There's That World

There was a farmer who had some puppies he needed to sell. He made a sign advertising the pups and posted it in his yard. It wasn’t long before a boy showed up in response to the sign. “Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.” “Well,” said the farmer, “these puppies cost a good deal of money.” The boy reached deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?” “Sure,” said the farmer. The farmer whistled and called, “Here Dolly!” From the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little pups. The little boy’s eyes danced with delight. As the dogs approached, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little pup appeared, but this one was considerably smaller. The little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up. “I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, “Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” The little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and rolled up one leg of his pants revealing a steel brace running down both sides of his leg. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "Mister, I don't run too well myself, and that puppy needs someone who understands.” You know everyone of us has flaws and weaknesses some are visible and some aren’t but we all have them. The young boy, chose that pup knowing what he was getting. Know what? God chose you and He knew full well what He was getting and He too understands our feelings and our weaknesses. 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Do you understand what is being said here? God so loved the ones He knew would be wonderful people. No! No! God loved the world; who is in the world? All people good people, bad people, rich people, poor people and all kinds of people. Somewhere in there you and I fit in and His love was so great that God let His only Son go to a cross and die for all of us. It matters not what color you, are what language you speak, where you live or where you are from. God loves you and wants you to have everlasting life.

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 from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

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. There’s that world of people again “that if thou” “whosoever believeth” “there is no difference” “for whosoever shall call.” God good to us all!

 

Giving Up?

As I read Psalms 107 1-43 and I noticed that the Psalmist repeated some things over and over. The first thing that he said was found in V-1 "O Give thanks unto the Lord," the reason being "for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Then he says because of that V-2 "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so," So we are told to give thanks to the Lord because of what He has done for us. Why? Because we should be thankful that others may hear so that they may find Him dear to their life as the redeemed has.  In Verses 6,13,19,28 "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble" and each time the Lord delivered them out of their distress. Trouble will come to us all, is that not where we learn? The trouble came and then they cried out unto the Lord. Had no trouble came into their lives then there would have never been a need to cry unto the Lord.  When trouble comes into mine and your life it is not time to get discouraged but time to pray. When was the last time you "cried unto the Lord?" He hears and responds to the cry of His children that is why the Redeemed can say so! Did I ever tell you about....and how the Lord delivered. There was a time when all looked hopeless, and the Lord...... Has anyone heard you talking like that lately? 

Some of Them

I remember years ago about kdjkj years ago when I was 15. My dad and I were driving down the road and I of course I was behind the wheel; window rolled down arm out the window and yes driving with one hand. My Dad said to me on that day “Son do you think you are a good enough driver to just be driving with one hand?” Then he told me to get both hands on the wheel or he would take over and drive. Know what I was doing? I had become a little overconfident with that ton of steel I was in control of. Know what my Dad was doing? He was giving me an ensample to follow because you will always have more control with both hands on the wheel than just one. That reminds me that sometimes I get a little overconfident in my spiritual life. I think I know all the dangers and say things like “I will never let anything like that happen to me.” Only to find out later that I did because I became overconfident thinking I know all the tricks and formulas. In I Corinthians chapter 10 verse 11 we read these words… Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: What things? 1Corinthians 10:6  Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 1Corinthians 10:7  Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 1Corinthians 10:8  Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 1Corinthians 10:9  Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 1Corinthians 10:10  Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Here were Gods children that were eyewitnesses to miracles. They had been led daily by God with the pillar of cloud in the day time and the pillar of fire in the night time. By day God kept them cool under the cloud and at night God kept them warn under the fire. Then bitterness toward God got in their hearts and some got involved with sexual sin. That’s what we are told “as some of them committed fornication, as some of them tempted Christ, as some of them murmured.”Maybe they got overconfident! Maybe I get overconfident maybe we all get overconfident and when that happens it’s like driving down the road with the window down and one hand on the wheel. No,No we have AC now; maybe it’s texting or talking on the cell phone but it still being overconfident. Then in verse 12 we read Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Don’t get overconfident be Careful for we all have the possibility of becoming some of them.

"An honest man with an open Bible and a pad and pencil is sure to find out what is wrong with him very quickly" 

Buzzards, Bats and Bumblebees

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top. The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then at once, it takes off like a flash. A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler. will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but will persist in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself. In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, but Faith looks up! Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us. 

1Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Have a great week and look up from time to time and you may see a way of escape. 

Blessed

I had a wonderful memory on last night; my wife and I went to a revival meeting and as we sat there enjoying the sings and the company of people we were around. My mind went back many years before to another time and place and I began to remember my Pastor of long ago. A man who now has alchemizes disease; his great mind is gone his days of training young preachers has pasted. As I sat there in that Church I remembered the many times he would take me to meetings some small and some large. Everyone knew him and he would introduce me and say kind things about me. He taught me so much about the scriptures, how to build a good library, he would say to me “listen to me son there will come a day when God will put you where He wants you and I want you to be prepared.” He was my Pastor and I respected him greatly for he was one of two men God would use greatly in my life. Last night God brought to my mind of how blessed I was to have a man pour his life into mine and today I am still reaping from the seeds  that God allowed him to place into my life. I have been so blessed and now he is in a home not knowing much of what his life was about ; it’s hard to believe that time passes by so fast. I am thankful that while he could still understand and before that awful disease robbed him of his great mind, that I took the time to go by on more than one occasion and tell him how much God used him in my life. I told him I would hate to know what would have become of me had you not taken the time with me. If it had not been for him there would have been no college education; for he took time out of his busy schedule and took classes with me, what a time we had and I will never forget those days. I took the time this morning to tell you that in hopes that maybe today God will bring someone to your mind that has put time into your life. We don’t know what a day may bring forth  Proverbs 27:1  Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. So before it’s too late let that person know how much they mean to you. Don’t wait, for one day that person will be gone or in a home somewhere with no memory of you at all. Give the roses while they may be appreciated. Have a great and thankful weekend.

What's Best

There was an old T.V. program that came on years ago called "Father Knows Best." I don't know if Robert Young always knew what was best but I still like to watch that show. We now tell ourselves that God knows what’s best. Those words come so easy when all is well but what about when you are looking at that mole that the doctor has just told you it was cancer. Do we still think that God knows best? When you go back to where you parked your car and it’s gone; some thief has stolen it. Would we say “Well, God knows what’s best"  What about the person who tells of the horrible childhood where they were abused by their own father.  The awful memories the scars and hurts and God was watching the whole time. Did  God doze off for a minute? Did he abandon his post?  Can heaven see but can’t act? Is our heavenly Father kind but not strong, or strong but doesn’t care? What is the answer? The answer is found in the Scriptures. Joseph  may have had the same thoughts for he too was abused by his brothers while God was watching. Then he was abused by Potiphar’s wife; forgotten in prison. So what did Joseph say to his brothers 

Genesis 50:20  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Then there was the cry of Jesus Christ, Gods only Son 

Luke 22:42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Did God hear the prayer of his Son? What do you think?

Luke 22:43  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. Enough to send Him an angel. Did God spare his Son from death? No. Here is what we do we keep all the things that happen to us in the dark so no one knows. We allow the enemy to use it against us John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and tokill, and to destroy: He steals our joy and happiness; kills our desire to help others and destroys our life from within. We allow it by becoming a victim and feeling sorry for ourselves. Had Joseph done that he would have died behind bars. So we can all die and become no help to anyone or we can turn it around and help others who are having the same problem. It’s up to you; you can be bitter or you can forgive. Forgiving is far better weren’t we forgiven? 

 

Surprise, Songs and a Goooood Feeling

Have you ever heard the saying “we just were not getting fed?” I have noticed that the ones who usually say that aren’t showing up to be fed. As long as there is a good show, exciting crowds, cheers, surprises, songs and good feelings you can count on seeing a good many people. We see the crowd in John chapter six there is something happening on a mountain side. We see a crowd of about 5000 people then Jesus takes a young man’s lunch; five barley loaves and two small fishes. Jesus had everyone sit down and took the loaves and when He had given thanks, He distributed to his disciples and gave to the crowd. That within its self was a miracle but what happened next was another miracle there were leftovers; 12 basket full! Go figure 5 fish and 2 small loaves of bread will not feed a multitude and have left overs. You know those who like the free ride, free food and drink, Free, do for me, do for me. The minute something is asked or required of them there is an excuse why they can’t; we would but… I am sorry but we have already made plans… If we had only known ahead of time we would have…. I hope you are not one that takes, takes, takes. When the free ride is over so goes the free loaders; no commitment. They are only there for the show, surprises and songs and when those are gone it is time for them to move on! “We just aren’t getting fed there anymore.” My wife and I have been married for 41 years now and there is not always a pony show going on and everything is not take, take but more times than not there is give, give and commitment. We said and meant until death do we part; it’s not always about me but instead it’s about her that’s my focus. I don’t always eat where I like but I make sure we eat where she likes. I don’t always get to go where I want but I make sure we go where she wants. It’s called having a relationship with the one you love; it’s not about me it’s about her. Guess what It is not about me it’s all about HIM, Jesus Christ and He will make sure that there are enough dog and pony shows along the way. For He without doubt loves you and I. Have a Blessed Day and have a kind word for someone today for you may be the only one who does.

 

Don't Be MIG

 MIA; you have more than likely seen something with those letters on it. Many know what they stand for but some don’t. Those letters simply refer to those of our Military who went to war and never returned; Missing In Action. The number is is outrageous; 92,000 soldiers who more than likely gave their life so you and I could live in a free country and somewhere on this earth are their remains. There is a mother and Dad, brother and sister and other family members that has no idea what happen to their loved one. What about those MIG; those missing in grace! Have you ever been hurt? Sure you have. A few years ago I said something that hurt someone I thought a lot of; the strange thing about it was what I said was taken in a way that I didn't mean. The sad thing is I knew what I meant but the other person didn’t and never came to me. It ruined our friendship and it was years before I found out why our friendship ended; things are much better now but we will never be friends as we were  before. What happened? Missing in Grace! The Book of Hebrews tells us this                   Hebrews 12:15  Looking diligently (beware) lest any man fail (be in want) of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness (poison) springing up trouble (swell up)  you, and thereby many be defiled; (annoy)  Having Anger, bitterness or resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. If you're been wounded and hurt, that's no time to be missing the grace of God for that is when you need it the most. So how do you miss God's grace?  God's grace and our bitterness cannot coexist in the same heart. Either God's grace will push out our bitterness, or our bitterness will push out God's grace. You don't hold a grudge,a grudge holds you. It's like you can't stop thinking about the very person you wish you could forget. But a grudge shackles you to that person emotionally. The poison in your soul isn't hurting them, but it's killing you inside. It’s like a huge heavy backpack and we carry it everywhere we go. Those hard and bitter feelings well they end up causing trouble and defile many. That poison destroys relationships, friendships, marriages, children and churches. The good news is there is an antidote for that poison and its forgiving. 

Eph 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Get rid of all bitterness; be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just like Christ “HAS” forgiving you. That person who hurt you may not deserve to be forgiven, but then you didn't deserve God's forgiveness.Forgiveness is not pretend that there was nothing wrong; it’s releasing them completely to God. It’s making a decision that from this day on you will, with God's strength, base your treatment of them, not on how they treated you, but on how Jesus treated you! You've been the forgiven now you become the forgiver. Don’t be an MIG!

 

Meet Phillip

Chris Waye, missionary to the British Isles, blogged about my good friend Phillip I want you to meet Phil. I have also been working with Phil in the Reformers Unanimous program and in the Scarlet Thread Ministry. As Phil and I talked one night while we were out I asked him if he had ever been in a gang? He told me that he had been beat in in 1994. I then asked him what did that mean? He then told me that he was taken to a grave yard and beat by six other gang members for  3 minutes. Before it was all over I had broken ribs,cuts and whelps; I asked him if he went to the ER? He said no he just tuffed it out. God has done a great work in this young mans life. On Sunday mornings you will find him standing at the front door helping hand out bulletins smiling and talking to those who walk through the doors of Victory Baptist Church Loganville GA. Phil is one of many who have found help as they walked through those doors. Now read what Chris had to say about Phil.

Meet Phil

Mar 17, 2011 10:26 am | chriswaye

For those of you who do not know Phil, he is quickly becoming one of my closest friends. Phil has had a pretty rough past, but on Sunday, September 5th of last year, his life changed completely. He tells me that as he sat on the edge of his bed, not long after finishing his last 40 ounces of alcohol, he was brought to a decision. He was either going to jail that day or going to church. Thankfully, Phil chose to walk the two miles he lived from the church and give it a shot.

That day also happened to be the first Sunday we were back from Peru. It was old fashioned sunday. I can only imagine what Phil must have thought when he walked in and saw the hay on the floor, the overalls, the wagons and all that was going on. But what was really going on that day, was God beginning to work in his life.

You see, that morning, Phil realized his sin and need for a savior and received the gift of salvation that only Christ can give. Since then, I don’t know that I have ever seen a life so dramatically changed. He is in every, and I mean every church service that he can be in. He is an active, working member of the Reformers Unanimous program at our church. He has a heart for people and wants to see those from his past come to know Christ as well.

Every week, he and I go out together to make visits. We then study the Bible and try to figure out ways to get his old friends around so they too can hear about the ONE who can change lives. I will never forget the day we were going out to make a visit. He looked at me and said “Chris, do you think it would be ok if I did the talking this time and told them about Jesus”. Man was I excited!

I thank God for Phil and the life he now lives. I also thank God for the people that He has put around Phil that have helped him get to where he is today. It has been an amazing six months, seeing him grow closer to the Lord than I could have ever imagined.

Continue

Have you ever been arrested? I hope not but you have without doubt seen someone in hand cuffs. They are placed in those hand cuffs to restrict and restrain. There are those who are restricted but there are no visible hand cuffs that restrict then. It could be a hurt from way back that was never dealt with just covered up. Like that young lady who was raped yet she never dealt with it or that young boy who was sexually abused and never let anyone know. Their deepest darkest secret but may I remind you that our enemy knows and as long as we keep it hidden he will use it against us. You may have felt unloved by your parents or even your husband or wife. It matters not what it is we can get help and that help can be found in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 58:6  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to  loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:8  Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Did you pay attention to what you just read? Three things will affect us when we come to freedom. The bands are loose; The Heavy Burdens are undone; Thy Health is better. Like the hand cuffs that keep us from being free our sins of yesterday have us bound and we are not free. Jesus told those Jews that believed on him these words  John8:31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; The key “continue” and what to continue in God’s Word when one does that they become a disciple (To teach; to train, or bring up) of Jesus Christ. If we train or learn in God’s Word what will be the results  John 8:32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. We will know the truth and the truth will “MAKE YOU FREE.” That which had you bound, the burdens are undone and your health will improve. A young man told me on yesterday “my life was wrecked by cocaine but someone took the time and invited me to Church he said I didn’t want to go but that man just kept asking.” That man went and because of the love of one man now cocaine is now no part of that man’s life. If you walk into his home you will see Bible verses all over. You might say “that man has went off the deep end” my answer would be NO! That man has been “MADE FREE” simply because he continued in God’s Word. If we keep doing the same thing we have always done we will keep getting the same results. Go to Church this Sunday even if you don’t want to.

Circumstances and Actions

The last two days I have written on anger; on Tuesday I wrote about letting the circumstances control us then on Wednesday I wrote about being slow to anger and having a merry heart and a continual feast. Well, I was put to the test on Wednesday; I had one of those days. Before the sun rose in the east I had already set off our alarm system. I ran back in the house to shut it down before the alarm people called; not fast enough for the phone was ringing before I could walk back to the living room.  I couldn’t find the phone because of a dead battery and I did not think to run upstairs to answer it there. They called the cell phone and we were at least able to stop the police from coming. Off to a meeting at 8:30 just getting there right before it started; that was close. After the meeting off to a job where something was going on inside a wall; up in the attic as I leaned over to look down in some wall voids I said to myself “better take that stuff out your shirt pocket before it falls in one of those voids.  I did and as I did I said to myself “don’t forget you have taken it out or you will forget it.” Oh no I said to myself I won't forget it. Two and a half hours later I went to get something out of my shirt pocket; you guessed it I forgot it. Now I must return and get it. As I was riding back I was reminded of what I had written just hours earlier!  It’s my choice to be happy or angry, it’s my choice to have a continual feast! Will I let all that is going wrong control me? Will I let all these things break my spirit? That is when I just started laughing for all that had gone wrong was all my fault so I decided to just continue to have a merry heart and a continual feast. Today I am reminded of what Proverbs 16 and verse 32 has to say 

Proverbs 16:32  He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Once again I am reminded that being slow to anger is better than the mighty and he that rules his spirit than he that captures a city.  If I can’t control myself then it matters not what else I may be good at. That is why I was smiling because I want to be in charge of my actions.  I  won't let the circumstances control me with the opportunity to get angry at others! They haven’t done anything to cause anything to go wrong and they would get hurt by my reacting. I am glad the Lord still uses His Book to teach us how we can react at any given time.

Happy Heart

I read what a young lady wrote and how she explained her anger, here is what she said. When I was 15 I knew what it was going to be like to be 25. I knew that to be 15 was to be torture, but to be 25 was to have escaped and to be happy. I knew I would have a boyfriend and we’d be in love. I knew he would always be glad to see me, and that I’d always be glad to see him. I knew that we would cook dinner together from groceries brought home in brown paper bags. I knew I’d live in a nice apartment, with modern furniture, smooth lines, and bright lighting. I knew I would go to work every day, and work hard, and be great at it, and get paid well, and come home with a sense of pride at the end of the day. I knew I’d be beautiful, and confident, and have many friends. I knew I’d be a grown-up, and in control, and I’d be happy. I knew if I could just survive long enough, 25 would come, and at 25 I would be happy. It makes sense that I’d be angry. I know that. Anyone who has suffered a loss or has suffered a suffering is angry about it. I know. I know. But the suffering never goes away, and so neither does the anger. The anger, the vile hatred; something I know is childish and unenlightened and generally foolish. And yet, here it is. My anger, It’s existence, something else to be angry about.  Wow,anger that has been building for a long time. No telling how many, the anger of this young lady has hurt or even destroyed besides her. I will not argue we all have been hurt by others. We have loan money to a friend who never paid it back. Cutting words from one we thought a lot of and those words cut to the bone. The one who would never accept our apology. The one that would not forgive our actions no matter how much we pleaded.  We can all get angry and stay angry if we want to but I myself would rather stay happy. Proverbs 15:13  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: What kind of heart do you have? It will show on your face. but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  Let me put it another way a joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but with heartache comes depression.  Proverbs 15:15  All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.  Every day will be a terrible day for a miserable person. But I like that merry heart and continual feast business. Stay angry and as verse 15 says you’ll stir up strife  Proverbs 15:18  A wrathful man stirreth up strife: or a hothead stirs up a fight. We must be careful about our anger and learn to control it; you may ask why he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. (calms disputes) Well. it is up to the indidual; we can have a merry heart and a cheerful countenance and we can have a merry heart and a continual feast I guess it’s up to each of us. We can be angry like this young lady and stay that way or we can learn by Gods help to have that continual feast. If you are carrying around anger you may fit into one of these percentages • Almost a third of people polled (32%) say they have a close friend or family member who has trouble controlling their anger. • More than one in ten (12%) say that they have trouble controlling their own anger. • More than one in four people (28%) say that they worry about how angry they sometimes feel. • One in five of people (20%) say that they have ended a relationship or friendship with someone because of how they behaved when they were angry. • 64% either strongly agree or agree that people in general are getting angrier. • Fewer than one in seven (13%) of those people who say they have trouble controlling their anger have sought help for their anger problems. • 58% of people wouldn’t know where to seek help if they needed help with an anger problem. • 84% strongly agree or agree that people should be encouraged to seek help if they have problems with anger. http://www.angermanage.co.uk/data.html

Not You

You! No, not you; you are not a hostile person by far, not a person who picks fight. You’re a Boy Scout troop leader, Friend of the Library, volunteer at the School, why just last year, you called in and donated money during one of those Christian radio fund drives.   Yet you have these moments when the worst parts of your nature come to the front. Admit it you have had moments when the world seems to be conspiring against you and the frustration builds inside you and the frustration turns to rage. Remember the morning you were running late you just wanted to get your latte and a bagel from Starbucks and run. Of course the guy in front of you in line had to spend 10 minutes talking to the woman behind the counter about that most fascinating of topics, the weather. You’re ashamed to admit it now, but you were on the verge of throwing your 10-dollar bill across the counter and screaming for service. Rage seems to be all around us lately. Look around; it’s not difficult to conclude that the world is getting angrier and angrier. Our politics is angry, Bush-haters, Clinton-haters and even Dog-haters. Our popular music is angry; our highways run like rivers of anger.  Just yesterday I was turning across traffic when the car turning ahead of me stopped. The oncoming traffic had plenty of time to stop but horns went to blowing because I was now in their way. Anger comes at breaking speeds when things don’t go our way. Remember Jonah? In Jonah chapter 4 and verses 6-11 you will find that the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head. Jonah was glad but God prepared a worm the next morning and the gourd withered. Now no shade and the sun beat upon his head and he fainted and wished he could just die even said it would be better for him to die than live.  I wonder if we have Jonah's moods. Jonah’s moods were based on circumstances that surrounded him. When God prepared a gourd for shade, Jonah was happy. When God prepared a worm and an east wind Jonah was angry. When things were going Jonah’s way his anger was under control. Just let things go wrong and he was out of control. It would be nice if everything went our way but that is not going to happen. I think if we would apologize every time we lost control and got angry I think we would think before we reacted. Proverbs 14:17  He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: When I allow the circumstances around me to control my actions then the circumstances control me and if I get angry I will deal with the matter at hand foolishly.

Dysfunctional

My wife is somewhat dysfunctional and if you were to ask her she would tell you “no it’s the other way around my husband is dysfunctional.”  The reason I tell you those things is that I am a morning person and my wife will tell you that morning is not the time to be singing and smiling. My wife is a night person and I tell her that night time is not the time to be smiling and reading books. I tell her, read this and then tell me sweet heart that I’m wrong.

Psalms 92:1  It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

Psalms 92:2  To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning,   

Are we not told it’s a good thing to give thanks and sing praises and to show loving kindness in the morning? But she says that I quit too soon for the last of that verse reads and thy faithfulness every night, The God of the universe made each and every one of us different some of us are morning people and some of us are evening people so we are not dysfunctional we are just different. I can never be a night person and my wife can’t be a morning person for God has wired us different.  I can praise God in the morning with song and thanksgiving and my wife can do the same at night and that doesn't make either one of us dysfunctional.  My prayer for you this week is that you will praise God for who He is and thank Him for His goodness toward you.  

Hidden Treasure

Would it not be nice to find a hidden treasure?  I read about a stage hold up in 1881; the robbers took $125,000 dollars and were soon tracked down. As a gun fight arose all five robbers we killed but no money was found and to this day that loot has never been found. One man spent 30 years looking for it but never found it; others have followed him and with the same results. The only ones who knew where the loot was at are all dead and for the last 130 years that loot is still in a safe place. What if you or I were to go to Flagstaff, Arizona; and somehow stumble upon that loot. Wouldn’t that the wonderful! I have been to Flagstaff and I didn’t find it and if I were to go back I don’t think I would find it then  either.  I wasn’t looking for it mainly because I didn’t know anything about it until yesterday.  What if I were to find it; what would I really have? You say enough money to last the rest of your life. Wonderful!  The truth is, as useful as that money would be right now; as exciting as it might be to discover the buried loot in Flagstaff, Arizona, nothing will change my life more than finding hidden treasure offered from God Himself. Our gracious Heavenly Father left a collection of clues and signposts along the way to lead us to the locations in life where wisdom lies waiting to be discovered, possessed, and applied. All you and I have to do is just read and apply.

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;

Proverbs 2:5  Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:6  For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

There is a treasure for you and I to find all we have to do is search and we will find the knowledge of God and when we do then we will understand. HELLO; let’s get busy searching.

P.S. I request your prayers this weekend as we will be presenting the Reformers Unanimous Addiction and the Scarlet Thread Ministries to our Church. I am sending a short blog that my Pastor has written about this Sunday, please read it and then pray that God will help someone that might come with a stronghold that has them bound.

RU Sunday-Addictions Ministry of VBC

Posted in General on March 7, 2011 by Derik Lawrence Pastor Victory Baptist Church Loganville GA

This Sunday will be our annual “RU Sunday”…a day each year where we put an emphasis on the Addictions Ministry of VBC.  Every Friday night a group of dedicated individuals gather to “talk, talk, talk!”  The night is divided into three time segments, aptly named “talks.”

Our local chapter of this national ministry is directed by Wayne Sosebee, a man who has a passion for the addicted.   I can honestly say that Bro. Wayne truly loves this ministry and the people which volunteer with him.  The Lord has blessed us with just the right man to lead this ministry.  He has surrounded himself with a group of people that are just about as passionate as he is and I love them and their support for him and VBC.

Just recently, we’ve ventured out and started The Scarlet Thread Thrift Store, designed to assist funding a future Men and Women’s Home.  This Sunday we’ll hear more about both ministries and I want to encourage you to be praying for the day.  If there is someone in your family, someone you work with, or even yourself that is struggling with a stronghold, please make every effort to be in attendance BOTH services.  I will be preaching the AM service and Bro. Wayne the PM, with testimonies and videos in each.

 

Religion or Repentance

Have you ever been in a court room? Hopefully not; but if you have you will agree it’s not a pleasant place to be and especially if you are the one who is seeing the judge.  Legal documents, legal procedures, and legal languages, which may or may not be understood. I remember not long ago sitting in a court room with another person. They called a young lady to present her case.  She approached the Judge without a lawyer and she didn’t do very well at all. Later that same day another lady's case was called and she too was not represented by a lawyer. As she presented her case she called her only witness, and as I turn to see this lady walking toward the front of the court room it was the same lady who earlier had lost her case. Needless to say that lady lost her case too. I learned that day that it was not a good idea to stand before a judge without a lawyer. If we were to stand before the Heavenly Judge (God) to present our case how would we present ourselves?  Would we present ourselves by telling God that we were a good person as well as kind to others, gave some money to others from time to time; to sum things up we were better than most.  With our religion? Religion may do a lot of things but it can never save the human soul. The Apostle Paul before he gave his life to Christ was named Saul. He had religion and it was his religion that drove him into the blackness of antipathy against the Lord Jesus and against His followers. Then we read of this man Saul giving his life to the Lord Jesus and being redeemed. You see we that have put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ have a lawyer

1John 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (intercessor, consoler, comforter) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1John 2:2  And he is the propitiation (atonement, payment ) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Let’s get this straight; we as God’s children have an intercessor Jesus Christ and He has already paid the payment for our sins. Is that not what we just read? We as Gods children have a lawyer but did you notice something else “not for our sins only but also for the sins of the whole world.” Even those who like Saul were busy putting Gods people in prison and killing those who refused his request 

Acts 9:2  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.  Paul asked the High Priest to write letters of authorization to the synagogue leaders in the city of Damascus. Saul wanted to arrest any man or woman who followed the way of Christ and imprison them in Jerusalem. We just can’t get away from the love of God 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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.

We have all had our sins paid for but have you accepted the payment? Religion or Repentance? Payment in full or Debt. 

Not Knowing

My brother and some friends built a three room hut in our back yard. It was nice and we had a lot of fun in that three room little structure. While out one cool winter day we found a steel box and decided to add heat to our little place. We took the steel box and fixed it in the corner up next to the wall on a wooden floor. We made us a little fire in it and we had heat; what more could a boy want? A place to come out of the cold into your very own castle. Not many days after we were at the super table eating when my mom said your hut is on fire. What? Our hut was on fire; what evil person has done this? We were soon outside fighting the fire to save our place; but it was too late, we would have to rebuild. After my Dad had asked us some questions we found out something about metal getting hot and why you shouldn’t attach it to wooden floors and walls! A lesson well learned but a little late. There are many things that we do and think we are doing the right thing at the time. We didn’t that night leave our hut knowing it was going to catch on fire; it happened because we didn’t know. For many years I didn’t understand how to pray; I prayed but not like Jesus taught His disciples. I would start to pray and as soon as I could I would be asking the Lord for this or telling Him about my problems. Then one day something was explained to me that showed me the right way to pray. In the book of Luke we read  Luk 11:1  And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.  The Lord began to do just that and we can learn from His teaching. Watch what He says; Luke 11:2  And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Luke 11:3  Give us day by day our daily bread. Luke 11:4  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. The very first thing Jesus did was Praise the Father and He used a whole verse in teaching us how to. The next thing He taught His disciples was to ask for their daily needs, the third thing He taught them to do was ask forgiveness and the last thing He taught those disciple was to ask for protection. If you and I begin our prayer with Praise it will help us get our mind off ourselves. I want us to think about our protection. There are temptations that I battle with every day and then what about the evil that battles against us; wouldn’t it be nice for some help in those areas? Sure it would and you and I need to ask our heavenly Father for victories in our life on a daily basis. So when you pray don’t forget to praise God for all He is doing and allowing in your life. Look around you today and praise God for His goodness to you and find someone and give them an encouraging word that may just make their day.

Heart

If you were asked this question, how long would you want to live 60,70,80,or 90 years what would be your answer? We don't get to choose how long our life will be; or do we? No, I’m not talking about eating food that taste like cardboard or drinking 4 gallons of water a day.  We read this in the book of Proverbs Proverbs 3:2  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Did we just read length of days, long life and peace will be added? That’s too good to be true; what’s the catch or how can I accomplish that?  We read and hear about eating right and exercising and just take care of yourself and we’ll live longer. The Bible tells us something different; not that eating right and exercising will hurt but read with me this. Proverbs 3:1  My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: Did you notice who this is being written to? “My son” it’s a family term as a father would be speaking to his child. The child is first reminded of something very important; could this be God’s law? I think it might. When I was living at home my Dad set down some rules; one of those rules was on the weekend be home no later than 11:30 pm and always have a dime in your pocket. That way if something were to happen you could call home. My Dad meant 11:30 not 11:31and that was his rule or law. I can’t count the times I raced the clock to get home before or by 11:30. I remember one Friday night getting home at 11:40; as I walked towards the door thinking in my mind how I would explain my being a bit late. I told myself that after I tell Dad what all had happened he would understand; after all I knew he has had things happen to him; sounded good to me. I walked in the door and began to tell why I was a bit late and my Dad didn’t even want to hear about it.  I was late and that was it. We are told, not to forget my law; but that’s not all, we are told where to keep that law and it’s not in our heads. Why the heart and not the head? Good question and here is my answer; we put things in our heart that are of the upmost importance. We put information in our head but we put important things we want to keep in our heart. I love my wife and I tell her that often. I tell her because I want her to know that so she will without doubt know I love her will all my heart. What if one day I were to look into her beautiful brown eyes and say sweetheart I love you with all my head; wonder what she would say? Our heart is where the important things are kept that is why David said this; Psalms119:11  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, why have you put God’s word in your heart and not your head David? that I might not sin against thee. It was so important to David that he not sin that he placed Gods word in his heart not his head. Then we are told in the next verse Proverbs 3:2  that good days and long life and peace will be add to you. Then in verses4 & 5 we read  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. We are told that to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding. In all our ways we are to acknowledge the Lord and the Lord will give you and I direction. How do you love the Lord? With your heart or your head; which path are you on His or yours? I will be on the path that leads me to the Church house this Sunday morning and evening I hope you will be too.