But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send my my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (John 14:26 NASB)
The children of Israel established the Passover as an everlasting memorial to remember God's deliverance from Egypt. A memorial was need because of the feebleness of their own memories. The Holy Spirit was given to help remind us of God's goodness.
Do you have objects in your home that serve to remind you of God's faithfulness? In our house, we have pictures on the walls, magnets on the refrigerator door, and appointments and notes on wall calendars. Reminders help us when our memories fail.
Reach back into your memory bank and choose a particular mighty act of God that took place in your life to give God the glory for today.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Reformation or Transformation
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? (Romans 7:24)
While walking in a Florida subdivision, I noticed alongside the sidewalk a four foot snake skin. Snakes cast off their outer garment by a process called molting. Over the years people have tried a similar process to gain access to heaven. That process is called reformation.
The problem with a snake shedding its outer skin is that it is still a snake. All the self-help books on the market won't change what you are on the inside. Reformation will never get you one step closer to God. What, then, is necessary to bridge the gap?
The answer lies in the message given to Nicodemus by Jesus himself. In John 3:3 Jesus says to Nicodemus; "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God." You may clean up your act -- look better, dress better, talk better, act better, even think better, but without regeneration of your inner man, you are still a poor lost sinner. It's not about what you do, but what Jesus has done for you on the Cross of Calvary. Only through transformation can you ever hope to gain entrance to heaven's glory.
While walking in a Florida subdivision, I noticed alongside the sidewalk a four foot snake skin. Snakes cast off their outer garment by a process called molting. Over the years people have tried a similar process to gain access to heaven. That process is called reformation.
The problem with a snake shedding its outer skin is that it is still a snake. All the self-help books on the market won't change what you are on the inside. Reformation will never get you one step closer to God. What, then, is necessary to bridge the gap?
The answer lies in the message given to Nicodemus by Jesus himself. In John 3:3 Jesus says to Nicodemus; "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God." You may clean up your act -- look better, dress better, talk better, act better, even think better, but without regeneration of your inner man, you are still a poor lost sinner. It's not about what you do, but what Jesus has done for you on the Cross of Calvary. Only through transformation can you ever hope to gain entrance to heaven's glory.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Recognition
For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (1 Corinthians 15:9)
The world hungers for recognition. In the workplace employees step over each other to get ahead -- be recognized. In Hollywood glamour and recognition are everyone's goal. The same is true in school, on the playground, in the sporting world, and in churches. The Scriptures teach a different philosophy.
God chooses to exalt the lowly, the least among the saints. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). John displays an attitude contrary to human nature.
Are you willing to step aside and allow another to take the bows, get the recognition, and be first in line? Those who are willing to be least are the humble, the selfless, and the blessed of God.
How would you rate yourself?
The world hungers for recognition. In the workplace employees step over each other to get ahead -- be recognized. In Hollywood glamour and recognition are everyone's goal. The same is true in school, on the playground, in the sporting world, and in churches. The Scriptures teach a different philosophy.
God chooses to exalt the lowly, the least among the saints. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). John displays an attitude contrary to human nature.
Are you willing to step aside and allow another to take the bows, get the recognition, and be first in line? Those who are willing to be least are the humble, the selfless, and the blessed of God.
How would you rate yourself?
Rebel with a Cause
But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven for people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13)
I well remember the rebellious times of the 50s and 60s because I had two teenage sons who overtly expressed their displeasure with government, police, and other authority figures including their father. What difficult years those were! With the Lord's help, we managed to survive and now as a senior citizen I can reflect back and admit that I was a rebel myself.
When I accepted Christ as Savior and aligned my life with his, I became a rebel. Why? Because Jesus was the world's greatest rebel. He opposed the rule of the scribes and Pharisees calling them hypocrites, blind fools, snakes, and a brood of vipers. Don't those words sound like they are coming from a rebel? the Son of righteousness opposed the acts of the unrighteous. Jesus was truly a rebel with a cause.
Are you a rebel with a cause -- following the greatest rebel of all times -- Jesus Christ?
I well remember the rebellious times of the 50s and 60s because I had two teenage sons who overtly expressed their displeasure with government, police, and other authority figures including their father. What difficult years those were! With the Lord's help, we managed to survive and now as a senior citizen I can reflect back and admit that I was a rebel myself.
When I accepted Christ as Savior and aligned my life with his, I became a rebel. Why? Because Jesus was the world's greatest rebel. He opposed the rule of the scribes and Pharisees calling them hypocrites, blind fools, snakes, and a brood of vipers. Don't those words sound like they are coming from a rebel? the Son of righteousness opposed the acts of the unrighteous. Jesus was truly a rebel with a cause.
Are you a rebel with a cause -- following the greatest rebel of all times -- Jesus Christ?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Qualities You Want to See in a Friend
"And Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. (James 2:23 NASB)
What kind of qualities do you want to see in a friend? For me, it would be honesty, loyalty, and wisdom.
I want someone who will tell it like it is and will stick by me even when I stumble and fall. I need a person who has the Godly wisdom that provides the kind of counsel I need when tough decisions confront me.
Friends should be able to have good times together -- laughing, singing, and weeping with the joy of the Lord. I also need a friend that challenges and encourage me to deepen my walk with the Lord. For the past 60 years my wife, Elaine along with the Lord Jesus have fulfilled all the requirements of a true friend.
Do you need a friend -- one who will stick closer than a brother. I would recommend that you seek a love relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a friend worth seeking.
What kind of qualities do you want to see in a friend? For me, it would be honesty, loyalty, and wisdom.
I want someone who will tell it like it is and will stick by me even when I stumble and fall. I need a person who has the Godly wisdom that provides the kind of counsel I need when tough decisions confront me.
Friends should be able to have good times together -- laughing, singing, and weeping with the joy of the Lord. I also need a friend that challenges and encourage me to deepen my walk with the Lord. For the past 60 years my wife, Elaine along with the Lord Jesus have fulfilled all the requirements of a true friend.
Do you need a friend -- one who will stick closer than a brother. I would recommend that you seek a love relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a friend worth seeking.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Quality Time
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 NASB)
What is meant by "quality time," and how do we go about establishing it?
Quality time requires just that -- time. If you want to enjoy quality time with your children, a set time needs to be reserved just for them. They need to know that you consider their needs more important than your own. Whenever they come to you with a need, put down the paper or book, turn off the TV and --- listen. Listening is the most important skill you can develop with children.
The same procedure applies to our relationship with the Lord. God wants to spend time with you in a love relationship. Maintaining a quiet time is quality time. It is a time to read and meditate on God's word. Time given to prayer. Time to hide his word in your heart. Or just time to wait quietly and listen to his voice.
Do you desire quality time with the Lord? Set aside a portion of your day to spend in a love relationship with your Heavenly Father.
What is meant by "quality time," and how do we go about establishing it?
Quality time requires just that -- time. If you want to enjoy quality time with your children, a set time needs to be reserved just for them. They need to know that you consider their needs more important than your own. Whenever they come to you with a need, put down the paper or book, turn off the TV and --- listen. Listening is the most important skill you can develop with children.
The same procedure applies to our relationship with the Lord. God wants to spend time with you in a love relationship. Maintaining a quiet time is quality time. It is a time to read and meditate on God's word. Time given to prayer. Time to hide his word in your heart. Or just time to wait quietly and listen to his voice.
Do you desire quality time with the Lord? Set aside a portion of your day to spend in a love relationship with your Heavenly Father.
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