No Desire

If our child were to cease to develop what do you think you would do as a parent? Would we be concerned? I think; no I am sure I would, because when a child quits growing there is something wrong. Shouldn't we be that concerned if we as God's children quit developing? The reason why is that the Bible tells us

1Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

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 for ever. Amen. Peter tells us that there should be a desire just like a new born baby has a desire to be nourished, so should a child of God. Then Peter tells us to grow in grace and know of our Lord Jesus Christ. If a child of God has lost his or her desire, then how can he or she ever gain any knowledge about their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Let me suggest four things that will help:

#1- Prayer- don't read about prayer. Just pray.

#2- Study-

Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. They just didn't believe it because others told them they searched for themselves; don't take my word for it study it for yourself.

#3- Giving- we should give of ourselves as well as our finances is that not what Christ has done? "For God so Loved He gave" that's what John 3:16 teaches us. God gave His Son Jesus Christ; He gave His best for a world of those who needed forgiveness of their sin.

#4- Fellowship

1John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

As we walk in the light of God's word then we will have fellowship with each other and the reason being the blood of Jesus Christ cleans us from ALL SIN. This in return puts a desire for the word of God and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our heart and we will have fellowship one with another. Four things we can and should do and if we are not then maybe we aren't developing like we should!

 

Cannot Pay

Are we taking care of our Debt? We can't take care of our Debt because we owe a Debt we cannot pay. But our debt has been paid in full by Jesus Christ. Like the son who had it all decided to leave the fathers house returned after suffering loss.

1Corinthian 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.

We shall receive a reward; wonderful, but it also tells us that if our work is burned up we shall suffer loss. We had the opportunity to receive a reward. There is also the possibility to suffer loss but for whatever reason we chose not to do what would have brought us the reward. We decided to gossip or destroy our neighbor's character and therefore we SUFFER LOSS. Yes, while all of this is true we are talking about debt and when Jesus died on the cross he paid our sin debt; the debt we could not pay is paid the day we receive the Lord Jesus.

John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Like the son in Luke 15
he sinned and suffered loss but he was never out of the family just away from his father. Forgiven when he returned yes; but the loss he encountered while he was away was great. God gives us all talents to use for Him but it's our choice if we use it for Him or not.

Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Ephesians 4:12
For the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The purpose is to prepare God's people, to serve, and to build up the body of Christ.

I gave you a voice for singing and what did you do with it? Wasted it in the shower!

I gave you a silver tongue and what did you do with it? Spent time promoting your agenda!

I gave you a talent to make money and what did you do with it? Made wealth for you!

I gave you a mechanical talent-you opened up you on business and were too tired to use it for the Lords work and never had the time to fix the mechanical things at your Church.

I gave you great abilities-you used them for everything in this life and used them very little in my work for which I had planned them for.

Now as we stand before the maker of mankind and see what could have been, had you used your talents for the Lord. But no you used them not as I had intended.

Preachers refuse to study –the results lost souls

Teachers refuse to teach-God children not learning

God's people refuse to give-God work becomes stagnate

God's' children fussing and fighting-the results Church splits

Little time for prayer-the results Pastors fail, teachers are not listened to, other things become more important than worship, Church attendance falls off, the lost continue on the road to hell, Churches split, Gods people become self centered. The bottom line; my house of prayer becomes a zoo!

If we have a hard time understanding what the Lord Jesus means by "DEBT" maybe Luke can make it a little clearer for us.

Luke 11:4
And forgive us our sins;

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.

Debt

Today we will look at "forgive us our debts "You and I owe a Debt we cannot pay.

Paul put it this way

Roman 1:14
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. It goes like this "Two people you and I have never met, who lived some place we've never been, have gotten us in some kind of trouble we can't get out of." We owe a debt we can't pay. The Greek meaning of the word "debt" something owed. Let me give you an example when you and I disobey God's commands. He tells us to go south and we go north. He tells us to turn right and we turn left. He tells us to love our neighbor and we hurt our neighbor. Instead of seeking His will, we seek ours. He tells us to forgive our enemies, but we attack our enemies. We disobey God. He makes the universe and we applaud science. He heals the sick and we applaud medicine. He grants beauty and we credit Mother Nature. He gives us possessions and we salute our human ingenuity. We disobey God. Let's look at a man who disobeyed God; you know him by the name of Jonah.

Jonah 1:1
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

Jonah 1:2
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

Jonah1:3
But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
How in the world could Jonah do such a thing? The same way you and I do. God says speak to this or that person and we don't so much as utter a word. God calls us to do something and we ignore His calling. So what's the big deal? Let me ask you a question does God put things in the Bible just for our reading enjoyment? I don't think so! If you and I deny Christ's commands or disobey His commission is it sinful and tragic? Jonah's attitude and actions toward God's commands should give every Christian a fearful example of what it means to doubt our Lord's commands or disobey them.

Jonah's Conduct Should Caution Every Christian

Jonah rose up to flee; he refused to follow the Lord. He went to Tarshish a sinful city; everything that Jonah did to disobey he had to work at it. The bible says he:

#1-went down to Joppa

#2- He found a ship

#3-He paid the fare and once again we read he went down

#4-He left the presence of the Lord.

Jonah's Chastisement Was Dreadful

Jonah 1:15
So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.

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. Back to the debt we can't pay; would you and I go into debt if we were to disrespect God's children? What if you and I did to others what we do to God? What if you or I were to shout at each other's children in the presence of their earthly parents? What if we were to call them names or even hit them? Would the parent tolerate it? Probably not! But is that not what we do to each other? Wonder how God feels when we mistreat one of His Children? When we say bad things about them? When we criticize and gossip about them or speak about them before we speak to them? Are we taking care of our Debt? I'll tell you how Tuesday. May the Lord bless you this week as you prepare your heart for Sunday? Pray for yourself and for your Pastor as we enjoy another Easter service.

Happy! Are You?

As I look around from day to day I see faces that are angry, words coming from mouths that would make a sailor blush. I have to ask myself are these people really happy? Charles Schultz was the creator of the Peanuts cartoon. Lucy asked Charlie Brown in one of the cartoons, "Why do you think we were put on earth?"Charlie Brown answered, "To make others happy." "I don't think I'm making anyone happy," Lucy replied, "but nobody's making me very happy either." Then Lucy screamed out, "Somebody's not doing his job!" I think we all want to be happy we just want others to make us happy. What is wrong with waking up and deciding to be happy? Acts 26:2
I think myself happy. Many
allow a root of bitterness to grow and steal away their happiness. Others spend time remembering and reminding themselves what they don't have; I don't have much money, will that bring happiness? No! People think they need to have a lot of things to make them happy. That's not true! Does your mate make you happy? You're Children, grandchildren; just look around you. A man had a heart attack and prostate cancer and when he talked about it all he could tell was about all the cards his fellow employers had sent to him. It's your choice what and how you talk; you can talk about minimum wage, the hardships you are having or you can think yourself happy! We just need to decide to be happy it is within our power to do so. It is easy to be unhappy and feel sorry for ourselves. But I refuse to do that; start looking for the good and think happy thoughts. See if you can't do that today; sure it will take work, for men love darkness rather than light but you can make it happen. John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. See you Monday!

Bad Choice

I am afraid the things we think are so important aren't all that important if we were to look at them in a different light! It was a nice dark and creamy chocolate with ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top. They knew it was a dessert that had more calories than one wanted to count and as much as they wanted it they let it pass. What would it have really mattered for they were on a cruise on a ship named the Titanic and in a few hours it would be more than their figure that they would be concerned about. My grand dad was coming to hear me preach he said to just let him know. I did many times before he died and he never was able to make it. We cram so much into our lives and we let things go that are so important to others thinking we will catch them another time and we just never seem to have the time. If I were to ask you if you could only make one phone call this next year who would you call and what would you say? So what are you waiting on make that call today. The man in the book of Luke made a bad choice one day; see what you think!

Luk 18:18
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Luk 18:20
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

Luk 18:21
And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

Luk 18:22
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Luk 18:23
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
The man just wanted to know how to have eternal life and he thought he had it until Jesus said you just lack one thing. He told him to just do that one thing and you'll have it. Sell and give away all you have and you'll have treasures in heaven; but he couldn't for he was VERY RICH. Let me ask you a question "is his riches doing him any good now?" Bad choice on his part! What was more important that day what he had or what he could have had? How about you? Are you really that busy? Important; concerned; do you have riches or treasures?    

Pay Day

It's Friday or maybe the fifteenth of the month or whatever day you get paid and off to the bank you and I go to make a deposit; you may not put all the check in but whatever you decide you are committed. Now you are not only committed but don't you want the same commitment from your bank? Sure you do and the plan is very simple you just want your bank to be only committed to what you have put in no more and no less. The Apostle Paul writes of a deposit which he had made with God 2Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed(I trust), and am persuaded(I'm convinced) that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Paul was saying that he knew in whom he had placed his trust for eternity and he was convinced that the same Lord who had saved him was more than able to keep his soul and life. That word commit, what does it really mean Merriam Webster says it means to put into charge or trust Paul says I'm putting you, Lord, in charge for I trust in you and know you will do what is right. So what have we committed unto the Lord Jesus? The day Paul asked Jesus Christ to come into his heart the Lord did and put within Paul's heart the Holy Ghost 2Timothy 1:14
That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
Not only has Paul deposited his trust and confidence in the Lord the Lord had deposited something in Paul (the Holy Ghost). So the same has happened to you and I; we to have a life to live, a witness to bear, time and talents and money. So how much have we committed to Him? Our soul or our lives in everything we do. That is something to think on in this busy world you and I live in!

Lifting Up

Dr. Harry Ironside tells a story about a man who lived in a small country town in England. One day, he went to London where he would need to stay for several days. He was glad to be there on a Sunday because that gave him an opportunity to hear some of the great preachers of that day. He wrote home to his wife, and he said: "Last Sunday morning I went to hear Dr. Jones, and in the evening I went to the Metropolitan Tabernacle to hear Charles Spurgeon. I was so greatly impressed by both of them. Dr. Jones is certainly a great preacher, but Mr. Spurgeon has a great Savior." After reading that I have to ask myself who people are impressed with after they have been around me for awhile. Are they impressed with me or are they impressed with my Savior; Jesus? What kind of impact is my life leaving in the lives of others? The Apostle Paul put it this way
2Corinthians 4:5
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
It's not about me, it's all about Jesus. Something is wrong if we use Jesus to make a name for ourselves to impress other people. If we do that I think we would be hijacking His glory! Paul was not interested in knowing anything among you. Could he be saying that he was not interested in knowing all about their dirt but that they knew who Jesus was? 1Corinthians 2:2
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified Paul determined that others knew about what Jesus had done for them. Paul says "take them to the cross, take them to the empty tomb and let them see Jesus; make Jesus the subject, keep Jesus the subject. It's not religion so don't let that become the main topic of your conversation. So who are we going to be today Dr. Jones or Charles Spurgeon? I'll be honest with you I don't know that I have ever heard of a Dr. Jones in London but I have heard of a Charles Spurgeon. Which one of those men have left the biggest impact on my life? Why Charles Spurgeon and the reason why is that he uplifted the name of Jesus; Jesus said in John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Who am I lifting up? Who will I lift up today? How about you; which one are you!

Give Us

As I said on Friday I want to talk about "give us" without the please. My Mom and Dad drilled into my little mind always say "Please" but here we are to ask our Heavenly Father to Give Us without the please. How could this be? Up to this point you and I have been preoccupied with His wonder not our needs. Our prayer has been God-centered and not self-centered Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Proper prayer follows a path way of revealing God to us before revealing our needs to God. Prayer is not to change God, but to change you and I. By the time we get here in our prayer we have been Comforted; He's our Father. The next three petitions compass all our concerns of our life. "This day our daily bread "Addresses the present. "Forgive us our debts "Addresses the past. "Lead us not into temptation "Speaks of the future. Our need for bread would this not mean all of a person's physical needs? Are we not here to ask for the necessities of life? Merrian Webster says Necessities means "the quality or state of being necessary" {absolutely needed: required } the very first thing you and I need, to have eternal life would be forgiveness of sin; Jesus. That is required, (necessary) if we are to go to heaven. I know this is a family member asking their Father; just thought I would put in a plug, just in case someone was reading whose real need was our Heavenly Father. But the things necessary for the preservation of this life which includes; but not limited to {though I would say that just in case someone was reading this who had any questions about if it included ……whatever} food, healthy body, house, home, wife, children and oh yes grandchildren. Our Heavenly Father may also give us luxuries of life, but He certainly will grant the necessities.

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Matthew 6:26
Behold the fowls of the air...your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 6:30
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field...shall
he not much more
clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew6:34
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day
is the evil thereof.

Psalms 37:3
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Psalms 37:4
Delight (a high degree of gratification: joy; also: extreme satisfaction something that gives great pleasure) thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

You say but we have more food than we could possible eat; doesn't matter we are to still ask God to provide. It's like the young man who wanted to go to college and goes to his father and says dad I would love to go to college but I don't have any money. The father looks his son in his eyes and smiles and says don't worry my child the day you were born I began saving for this day. So we make a request only to find our Heavenly Father has already provided. Give us this day bread suited to our needs. It is God who gives us our daily menu. Some days He may put nothing on our plates but vegetables, they are healthy but dull. Some days He may put fruit better and we enjoy. Some days He may put apple pie with ice cream little nutrition but it does a lot for our attitude.

Proverbs 30:8
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: (Feed me only the food I need)

Proverbs 30:9
Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Don't worry our Heavenly Father knows what we have need of.

Small Leak

In a mobile home a leak started at the shower and every time someone took a shower water ran behind the wall. Over a period of time the water began to rot the floor in an unnoticeable place and slowly but surely it began to rot more and more, so by the time it was noticeable it had almost destroyed half the flooring to the point that it had to be replaced. Because the leak was so bad the tub and shower had to be replaced as well. The reason for the entire problem was just not paying attention to what was happening right in front of their eyes. The same thing happens to you and I in our spiritual life if we are not careful for descent is a slow leak and not a busted pipe. Is that not what happened in the life of Lot; Abraham's nephew?

Genesis 13:5
And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.

Genesis 13:6
And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
We are told that Lot had a lot of stuff so much so that Abraham and Lot were having a hard time staying together. So Abraham says "Lot it is time for us to part whichever way you decide to go I will go the other way; you have first pick. So Lot looked out and sees a well watered plain.

Genesis 13:10
And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Noticed he didn't say anything about Sodom and Gomorrah it was the well watered plain he saw. So we see something that started off with good intent went bad. That's the way the enemy begins, he shows us good but his intentions were to get Lot to Sodom. Lot lead his family to Sodom and this is what we know about Sodom

Genesis 13:13
But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
Not just wicked sinners but exceedingly wicked before the Lord. The closer you and I get to wrong the more we get comfortable with it; just as the small leak turned into a major problem it just started small. The same happened to Lot, if we would have asked Lot that day if he ever thought he would offer up his daughters to wicked men to do what they wanted to with them. He would have said NO! But is that what he did? You tell me

Genesis 19:8
Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: How
bad did it get? Real bad; here was a man who had everything and ends up in a cave drunk committing incest with his two daughters and everything was gone.

Genesis 19:33
And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

No it is a slow process; first we decide that maybe just reading our Bibles every other day and cutting back on reading as much will be just fine. Then we find we don't have time to pray as much as we used to we have just become so busy doing good things. Then our hearing starts getting affected we now are listening to things a year ago we would have never listened to. Then we start complaining and our talk becomes more negative and we start seeing more faults. Then maybe we get to thinking that there are some things God will over look because so many are doing them. Then our Church attendance falls off to maybe one or two Sunday mornings a month. So what has happened is that you looked at the watered plains and kept moving closer and closer until like Lot you were involved in the city; sure it may have been with the intent to make things better but darkness will always be darkness and if a small light gets in the darkness it will soon be swallowed up into darkness. Until like that bathroom half the floor had to be repaired and the old tub had to be replaced all because a small leak went unnoticed. Be careful that something good doesn't steal your joy for remember like I said yesterday the thief only wants to do three things Steal, Kill and Destroy and you my friend are his target. Be careful this weekend, enjoy yourself and your family but don't get so caught up that you miss being in the house of God this Sunday. I'll see you Monday when I hope to talk about "give me, without the please."

Leaning Side

There was an old deacon who always prayed, Lord, prop us up on our leaning' side. After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently. He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this...I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, because I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times. Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.

That is a story with a lot of truth. You see if we are careful we will go to leaning and you can rest assure that it will also be on the weaker side. For we like to get angry at others. We tell ourselves we have that right, they should have watched what they said or they should have been more considerate toward……. Just remember we all have weak sides and we will forever be tempted in those areas of our lives. So we must learn how to become stronger in our weak areas. Don't allow Anger, Bitterness, Hatred or Unforgiving Spirit bring you to Cussing, Drugs and Drink. For they will only let you escape for a short while and will bring dependence on them into your life and will destroy you and your relationships.

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

So what has the thief stolen, killed and destroy from your life? If there is a way out then why are you not following those who are trying to show it to you? Know Why? Because you are still listening to the thief and all he will do is to continue to destroy your life. If you keep doing the same things you have been doing then you can only expect the same results you have been getting. Today, tell yourself it is time to gain back the ground I have lost and become Victorious; you can you know! It will not be as easy as you would like for it too, but the battles won will be well worth your effort, for I speak from experience. I have fought the battles and I have won the Victories all because of the One who lives on the inside, JESUS! You can too my friend just quit believing the lies from the thief.

Home Run

I don't know if it has ever happened before; but on April 26, 2008 in a women's softball game it did. It was the bottom of the ninth and Central Washington University was 2 and The Western Oregon College was 0. The first two batters struck out and the next two batters both got singles. There were 2 outs and women on first and second, the next batter came to the plate which represents the winning run. Soon she had two strikes and then it happened she hit the ball over the fence; home run. As she begins her run around the bases she trips over first base and cannot make it around the bases to complete her home run. The empire says she has to touch the bases herself and pulls the rule book out for the coach to see. As they stood there arguing two young ladies from Washington University pick her up and take her to the bases so she could touch them and then finally home plate which gave the winning run to the Oregon College. On that April afternoon in 2008 the Washington University did the right thing; they could have easily sat back did nothing and won the game but they chose not to. As I read that I am reminded of another day long ago when the Lord Jesus Christ decided to give His life so that you and I might be made free.

John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Long ago man tripped in the Garden of Eden and the Lord Jesus picked this whole world up and carried it to each base and one day my friend we will touch Home. All you and I have to do is just believe on Him.

John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
What does "believe on Jesus mean?" Let me describe it this way; when you and I sit down in a chair we put all our weight on that chair and never one time do we think about whether it will hold us up or not we just put our trust in it. That is what Jesus is telling those Jews and the way that they were to increase their faith was to continue in His word (the Bible) and when they did that they would become a disciple (learner) indeed (without any question) And because of that they would know the truth and the truth that they knew would make them free. Later in that Chapter He says it this way John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
(Without any question) To be honest with you I am closer to home today than ever before and so are you if heavens your home; and if it's not you still have time please don't waste it do something today don't delay.

Be Sure

Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus born December 22, 244
died December 3,311 he was Roman Emperor from November 20, 284 to May 1, 305. As I read of this man what grabbed my attention is what he did in 303. On February 23, 303, Diocletian ordered that the newly built church at Nicomedia be razed. {1 a
archaic: erase
b: to scrape, cut, or shave off 2: to destroy to the ground: demolish <raze an old building} He demanded that its scriptures be burned, and seized its precious stores for the treasury. The next day, Diocletian's first "Edict {a proclamation having the force of law} against the Christians" was published. The edict ordered the destruction of Christian scriptures and places of worship across the Empire, and prohibited Christians from assembling for worship. The Christian and the Scriptures can be ignored and the God of the universe can be denied. The Churches that are all across our land can be viewed as worthless buildings. But I have noticed that as soon as things go from bad to worse; I mean the doctor tells someone that they may have 6 months to live at best. Then all of a sudden the Christian and the Scriptures and God become very important. Wonder why that is? Could it be that maybe just maybe that those Christians might have something that they don't? Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, (made alive) who were dead (without hope) in trespasses and sins; (unsuitable life style)

Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past (days before now) ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, (devil our enemy) the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

There was something about you that was different from all the others. Maybe you made mention that it was the Lord who changed you; your vocabulary was different, your actions were different, your smile was different and you said it was the Lord, Scriptures and the Church. Like I said on that day the Lord saved me "I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, why not?" and that day my life changed for eternity. The Christian's have been bashed and beaten from the beginning and they are still here. The Scriptures have been burned, scattered, lied about but they are still here. The God that created everything has been proven not to exist, His name used in vain more than numbers can count and yet He still holds out His hand of love today for all who will receive Him regardless of who we are, what we have done or said. That is why we are told "in times past you walked." Don't wait until the end; for the end comes too fast and most times we are not prepared for it no matter which side of the fence we are on! Be Sure!

Problems

For the last five years I have had the privilege of being a part of a faith based addiction program. I have witnessed many lives changed from drugs and alcohol to serving the King of Kings; from pornography to praising the Lord; from anger to being glad. What made the difference? I mean they have tried and tried to overcome their addiction many times and each time ended in failure so what made the difference this time? They were told that they would always be this way; it is a disease and it was out of their control. Well that is partly right, the part about it was out of their control for it is and the Bible plainly tells us that. Romans 7:18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
But in Philippians 4:13 we are told how we can perform all things.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Here is what we have to do, realize I can't but realizing who can. Paul is saying you can do all things but you have to let Christ do them in you. Colossians 1:27….
Christ in you, the hope of glory: It's Christ in you. When the light clicks in their heads they get out of the way and let Christ save their souls and their lives change. They realize they can't cure their addiction problem and you can't either no matter how bad you want them too. But there are some things you can do, you can pray for that person; you can get them into a Reformers Unanimous Addictions program and let God do what you couldn't do for them. So no matter where you are today remember to let Christ in and He will become your light and your strength. Now go and have a good week and be kind to somebody and enjoy being around others.

Foolish

Have you ever gone to a college graduation? Most of the time they will have a person who has graduated from that college who has become successful and they will give a speech of what part that college played in them becoming so successful. I wonder if they would have us to believe that most everyone who goes to that college will become successful. So let's ask ourselves what is being successful? Is success found in our work? Is it found in our Schools? Maybe it is found in sports? So if I am going to successful it has to come from where I graduated from, was I top in my business field and do all successful people either play, watch or are involved in sports? Most of us want to be successful so we listen to those who market success on radio and TV. We receive a steady diet of products that claim instant success in everything from weight loss to financial freedom. You have heard it "My name is Bob I was broke, without a place to live, no money to my name then one day I met Mike who told me of this great plan. He told me that if I would get only 4 people to sign up and they were to get 4 and those were to get 4 and those were to get 4 I would be set financially for the rest of my life." Bob did just that and now all he does is sail around the world enjoying life. Hey I am enjoying life; does that count? No! I am not financially secure and no I didn't get 4 who got 4 who got 4 who got 4. Yet I'm happy; how strange. So how can I count myself as being successful and still have bills that I struggle to pay; problems that I can't solve; people I can't please and a vacation I can't afford. First, I must define what success is; in these verses see if you can tell which ones we would call successful. Matthew 25:1
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Matthew 25:2
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
From the start we are told that there were 10 virgins, but there was a difference 5 wise 5 foolish. We were not told if they had called 4 who called 4 we aren't told anything that they had or didn't have except for one thing; oil. Five had oil and five had not oil; that oil is the only thing that separated them; the only thing that made the difference; the only thing that mattered was oil. Did the foolish only take oil for the present and none for the future? That's foolish! So I have plenty for today or even my whole life span but have none for the future or should I say eternity. Notice what was said

Matthew 25:3
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

Matthew 25:4
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
As we read farther we find that they all slumbered and slept but at midnight there was a cry made "the bridegroom is coming go out and meet him? All ten got up trimmed their lamps and oh no there were five that had no oil and their lamps had gone out for they had no more oil. So they asked the wise to give them some of their oil but soon found out that they only had enough for themselves and the foolish were told to go buy some. While they were gone something important happened.

Matthew 25:10
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Then we are told

Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Are you wise or are you foolish? Just because you are financially secure doesn't mean you're ready; for that's just enough oil for the present. I am talking about when death knocks on your door do you have something more in you vessel? Sure I am a good person, go to church, that's not enough, you are not ready; you need more than that. You are set for here and not ready for eternity. Two things are ahead of us all, Death or the return of Jesus Christ and we know the time of neither. Can you say I am ready? If you can't let me help you, email me at ruministry@victorybc.org and we'll talk. Have a great weekend and as always let's meet together somewhere in Church this Sunday. See you Monday!

Ignore

A man rushes into the ER at the hospital with a massive heart attack. The doctor says to him, "have you had any symptoms?" The man says, "Oh, for about the last six weeks I have had this tremendous pressure on my chest and tingling and numbness in my left arm. I've also had a little trouble breathing and severe chest pain. What do you think it could be?" Here is a man who paid no attentions to the symptoms. He ignored all the obvious symptoms his body was trying to tell him and to ignore the symptoms is to beg the consequences. I am not sure that this man could have avoided the heart attack but had he went to the Doctor sooner he may have. I want to talk with you about temptation, we all face it and we cannot avoid it, but what we can do is learn to escape it more often than not.

1Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Is there a way that you and I can avoid temptation? Yes I think there is! A wise man told me long ago that I needed to learn where I am weak and surround myself with those who are strong where I am weak. I can't tell you how that has helped me; the only problem I had with that line of thinking is I didn't like to think I was weak. The truth is we are all weak in areas of our life and it is wise to find out where so we can do something about it; that will help us become stronger. To the man or woman
who is tempted to alcohol they must surround themselves around those who are not and when they do it increases their chances from falling into their temptation. The man who is tempted to view pornography he must find another person who is not vulnerable to the same weakness and become accountable to them. As we read about the man who had the symptoms of an oncoming heart attack and did nothing until he had to, is like the person who ignores the problem that causes the temptation. Wherever we are tempted that is where we are weak and to overcome the temptation is to make the temptation weaker. Once any of us feels that we are an exception to particular rules, we are advertising that we are available for temptation. I can't count the times my phone has rang with a person on the other end who was coming down from a drug high and feeling miserable about what they have done; but not one time did they think of calling before they partook or fell into their temptation. They instead chose to surround themselves with those who would encourage the temptation. You may ask, do you really think a phone call would have altered their actions? I'll answer that by another question do you think surrounding themselves with those who think the same way and have the same problem will encourage them to do different than they? NO! To avoid temptation we must be aware of the roads that lead us to the fall and put up road blocks to keep us off those pathways. If a person has a problem with drugs and alcohol then his or her best friend needs to be someone who doesn't. Pornography the secrete addiction; that person needs to have filters on their computer and have their computer out in the open where all can see and have a person to whom they are accountable.

Luke 11:36
If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

2Cornthiannns 6:14 ……. what communion hath light with darkness?
Surround yourself with good people who are strong where you are weak, bottom line! We all would like to be delivered from temptation, the reason we can't is like an old friend we love to stay in touch with. Ignore the symptoms beg the consequences.

Fool

Have you ever done anything that was foolish? I have! I remember when I was about 10 years old or so; my mother asked me to put a case of Cokes in the trunk of her car. Back in those days cokes were in glass bottles. As I carried them to the car I had both of my hands occupied so when I got to the back of the car I set the Cokes on top of the trunk. I then took the key out of my pocket and unlocked the trunk as I proceeded to open it I heard glass braking and coke running everywhere; you see I forgot to remove the Cokes off the top of the trunk before I opened it. As I stood there looking at the mess I had just created I asked myself what was I thinking? Then I started thinking about what I was going to tell my mother! I don't remember what kind of lie I told her; it's hard to remember things that aren't true, but many years later I still remember what a foolish thing I did on that day many years later. I have been trying to think if anyone has ever called me a fool and I can't remember anyone ever calling me one. I am sure someone will call me a fool now after reading this; misery loves comfort. Now that is bad when we do foolish things, it is even worse when others call us fools, but we have all done foolish things. But it would be awful to hear God call us a fool but the Bible tells us that God has called people a fool. Two times in the book of Psalms

Psalms 14:1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 53:1
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. Wow! Look where they said it "in their heart" what does that mean? That means they may not have spoken it out loud. That means those around them may not have known exactly what they believed. But wait! Ever heard the phrase "actions speak louder than words" I am sure you have. What else do those verses say? "They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, (they do disgusting things)
there is none that doeth good.
" In both verses we are told that; then we are also told that there is none that doeth good. Oh my! Because of their heart they are doing all kinds of wrong things. How important is our heart?

Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence (guard); for out of it are the issues of life.

We must guard our hearts for if we don't who will? Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart? Then tell Him. Do you love your wife with all your heart or your entire mind? Do you love your children with all your heart or your entire mind? Do you love your grandchildren with all your heart or your entire mind? Then tell them!

Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
What is coming out of your mouth? Well that's what going on in your heart; don't let the guard get relaxed and for sure don't let the guard have a day off.

Someone

Let me show you something ; I am interested in this verse

John 11:3
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. Did you see it? Probably not for we read so fast we miss things. Here in chapter eleven in the book of John we read about two sisters and their brother Lazarus. Lazarus is sick even at the point of death and in verse three Martha and Mary send for Jesus to come to their home. I have some questions about what is said. Name is not important, looks immaterial, gender is of no concern, and title is irrelevant. So why is this person so important? They are important not because of who they are, but because of what they did. They went to Jesus on behalf of a friend. Their friend was sick and Jesus could help, and someone needed to go and someone went. They went because they were asked to go. We need someone to go, will you go? What they needed was someone who wasn't too busy. Someone who knew how to find Jesus; someone who wouldn't quit mid-stream; and someone who would make sure the message was delivered. Someone carried the request; someone walked the trail; and someone went to Jesus on the behalf of another. Because that someone went, Jesus responded. How important was that someone? Notice what this someone said to Jesus "whom thou lovest is sick"He didn't say "The one who loves you is sick." Prayer is not based on the one who makes the prayer, but on the one who hears the prayer. So when we pray it should be "Lord the one you love is tired, sad, hungry, lonely, fearful, or depressed. After someone made the request the next words we read are

John 11:4
When Jesus heard
that, Excuse me I am about to have a running fit! Heard what? "Is sick"so when Jesus heard the request He stopped and gave that someone attention. That someone could have been you; that someone could have been me. How important is it that we pray one for another?

James 5:16 Confess
your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

That's what you and I are to do Pray one for another; what a privilege. Had that someone not been willing to go we may have never read of the joy that followed in the hearts of Martha and Mary. And who was that someone? We will not know until we get to heaven and meet them but it really will not matter then because there will be so many other someone's there. I wonder if we will be any of those someone's.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; (not yours) and all these things shall be added unto you. The Lord just taught me how to pray for others

LORD "whom thou lovest is."

In Heaven

Today we will discuss "be done in earth, as it is in heaven "Are we being told or asked to do on earth as it is in Heaven? I think so and if you and I are to do that we must know what is going on in Heaven. The question would be do we KNOW what is going on in HEAVEN? And if not can we find out? In the Old Testament the word "Heaven" in mentioned 313 times. In the New Testament it is mentioned 238 times. I think you and I might get some kind of idea of what is going on in Heaven; let's see if we can. Up to this point in this prayer it has been all about HIM; I wonder if now we are going to get to ask something for ourselves; don't think so, not yet. As I read some of those 551 verses I found three things going on in heaven; let me share them with you.

There is Rejoicing in Heaven

Luke 15:7
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 10:20
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

 

There is an Inheritance in Heaven

1Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1Peter 1:4
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

 

There is Worship in Heaven

Revelation 7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 7:10
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:11
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

Revelation 7:12
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.

Now maybe we can understand this verse

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Watch where we put our Treasures

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:

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Have a great week and take the time to enjoy those around you.

 

Heavy Duty

When I buy a product I like for it to say "Heavy Duty" it makes me feel like I have got the best product for the job. When we make mistakes; I for one don't want them to be heavy duty because there is no way that could be good. Cleaning products, yes, a mistake in my life; NO! Hebrews 10:29 talks about what happens "if we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth."

Hebrews 10:29
Of how much sorer (severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot (shows no respect for) the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, (set apart) an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Has trampled the Son of God under foot...treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him...and insulted the Spirit of grace. Now you talk about being Heavy Duty Stuff; that's Heavy Duty. The Bible appears to be talking about people who know about Jesus but keep on running their own lives. If you know that Jesus has died on the cross to pay for your sin, if you tell those around you that you know the Lord as your personal Savior and you remain unchanged, that is serious business. And even though you're for Jesus and you agree with Jesus, you may be missing Jesus. The only response worthy of the sacrifice He made for us is to fall on our knees and give ourselves completely to the One who gave Himself completely for us. Anything less than a life-changing personal commitment to Jesus amounts to "trampling the Son of God under foot" and "crucifying the Son of God all over again." This is the greatest mistake anyone can ever make. Don't come this close to Jesus and miss Jesus. See you in Church this Sunday???

The Thumb

On Monday night after coming home from work I decided to get some wood split. We heat our home with wood a very nice heat; there is much work involved but great heat. As I was splitting and almost done somehow I got the tip of my thumb in the way and as the splitter hit the wood it also hit my thumb. It pinched it just below the nail. My wife took me the ER where a group of wonderful people were very kind to me and they sewed it back together. I am grateful for it could have been a lot worse and I praise God for it not being so. I have a BIG bandage covering my left thumb and it has hindered my typing abilities I will work on getting my daily blogs out but if I miss a day you will know why. I want to always look for the good when bad things happen. You might say what can be good about what happened to you? Well, I am right handed and it was my left hand that was hurt. I didn't lose my thumb it may look bad but it is still there. My wife has been taking real good care of me and if I look as if I am going to do something she says I'll do it. My daughter has been driving me around and doing the work. So in all the bad there is something to praise God for and to be thankful for. Just want those who read my blogs and e-mails to know what's going on and ask you to pray that God will bless me with a fast recovery. Have a great day today and watch out for those hands and fingers you have for you really do need them! I can testify to that!

The Family

His voice is now silent and has been since February 28, 2009; I loved to listen to him as he told of an event, person or place. He had the art of being able to grab your attention as he told his story and as he came to the end would state something that was familiar as he would close by saying these words "now you know the rest of the story. The man we all knew as Paul Harvey. I was thinking of how many times we may hear something or just read part of something and not have the whole complete story. Let me show you, read this verse with me

Joshua 2:1
And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. If we were to stop reading there we might get the wrong impression. Let me explain; Joshua sends out two spies to view the land of Jericho and they did what? Went to a harlot's house and lodged there! I can hear someone on the phone now. "Have you heard;" No what! "I can't believe you haven't heard about Lou and Rick the servants of Joshua." Well Joshua sent them to Jericho and those two headed straight for the brothel and that is where those two clowns spent the night." To many times that's how rumors get started someone sharing wrong information. If I had stopped reading there I too might have believed that tale. The real truth is that they didn't spend the night there at all

Joshua 2:15
Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.

Joshua 2:16
And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. Why they went to Rahab the harlot's house I'm not sure; oh, wait a minute now I know, God sent them there so you and I would know that no matter who we are, what we have done or where we are from God still loves us and wants to make us free.

Joshua 2:9
And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:10
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

Joshua 2:11
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Joshua 2:12
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

Joshua 2:13
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. God did save her and those behind her doors as the city she lived in was destroyed, because she believed the words of those two servants. Now you know the rest of the story. God doesn't care where you've been or what you have done He loves you and wants you in His family. So what are you waiting on?

Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him (Jesus) from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:12
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Join the family its great!

HIS WILL

 

Today we will look at how God shows us His will for our lives.

Walking with God He Shows you His Will:

Not only did these two on their way to Emmaus learn how to know Gods will but you and I can learn as well. We learn God's will by spending time in His presence. The key to knowing God's heart is having a relationship with Him. These two have been walking and talking with the Lord as they went toward their home. Now watch what happens Luke 24:28
And they drew nigh unto the village, (Emmaus) whither they went: and he (Jesus) made as though he (Jesus) would have gone further.

What did you notice here? Here is what I saw these two liked Him, They had been spending time with Him, They listen to Him, They didn't want Him to depart from them but spend more time with them so they asked Luke 24:29
But they constrained him, (Jesus) saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he (Jesus) went in to tarry with them.
Know why most people don't know Gods will for their life? They don't spend time with Him. If you were to ask me what the person who lives next door to you views were on pornography, embezzlement, or adultery I would have no idea for I don't know them nor have I spent time with them. But if you were to ask me what my wife believed I could tell you because I know her and have spent time with her. The same is true with God. Walk with Him long enough and you come to know His heart. When you spend time with Him in His study, you see His passion. Welcome Him to enter the gateway of your soul and you'll begin to understand His will. It's all in the verses we just read as they came near the town of Emmaus Jesus acted like He was going to go farther; Jesus doesn't want to be where He's not invited.

In the Fire God Shows you His Will:

Luke 24:30
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

Luke 24:31
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Luke 24:32
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? They knew they had been with Jesus because of the fire within them.

Jeremiah- Jeremiah 20:9
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Nehemiah- Nehemiah 2:3
And said unto the king, Let the king live forever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Years of fruitless preaching didn't extinguish the fire that Noah had. Forty years in the wilderness didn't put out Moses passion. Jericho couldn't slow Joshua down and Goliath didn't slow David down. The reason all these men kept going is because of the Fire God put in their hearts.
What's your heart on fire about? Sing? Then sing. Teach? Then teach. Orphans, Missions, Addictions then ask yourself why does my heart yearn and I can't seem to douse the passion? I felt the call to preach at the age of 23 and the fire would not go out. I was told don't preach that was wise wisdom for the fire kept burning no matter how I tried to put it out. One day I was asked to give my testimony of how God saved me. I did and that night God said this is what the fire is all about, this is what I want you to do, and this is my will for your life. That has been 36 and soon will be 37 years ago and the fire has not gone out. What did you say your heart was on fire about?

Thy Will

When you and I pray "Thy will be done"do we know and realize what we are praying? It is to seek the heart of God. Webster says the word will means Choice; determination what is Gods desires? What is His heart? What is His passion? God wants you to know it.

Genesis 18:17
And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; The Lord says to you and I; shall I hide from Mary, Tom, Betty, Donna, Jim, Edward, Ernie, that thing which I do. If He didn't hide it from Abraham He will not hide it from you and I either for He has gone to great lengths to reveal His will to us. Could He have done more than send His Son to lead us? Could He have done more than give His word to teach us? Could He have done more than orchestrate events to awaken us? Could He have done more than send His Holy Spirit to counsel us?

John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

John 14:17
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. God is not the God of Confusion, and wherever He sees sincere seekers with confused hearts, you can rest assured that He will do whatever it takes to help them see His will.

1Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let's look at two that are confused and misinformed, and watch how God works. We will find it in

Luke 24:13-33 It's the event of the two on the Emmaus road. I want to look today at two mistakes they made and then on tomorrow look at how God shows us His will for our lives. It's going to be exciting and when it is over you will know why you feel the way you do about certain areas in your life.

 

First Mistake:

Let's look first at what happened that morning

Luk2 24:22
Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

Luke 24:23
And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

Luke 24:24
And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. We find these women going to the tomb not finding the body of Jesus and then they tell of angels telling them that Jesus was alive; then some more went and returned and said it is for sure the body is gone just like the women have said. Could I say that God speaks to believers through believers? Many times you and I get into a spiritual slump; we too head out to Emmaus. We don't want to be around or be with other believers. Think for a moment about these two who on the same day that Christ had risen from the dead, they heard about it and decided to head home without finding out for sure. Talk about being discouraged these two were in a real slump. Another way God speaks to us is through the church. He could speak to us in a sermon
on Sunday morning, Sunday night or Wednesday night. He could speak to us in a Sunday School Class, or as we fellowship around the dinner table or reading our Bible. He could even speak to us in a Reformers Unanimous Addiction meeting; that is why the enemy doesn't want you in church. Like bananas as soon as that banana gets away from the bunch it is going to get pealed.

 

Second Mistake:

They disregarded the Word of God. Rather than consult the Scriptures, they listened to their fears. Think of fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. Here comes Jesus not making Himself known unto them at this time conducting a Bible study. I love the way He starts off

Luke 24:25
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: You two are foolish you have removed yourselves from other believers and have paid no attention to the Word of God. Do you see what Jesus is saying?

Luke 24:27
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Is Jesus important in our lives? I think so! The first five phrases in the Lord's Prayer look at how we are to pray. "Our Father (our family relationship) which art in heaven (where Our Father is) Hallowed be thy name (learning to be silent and keeping our mouths shut.)Thy kingdom come" (Gods Kingdom come not ours.)We have not asked anything yet it's all about HIM!