you and you will not survive. Received Christ like the beggar and one day the angels will come and take you away to a land of peaceful rest; man I am getting excited already, how about you? We will leave this place of sorry, sadness, sickness and shame to a place prepare for you.

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.

Have you been open to any instruction yet and did you listen? You haven't forgotten what we are doing this week have you? Then go back and read Mondays e-mail or go the blog and reread it. WWW.ruministry.blogspot.com

Life that Matters

Having a life that matters isn't that what we all want? Too many times we go about it the wrong way for we think having money and being able to give to those in need is what life is all about. Some think that prestige in their career and how many times they show up in a Google search is the answer. No, for greatness is not being the most popular, outgoing, smartest or the most gifted; sad as that may sound. You see what if you don't have money that you can give to help others? Do you see me with my hand up! What if you don't have prestige and your name wouldn't come up on a Google search; like mine even if you spelled it backwards. What if you were not popular, outgoing or even kind of smart and you had gifts that no one really wants to open? Even if all that's you, don't you still want to live a life that matters? I do and I think you do too. So, what makes our life worth living and how can we make a difference during our lifetime? Listen to this story I found that spoke to me, I hope it will speak to you also. This is a true story by the way. The story is about a man who once was an athlete. He played college football until one day, as a young adult, he suffered a stroke at practice. The stroke caused brain damage and the man was in a coma for a couple of weeks. When he woke up, he was paralyzed and couldn't walk. The doctors told him that he would never walk again. Eventually, he regained the use of his legs and re-learned how to walk, but the brain damage was severe enough that he would never be his old self again. He would be challenged for the rest of his life. Sounds awful doesn't it? So what does a person like this do? Can't play football so what does he do? The university where he had played football gave him a job as a custodian. He loved his job. He was so thankful to God that he is alive and can hug his wife and give piggyback rides to his kids. He said he was thankful that the school gave him a good job even though it was picking up other people's trash because he loves helping people. Here was a guy who has all the reasons in the world to be angry with God and to give up. But instead, because his life has been touched by God's love, he found real life and the way to greatness to live a life that matters by loving God and serving others. By the world's standards, this custodian will likely never be considered great. But, in God's eyes he is making a difference by being a servant, which by the way, Jesus defines as the core value of real leadership! So as my Pastor said long ago "see the need take the lead."

Luke 7:36
And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

Luke 7:37
And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

Luke 7:38
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. One is invited, one is not, one a religious leader the other a woman with a bad reputation. So what happens?

Luke 7:4o (Jesus said)……
Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

Luke 7:41
There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

Luke 7:42
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Luke 7:43
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

Luke 7:47
Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same
loveth little.
The man in the story was thankful he was alive and didn't care that his job was a custodian. He was thankful for it. What about you are you thankful for what you have? Are you taking what you have and living a life that matters?

Listening! RU?

Who will teach you this week? Who will you learn something from this week, that will help you the rest of your life? We can learn from anyone, a small child, a teen, a young person and for sure those that are older than we are; that could even be your parents. No I am not talking about a classroom where you sit and listen to the teacher and instructor teach, but from just common people that you and I will come in contact with this week. But there are some rules if you are going to learn anything. Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. As we have watched the Olympic Games in Van Hover Canada last week and this weekend I got to thinking about all the ones who would have loved to be there and are not. Oh, they tried out maybe even hundreds of times but out of all of those who tried out only a handful made it. What made the difference? One simple thing the ones who made it were open to instruction. They listened to the critical examination of the merits of their performance and the instruction of the coaches and made the changes being asked of them. You see stubbornness, pride and hard-headedness landed many on the bench. But those who were willing to heed instruction went on to chase their Olympic dreams.

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Proverbs 2:2
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Proverbs 2:3
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

Proverbs 2:4
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

Most would do well to learn from this wisdom. Too often, we insist on doing things our own way, thinking our own way is right. As a result, we create turmoil for those around us and ourselves. The ugly word for this is pride. Pride thinks of me first. It's the attitude that says, "I'm right, you're wrong." "It's my way or the highway." How many opportunities will we miss just because we are too busy to listen or think we know all there is to know about that subject.
Lets challenge ourselves this week to be open to instruction, remembering that the Scriptures tell us in

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. So let's listen to advice and accept instruction so that our end will be wise. I feel like it is going to be another wonderful week. One the Lord has made just for the each of us so get ready and learn something good this week; remember you just have to LISTEN!

 

Grimaldi

The circus is in town and one of the most exciting things about the circus for me is the clowns. How do so many of them fit into such a small car? I always laugh at some of the dumb things they do, but that's why they do them to get you to laugh. Have you ever heard of the name Joseph Grimaldi? He was more than likely the father of the clown world; if you were to ask any clown who Grimaldi was he would know for Grimaldi was the first modern clown. He made his audiences laugh, but they cried too. His style of clowning mirrored the complexities of the modern era. His father was strict and Grimaldi suffered severe beatings as a child. His life on stage began at the age of two. Around 1803 Joseph Grimaldi created the figure of "Joey". According to his biographer, Andrew McConnell Stott in The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi, Grimaldi worked intensively for days to perfect the look 'until finally a face emerged from the candlelight that bore a grin so incendiary it refused to be erased'. Grimaldi would bring tears to his audience's eyes by telling the tale of a man who went to see his doctor because he was feeling so sad. The doctor said, "You should go to see a performance by the great clown, Grimaldi. That will cheer you up", to which the response was, "But doctor, I am Grimaldi." Grimaldi understood tragedy. His first wife died after only eighteen months of marriage. His son from his second marriage was an alcoholic and died at an early age. Grimaldi retired in 1823, physically and mentally exhausted. He was virtually crippled and in his last years would spend his evening's quietly in The Marquis of Cornwallis pub in Pentonville. Grimaldi never lost his popularity and is a legend in the theatrical world. Every year on the first Sunday in February a memorial service is held for Grimaldi in Dalston, London.
Charles Dickens edited Grimaldi's memoirs. He remarked that, "The clown left the stage with Grimaldi and though often heard of, has never since been seen." The man who made everyone laugh was a very sad man. Did you see it as you read his story? Severe beatings as a child; correction yes severe beatings; never! Punishment sure! Whipping yes! But never severe beatings!

Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. His last years spent in a bar what happened or did he ever have what he wanted others to have so much "happiness." What about you and I are we happy? Or are we hanging on to an unforgiving heart for what someone or somebody did to us in our childhood or last week. Maybe it was something beyond our control like a death and we just can't let it go. We have all had things happen to us in our childhood that we wish we could change; but you know what? We can't! But we can do something about today and next week and next month or we can continue to hold on to those things we can do nothing about and continue to let them eat at us day by day. How will you end up and where will you spend your time and will you still be hanging on to whatever it is until you take your last breath. I hope not .

1John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: Forgive others, forgive yourself for as long as it's in the darkness the enemy will continue to use it to destroy your life.

Matthew 6:23
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. But you don't understand; yes I do understand! When I was nine years old something happened to me beyond my control that I kept in darkness for 47 years and the enemy had a hay day with it until I forgave those who did it to me and forgave myself and now I could care less who knows about it; why? Because it's out of darkness and I am free from its bondage. Life is too short to be unhappy and walk around in darkness. See you Monday and have a great weekend.

Appreciation

It is better to bring a cheap bouquet to a living friend this very day, than a bushel of roses, white and red, to lie on his casket when he's dead. I read that and thought I would share it with my friends. It's called appreciation as we are told in

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, (Don't say anything that would hurt another person) but that which is good to the use of edifying, (building up others) that it may minister grace(give help wherever it is needed) unto the hearers. We all need that you know. God says the only words you and I ought to be speaking to people are those that will build them up. Giving to those people around you encouragement, give them compliments and thank you's, and affirmations - the kind of things we usually say at their funeral. I remember when my dad died and I stood by that casket - and some wonderful, wonderful things were said about him. All these people had wonderful praise for the kind of man that my dad had been - unfortunately my dad couldn't hear any of them. Don't miss understand me I really do appreciate the kind words that were said but I do hope they told him. On yesterday morning I received a call from a man out of state that has been working the Reformers Unanimous Addiction program; his call was brief but his words were granitic to me the hearer. This is what he said "just called you this morning to tell you I love you and say thank you." I was for a moment speechless for I had done very little, it was all the work of God in this man's life. We talked briefly as he told me all that God was doing in his life and how that God had sent people to help in the area's he needed help in. All I can say is "isn't God Good!" You, like me, probably don't hear many words of appreciation most of the time we hear you could have done better than that, what were you thinking, have you lost your mind, that was about the dumbest thing I have ever heard you say, you should take better care of yourself have you looked in the mirror lately, and on and on its an endless list of our failures a steady diet of what we need to improve and where. I have spoken with, I can't count how many that have told me no matter how hard I tried or how hard I worked I can never remember my dad praising me for anything I ever did. May I say that's sad! I remember working for a company many years ago; we had a company meeting every third Friday of each month; no excuses just be there. On this one Friday I received some advice that I have never forgotten. We were told to always look for something we could praise the customer for or about; he said look, for there is something no matter how sour their personality is or how crazy their ideas are there is something there you can praise them for or about look for it and find it. That works well in business but isn't that what God has told us to do that for each other?

Ephesians 4:31
Let(Get rid of) all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, (tumult or grief) and evil speaking, (loud quarreling, cursing) be put away from you, with all malice: (trouble, evil, naughtiness, wickedness)

Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, (sympathetic) forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Could you change the attitude of that employee with some appreciation or maybe your boss with some appreciation. I know what others may call it but God said we should do it so who do you want to please? I can only answer for myself and the "Answer is….MY HEAVENLY FATHER! What's yours?

Give Up

Throw in the towel is an English Idioms and Expressions which means to give up, give into, give over or give out. When the day is done and you are given out and you use the term throwing in the towel that is alright but to give up or give over is altogether another thing. When I read statistics like "2 million will began abusing prescription drugs this year." I asked myself why! Or " 10% of America's youth abuse drugs on a regular basis" and "30% of youth under the age of 21 have used alcohol in the last year." Why! Some do it because others entice them to do so, others because of peer pressure and then others to escape the pressures of reality. Whatever the reason is out of all those numbers there are those who will one day just throw in the towel and give up for like a monster the drugs and alcohol have over taken them. I have been at the casket of young and old that have thrown in the towel because of alcohol or drugs and it's not very pleasant. It was in the afternoon when a mother and daughter had just returned from an enjoyable time together. That is when the ex-husband came flying into the drive way and got out of the car and in his right hand there was a pistol. He came through the side door into the kitchen and out into the back yard where the mother and daughter were sitting and enjoying the rest of the afternoon. He walked right up to his ex wife and stuck the pistol to her head and pulled the trigger and in a flash of a second the mother lay dead on the ground and then that young lady saw her dad turn the pistol on himself and then they both were laying on the ground. The reason; who knows for sure but something snapped and he decided to throw in the towel for the both of them. Two lay dead and their daughter will relive that day over and over in her mind in living color. What is the answer you may ask; the answer is what I saw on the front bumper of a 55 Chevrolet that used to drive around our neighborhood where I grew up it simply said "JESUS SAVES." I have seen men and women turn their lives around by giving them to Jesus Christ 20, 30, 40 years of alcohol and drug abuse and never to darken the door of jails and prisons again and it's all because of Jesus. 2Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: (creation) old things are passed away; (old way of living has disappeared) behold, all things are become new. (new way of living has come) The new way of living is something we couldn't do on our own even though we tried many times before. But when we let Jesus in our hearts, everything ; and I do mean everything changes and He is the answer to the Alcoholic, the drug addict, the anger issue in our lives and every other problem we couldn't overcome on our own. Can you identify with that? I can! I am glad of that day and God is letting me help those who were just like me; isn't it great, I love it. And please, please my friend, don't throw in the towel for the answer is JESUS! Just like the song says "There is hope so be strong, there is hope God has sent me here to tell you there is hope; and he knows just what you are going through; what the future holds because Jesus lives there is hope." And I say AMEN!

 

Thomas

The siren blared at 6 a.m.at the Orange City Wal-Mart in Florida announcing the start to the post-Thanksgiving sale. There are a mob of shoppers rushing for a sale on DVD players. The first woman in line had her eye on a $29.00 DVD player when she was pushed down, and knocked unconscious as they scrambled for the shelves and then walked over her like a herd of elephants. These shoppers were not browsing they knew what they were after and nothing was going to stop them from being first. They didn't care if someone fell just as long as they were the first to get the bargains. It can be quit dangerous out there on the Friday after Thanksgiving; that's why I stay home. One person may think they have bagged their prized possession only to find another is willing to tackle them and take it away for themselves. That doesn't mean they have it either for they may lose it before they get home with it. Fights over dolls, DVDs, computers, games and who knows what. No one wants to lose that opportunity, it was put there for them and no-body and I do mean no-body is going to stand in their way of getting it; why they have been standing outside those doors for hours waiting for the moment for them to open. You know opportunities come and go. Some we get others we miss and we can all give an account to that.
John 20:19
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. This was Sunday night when Jesus paid His disciples a visit and gave them a word of peace. I can only envision what or how those disciples felt that night. Here they were behind shut doors with fear gripping their hearts because of the Jews and in the middle of their fear here stands Jesus. When they saw Him peace flooded their souls; what a night that must have been I would have hated to have missed that opportunity. But wait! Thomas one of the twelve; for whatever reason was not there with all the other disciples; wonder where he was? Maybe he was just too tired, for the stress was so great, maybe he just needed the time to get things in order so he would be ready for the next day; for it was going to be long too. I don't know why he wasn't there or where he was, I just know he wasn't with the rest of the disciples.
John 20:24
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. Therefore he missed out. What did he miss? He missed seeing Jesus and he missed being glad on a sad day.
John 20:20
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Many don't go to Church at all and you know what? They like Thomas miss out; it's a missed opportunity for them! Others miss the Sunday Night service they convince themselves they got what they needed in the Morning service and they need to get to bed early so they will be rested for the upcoming week; they like Thomas just missed another opportunity. Thomas missed out that's for sure but there's more; he had to wait another week before he had the opportunity again. Yes, he was able to hear all about it and sure he was able to see the excitement, joy and peace in all the other disciples. It is one thing to hear, it's all together another thing to be there. I am not sure that he believed all he heard; what do you think?
John 20:25
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. Thomas is going to get that opportunity; let's see what he will do with it.
John 20:27
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. Here ye go Thomas put your finger in my hand and put your hand in my side for I don't want you to be faithless.
John 20:28
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. You know I have never had the
opportunity that Thomas had and missed; for I have never seen the Lord with my eyes. But I have felt His presence and read His word and spent time with Him in prayer. I like Thomas have missed a Sunday night service for whatever reason and missed the opportunity; it was there, but I wasn't! Oh I heard about it later as the talk buzzed around, but I wasn't there; I could have been but I wasn't. A missed opportunity that can never be relived its gone forever just because I wanted to be a Thomas. Have you ever been a Thomas? Then you know what it's like to have missed a golden opportunity.

Thy Kingdom Come

In Matthew chapter 6 in what we call the Lord's Prayer we read these words Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. I want to talk about the phrase "Thy kingdom come "what's that all about? Notice what was said and what was not said. Thy Kingdom come; not ours, not mine or even their Kingdom comes. In Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come the word" Thy" is referring to God; so when we are praying we should be asking God for His kingdom to come. Which helps us understand what Matthew 6:33 is saying But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. So we too must be about our Fathers business. You and I live in a me world. We hear things like; "you deserve it," "you have worked for it and now it can be yours," "now if you join our….you can have everything you have ever dreamed for."" Want a new car! Go pick it out and drive it home today" "you want that….then just whip out the plastic and it's yours." We are living in a day when all we hear is me, me, me, mine, mine, mine, I, I, I, your rights, your things, and your agenda and if we aren't careful we become self centered and all we can see is ourselves. The Lord said when you pray Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: so here is the outline of the way I want you to pray Jesus said. So far the Lord has said nothing about you and I it's all been about HIM! Our Father, Who is in Heaven, Keep your mouth shut and now "Gods Kingdom come" not ours.

I want to go to the book of Esther to help bring this out Biblically for us; for here I think we can identify with what Queen Esther did. We will see an evil man by the name of Haman and another man by name Mordecai who was gutsy and had great words of wisdom for Esther. Then we will see Esther's conviction to save her people. We also have King Xerxes the king of Persia and Haman his right hand man. The sad thing about Haman, if we took the time to read every word written about him we would find nothing good at all said about him. You may be thinking Ok, Ok but what has this to do with "Thy kingdom come" Just wait I am getting there. In Chapter one of Esther you find a big party going on and after seven days all the men are drunk. King Xerxes comes up with this drunken idea and calls for the Queen Vashti to come show all the drunken men how beautiful she is. Get the picture her husband asked her to come in front of a bunch of lustful drunken men to show off her beauty and she says NO! Which cost her the crown but none the less she did that which was right. So the King is now in pursuit of a new Queen and Esther becomes the new Queen; it is an exciting story you'll have to read about it yourself in the book of Esther. In the mean time Haman wants everyone to bow to him but Mordecai refuses which angers Haman to the point that he wants to not only get rid of that Jew Mordecai but the whole Jewish nation. All is going as planned but Mordecai goes to his adopted Daughter and tells her the plan of Haman and asked her to go in front of the King. Esther says I can't do that, you just don't go in front of the King unless the King holds out the golden scepter and it's been 30 days and he hasn't called.

Esther 4:11
All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. Mordecai says you must go in front of the King or our Nation is going to be exterminated. Don't forget about two of the King's eunuchs who are angry and are planning to kill the King and when they find out that you are a Jew they will kill you too. Esther this isn't about you, it's not even about your safety. Stop and think; God may have allowed you to be Queen for such a time as this! If you refuse then God will use someone else.

Esther 4:14
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther says OK I'll do it and sent a reply back.

Esther 4:15
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Esther 4:17
So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. Well what happened? Esther 5:1
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

Esther 5:2
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Translate;" When the King saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard he said WOW! HUBBA-HUBBA!" Esther 5:3
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. The King noticed something was troubling Esther and told her to tell him and he would give up to half the Kingdom. In short form, she did, she told of Haman's plans to kill all the Jews and since she was Jewish she would be killed too. Then there are the eunuchs who plan to kill him. So sweetheart we are both doomed! So what happened? Haman gets Mordecai's rope. Mordecai gets Haman's job. Esther gets a good night's sleep. The Jews live to see another day. And you and I get a reminder of what happens when you and I approach our Father unselfishly for He does as He has promised But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. It's not about the promotion, the pay raise, the transmission repairs or the tuition that is due; it's not about me, it's not about you but it is all about HIM! Seek ye first!

Moon Frog

Some years back on a Friday I got this idea; it was a simple plan but I would be taught something I hadn't planned on. Three of our grandchildren were coming to spend the night and I was looking forward to the evening. I got home early and was thinking of something special to do with them. As I walked outside I was looking at the fish in the pond and I got this idea. I had a big frog that I had set in the pond for decorations. I decided I would take this frog back into the woods and make up some wild tale. I would then take the grandkids into the woods looking for this frog after dark. After they arrived at the house all was going well as I began with the story. It went like this; I said "I guess you learned a lot today about the moon frog." They had no clue about what I was talking about so they said "what is a moon frog?" I then said "I can't believe that they didn't say anything at school today about the moon frog." Then I proceeded to tell them this story; Back in the late 20's the Japanese gave the USA a frog that only comes out on this date when it's a full moon and tonight is the night. They said can we go looking for one tonight and I said "we might." MY wife and I took them out to eat and before I knew it, it had gotten late. All three were in the back seat asleep. When we arrived home the two boys woke up and wanted to go looking for the moon frog. Off we went; as we walked through the bush in the dark they were asking all kinds of questions and then I said," Be quiet; did you hear that?" "Hear what" they asked; and I said "that noise" and then I put my light on that frog that I had placed there earlier. I said there's a moon frog and then I tried to get them to go and pick it up, but that was not going to happen. We left the woods and went back to the safety of the house. When we came in the door my granddaughter was crying because she didn't get to go; so we went back to the woods and I went through the same routine as before but this time when I put the light on that frog my granddaughter took off running to it and picked it up for she was not a bit afraid of it. Reminds me of Joshua and Caleb who believed God and they were well able to take the land God said they could have. Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. Caleb like my granddaughter had no fear for Caleb knew God would protect them. My granddaughter had no fear for she knew that I would not let any harm come to her. Now the boys, well they were like the others who feared Numbers 14:3
And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt? The boys were satisfied with just going back to the house; which they did. I have thought about that night from time to time and I have had to stop and ask myself more than once do I go back or do I go forward? John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Fear often keeps us from God's best - parenting out of fear, leading (or failing to lead) because of fear, resisting God's call or God's assignment because of fear, missing God's best because of fear of failure, leaving someone we know spiritually lost because of fear of sharing Jesus with them. Do you see what fear does? It keeps you and I from listening to and following the one who says

1John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. How about this past week did you trust God or did you fear the giants that were before you? Well, I hope you trusted God and overcame some fears. As I close for the week, you may not have given it much thought, but this Sunday will be Valentines Day and if you are not up to the wrath of your mate or sweetheart, I think it would be in your best interest to get a little something and a nice card; just to say "I LOVE YOU." I just want you to have a nice day come Sunday!

The Violinist

Has anything happened in your life that changed you? I mean really changed you! There have been some things in my life that have. I am not sure of the year maybe 1974 or 75 I'm not sure and the names and the places in the story I don't remember, but the story is clear. Maze Jackson was preaching at Eastside Baptist Church where Dr Guy Rainwater was pastor and I went to hear him; I went by myself. I could have stayed home and had I, I would have missed one the biggest blessings in my life. I don't remember what Brother Maze was preaching or what book of the Bible but he gave an illustration that God used to impact my life. He told a story of a young boy who went one day to view in the window of a master violinist who was well known. As the young boy was listening to him play the violin he was caught and brought before the violinist who asked him what he was doing peeking in his window. The young boy then said that he wanted to play the violin and was hoping he would teach him. The man told him that he would never stick with it and he refused to waste his time. The boy then said no he really wanted to play. The violinist then said ok I'll teach you but you must be here every day to learn and that means no baseball, football or anything, everyday; summers when you are out of school, winters when it is cold; everyday do you understand? If you miss I am finished teaching you. The young boy agreed and never missed a day and became a prodigy. In his early twenty's he was so good that he was asked to play where there would be many important people. That night as that young man walked upon the stage he looked over the audience as he did he noticed that sitting up in the far corner was his teacher the famous violinist? As the young man began to play he played so well that he received a standing ovation more than once but his eyes were on his teacher who kept his seat. The young man kept playing and again he received a standing ovation and this time when all were seated his teacher stood and began to clap and then and only then did the young man smile for he had pleased his teacher. I don't know what happened that night but when I left that Church I would never be the same. God so touched my life that I wanted more than ever to have the Master pleased with what He had called me to do. I made up my mind that I would read His word everyday and let Him speak to me and teach me what He wanted me to know. That has been over 30 years now and early before the sun has time to rise I get alone with the God of this great place we live earth. I can still hear Brother Maze Jackson in the back of my mind and it really doesn't matter to me if anyone is ever pleased with what I do as long as the Lord is, for one day I want to hear the words

Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The Christian life should be more to you and I than just knowing we are going to heaven when we die and the reason being that one day we shall all stand before the God of this universe and we will all have to give an account for the life that we have lived here and I; as I hope you do want to do it with joy and not shame.

Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

1Corinthians 3:13
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

1Corinthians 3:14
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

1Corinthians 3:15
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Do you want to do enough to get by or do you really want to please the Lord? Rewards or Suffer loss which do you want? Which will you receive?

Five Feet Tall

Gladys Aylward was less than five feet tall with black hair. You may or may not have heard of her. I had never heard of her until I was reading and her name came up. I looked to see who this woman was and am glad I did. Gladys was born near London in 1902 to a working class family and as a young girl entered domestic service. After becoming a Christian at a revival meeting and responding to the speaker's urge to dedicate herself to God, Gladys felt she was called to go to China as a missionary. "As Gladys was growing up, she had two great sorrows. First, as her friends kept getting taller she stopped growing. Secondly, as her friends grew beautiful blonde curly hair, hers was straight black. Then she went to China. As she looked over the people to whom God had sent her, she said to herself, 'These people have hair as black and straight as mine...and they stopped growing when I did.' She bowed her head and said, 'Lord God, you know what you are doing!" Yes, He does. She worked and saved her money, for no one was willing to help her get to China. Gladys learned of an older woman missionary named Jeannie Lawson who needed a younger woman to assist her in her work in China. Gladys couldn't afford ship passage, but she did have enough for train fare - across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railroad and into China. In October, 1930 Gladys left London with her few possessions, and arrived at Vladivostok where she then traveled by ship to Japan, then on to China, where she rode a mule to the community of Yangchen, south of Beijing to join Mrs. Lawson. Gladys Aylward had been equipped by God with everything she needed to carry out His plan for her life. And so have you.

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. What would you think of getting something new and finding out later that the manufactory had left out some very important parts and because of that what you had would not work properly? I don't think you would be happy at all about that. When God made us He put in each and every one of us the parts that would make each of us do what He has created us for. We are not all the same! Everything you and I need for carrying out God's mission we have. And what you don't have, you don't need! That's what Moses argued with God about that he wasn't qualified to go to Pharaoh and rescue God's people.

Exodus 3:11
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
You might have said the same thing. I'm not wise enough….I am not educated enough and on and on you might go; but Gladys was so sure that God wanted her in China that she paid her way. The problems she had were many and even at one point she discovered a Japanese circular offering a reward for her capture or death. So with a 100 orphans she ran for her life and God opened up doors for her and the children and kept them safe. She was an amazing woman who depended on her God; so amazing was she that Hollywood based a major movie on her life, "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness." I have heard too many in their later years say "don't know why God keeps me around I guess He has something for me to do." I feel like telling them "my friend when the bus stopped for you, you didn't get on." I see that there is so much to get done in what God has called me to do I'll never get finished before He calls me home, therefore I pray that God will send those with a like heart so that I may train them for the days after I'm gone. Quit saying I can't or I don't have enough whatever and get busy with what God has called you to do for time is running out my friend.

Storms

On yesterday we dealt with being silent before a Holy God today I want to show you how to survive in the storms of life. Watch what happens when the storms come; and they will come.

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Matthew 7:25
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
We see that the reason the house didn't fall, it was not because of the building material but because of the foundation. Here is what went wrong in Job's life and ours too. We spend too much time watching the waves and looking at the winds; that is not the way out of the storm. Let's put it another way; let's say that you were a sailor and all of a sudden you find yourself in a terrible storm what would you do? The waves are high the winds are blowing the boat back and forth. You don't aim at another boat; that is what we do when we blame others. You sure don't stare at the waves; you set your sights on an object unaffected by the wind and the waves. Look for a light on the shore and head straight for it because the light is unaffected by the storm. That's what we should do ourselves

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Jesus is unaffected and waiting for you, His child to cry out. Matthew 14:24
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Matthew 14:25
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Matthew 14:26
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

Matthew 14:27
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Matthew 14:28
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

Matthew 14:29
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

Matthew 14:30But
when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. All was well, Peter asked if he could come out there with Jesus and Jesus said come on. Peter was walking on water but then he did something; we do it too, he took His eyes off that which was not affected by the storm and put them on that which was affected by the storm; when he saw the winds he was afraid and started to sink but then quickly he looks back at Jesus and says "Lord save me." What does the Lord do? The next verse tells us. Matthew 14:31
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Peter why did you not trust me? You may be saying, "Yes, Peter why didn't you?" The reason is the same for us we try to fix it ourselves for then we could say "things were bad but then I thought of ….." God doesn't need our help He just needs us to keep our mouth shut and our eyes on Him that because He is unaffected by our storm. Psalms 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Silent

 

We read the phrase Hallowed be thy name in Matthew chapter 6 and verse 9; I am interested in the word "Hallowed" Webster says Hallowed
Consecrated to a sacred use, or to religious exercises; treated as sacred; reverenced. It's a time to come before a Holy God and a time to be silent; in the Reformers Unanimous journal it has a place to list the things you want to Praise God for, what He has done and then it has a little word that says to pause. What that means is don't try to think or come up with something on your own but let the Lord tell you what to praise Him for. The same for our needs, our sins, what we thought, what we said and what we did; learn to listen and let God speak to your heart. That's learning to build a relationship with our heavenly Father, by allowing Him to speak, for there comes a time for you and I to be silent.

Job learned this lesson; he talked too much. As you read about all that happened to Job, the calamity that had pounced on this man is almost unbearable. His cattle had been slaughtered, lightning had destroyed his sheep, strong winds had left his kids buried in wreckage and this was just the first day. Then the boils came and his wife's encouraging words
Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die. (Still holding on to your principles? Curse God and die!)
Then his friends came with their words of encouragement at his bedside as a drill sergeant telling him God is fair and this is results of Job's evil. Job spent 23 chapters talking with his friends and then he spent the next 6 chapters giving his opinions on God. But in Job Chapter 38 God speaks
Job 38:1
Then the LORD answered Job What does God have to say?

Job 38:3
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Job 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding.

Job 38:5
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it?

Job 38:6
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner stone thereof; What does Job have to say?

Job 40:3
Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

Job 40:4
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Before Job heard God he couldn't speak enough. After Job heard God, he couldn't speak at all.
Job is just simply saying, Lord magnify yourself, Glorify yourself. You are Lord, and I'll be quiet. We must remember that God dwells on a different level from you and I. What frightens us does not frighten God. What troubles us does not trouble God. Here is the teaching; will storms come in our life? Yes. On tomorrow I'll show you how to survive in the storms of life. Start today and look for that which is good in those you come in contact with and see what kind of day you will have.

Swim Back

Some years ago I and my family had gone to Fort Walton Beach on vacation and on this vacation I got a hold of some snorkel equipment and started out viewing all that was going on under the water. I was seeing all kinds of things fish, crabs running along the bottom and things people had just thrown into the water. I was so involved with what I was viewing that I had not realized that I was drifting out to sea. Then all of a sudden without warning I was sweep out by an under currant. I pop my head up and I was too far out and I began swimming back to shore. I did many things wrong I was all by myself and not only that, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going or what I was headed for and if I had not been caught in that under current who knows where or what would have happened to me. But you know that happens in our Christian life too; for it’s easy to drift. The Apostle Paul says that we need to examine ourselves 2Cotinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
That’s a good thing to do from time to time for we are capable of drifting, so we need to test ourselves on a regular basic. Examine your Bible reading and ask yourself, am I reading less than I use to? Too many times we get in a hurry and if that happens regularly we can find ourselves saying I’ll just put it off until tomorrow but then we notice that one day turns into 2 and then it’s a month and then it months. Hey you drifted! Examine your prayer life, are you praying the way you use to? Or has it turned into a quick word on the way to work or while taking a shower or when there is a close call or urgent need. You use to kneel and pour your heart out to God but now you just haven’t the time for that anymore. Hey you drifted! Examine your Church attendance and your giving have you noticed that spiritual things just don’t seem that important anymore; I know your Pastor just isn’t feeding you like he use to and you have noticed those where you attend church are not as friendly as they use to be and maybe it is time for a change. The problem is not with the Pastor or the People as hard and as unbelievable as it may sound it’s that person who looks back at you when you look into the mirror and you know why? Because you have drifted! Drifting is dangerous because it’s a lack of direction Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed(pay closer attention) to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (drift) It’s easy to drift, because drifting takes no effort. Pop your head up and swim back to safety because if you keep drifting #1- Conscience will become numb. #2- You will shrink away from Spiritual things. #3- You will lose your ability to hear the Shepherd. Don’t become drowsy in your Christian life because when that happens you are no longer on guard or cautious about what’s going on around you and you are headed for shipwreck. Had I not came to my senses that day when I was snorkeling; well let me just say it this way you might not be reading this now. Get in the Book and don’t forget to pray and for sure get in Church this Sunday and you’ll have a Great weekend. It’s has been a great week hasn’t it? If you think not then review it over in your mind for you are spending too much time on the negatives. See you Monday!

Doomed

One morning a few years ago as I went outside I noticed it had rained during the night. I thanked God for the rain for we greatly needed it at that time. But while I was outside I heard an airplane, but as I looked up I could not see it. All I saw were low laying clouds. Then this thought came to my mind. That pilot who is at the controls flying that plane can't see either. Was he just up there flying not knowing where he was going? Hoping that he would soon see something that he recognized so he could get his bearings? No, for he was doing such a good job at flying, and would without doubt arrive safely at his destination, if he only obeyed and trusted his controls. Then I thought there are a lot of things I do and can't understand about this life which I am now living. I can't always see or know how things are going to work out. But I do know this, that if I will trust in the Lord I will arrive safe also. You see that pilot doesn't have to understand how the controls work, all he has to do is trust in them. That pilot doesn't have to see the ground to know where he is, the controls will tell him; all he has to do is put his trust in them. So it is with those who have put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we don't have to understand just trust. That is what we are told to do in 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. His name was Noah; you may have read about him if not I am sure you have heard about him. He may have been the first ship builder ever I don't know. There is one thing I know this man named Noah was no ship builder but God called him to build a huge ship. His job wasn't to know how just trust in God and follow God's directions which he did and while everyone else was drowning he and his family floated to safety; the only difference was the small five letter word trust. Noah trusted in God and everyone else trusted in their ability. Looking back who made the best choice? Trust in the Lord for He is the controls and don't lean unto my own understanding. In everything I do make acknowledgement of the Lord and the Lord will guide my steps. If that pilot starts going on his feelings the plane is doomed and so is he and all that are with him. If that pilot starts telling himself this can't be the way and takes his mind and eyes off the controls, he will never make it. He can't make it on his own, he needs the controls. Maybe that is why David said long ago to "hide God's Word in our hearts." If I listen to another or depend upon myself I am doomed. Many come to the Reformers Unanimous program hoping that someone will say or do something that will change the way they are thinking and that will change their life forever. That's not going to happen. It will happen, if you listen and allow the Lord to take control of your life, and you start listening to Him, and let the Lord be the control panel of your life, and then you will arrive safely. If not you will without doubt crash; make a real change in your life trust in the Lord. Don't understand how! That's alright neither did I until someone showed me. I have seen many crash and burn but I have seen many get the help they needed by getting out of the driver's seat and put their trust in the Lord Jesus to take control of their lives and I have watched those same people walk away from their addictions. I have only one thing to say about that; what they couldn't do no matter how hard they wanted too or how hard they tried nothing happened until God took over. Is that the way it happened in your life? One day when you look back will you be a Noah or one of those who was floating face down?

Hiding

When my great grandmother died she was in her 90's. I remember one afternoon my Dad asked her if she could remember the first time she ever saw an automobile? She said, "Oh yes, it was a strange thing to see"; I wonder what she would have to say today. Our modern world is so different. Cars going up and down the highways that are everywhere at speeds that would be unbelievable to her simple way of life. Milestones, with cell phones that do more than most know how to operate, computers that do so much and can hold so much information; it is almost unbelievable. Yet our civilization marches on to even greater things. But there are some things that never change. Man, his need, and his God, are still the same. Adam back in the garden had just accomplished something that was very satisfying; at least for a short time anyways. For the first time in his life there was something wrong and he was disturbed for he realizes that he and Eve are naked and it was wrong. He must do something about it. Here is where you and I may get our resourcefulness from. Adam must find a way out of this dilemma so he puts his mind to work and bingo he came up with an answer. Genesis 3:7
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. He and Eve put their garments on and it covered up their nakedness. I can hear them now; Eve you look hot in that there fig outfit and she told Adam you are one hunk of a man. All was going great as they congratulated each other with eyes that must have shined and a content heart, yes, all was well. This was short lived because they heard something that gripped their very soul. They trembled; oh no, it's God so they ran and hid themselves among the trees.

Genesis 3:8
And they 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.

Adam & Eve soon found out three things #1- How inadequate their clothing; still naked #2- How inadequate their hiding place; they could not escape nor could they elude God by slipping away among the trees. #3- How inadequate their excuses; they were both still guilty. May I say that conviction never reaches a soul until God speaks? So when He speaks don't run and try to hide but instead run to Him for in Him there is safety.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. All may look well today, good health, good wealth, good job, good family, great children. May I say those are all things to be proud of but one day the voice of God will call you. Will you be glad to hear it or will you run and try to hide as Adam did?

 

Names

Names

 

Like I said on yesterday since the time my wife and I have been married our relationship has grown and I know her by other names like best friend, mother of our children, lifelong partner and boss {just kidding.} The same is true with God the more God's people came to know Him, the more names they gave Him; here are a few.

Elohim-
Strong one or creator

In Genesis chapter one, we see His creative powers and we see that the name Elohim appears 32 times in this chapter.

 

Jehovah-rohi (RO-hee) -
The Lord is my Shepherd Caring Shepherd

The Lord protects, provides, directs, leads and cares for His people. God tenderly takes care of us as a strong and patient shepherd. Psalms 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Hebrews 13:20
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

 

Jehovah-jireh-
The Lord who Provides

As Abraham and his son Isaac went up the mount, Isaac asked his dad a very important question.

Genesis 22:7
And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? Abraham answered him in faith not knowing what the outcome would be just trusting that God would provide. Genesis 22:8
And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. How do I know that? Because Abraham didn't call God by that name until God had already provided. Genesis 22:14
And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

 

Jehovah-shalom- The Lord is Peace

Sin, as it always does brings unnecessary suffering. God called Gideon to lead His people to Victory and that's great but Gideon needs what God gave David the day he saw Goliath and that was peace. David was a shepherd and Goliath was a man of war from his youth. Goliath with his trained sword and David with his strength and boldness; wait it's not David but the God of David for God gave David peace to face the giant. Gideon now needs that same peace

Judges 6:24
Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom:

 

Jehovah-rophe- The Lord who Heals

Over 2 ½ million Israelites have been liberated from captivity and followed Moses into the desert. They have been delivered from their enemy. The jubilation is now over and they are faced with frustration and dehydration. It has been three days now and there has been no shade, streams or greenery and the hot sun is beating down on them. Finally, water, but there's a problem, it's not drinkable so Moses cried out to the Lord and the answer came.

Exodus 15:25
And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, Exodus 15:26
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. The Lord that Heals; God may use a branch of medicine, a branch of a hospital or a branch of a tree, but either way He's the one who heals Psalms 103:2
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalms 103:3
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

 

Never forget God Is the Shepherd who guides, provides, brings peace in the storm and the physician who heals the sick and Most of all never forget He….IS.