Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Don't Retire Just Yet

Don't set the cruise control just yet, there is still some work to be done.  There is land that needs to be occupied for the glory of the Lord. There are still 7 billion people on planet earth and at least half are still without any sure eternal hope not to mention the untold millions who have never heard the truth of the Gospel,  not even once.  God spoke to Joshua and said:

Joshua 13:1 ESV
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.

There are many who need to be set free by the glorious Gospel...but how will they hear unless someone proclaims the truth.  How beautiful are the feet of them that share the Gospel. 

Romans 10:15 ESV
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

Friday, April 26, 2013

Is It Foolishness To You?

To you the cross is either power or foolishness. 
1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

HE CAN DO ANYTHING!

Yes He can do anything, really I mean anything.  If He can't then we are in big trouble!  We have not because we ask not and we ask out of selfish, self centered motives.  With pure Godly motives go ahead and ask...HE CAN DO ANYTHING!  Check out what He did when Joshua asked:

Joshua 10:12-14 ESV
At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The Devil Stomped!

That will be great won't it?  Although we must be reminded he is a formidable foe.  He is the prince of the air (Eph. 6) and a roaring lion seeking to devour us.  (I Peter 5:8) and we are cautioned not to bring any railing accusation against him but rebuke him in Jesus name (Jude 9).  There is good news, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (I John 4:4) and ultimately he will be bound for 1000 years, loosed for a little while then cast in hell for eternity (Rev. 20).  That's why the verse for today is so refreshing knowing the devil will be stomped and in essence already is! 

Romans 16:20 ESV
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Consulting With God

Why do we think we can just go it alone?  We evaluate our circumstances, make plans, follow through and then....oh, that was not such a wise decision.  One key ingredient we failed to mix in the recipe.....GOD. 

Joshua 9:14 ESV
So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.

For the Israelites that didn't turn out so well.

Just like in the story in Joshua 9, the enemy will always play us for the fool, because we so often play the part so well.  Next time, ask God!

Monday, April 22, 2013

One Reason

Can you think of one reason to bless the Lord?  If not maybe its time to stop and reflect on all the God has done.  If we started counting I am sure we could reach 10,000. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Psalms 103:1-22 ESV

Bless the Lord , O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord , O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord , all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord , all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord , O my soul!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Your Final Audit

Tax day has come and gone, your now at the mercy of the IRS.  Wouldn't it be great to life however we want and never have to answer to anyone?  You know we would love it! That goes to our base fleshly nature. So go ahead live it up do whatever you want.  Whoa! Bad news!  The accounting firm of GOD will handle your final audit.  Better rethink how you "spend" your life.  No loopholes in the final audit.

Romans 14:12 ESV
So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

A Meeting At Conjuntion Junction With BUT

Some of you will remember this little tune from School House Rock.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPeI3hd11_g&feature=youtube_gdata_player

That little conjunction that can turn your whole lifes story around.        He did this wonderful thing but...

In school he was an outstanding athlete but...

At work she was so kind but...

It was such a quite little neighborhood but.....

The lists and story lines are limitless.
That seems to be all to often the life of several characters in the Bible and is certainly even the case of nations throughout history.

The Children of Israel had just marched around Jericho in what may be one of histories most remarkable military victories (Gen. 6).  Genesis chapter 7 begins with.....BUT.  Oh my, how all too often that little conjunction changes our stroyline. 

The good news is  that conjunction can be used with a good ending.  Things may not have started out so well but, the tide turned when....

This but is a life changer for our benefit!
Romans 5:8 AMP
But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Critical Moment In Time!

In the space time continuum of eternity past, present and future this may very well be the most critical moment for our present.  It would behoove us to heed these words.  In other words listen; quit feeding your filthy, vial, selfish flesh and take the necessary action (by the power of the Holy Spirit) in your life that will produce change.

Romans 13:11-14 AMP
Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy. But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoH8E9MlB7s&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Who Says We Can't Have Our Cake And Eat It Too?

GOD!  God we want your protection and we will invoke your name as if you were some Genie in the bottle, but we will otherwise remove you from both public and private life, make a mockery of your very Word and call your commandments antiquated.  In God We Trust!  Only in Tragedy!   We think the supreme court is the final authority on all matters relating to humanity and morality even though you wrote the instruction manual. But God help us tragedy just struck.  We don't want your name or your Sons name(Jesus) exalted above any other gods (even though your the only true God) but right now we could sure use your help and blessings!
Give me a break, I think right now God may be vomiting!  Yet He is merciful and longsuffering with indignant, self-centered, arrogant people like us!  For how long?  Only time will tell! 

Galatians 6:7 AMP
Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

Read Psalm 78!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Oxymoron

A blanket without fabric, water without H2O, those would be Oxymorons!  "To be entirely honest I know of nothing quite so boring (oxymoronic) as Christianity without Christ.  Countless people have stopped going to a place of worship simply because they are sick of going through the motions of a dead religion.  They are tired of trying to start a car on a empty tank.  What a pity that there are not more people around to show them that Jesus Christ is alive.  I know of nothing so utterly exciting as being a Christian,sharing the very life of Jesus Christ on earth right here and now, being caught up with Him in relentless, invincible purposes of the Almighty God, and having available to us all the limitless resources of Deity for accomplishing those purposes." (A quote from Major W Ian Thomas)

So what about YOU?  Are you a Christian without Christ.  If so you are a oxymoron!

2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

Friday, April 12, 2013

What's Up With The Stones?

Not kidney stones or gallstones...the big, gigantic rocks in the yard.  Well, let me tell you son.  You see when we were about to.... then God showed up and....

The practice of setting up large stones to commemorate significant events when God did something extrodinary was common in Biblical Days.  The stones were visual reminders for future generations of the goodness and provision of God.Other godless people had idols but the followers of Jehovah were to set up memorials instead.  These stone memorials not only showed future generations the greatness of the one true God but it was a significant reminder to those who worshipped gods made with hands that the only real God had power and dominion over all their false gods.

Reality check, we should have stones everywhere.  I wouldn't have to mow grass for all the stones! Now I am not suggesting that it is a commanded practice for the follower of Jesus Christ today but, there ought to to be things you can point to that are clear testimonies of how God has done great things.  What do your children, your friends, your co-workers see in your life that are loud and clear testimonies of the greatness of your God?

Joshua 4:5-7 AMP
And Joshua said to them, Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God in the midst of the Jordan, and take up every man of you a stone on his shoulder, as is the number of the tribes of the Israelites, That this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, What do these stones mean to you? Then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.

The stones by the way were large like these pictured at the ancient biblical site at Tel Gezer in Israel.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Why Did You Need To Cross The River?

Duh! To get to the other side.   Do you have a "river" to cross in your life and you need the water to part so you can cross safely to the other side.  Go ahead step in!  Get ready, God is going to see you through your circumstances and do for you what only God can do. (Joshua 3) Only God can part the water, if you can part it, you don't need Him.  Truth is He may have you on this side of the "river" to protect you from what may be on the other side, (remember He is sovereign and omniscient) or He may want to show Himself mighty on your behalf and part the water because there is a task He wants you to accomplish for His glory on the other side.  The real question may be why do you want to cross the river?  Your agenda or Gods?

Joshua 3:15-17 AMP
And when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were in the brink of the water--for the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest-- Then the waters which came down from above stood and rose up in a heap far off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt [Dead] Sea, were wholly cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. And while all Israel passed over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Transformed or Conformed

They were so cool.  You could take a car and make a big giant robotic super hero.  The toys were so much better and more fun after I became an adult.  So are you being transformed or are you conforming? You are transformed by God you are conformed by the world.  It all begins between the ears.  Either your mind is being daily transformed by the Word of God or your mind is being daily conformed by the pleasures of the world.  These are two great opposing forces that have battled from the beginning of time. 

Romans 12:1-2 AMP

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Is Your God Whimpy?

Have our lives been so powerfully impacted by God that the world stands in awe, or do they mock our God because we portray a whimpy powerless God?  When the spies went to Jericho (the city where the walls fell down), the people were in awe and feared God before the Israelites ever showed up in town.  Does the reputation of your mighty, awesome God precede your arrival?

Joshua 2:9-11
And she said to the men, I know that the Lord has given you the land and that your terror is fallen upon us and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.

Friday, April 5, 2013

UNDERSTANDING GOD

How many times have we said or thought....I wish I knew what God as up to in this circumstance or why did God do this or that,allowing this to happen?  All kinds of questions swirl as we try to put God inside our our intelligence capacity box.  God simply does not fit there.  When we resign to the truth of His eternality and sovereignty we then begin to have a much greater capacity to trust Him.That does not mean that in our humanness we will never ask or ponder questions of Gods doings.

Romans 11:33-34 AMP
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor?

Thursday, April 4, 2013

How Do You Spell Success?

Infomercials are loaded with great tips.  Flip the house and cash out the equity, internet advertising, buying and selling this or that and the list goes on.  The reality is the gurus just get us suckers to buy their books and DVD'S and laugh all the way to the bank.

I have a FREE tip for guranteed success and prosperity.  Chances are you already have the book.  You don't have to call
1-800-success-4-steve or log on to WWW.Steve'swayisbest.com

Just open scripture

Joshua 1:7-8 ESV
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Our idea for success and Gods idea for success are sometimes worlds apart.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Man Up! "Put On Your Big Boy Panties"

There comes a time in everyone's life when we need to man up and put on our "Big Boy Panties" spiritually, and either live for God whole heartedly or quit pretended and making excuses!   So look at your life take an honest assessment  and quit being so "mambie pambie" about your supposed Christianity!

Romans 12:1-2 AMP

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Monday, April 1, 2013

March Madness Moves Us

The 64 teams have been whittled down to the final four.  For the last couple of weeks many of us have huddled around the TV with remote in hand switching between channels to watch our team or some other team play college basketball.  The excitement and thrills and cheers and last minute nail biters have been awesooome!  We have hollered at refs, coaches and players.  We have jumped and cheered, slumped and moaned and some probably even prayed their team would win.  They need March Madness twice a year.   What would we call it in September?  Nevermind, that's not the point, I got carried away.  If your not a basketball fan just think about what really gets you excited.

Simple question....does God move you that much? 

Romans 11:36 ESV
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.