“As a man thinks in his heart…”
Recently I received a single sheet, “newsy-letter” from my denomination. There always seem to be some goooood tidbits, and this day was no exception.
It seems that the time had come for a 90+ year old widow to be placed in a residential assisted living facility. Her husband had passed away when he was 70, and she had lived alone since then. (I should mention that this woman was blind.)
When she arrived at her new place of residence, everyone there was so helpful. They had done everything to make her apartment comfortable and easily accessible. One of the workers escorted her to her room, and began to describe everything in detail. The lady politely interrupted and said, “You don’t have to tell me everything. It is just so beautiful!” The worker replied, “How can you say it is beautiful when you are blind and cannot see?” “I’ve learned to see everything this way. What I see with my heart I can think with my mind, replied the lady. It is much like depositing money into a bank account so you have something to draw upon later. In my case, I’m still depositing every day.”
Are you making good deposits daily against those days in later life when life might be less rosy?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Before You Comje Apart
Mark 6:31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”
We live in a world of noise. I believe that noise is the greatest distraction in the life of a Believer! It is also the greatest stress factor in the Believer’s life. But now I must pause to define my terminology. The noise I’m referring to is beyond that which Webster includes in his definition - including his synonyms: din, uproar, clamor, hubbub, and racket (these are definite stressors, but there is more).
In the setting that we find in our Scripture passage for today, Jesus was not trying to find a place to get away from the noise of airplanes, factories, sirens, horns, construction, rock concerts, radios and TVs + other electronic devices. I believe that we need to be looking within to the noises of the mind and emotions; the noises which are not perceived in the human ear; the noises that steal our peace and joy. For more than 30 years I have ministered to friends who live in a world of silence. They are deaf and communicate in American Sign Language. And yet their world – like ours – is filled with the kind of noise that can steal their peace.
Consider the following Tips from the Scriptures:
Isa. 32:17 “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”
Ecc. 4:6 “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.”
1Thess. 4:11 “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business.”
Ps. 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”
The remedy for dealing with all the noise (external and internal) we live with is to have frequent – and at times extended – periods of time to be alone with our MASTER. Jesus had such times with his FATHER, and he scheduled similar times for his disciples to be with him.
Is the Holy Spirit trying to get your attention?
We live in a world of noise. I believe that noise is the greatest distraction in the life of a Believer! It is also the greatest stress factor in the Believer’s life. But now I must pause to define my terminology. The noise I’m referring to is beyond that which Webster includes in his definition - including his synonyms: din, uproar, clamor, hubbub, and racket (these are definite stressors, but there is more).
In the setting that we find in our Scripture passage for today, Jesus was not trying to find a place to get away from the noise of airplanes, factories, sirens, horns, construction, rock concerts, radios and TVs + other electronic devices. I believe that we need to be looking within to the noises of the mind and emotions; the noises which are not perceived in the human ear; the noises that steal our peace and joy. For more than 30 years I have ministered to friends who live in a world of silence. They are deaf and communicate in American Sign Language. And yet their world – like ours – is filled with the kind of noise that can steal their peace.
Consider the following Tips from the Scriptures:
Isa. 32:17 “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”
Ecc. 4:6 “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.”
1Thess. 4:11 “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business.”
Ps. 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”
The remedy for dealing with all the noise (external and internal) we live with is to have frequent – and at times extended – periods of time to be alone with our MASTER. Jesus had such times with his FATHER, and he scheduled similar times for his disciples to be with him.
Is the Holy Spirit trying to get your attention?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Learn to Have a Grateful Heart
I Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
We are not born with grateful hearts. Gratefulness and thanksgiving are traits that need to be developed in us. You and I have one thing in common; we know people that seem to have a knack of rubbing us the wrong way (and not even my cat will put up with that for long). But our God is Gracious! HE knows that all of us need to be honed if we are to remain on the spiritual cutting edge. There is nothing worse in your kitchen utensil drawer than a dull knife. And the tendency of knives that are used regularly is to become dull. So we find it necessary to regularly “rub them the wrong way to sharpen them.
As iron sharpens iron, so God uses other people to keep us spiritually honed, that we might always be effective. Learn to be grateful for people who are flawed and for imperfect gifts. Like it or not, you and I fall into that category occasionally, and God uses us to sharpen others. Be grateful when your child or spouse attempts to help in ways they are not yet adept. Praise them for what they “do!” Do not criticize for their lack of perfection. Be grateful when your body can still move around, even if the “imperfections” of aging are beginning to show. This February morning (the day I am writing this) I am grateful that I was able to crawl out of bed with the help of my occasionally-needed cane, and was able to make it into a tub of HOT water for a 20 minute soak – Hmmmmmm!
Don’t wait until people around you become “perfect” before you thank them or praise them. And don’t wait until you “feel” like being grateful for the “things” that rub you the wrong way. Begin NOW to give thanks. The “doing” will produce the “feeling.” What will you thank God for today? What will you begin “doing” today that will change the way you “feel?” Let’s begin by thanking God for His sharpening processes, and do so regularly!
We are not born with grateful hearts. Gratefulness and thanksgiving are traits that need to be developed in us. You and I have one thing in common; we know people that seem to have a knack of rubbing us the wrong way (and not even my cat will put up with that for long). But our God is Gracious! HE knows that all of us need to be honed if we are to remain on the spiritual cutting edge. There is nothing worse in your kitchen utensil drawer than a dull knife. And the tendency of knives that are used regularly is to become dull. So we find it necessary to regularly “rub them the wrong way to sharpen them.
As iron sharpens iron, so God uses other people to keep us spiritually honed, that we might always be effective. Learn to be grateful for people who are flawed and for imperfect gifts. Like it or not, you and I fall into that category occasionally, and God uses us to sharpen others. Be grateful when your child or spouse attempts to help in ways they are not yet adept. Praise them for what they “do!” Do not criticize for their lack of perfection. Be grateful when your body can still move around, even if the “imperfections” of aging are beginning to show. This February morning (the day I am writing this) I am grateful that I was able to crawl out of bed with the help of my occasionally-needed cane, and was able to make it into a tub of HOT water for a 20 minute soak – Hmmmmmm!
Don’t wait until people around you become “perfect” before you thank them or praise them. And don’t wait until you “feel” like being grateful for the “things” that rub you the wrong way. Begin NOW to give thanks. The “doing” will produce the “feeling.” What will you thank God for today? What will you begin “doing” today that will change the way you “feel?” Let’s begin by thanking God for His sharpening processes, and do so regularly!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
God Is Interested in Your Work
Work is a highly honorable endeavor among men. God, Himself, set the example for us in the creation of the worlds. Genesis 1:31- 2:1a (Amp) says, “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good – suitable, pleasant – and He approved it completely…And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done.” Proverbs 18:9a (Amp) says; "He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer….”
God is interested in whatever it is that you do for work. All work is sacred before the LORD! Not only is God interested in what you do, He also is interested in how your do it. Colossians 3:17 (Amp)says; "And whatever you do - no matter what it is – in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.”
The Bible says; “The heavens declare the glory of God,” and it goes on to imply that the declarations and manifestations of God’s handiwork are continuous – continuing on throughout eons. Should what we do for His Glory be less considered? Who provides your earthly paycheck is not as important as HE who will test “all our works as though by fire.” Someone once wrote, “Only one life, t’will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” If we assimilate this principle into our mindset, whatever we do for work will take on a whole new meaning. Start looking at your “job” this way today and glorify the Lord.
Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true whate'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
--Author Unknown
God is interested in whatever it is that you do for work. All work is sacred before the LORD! Not only is God interested in what you do, He also is interested in how your do it. Colossians 3:17 (Amp)says; "And whatever you do - no matter what it is – in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.”
The Bible says; “The heavens declare the glory of God,” and it goes on to imply that the declarations and manifestations of God’s handiwork are continuous – continuing on throughout eons. Should what we do for His Glory be less considered? Who provides your earthly paycheck is not as important as HE who will test “all our works as though by fire.” Someone once wrote, “Only one life, t’will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” If we assimilate this principle into our mindset, whatever we do for work will take on a whole new meaning. Start looking at your “job” this way today and glorify the Lord.
Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true whate'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
--Author Unknown
Saturday, January 24, 2009
We Must Not Neglect God's Gift
1 Corinthians 6:1-2 “As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain, For HE says: ‘In the time of My favor (Grace) I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” KJV ( ) are mine
Note in verse 1 is that the emphasis is on “receiving in vain.” The emphasis is not “how one uses God’s grace,” but rather on the “lack of use – or even the misuse – of God’s grace.” What is this Gift of God’s Grace? It is the Gift of His Spirit. The Church – corporate and individual – has been “favored” (Graced) with the Anointing of God’s Presence and Power – the same Anointing that came upon Christ – the Anointed One.
In the first five chapters of this Epistle, Paul uses the word “Christ” twenty-four times. This in itself should say to us that what is being said here is of utmost importance!
God has brought us “into His Kingdom,” and in this Kingdom everything is accomplished through the POWER and AUTHORITY of the Spirit of God. It was so “in the beginning” when the Spirit of God “brooded” over the waters. It was true throughout the ministry of The Christ – The Anointed One. Jesus said, “I can do nothing of myself.” Every thing that Jesus said and did in His ministry was accomplished by The Anointing (Spirit) who filled Him “without measure.”
You and I have received this same “Gift of God’s Spirit." To receive this Gift “in vain” is to do nothing with the Gift. It means that we fail to allow the Power and Authority of the Holy Spirit within us to be manifested through us in accordance with KINGDOM PRINCIPLES. And nothing, absolutely nothing can be done for the Glory of GOD apart from operating within God’s Kingdom Principles.
I believe the Parable of the Talents (Luke 19) has a direct bearing on the admonishment we read here through the writing of the Apostle Paul. What do you think?
Note in verse 1 is that the emphasis is on “receiving in vain.” The emphasis is not “how one uses God’s grace,” but rather on the “lack of use – or even the misuse – of God’s grace.” What is this Gift of God’s Grace? It is the Gift of His Spirit. The Church – corporate and individual – has been “favored” (Graced) with the Anointing of God’s Presence and Power – the same Anointing that came upon Christ – the Anointed One.
In the first five chapters of this Epistle, Paul uses the word “Christ” twenty-four times. This in itself should say to us that what is being said here is of utmost importance!
God has brought us “into His Kingdom,” and in this Kingdom everything is accomplished through the POWER and AUTHORITY of the Spirit of God. It was so “in the beginning” when the Spirit of God “brooded” over the waters. It was true throughout the ministry of The Christ – The Anointed One. Jesus said, “I can do nothing of myself.” Every thing that Jesus said and did in His ministry was accomplished by The Anointing (Spirit) who filled Him “without measure.”
You and I have received this same “Gift of God’s Spirit." To receive this Gift “in vain” is to do nothing with the Gift. It means that we fail to allow the Power and Authority of the Holy Spirit within us to be manifested through us in accordance with KINGDOM PRINCIPLES. And nothing, absolutely nothing can be done for the Glory of GOD apart from operating within God’s Kingdom Principles.
I believe the Parable of the Talents (Luke 19) has a direct bearing on the admonishment we read here through the writing of the Apostle Paul. What do you think?
Monday, January 5, 2009
Make Your First Decision the Right One
Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus…”
The New Year is always filled with new resolutions. Most of them never bear fruit. Could it be that we’ve been trying to build a new framework without first having set the foundation?
Before Paul became an Apostle (a “sent one”) he was simply known as Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee among the Hebrews. One day, while on a self-imposed mission, something happened that TOTALLY changed him from the inside out. He met JESUS! His first words were “Who are you Lord?” His next words were “What will YOU have me to do?” These two questions reveal the VITAL change that took place in Saul on that Divine day of destiny. Saul’s (later Paul) experienced a permanent paradigm shift. From then on he knew who his LORD was, and he knew who he was. And these two shifts in his thinking set the course for the rest of his life.
The Greek word order in Romans 1:1 gives us a new insight. Most English translations read “Jesus Christ.” It is almost as though “Christ” has become his last name. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” JESUS is the name given to God the Son at his incarnation. At that point he became the Son of Man; having “emptied himself” as we read in Philippians 2:7 (NEB).
Paul recognized Jesus as “THE ANOINTED ONE.” In Jesus dwelt “all the fullness of the Godhead, bodily.” He is “The Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting (from eternity past [AMP]) Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9). Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters…You cannot serve GOD and ‘the world.’” When Paul UNDERSTOOD who Jesus was (and is) he then understood who he was – and what he was to be – “a bond (love) slave” to THE CHRIST (THE ANOINTED ONE). From that point on, Paul had a brand new internal, spiritual compass that set and controlled the course of his life.
The New Year is always filled with new resolutions. Most of them never bear fruit. Could it be that we’ve been trying to build a new framework without first having set the foundation?
Before Paul became an Apostle (a “sent one”) he was simply known as Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee among the Hebrews. One day, while on a self-imposed mission, something happened that TOTALLY changed him from the inside out. He met JESUS! His first words were “Who are you Lord?” His next words were “What will YOU have me to do?” These two questions reveal the VITAL change that took place in Saul on that Divine day of destiny. Saul’s (later Paul) experienced a permanent paradigm shift. From then on he knew who his LORD was, and he knew who he was. And these two shifts in his thinking set the course for the rest of his life.
The Greek word order in Romans 1:1 gives us a new insight. Most English translations read “Jesus Christ.” It is almost as though “Christ” has become his last name. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” JESUS is the name given to God the Son at his incarnation. At that point he became the Son of Man; having “emptied himself” as we read in Philippians 2:7 (NEB).
Paul recognized Jesus as “THE ANOINTED ONE.” In Jesus dwelt “all the fullness of the Godhead, bodily.” He is “The Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting (from eternity past [AMP]) Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9). Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters…You cannot serve GOD and ‘the world.’” When Paul UNDERSTOOD who Jesus was (and is) he then understood who he was – and what he was to be – “a bond (love) slave” to THE CHRIST (THE ANOINTED ONE). From that point on, Paul had a brand new internal, spiritual compass that set and controlled the course of his life.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Do Not Short-Change Yourself
John 10:10 AMP “[Jesus said] I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance – to the full, till it overflows.”
When GOD created mankind (Adam & Eve) HE, already, had created EDEN – the Paradise into which HE placed them. EDEN was the perfect environment in every way. GOD wanted them to live a full and abundant life, and GOD was the sole provider of it all. But then…..
Jesus came to redeem fallen mankind and restore unto us that which satan has stolen, killed and destroyed (Vs. 10a). This abundant life continues to have a prerequisite: 1. Restoration unto God, 2. Total dependency upon HIM, and 3. Obedience – which translates into “hearers and doers of HIS Word.”
Work was also an integral part of the EDEN LIFE. And so it is with the Christian Life. But in our modern culture we have become accustomed to handouts and entitlements. These tend to encourage sloth and dependency upon someone other than GOD. The Book of Proverbs has the thread of work consistently woven into its teaching. “Give it all you got…then give it a little more. Be totally transparent in all your dealings with men.” Someone has said “You beat 50% of the people by working hard; you beat the other 40% by being a person of honesty…and the last 10% is a dog fight.” Learn to hang tough! Tie a knot in your rope of faith and hold tight ‘til HE delivers. Settling for anything less is to short-change your self, because it is God’s plan and will that your life be abundantly full, and that you live it as such. Now go and give life your very best today, and look only for the smile of approval from your Heavenly Father.
When GOD created mankind (Adam & Eve) HE, already, had created EDEN – the Paradise into which HE placed them. EDEN was the perfect environment in every way. GOD wanted them to live a full and abundant life, and GOD was the sole provider of it all. But then…..
Jesus came to redeem fallen mankind and restore unto us that which satan has stolen, killed and destroyed (Vs. 10a). This abundant life continues to have a prerequisite: 1. Restoration unto God, 2. Total dependency upon HIM, and 3. Obedience – which translates into “hearers and doers of HIS Word.”
Work was also an integral part of the EDEN LIFE. And so it is with the Christian Life. But in our modern culture we have become accustomed to handouts and entitlements. These tend to encourage sloth and dependency upon someone other than GOD. The Book of Proverbs has the thread of work consistently woven into its teaching. “Give it all you got…then give it a little more. Be totally transparent in all your dealings with men.” Someone has said “You beat 50% of the people by working hard; you beat the other 40% by being a person of honesty…and the last 10% is a dog fight.” Learn to hang tough! Tie a knot in your rope of faith and hold tight ‘til HE delivers. Settling for anything less is to short-change your self, because it is God’s plan and will that your life be abundantly full, and that you live it as such. Now go and give life your very best today, and look only for the smile of approval from your Heavenly Father.
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