Paper Plates

How do you feel when you throw away a paper plate? Do you feel a great sense of regret? NO, I would say it doesn't even bother you; I have never awakened in the middle of the night with this thought "I didn't save my paper plate I can't believe I threw it away." No, it doesn't bother me at all for that's what they are made for. I remember years ago I and my best friend were going to a camp meeting and we stopped to get something to eat. After we finished we headed for the trash to throw away our paper products and without thinking I shoved the whole tray into the trash and walked out the door. My friend came out just a laughing and I turned and asked him what he was laughing at. He said you just threw everything away tray and all; I didn't realized I had done that, wonder how many times I have done that in the past? At home my wife has some nice plates that says "fine china" that's what she has written on the back of them, for it's the best we have. Now we don't throw those plates in the trash we wash them put them back up and reuse them over and over again because they are valuable. I am afraid too many today feel like they are no more than paper plates. They've been neglected, compared to others, ignored, backstabbed and abused so they have the feeling that they are worthless. They are throwing themselves away socially by the friends they choose to be around, by alcohol and drug abuse, sexually, and even suicidal thoughts. But here is what's so tragic you see God didn't make us to be paper plates and here are three reasons why!

#1-
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: God says that we are treasures, in other words you are fine china.

#2- Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Workmanship isn't something just thrown together, it's no accident, it's not random; you're a masterpiece made by the master of the universe, God Himself and there's not another like you. The reason "unto good works "

#3- 1Corthians 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
God says you're His treasure, His workmanship, and the one He paid a lot for. You can tell the worth of something by what a person is willing to pay for it. God paid for you with the blood of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, and even though you have sinned, He wanted you back so much He sent His Son to pay the death penalty in your place. You are very expensive! If you feel like you're not worth much, then it's time to pay a visit to the cross where Jesus Christ died for you. That's how much God thinks you're worth - the life of His Son. Don't feel worthless you're not paper you're fine china.

Be Ready

I didn't hear much about Pearl Harbor on yesterday, I must confess I didn't watch any TV and all I heard on the radio was just a brief clip that today was the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Have we forgotten? On December 8, 1941 the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress and declared, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy --the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." After a brief and forceful speech, he asked Congress to approve a resolution recognizing the state of war between the United States and Japan. The Senate voted for war against Japan by 82 to 0, and the House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1.What happened Sunday morning December 7, 1941? It was just like any other morning at 7:30 a. m. but all was to change at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time. A swarm of 360 Japanese warplanes bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on its wings appears out of the clouds above the island of Oahu. A surprise attack struck a critical blow against the U.S. Pacific fleet and drew the United States irrevocably into World War II. With diplomatic negotiations with Japan breaking down, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his advisers knew that an imminent Japanese attack was probable, but nothing had been done to increase security at the important naval base at Pearl Harbor. At 7:02 a.m., two radio operators spotted large groups of aircraft in flight toward the island from the north, but, with a flight of B-17s expected from the United States at the time, they were told to sound no alarm. Thus, the Japanese air assault came as a devastating surprise to the naval base. Before this attack was over there would be a loss of five of eight battleships, three destroyers, seven other ships were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to repulse the attack. Japan's losses were some 30 planes, five midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men. An awful day in our history; 68 years ago but not forgotten or has it? One of the problems was President Roosevelt thought there was more time, so the guard was dropped and we were deceived in thinking all was good. As we look at another day in the near feature we know is coming, even close at hand; but the question is are we ready?
Matthew 24:4
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

There is a possibility that God's children can be deceived.

Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 24:44
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
As we read Matthew chapter 24 we are told what will be the signs of Jesus' return. Many are not watching and are not ready, many are thinking sure the Son of man is coming I know but I don't think today will be the day? Watch out that you are not deceived for we don't know the hour or the day but we can read of the signs; be ready! Do not be deceived! Watch! "For ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Don't be deceived and let the enemy over take you for there are three things he wants to do in your life. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: Don't let him! Fight back by doing three things to combat him #1 Be not deceived #2- Be Ready #3- Watch; because Jesus said I am come that they might have life, and that they might have
it more abundantly.

Be Ready!!!!!!!!!!!

Surprise

Ever surprised yourself? I try to be careful not to say "I'll never do that!" "I'll never say that!" Why? Because I have said those things and yes I have also done those things I said I would never do. Ever been disappointed in God? Oh, you may not have ever told anyone that you were. The Bible has some that did say it. Martha said it "where were you Jesus? We needed you? My brother is dead, if you had been here this would not have happened. The Disciples were rowing, the storm was raging that Jesus had just sent them into. Where is He? Jesus is nowhere to be found. The waves are coming in on us, does He not care? How could he let this happen to us, He knows we love Him, we are going to die and it's all Jesus' fault? We may never say it like that but I'm sure we have felt it. The phone call comes "we have your daughter at the station. You'd better come down." The letter on the kitchen table "I've left. Don't try to find me. Don't call my cell. It's over. I just don't love you anymore."
The Doctor says; "I'm afraid our news is not good."
You may be living in a dream world—

There will be no financial collapse in my family.

My children will never be buried before me.

People will treat me fairly.

This church will never divide.

My prayer will be answered.

Look what Job said:

Job 23:3
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

Job 23:8
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

Job 23:9
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:

 

Is this the same Job we read of earlier?

Job 1:8
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there
is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Job 1:20
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped,

Job 1:21
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Job 1:22
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Job 2:10
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips?

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Job 19:26
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Be careful what you say and please don't say I'll never do…..you'll never catch me doing……..That may have been what the wayward son said in Luke 15 "you'll never catch me with the pigs" I'll never eat pig slop." He may plan not to, but none the less he found himself doing both. See, he surprised himself! And we have too.

Today

The culture that you and I live in often teaches that humility is a sign of weakness and aggressiveness will gain you the prize. Webster tells us that "Humility is freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God. While he says to be aggressive is tending to aggress; making the first attack. As we read what the Psalmist has to say in Psalms 84 does it sound like humility or aggressiveness Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. {A deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God.}

Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. {A modest estimate of one's own worth}

Psalms 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalms 84:12
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Wait a minute we must not forget the evening news that informs us of all that is going on so we can lie down at night and worry about what tomorrow will bring. Murder, death, robbery, rape and more evil; we face as the sun rises in the east on the next day of which we will hear the same. That's the last thing most people hear before they go to bed; no wonder they have trouble sleeping at night! They may be wondering if they will be the next invasion by some drug crazed mind looking for an open door. No wonder people are fearful. Look at what the Psalmist says "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. " So he humbles himself to the place of just being a doorkeeper and then he tell us that "For the LORD God is a sun and shield" Is he telling us that it's God that give him light in a dark world and that it's God that has become his protection? Sure he is! Do you remember the day that Jesus disciples came to Him and asked Him to teach them to pray? Luke 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. So what did He teach them? Among many things He taught that day, He said this Luke 11:3
Give us day by day our daily bread.
How many days? One at a time! Not today and the rest of the week just today and today Lord protect me from evil and temptation "And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. " In other words give me light to live by for this day. He didn't tell us to be aggressive if we ever wanted to amount to something He just plainly said trust Me, Ask Me, follow My lead, you don't have to be aggressive I'll do that for you, just trust Me! If you don't listen to the news how in the world will you ever know what's going on? If it's bad enough someone who laid awake the night before worrying about it will be kind enough to tell me. So why should we both lay awake? Have a great weekend and enjoy today for that's all we have right now; just today.

Great Answer

A Few months ago I had the opportunity to set in a court room with one of our students who was waiting for his case to be called. As I set there I was amazed at how people tried to prove that they were not guilty. I thought to myself that here were people who knew they were guilty but they were going to do their best to convince the Judge they were not. Some of the questions that were asked were was there any alcohol in the vehicle? They would give answers like this, yes but it was not opened. The officer has in his report that there was an open container and the answer would come, well I knew nothing about it. Who was in the vehicle with you sir? I was by myself; well then sir can you explain why there was an open container and why you registered so high on the alcohol test? Then they would say your machine must be broken. Then the Judge would ask a question, how often is your machine tested. The answer, weekly! So what I am getting at is there was no hope for them ever winning their case because the evidence was against them. I watched it time after time and always the court found them guilty. As I watched case after case the Lord reminded me that I use to think just like that; you see I knew that one day I would have to stand before the Judge of this universe; how I knew that I really don't know, but I already knew what I would say. I would hang my head and say I just didn't understand. Wow! What a great answer that was; stupid thinking on my part. I don't think like that anymore because now I 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, or comforter} with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: What do I see here? We are in God's family John 1:12
But as many as received him, {Jesus} to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Then we are told not to sin but if we do we have a intercessor with God the Father His son Jesus Christ the righteous. Do I think we will live a perfect life after we ask the Lord to forgive us of our sins; No! But with the intercessor I won't have to give dumb answers, for Jesus Christ is my lawyer before the Judge of the universe and He will plead my case for me. I hope you are much smarter than I was back then. Now I know in whom I have believed and I'm not fearful of that day anymore for I have been bought with a price for I'm not my own, so therefore I can glorify God in my body. When the last day comes for me and I close my eyes in death I will just be starting to live. I must say I get excited about that from time to time; do you? You may, if you have your eyes on Jesus and not the storm around you for when you are watching the storm that's all you'll see.

 

Making a Difference

Have you ever felt that you have been eaten alive by your problems and hard times? There was a man by the name of Daniel who faced some hard times in his life. Once there were 120 princes and 2 presidents and they all tried their best to find fault with Daniel and could not find any. Daniel 6:4
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Now that says a lot about this man Daniel. But these men were not finished; they came up with another plan. Daniel 6:5
Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. So they came up with a plan; yes a plan that would put Daniel right in the Den of Lions. Daniel 6:7
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. All sounded good to the King, but wait a minute they used a little play on words "All the presidents" they forgot to say all except Daniel; who this whole plot is against. So the King thinking all were in agreement signed the decree. Now their plan was set in action all they had to do was wait for Daniel to go pray and bingo into the den of lions he would go. You and I may never have to face being thrown to the lions but let me remind you that tough as well as hard times will come our way. When Daniel knew he still did as he had always had done.

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel you just broke the law and now you are on your way to the den of lions. Everyone was happy because it seemed as if they had succeeded. So it was; Daniel was marched to the den of lions and spent the night; Do what? Spend the night! How in the world do you do that? Daniel was trusting in what his God could do for him and not what the lions could do to him. So it is with you and I when the tuff times come we can trust God for what He will do for us or we can look at the lions at what they will do to us; whatever those lions may be. The Bible has much to say about trusting God. 2Samuel 22:3
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

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.

Psalms 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. If you want to take the time you will find about 134 verses about trusting HIM {Jesus}. Daniel made such an impression in the King that this is what the King wrote. Daniel 6:26 I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. So it does matter how we act in front of others. In Daniels case it changed the King; who will it change in yours? Someone has their eyes on you don't disappoint them.

 

Rubble

When I was a boy I can remember my dad taking my brother and I to Church on Sunday nights and from time to time we would sing a hymn called "Rescue the Perishing." The words were "Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep oer the erring one, lift up the fallen, tell them of Jesus the mighty to save." Then the chorus "Rescue the perishing care for the dying Jesus I merciful, Jesus will save." That's a job every Christian should be busy at "Rescuing!" What if you were one of those that were trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center on that September eleventh day would you have been glad to hear voices of a rescue team? I'm sure you would have; I know I would have. There were men and women who risked everything to bring others out from under the rubble and restore them back to their family and friends. There was no way unless someone took the risk so that others could be rescued. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to seek and to save; here read it for yourself for Jesus did take the risk. Luke 19:10
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
The beauty is that Jesus came seeking willing to rescue those that were lost. What if you had been trapped under huge piles of rubble and then you saw light and men and women digging down to where you were. What if you yelled out and said please go away I can do this on my own! But you say I wouldn't have done that! No! The reason you would not have done that is because you realized that without a rescuer you were hopeless. The problem today is that people don't see that they are hopeless and therefore don't see the need to be rescued. Many think if they could just win the lottery, then they would be rescued. But that's not so. In the verse we just read before Jesus could rescue, something had to take place and that is the person had to see they were lost. In Ephesians 2:12 we read these words …..
Having no hope, and without God in the world: No God! No Hope! So that night many years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem not only did this world get hope and help but we received a rescuer that can rescue a whole world from the awful disease of sin. So the next time someone is trying to introduce you to the Rescuer don't stick your head in the sand, receive Him joyfully and you my friend will never be sorry. Just as those that grabbed hold of a fireman's hand that was rescuing them from the rubble on that awful day on September 11; I have never heard one of them say "I sure wish that fireman hadn't come along." Oh no they were very grateful and you will be too.