Never Shine

I own a black truck; wash it and it shines like new money or at least most of it does. The hood on my black truck will never shine again and the reason is I fail to keep it washed and waxed. Because of my neglect it will never shine again without a fresh paint job. Now there is someone reading this and saying bring it to my shop and I’ll paint it for you. There’s been many a Christian that began passionately and became professional. What was once love for their daily Bible reading and prayer has now turned into a duty. Oh, these good folks aren’t doing anything terribly wrong they have just drifted from their passionate love for Him. I remember I was doing some snorkeling, I was so excited about what I was seeing I failed to realize that I had began to drift and then a current grabbed me and out in deep water I went. When I raised my head I was a long ways from where I should have been all because I neglected what I should have been paying attention to and then I drifted. That’s what happens, we neglect our time with the Lord and before we know it we are drifting away.

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; How can you and I escape if we neglect our great salvation. Notice that verse didn’t say “how shall we escape if we reject such a great salvation?” It says neglect. Now that hood on my truck didn’t suddenly become dull it became that way because of what I didn’t do. It became dull because I neglected it. You and I must have a daily maintenance in our Christian life. Daily time in God’s Word turns on the light for the day; you see it’s not a book you’re missing but a person you spend time with, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. It’s neglecting time with Jesus. Yesterday morning I went out the door on my way to work when I felt a strong urge to pray. I walked over to the edge of the yard and began to pray. Don’t know why I felt that way but I obeyed the impulse of the Holy Spirit. Now it could have been the Lord slowing me down from an oncoming accident that might have injured me, I don’t know and may never know. It’s not my job to know it’s my job to obey realizing that God loves me and wants the best for me. If He wants to have me stop for a few minutes so He can talk with Him that’s fine; better than a dead battery.  On Tuesday of this week I was in a bad part of Atlanta stopped at a stop sign when I heard a gunshot and at the same time I heard the bullet hit a tree close to me. Needless to say I got to moving very quickly. Later as I thought about that my heart began to beat fast as I got to thinking how I could have been killed had that bullet hit me in the head and not the tree. As I was thinking on that the Holy Spirit brought comforting words to my heart knowing that it was He that protects me. Have a blessed weekend, don’t forget that you are loved greatly by the Lord Jesus and don’t neglect Him this weekend.  

Only Three Things

Complaining is something we all do from time to time. We complain if it rains too much and we complain if it doesn’t rain enough. We complain if we miss an opportunity, we complain if we get sick, we complain if we….you get the picture I’m sure. There is not one who is reading this now that hasn’t been treated wrong at one time or another. We have cried, felt lonely and left behind and at times we have felt that no one even cares about poor little old me. Wait, there is nothing you or I can do about the troubles that come into our life is there? Well, I think there is! Troubles will come; that is for sure and if we live with a troubled attitude it will only make things worse. Try this instead of listing the troubles and problems why not make a gratitude list. That’s right, a list of things that you are grateful for. Let’s see! How’s your health? Are you enjoying eating every day and a loving family? Maybe you are glad the weekend is almost here? Do you have clothes to wear and someone who loves you? Maybe you’re the hero in your sons or daughters life? Are you taking a vacation in a few weeks? A wife who still loves you and has encouraging words for you each day? If all else fails you may have a pet that awaits your arrival each day. I love it, when all else has gone wrong I walk in the door and my dog is always glad I’m home.  I am sure you can think of others to add to your list. Remember now only put on your list things you are grateful for. This is a terrific way to change your attitude in a hurry. You may say why is that? When I was in the military we were taught about our enemy but we were also taught about our weapon and how to use it. Now with that in mind let me show you something about our enemy. Our enemy only wants to do three things and he is very successful at doing them and he has destroyed many a person’s life.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: There they are Steal, Kill, Destroy…Steal your joy by your complaining... Kill your desires by dwelling on the past; which you can do nothing about. Destroy your zeal by getting you to think everybody is against you and no one loves you. Think like that and you’ll soon be depressed, stressed out and feel you’re hopeless. I love the next part of that verse…. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Now you can dwell on what’s going wrong or the abundant life! I choose the latter! I say let’s cut the pity party short and shift to the gratitude list because gratitude will get you much farther in life than complaining. The weapon we need to know how to use is our Bible; it needs to get off the table and into our hearts.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Notice he said in our heart not our head. This is not Bible memorization for that will be in your head. David said in your heart. Wonder what my wife would say if I said “sweetheart I love you with all my head?” No, I love her with all my heart and there is a big difference. With my heart I know her and love her. So it is with Jesus Christ I know Him and love Him with my heart.

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

Can I Talk

The Miracle of forgiveness! Letting the stone go. Someone is angry at you, something you said offended them. Asking for forgiveness is an amazing experience but it’s easier to simply just let it slide, especially if it’s someone you’re not going to run into. It takes courage to walk up to someone and say “can I talk with you. I owe you an apology and I want to ask for your forgiveness.” Do we have the ability to forgive?  Are we willing to say those words “I forgive you?” His face had been slapped, harsh words had been spoken to him, he had been beat and now someone spits in his face. This is an awful day but with all that is going on this man finds time and words to forgive.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. The voices are loud, this man is being bitten, he is thrown out of the city, the stones began to fly, one hits in above the eye another on his cheek bone, another in the head, the stones are coming now faster and faster he falls to the ground. The pain is excruciating he is rushed upon and more stones and more and more and just before this poor man dies he raises up with words of forgiveness.

Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

  Years ago I was working a factory job; we went work at 7 and got off at 3. The plant was closed on the week of July 4. For some reason they wanted to start an hour early on the last day we were to work before the plant closed. I couldn’t see the benefit but none the less that’s what was to be. There was no way I could go to work at 6 the nursery where our children stayed didn’t open until 6:30 each morning and sad to say that plant starting an hour early wasn’t that important to them. I told my supervisor that there was no way I could be there at 6 and he told me get there as soon as I could. I did but when I arrived my supervisor and his supervisor were waiting for me. His supervisor began to yell at me I just stood there for a moment hoping he would cool down but he just got louder. That is when I told him that he wasn’t going to talk to me like that but he kept yelling and then I yelled back at him telling him once again he wasn’t going to talk like that to me. Then he said come with me to my office. Now on the way to his office I began to feel like I handled the matter wrong so when we walked into his office I said before you say anything else I would like to apologize for my actions and ask for your forgiveness. He looked at me and never raised his voice again to me and then told my supervisor to help me get my work done. Forgiveness is a wonderful gift that we possess that is hidden in plain sight. It costs nothing and is worth millions. It is available to everyone and used by few. If you harness the power of forgiveness, you will be sought after and regarded highly. Not coincidentally, you will also be forgiven by others!

Cost Nothing Worth Millions

 Proverbs 26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth honour to a fool.

What good is a stone in his sling that will not come out? It’s like a person who goes to battle with his weapon and no ammunition.   What if I were to tell you that I knew of something that cost nothing and is worth millions? At the same time was available to everyone and used by few.  Would you be interested in knowing what it was? Abraham Lincoln, one of my all time hero’s said this. “Forgiveness is a secret that is hidden in plain sight. It costs nothing and is worth millions. It is available to everyone and used by few. If you harness the power of forgiveness, you will be sought after and regarded highly. And not coincidentally, you will also be forgiven by others!” When I read that my mind went quickly to Matthew chapter 18 of the King taking account of his servants and finding out that one owed him an enormous amount of money and didn’t have the resources to repay the amount. The King then clears his entire amount to nothing. What a wonderful blessing. What is interesting to me is that this same servant goes to one that owes him an amount that is payable but at the moment can’t pay. The forgiven servant gets angry and puts his friend in prison.  Word got back to the King who calls for his servant and reminds him that he was forgiven of an amount that he could never repay. He then tells him that when he had opportunity to forgive another he refused. I am afraid that hits home too many times. I must ask myself “have I been forgiven by my heavenly Father of all and do I refuse to forgive those that have wronged me? Do I hold grudges, do I refuse to forgive? Oh, wait, if those who have wronged me would come and ask for me to forgive them I would. Let me say that forgiveness is not an emotion it’s a decision. Have you ever been trying to fall asleep and suddenly your peacefulness is interrupted by remembering what someone has done to you. Do you replay that event over and over in your mind, thinking that you should have just knocked his lights out when you had the opportunity? That’s right think like a boy forgetting you are now 45 or so years old. You have consumed yourself with that kind of thinking in the middle of the night while that person is home in bed getting a good night’s rest. Would you forgive that person if they would come and ask or even beg for your forgiveness? The sling is the power to forgive and the stone is the forgiveness that you have bound in the sling. Tomorrow I’ll write on the Miracle of forgiveness; letting the stone go. 

No Angels Singing

I have said this phrase 100’s of times “if you keep doing the same things you’ve always done you’re going to keep getting the same results you’ve always gotten.” Sunday is coming not a week or a month away but in two short days and the question is where will you be? In Church you might say and my answer to that question is and what will you be there for? Were you there last week? Were you content to just be there? Were you content to sit and look straight ahead and leave when the service was over? Content with the nice service! I hope if that were the case you’ll come this week looking for Jesus. Have you prepared your heart for worship? Have you prayed before you arrive so that you will be ready to pray when you arrive?  Did you sleep well so that you’ll be able to stay alert after you arrive? Did you read your Bible before you came so your heart will be soft when you worship? Come hungry, come willing and come expecting God to speak to you personally. When you leave Church will you have something to thank God for? He speaks to open and willing hearts. I read that George Carver Washington went out each morning to pray and the results of his prayers were over 300 uses for the peanut. Carver never patented most of the many discoveries saying “God gave them to me, how can I sell them to someone else?”  

Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

What are you asking God for? After you ask are you seeking for what you asked for? Are you knocking, looking and expecting God to give you what you asked for? I remember a while back asking God for a certain matter; I asked more than once. I kept knocking at heavens doors for God to please supply in this matter; nothing happened the prayer was not answered, nothing. Then one day I just said in my prayer “God I have asked and asked I have knocked and knocked why have you not answered; just say yes or no but please give me an answer.” There was no sound from heaven, no angels singing but on that morning God answered my prayer. I was reading Matthew chapter seven when my eyes read verse seven. Ask, seek and knock and then the Lord spoke to me. You have asked and yes, you have knocked but you have failed to seek. That’s it I was waiting for something to drop out of the sky into my lap. I like most forgot to seek after what I was asking for. If you want to find gold one must go and pan or seek for it. I am afraid that many die without ever really knowing what God wants them to do. Oh yes, they asked God to show them and sure they knocked but have they really gone seeking for it.

Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

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.

When you walk into the doors of your Church this Sunday don’t you want more than being content? If that’s all you want that’s all you’ll get. But if you come expecting to hear, see and experience something from God that’s what you’ll get. You can have as much as you want or as little as you’re satisfied with.

Numbered With

Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Matthias, I can only find his named mentioned twice. What is interesting about that is the opportunity he had but missed.  The verse we just read tells us that Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles. We are told of the position he held but nothing of what he did in that position. He goes down in history as being numbered with the apostles but doing nothing as an apostle. Reminds me of the talents given to the three; to one there was given only one, to another two and to another five talents. The one with the five talents doubled his, the one with the two talents doubled his also but the one with only one did nothing. All he has was an excuse

Matthew 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, [there] thou hast [that is] thine.
How did the Lord handle this matter? 

Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: The Lord said this person was a wicked and slothful servant. The opportunity was there no doubt but nothing was done with the opportunity. He was just numbered with the ones who did something. If I were to ask you to name just 6 of the 12 disciples could you? If I were to ask you to name 5 of the 10 spies that went in to spy out the land of Canaan could you? If I asked could you name 3 of the 7 men chosen to be the first Deacons?

Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. More than likely not but if I asked you to name 3 of the Disciples that stood out you would you would more than likely name Peter, James & John. Why? They were not only numbered but those men did something. Just as did Caleb & Joshua as the spies that went into Canaan and as did Stephen & Phillip as two of the seven. Its one thing to be numbered but it's quite another to use the talent or talents God has given you. Don't accept the position if all you want is prestige and recognition; accept the position with the attitude of going forward regardless of the prestige and recognition. Use your talent for Gods glory.

Killed Anyone

Faith is wonderful; we use faith everyday of our lives. We have faith in our postal service. We write a letter, sign it, seal it and drop it in the box. We have faith that the letter will be delivered. We have faith in our bank. We go to work, work all week get paid and put that money in our bank and leave with confidence.  We have faith in Doctors, Nurses, Medicines, Operations, in Treatments, why we even have faith in a coke machine. Put our money in, push a button and expect a coke. All that I’ve just mentioned is us putting faith in people and the things we have invented or organized. Now putting Faith in God or this man Jesus Christ is another story. We see others that have put their faith in Jesus, and we think; “Well, I just don’t know about me!” Here is what happens, it is called doubt. We don’t have doubt in the coke machine or the postal service but when it comes to this thing about my sins being forgiven; well, that’s another story. You see God will never forgive me for what I have done. That’s a lie; let me ask you a question. Have you ever killed someone? I mean premeditated, planned it out and then done it yourself or have it done? You say “Why, heavens no!” Well King David did.  

2Samuel11:15  And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. What did you say, David? Did I understand you right; put Uriah on the front lines in the heat of the battle and leave him there by himself! He will surely be killed. Yes, David knew that and the reason he allowed that to happen was to cover up his sin with Uriah’s wife. Guess what; God forgave David of his awful deeds. So why can’t we put our trust in a God like that? We can if we will just overcome that doubt in our hearts. I have found that too many are waiting on that last minute when they can ask God to forgive them like the dying thief that day on Calvary’s hillside. Yes, and if you mean it like that thief did God will do the same thing for you as He did that day because the Bible says

Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. There are a few problems with that line of thinking. What if you are in an automobile accident? You may not have time! What if you have a heart attack? You are here one minute and the next you are gone without notice! I am sure you can think of many, many more times when you just wouldn’t think of asking God to forgive you. Don’t wait! For the Bible says

Hebrews 4:7…. To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. I am glad I didn’t let my past get in the way of my future. As Dr E.V. Hill so plainly said “What He’s done for others He’ll do for you!”

Don't You Think

We have so many choices to make in a one day period. What will I eat for breakfast, cereal, or stop and get a donut; now you’re talking! What will I listen to on the radio? Will it be a Talk show, news, music and if music what kind; country, rock or maybe gospel. I hope it would be gospel. Possibly listen to a CD of your choice; oh no, how many CD’s do you have. You go to the drink machine and there you are faced with more choices. Go to the restaurant and there you are faced with choices. Are you getting the picture? We live in a country where making choices is a full time job. As I was reading my Bible these verses caught my eye and mind:

Psa 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

Oh let us give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. Look at verse two; do you see what it is saying? “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so;” say so about what? First, the Lord is good; why should we say He is good? We should say the Lord is good and broadcast the fact that we have been redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Now that’s mercy. When you got up this morning with all the other choices you had to make did you first make the choice to be HAPPY?  You may say happy about what? Happy that you have sight, happy that you have air to breath, happy that you can hear, happy that you can laugh! Take any one of those away and see how happy you would be. The next mirror you see; stop and smile at yourself and give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. Don’t you think?  

Angry

There’s not a one of us who has not been angry at someone for something they did or have said to us. Anger is something that we need to lean to control; sometimes anger comes quickly but it is how we respond to the anger that’s important. How does one control his or her anger?

Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression. The word DISCRETION means knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; then we see the word DEFER To delay; to put off; to postpone to a future time;  

Knowledge of a man putting off his anger and to forgive is to his glory.

Proverbs 14:29   He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

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.

Learning to control one's anger until the proper time to deal with the matter is what must be learned. He that is "SLOW TO ANGER" is better that the mighty; "HE THAT RULETH HIS SPIRIT" than he that takes a city. He that is "SLOW TO WRATH" is of great understanding. When someone causes me to get or be angry I must remember to put off my anger until a later time so that I might deal with it after giving it some thought. I should then deal with it one to one not in front of others. Like "Mike what you said the other day about me not only hurt my feelings but it made me very angry at you. I wish the next time you felt that way you would come to me in private so we might handle our differences that our opinions would not be openly known." 

Solution or Escape Route

 News FLASH!! Most people fail because of an undecided heart. When confronted with a challenge, a decided heart searches for a solution, it is only the undecided heart that searches for an escape route. You can’t afford to wait for conditions to be exactly right because conditions are never exactly right! Peter walked with the Lord on a daily basis, ate with the Lord and saw His compassion for those He came in contact with. Peter talked with and to the Lord, but the question is, did Peter have a decided heart? Remember most people fail because of an undecided heart. When Peter was asked if he knew the Lord he responded by saying

John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

Know why Peter said that?  Peter’s heart was undecided and therefore he found an escape route. That’s what undecided hearts do. Now the Lord knew that Peter’s heart was undecided

Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 That word “converted” carries the meaning to turn. It wasn’t until the rooster crowed that Peter realized that his heart was undecided. Peter leaves where he’s at and goes out and weeps bitterly for his actions.

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

I personally believe that on that night Peter’s heart started in the direction of a decided heart for Peter turns from denying and cursing to building and strengthening the brethren, that’s what decided hearts do. No more wishy-washy decision making for Peter; he committed himself to a decided heart and he was willing to die before he changed. It’s one thing to know God’s will for your life but when the path gets tough what do we do then? Look for an escape route or a solution. James warns us about a double minded man.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

That’s why marriages fall apart; undecided hearts. That’s why Missionaries come home: undecided hearts. If we let others decide for us by what they think we will be lead by the way the winds blow. Years ago when I was coaching baseball I had to make decisions based on that game and how the team was playing at the time. It didn’t matter what I did there was always someone in the peanut gallery that didn’t approve and always voiced their opinions. Had I listened to those who didn’t understand we would have never won a game? I didn’t care what they thought or how they felt I was the coach and my heart was decided; I went out to win not to please the peanut gallery. Are we looking today for an escape route or a solution? It all depends on our heart, Undecided or Decided? 

Dirty Feet

Has anyone ever said to you “what were you thinking?” Or you might have said it to someone yourself. The problem is we have no earthly idea what someone else is thinking, we have no way of reading minds. What if we could know what someone else was thinking, wonder how we would react if we knew they were thinking wrong thoughts about you. What if we knew what someone else was about to do and that something included a wrong action toward you? How would the look on your face be? As you looked them in their eye would you have a different look on your face? In John chapter 13 we see Jesus knowing and forgiving. There is no way that you and I can know what others are thinking let alone know what someone is about to do. Jesus knew His disciples thoughts and what the future held and knowing that He did something we need to learn to do.

John 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, Now that’s interesting! The first set of feet Jesus came to was Peter’s the man that in just a few hours would curse Jesus.

John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

John 13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: He also washed Thomas‘s feet knowing that this man would question the resurrection? He bows before Judas Iscariot and picks up his feet and washes them, no different than any of the other disciples.  Even knowing that in just a few hours he himself would bring a group to the garden and they would arrest Jesus. Jesus knew that this man Judas would betray Him with a kiss.

Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Jesus knowing what would take place forgave their sin before they even committed it. He offered mercy before they even sought it. You know what? He’s done the same for you and me. He not only loves us He likes us and He forgives us. There is only one sad thing to this event and that was Judas, he left the room.

John 13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

Judas went out and the Bible tells us that it was night. This was the darkest night of Judas’s life, it was a night where he could have been forgiven and he left. Peter was forgiven, Thomas was forgiven and I believe Judas could have also been forgiven but he refused and ran away from the one who was more than willing to forgive him. We should all learn to have a forgiving heart. I wonder if it was hard to forgive the ones you poured your life into. I guess it would have been but remember Jesus knew what would happen in days to come. He was able to see past that night of betrayal and saw a Peter that would stand strong and lead men to the saving knowledge of a great savior.  I’m afraid we stop way too short for we only see the wrong done to us not what the power of forgiveness will do in the future. We rob ourselves by holding on to a hurt feeling, the idea that I have been treated wrongly. Sure we all can say we’ve been done wrong but have we not treated Jesus wrongly also and He forgave. Now you and I need to mirror the same in our lives.  

Follow the Leader

Did you ever play the game “Follow the Leader” when you were a child?  The rules are easy.  One person is the leader and the rest follow, doing the same things the leader does.  Most of the time, the leader takes the group running, skipping, jumping over obstacles, spinning, rolling down the hill, and, most of the time, they end up in some type of laughing mess.  Grins on their faces reveal the sheer joy of the game. Jesus invites us.  “Come, follow me,” He says.  Unfortunately, most adults have lost the love of following the leader.  Instead we require information like, Where are we going? How long will it take to get there?  What do I need to bring?  How long will we be gone?  And, without affirmation of the answer, we refuse to budge. In turn, we miss the adventure altogether. The invitation to follow Jesus is open-ended.  Anyone can come. Anyone can participate, but only if they follow His lead.  Answers aren’t guaranteed, the path is often hidden, but if we want to enjoy the game, we must follow the Leader. 

Jesus picked twelve men as His inner circle they missed a lot that Jesus was trying to teach them, but they didn't miss the central issue. That's obvious in

John 6:66  From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Vast multitudes are following Him, no matter where He goes. Then He confronts them with the fact that this is going to be about more than miracles and meetings; it's going to involve the shedding of blood, the laying down of His life, and a price tag for those who follow Him. 'You do not want to leave, too, do you?' Jesus asked the twelve.

John 6:67  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Simon Peter answered Him,

John 6:68  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

John 6:69  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. See, they knew that it was all about Jesus and that He was the only One with anything that would last, that was worth living and dying for. That's what Jesus was saying when He repeatedly said to people, "Follow Me." He didn't say "Follow My religion" or "Follow My followers" or "Follow My rules." He said, "Follow Me." It's all about Jesus. And if you know someone who's away from Him right now, here's how to pray for them, "Lord Jesus, help them realize how much they miss You." Satan would love to keep your focus on the Christians who hurt you, or the hypocrites who turned you off, or the sin that's taken you away. But it's not Christians you've left or church or some religious rules, it's Jesus you've left! Remember how it felt when you were close to Him? Don't you miss Him? Why not be Like the Prodigal Son, His father was waiting for him to come home. There's nothing you've done that He didn't take care of on the cross. And His love is unconditional. And maybe you have missed, up until this point, even having one day with Christ in your life. Oh, if you only knew the difference He could make, you'd run to Him.

Finishing Strong

Have you ever give serious thought about giving up? Quitting? There are many on the side of the trail. They used to run. There was a time when they kept pace. But then weariness set in. They didn’t think the run would be this tough. They got discouraged by a fellow runner. Whatever the reason, they don’t run anymore. They still come to church. They still put a buck in the plate and they still sit in their place, but their heart isn’t in the race. They have retired before their time. This Christian race is no jog, the word race used in Hebrews 12:1 in the Greek is agon from which we get the word agony. The Christian race is not a jog; oh no, it’s a demanding and grueling and sometimes agonizing race. It takes a massive effort to finish strong.

 Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

It’s the next two verses I want you to see for they show us how to stay in the race.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

You see temptations didn’t deter Jesus. Accusations didn’t defeat Jesus and Shame didn’t dishearten Jesus. Ever wonder why? Jesus is the only person to live on earth after He had lived in heaven. You and I will live in heaven after our time on earth. The first thing we learn to do is lay aside every weight and sin that is slowing us down. We then get our eyes focused on Jesus for He knows about temptation. Forty days He was tempted by the devil, did you get it FORTY days?  Why don’t you just quit Jesus, you’re wasting your time, no one really cares. Aren’t you glad Jesus didn’t quit instead He finished strong. I don’t know if you noticed it or not but in those three verses we just read nothing is said about streets of gold or angels. There is no music or feast; why the word heaven is missing, but the power is not. LOOKING UNTO JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of OUR FAITH.  If you and I are going to finish strong it’s a must to keep our focus on Jesus. Is that not what the Apostle Paul said?

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Didn’t Paul finish strong? Quitting is easy anyone can quit it takes little effort to quit. You can talk about the past and of how you used to run and even tell of some of the trophies, but you retired early, your feelings got hurt. Someone complained or whatever, you quit now instead of running you are sitting with only memories of days gone by. Really!! Get real Jesus heard words of accusation from strangers, from His neighbors and yes from His own family but He didn’t quit. I asked the Lord to come into my heart in 1973 I knew nothing about the Bible. My Pastor encouraged me to go to College. I went, three nights a week I went to classes, the College was only about 8 miles from the house. Then we moved now we were 45-50 miles away. I would work all day go by our Church clean up a bit sit down and eat a bag dinner that my wife had made for me while I studied. Then off to school I would go three classes a chapel and then the drive home almost midnight when I arrived. The next day the same; many said quit you’re killing yourself it’s not worth it, really, what’s the price for knowing more about Jesus? It’s Priceless and I’m glad for the opportunity I had. There is so much to get done and I haven’t the time to spend with those that say it can’t be done. How about you? I am excited about tonight when I’ll meet with the RU students then into the third talk the subject “I’m a Person of Action.” A person who moves neither left nor right is destined for mediocrity. When faced with a decision, many people say they are waiting for God.  I understand in most cases, God is waiting for me! See you tonight!!!!!

Stooper

Jesus Leonardo has spent the last ten years hanging around off-track betting parlors, and looking for winning slips accidentally thrown out. He's made $45,000 a year. Do you make $45,000 a year?  I sure don't. Leonardo use to place his own bets. In 1999, he thought he had a loser, so he tossed the slip. After an inquiry of the race, the results changed and he realized he had given up a $900 winner. Searching the trash, he never found his ticket. He did find two others worth $2000. Ever since then he's been a "stooper" (a person at a racetrack who searches for winning tickets that have been carelessly discarded by others.) I guess you could say Jesus Leonardo saw what others didn’t, and found what others missed. Ok, I’m not trying to get you to dig through the trash. Wait a minute; that is exactly what I want you to do. Let me explain; I’m afraid we give up to quickly on people. Others have thrown them aside saying they will never amount to anything, you’re wasting your time. What if Jesus Christ; (wanted you to know which Jesus I was referring to) thought like that? I’ll give you one example;

Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

Mark 5:2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

Mark 5:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

Mark 5:5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

No one had time for this man, he was useless. Why he didn’t care about his family or friends! They made rules for him to keep and he never would keep them. He lived with the wrong kind of people and he did wild and crazy things to his body. The last time anyone heard anything about him he was living in a grave yard somewhere; he’s useless he’ll never change. I met a man one night and I thought the same thing, he’ll never change. I can see why his wife left him, his life is ruined, he’s hopeless. Years later, I saw how wrong I was, we are good friends and his family is put back together.  This man loves the Lord and is serving him today faithfully. Did someone think and feel that way about you?  Get out and don’t ever come back. We’re done, you’ll never change. I sure am glad Jesus Christ doesn’t see us that way. He sees what others don’t and goes after what others missed. There was a lady that came to our program. She told me up front that she didn’t want to be there she was made to come and that’s the only reason she was there. I smiled and I talked to her and every Friday night the other leaders did the same. We always made a point to say something nice to her with words of encouragement. It wasn’t long before she started staying after the meeting and eating with us, a smile came on her face and when she did leave, months later she was a different woman and stays in contact to this day. Jesus Christ can change that hard heart. So today who will the Lord send your way that may need a kind word, a pat on the back, a word of encouragement, don’t miss the opportunity.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 

Appointment

Two major events are going on at the present time, the Olympics in London and the space craft on Mars. We want the gold and we want to know what’s going on 352 million miles away. It’s all exciting to say the least but what if we had another opportunity? The opportunity to let Christ live our lives for a 24 hour period; not our priorities but His, not our passions but His and not what we love but what He loves. Would anybody see a change in our actions? How about our family, our coworkers, our friends, would we have those mood swings, temper problems, lust problems? Wait a minute aren’t we suppose to have the mind of Christ already?

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Yes we are but too many times I think I allow my mind to make wrong decisions, I allow my mood to be the wrong one. My passions seem more important than His passions. Am I guilty of planning for the future and not thinking how the Lord wants my future to turn out; I do that by not praying and seeking His will for my future. Do I think I can plan my future better than the Lord? What silly thinking, I may want to have more but the Lord may want me to have less or it could be I’m thinking less and the Lord wants to give me more. Ok, how can one have the mind of Christ? I believe here’s the answer;

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

 The more of God’s word we have in our heart the more of the mind of Christ we’ll have. So when we go through the day and we don’t allow God’s Word to have rule in our life then we are doing the planning and maybe that’s why we have so many failures. If we don’t take the time to read our Bibles, and we don’t take the time to hide God’s Word in our hearts then we’re doing the planning. I have learned that if I am going to spend time with the Lord and in His Word then I am going to have to put Him into my daily planning and make an appointed time to spend with Him. It’s not when I have time, but I have time because I set it aside for that purpose. If you had a doctor’s appointment at 10:00 a.m. would it be alright for you to arrive there when it worked out for you? I think you know the answer to that. So why shouldn’t we set the time aside for the Lord and allow Him to teach us things that no one else can. It will take time to hide His word in our hearts but the results will be priceless. 

Endure

I want to look at the word endure for who knows what you and I will be called on to endure this week. Webster says the word endure means Endure- To last; to continue in the same state without perishing; to remain; to abide. Five times in Psalms 118 between the shortage Psalms 117 and the longest Psalm 119 we read these words "his mercy endureth for ever" Verse 1 and verse 29 both read almost the same all except for one word. 

Psa 118:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 118:29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

God's mercy will endure; our God is longsuffering which means that he endures a temperament that expresses itself in patience with the shortcomings of others. God doesn't respond with a short fuse to us, neither does He want us to respond in such a way to others. He has what it takes to endure. Do you and I have what it takes to endure and if we don't do we want what it takes to endure? We can have an attitude of "well they are getting what they deserve." What if God had the same attitude toward us? Where would we be today? What if we got what we really deserved what do you think you would get? Our attitude is everything. When we read in our Bibles about Jesus’ actions and attitudes what do we read? Jesus was always looking for those who had problems. Some didn't realize there was anything that could be done about their problem. A man born blind just thought this is the way life is and I must make the best of it. Then one day here comes Jesus passing by and saw him and the next thing we read is

John 9:11  He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. What looked impossible was made possible by Jesus Christ. What's your story? Every child of God has a story to tell! How he or she was blind, lame or deaf and here comes Jesus and ask you the same question as he asked the man at the pool of Bethesda where a man had been laying for 38 years hoping to be healed.  We really don't know what was wrong the Bible says

John 5:3  In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. I believe he was lame according to verse 8 but he may not have been. But we know that he was impotent laying there with all the other impotent folks. We may not have been at a pool waiting, but we were with other impotent folks; blind from seeing God's love for us, lame from walking in God’s will or following after Him at all;   Withering away day by day as we journey in life. But one day this impotent man was asked a somewhat silly question by Jesus.

John 5:6  When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?   The man says

John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

 I don't have anybody to help me; Jesus said I am here to help you and then Jesus tells him to do something he can't

John 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. Look what happened next John 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath. No moving of the water, no one helping him down into the water but immediately the impotent man was made whole. That's the way it happens Jesus doesn't need help He is longsuffering not willing that any should perish. His mercy endureth forever so therefore we should thank Him, praise Him and glorify Him daily.

Being Watched

There were two men who were told if they would go to the sun they would both be paid a million dollars each. As they began to talk about it one was all for the idea but his friend told him that there was no way they could do that for if they tried they would be burned up. His friend then told him “no we want we will go at night.” I’m afraid many are like the second man, some think that if they do their evil deeds in the night that no one will ever see them and therefore never know. Maybe if we were behind closed doors then no one could see so therefore no one will ever know? It doesn’t matter if it is night or day behind closed doors or not, alone or with someone else there is always one who sees but not only does He see He also knows why.

Proverbs 5:21   For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

For both good and bad ways are before the Lord's eyes; all the impure thoughts, and desires of man's mind. He not only sees them, but takes notice of them, and observes them and ponders them in His mind. (Ponders) To weigh in the mind; to consider and compare the circumstances or consequences of an event, or the importance of the reasons for or against a decision.

The Lord knows why we did what we did. We will not be able to make up a tale for our actions for the Lord knows the real reason behind our actions; lust, selfishness, pleasure, laziness, hurtfulness, greed, hatred, anger, getting even there will be no fooling the Lord for the real reason behind our actions.

Psalms 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

It doesn’t matter what time or what date it’s all being recorded and we will each have to give an account to God. I guess one could say they are always being watched.

Chicken, Eagle?

I will seek Wisdom! That is a very interesting statement to say the least. Is it possible to seek wisdom? And if so how does one go about seeking for wisdom? In the book of Proverbs we read:

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

Webster tell us this about the word “if” (Regularly, if should be followed, as it was formerly, by the substitute or pronoun that, referring to the succeeding sentence or proposition.) In verse 5 we read this;

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

If we will seek after wisdom as silver and as hidden treasures then we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the Knowledge of God. So in order to find wisdom we must seek after it. One must choose their friends with care; show me your friends and I will show you who you are. You will speak their language, wear their clothes, and share their opinions and their habits. If you associate with chickens, you will learn to scratch at the ground and squabble over crumbs. If you associate with eagles, you will learn to soar to great heights. If you are to soar with the eagles you can’t spend all your time with the chickens. If you are going to become wise you must spend time with wise people. The word “Wisdom” is found in 222 versus in our Bible. What is interesting about that is that the word “Wisdom” is found 53 times in the book of Proverbs. Now think about that for a moment; the book of Proverbs; Solomon is the principal author. What is so important about that? Solomon after he was King of Israel asked the Lord this;

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

Solomon was honest and came before the Lord with a humble spirit and asked;

1Kings 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? What Solomon asked for pleased the Lord;

1Kings 3:10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

Solomon, because you were not selfish this is what I will do;

1Kings 3:11  And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

1Kings 3:12  Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

We are told about “Wisdom” in the book of Proverbs by the wisest man that ever lived; don’t you think that if you and I spend time in the book of Proverbs we stand a better chance of knowing how to make wise choices and decisions?

At what age are we no longer affected by those around us; 18, 21. 30? The answer is we are always and forever influenced by those with whom we associate. If a man keeps company with those who curse and complain they will mirror the same.  If a man spends his days with the lazy; those seeking handouts, they too will soon find themselves mirroring the same. Many of our sorrows can be traced to relationships with the wrong people. Spending time with Chickens or Eagles? You can have as much as you want or as little as you are satisfied with!

Some One Sent?

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.”