The Main Thing

Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing

Let's keep our focus on the profound truth of the person of Jesus Christ, not foolish speculation about other "hot button" issues that produce mere speculations and do not foster or grow our faith.  That is not to say we shouldn't defend truth or speak out against ungodliness.  But when you view the bottom line it will be Christ and Him alone.  That is why Paul said my goal is to preach Christ alone.

1 Timothy 1:1-5
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,   To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.   As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

YES...BUT

Yes...But

How is it that we would walk in the ways of God....but carry out such ungodly demonstrations in our life.  Then I thought about me.  How often on the surface it appears as one thing but the reality is my heart, thoughts and private actions are simply contrary to a consistent Godly walk.  Oh that it could be said we walked with God, PERIOD, without the BUT.

2 Kings 16:1-4
In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, Ahaz the son of Jotham, king of Judah, became king. Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of the L ord his God, as his father David had done.  But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and even made his son pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the L ord had driven out from before the sons of Israel. He sacrificed and burned incense on the high places and on the hills and under every green tree.

Life From Death

Life From Death

John 11:25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Engage 24

Intentionally share the gospel with one person today!  ENGAGE 24

1 Corinthians 15:1-3
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

God Bless America

2014 Fireworks in Reverse. You're Welcome.: http://youtu.be/It2JdpgElH4

Lip Superglue

Superglue For Your Lips

You said it and now you wish your lips had never opened!  Been there done that and have the regrets to prove it.  So here is the secret that will keep those flapping lips and runaway tongue sealed up as tight a drum.   The incredible powerful supernatural superglue.  Applied daily it is sure to save hurt feelings, broken relationships keep one from looking ignorant and maybe even save a black eye.  For three easy payments of just....no not really it's free!

Psalm 141:3 AMP
Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

The 37

The 37

We find a great significance in the number 37.  2 Samuel 23:39
"...thirty-seven in all."  37 what?  37 astounding men who did incredibly mighty acts of heroism defending and protecting the King.  These were men, or as they say " a man's man".  In our world and culture we need some of the guts and valor of the 37.  We have caved to political correctness, moral relativism, governmental tyranny,  religious coexistance and are afraid to stand up and fight back for what is right!  Don't be afraid to defend Biblical values and your faith in Jesus Christ.  Don't be afraid to speak the truth in love.  Don't be afraid to speak out against the socialist,  communistic, fascist mentality that is sweeping the halls of Congress and has consumed the White House.  It time to stand up and defend the real KING!

Read the account in 2 Samuel 23:8-39 of the 37. 

When Righteousness Reigns

Wouldn't it be marvelous even gloriously divine to have men and women of integrity and righteousness in positions of political offices from the highest office in the land to smallest local communities?  What would it be like if we had righteous rulers instead of what we currently have?

2 Samuel 23:3-4 AMP
... When one rules over men righteously, ruling in the fear of God, He dawns on them like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, when the tender grass springs out of the earth through clear shining after rain.

Now how refreshing would that be?
Therefore we should...

1 Timothy 2:1-4
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Make no mistake one day righteousness will rule the world when Jesus Christ sets all things right!

Superman

Superman Power

Faster than a speeding bullet...stronger than a locamotive and can leap tall buildings in a single bound.  That's pretty remarkable! 

Have you ever wished you had that kind of power?  You do! 

2 Samuel 22:30-38 AMP

For by You I run through a troop; by my God I leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him. For who is God but the Lord? And who is a Rock except our God? God is my strong Fortress; He guides the blameless in His way and sets him free. He makes my feet like the hinds' [firm and able]; He sets me secure and confident upon the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; and Your condescension and gentleness have made me great. You have enlarged my steps under me, so that my feet have not slipped. I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them; and I did not turn back until they were consumed.

Quarrel Free Life

How To Never Have Another Fight, Quarrel or "Heated Discussion"...Guranteed!

No pills, no therapy, don't even have to count to ten.  This is truly miraculous and revolutionary.  An ancient secret that was written down that has amazing and startling impact on relationships.  Warning!  Before applying this secret to your life please be aware of the side effects.  Strange looks from spouse, Co workers church and family members.  Noticeably lower stress levels (may even lower your blood pressure). Other side effects could include Less hair loss, less emotional eating, no more "foot in mouth" disease,  no more road rage and increased joy and happiness...Please post any other dangerous side effects you may have experienced.

Dosage:  Take once daily or before any human contact!

Philippians 2:3 AMP
Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

PARTNERS

Great Partnership

The Lone Ranger and Tanto, Shaggy and Skoobedoo, Starsky and Hutch, Peanut Butyer and Jelly, Watermelon and 4th of July, Batman and Robin, Bonnie and Clyde, Tom and Jerry, Lucy and Ethel.....Me and You. 

Great partnerships have accomplished great things throughout history.   It has been our partnership for the sake of the gospel that brings me great delight today as I think about you.  Thanks for being a great "partner in crime" for the sake of the gospel.

Philippians 1:5 AMP
[I thank my God] for your fellowship (your sympathetic cooperation and contributions and partnership) in advancing the good news (the Gospel) from the first day [you heard it] until now.

On My Mind

You Are Always On My Mind

God had something to say about this long before Elvis Presley.  So I want each of you to know you hold a special place in my heart and I want to echo the words of scripture and speak them into your life today.  This truth I want you to know.

Philippians 1:3
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Walk Like A Fool

Dont Stagger Like A Fool

Have you ever seen a drunk walk?  Stumbles over his own two feet and anything else that may be in his path.  We may have laughed at the old drunk staggering down the street but walking foolishly is really no laughing matter.  When people look at our lives do they see a staggering old drunk walking foolishly or do they see someone in their right mind walking wisely?

Ephesians 5:15 AMP
Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),

Ephesians 5:15 KJV
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Copy Cat

Copy Cat

Do you remember irritating your siblings or a friend by being a copy cat and doing everything they do or saying everything they said?  But when someone else would do the same to you, remember how frustrated you would become, especially if several people did it at the same time?  I can remember imitating my sister in the back seat of the car.  Then she would holler..."mom, dad...Steve is being a copy cat, tell him to stop."  I loved every minute of it.  

That is exactly what God wants us to do...be immitators, of Him.  Be a God copy cat!  Go ahead do everything He does!

Ephesians 5:1 AMP
THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

Sick To Death

Sick To Death

For Amnon that became a reality.  The power of desire can bring disasterous results.  Don't get carried away with your desires, whatever they may be it will lead you down a path of destruction and even death.  Death of relationships, death of clear thinking, death of finances, death of reputation and yes even the possibility of physical death.   Amnon got his desire and more...he was sick with lustful desire and his half brother killed him.  Desire is a powerful emotion with far reaching consequences.

2 Samuel 13:1-2
ABSALOM SON of David had a fair sister whose name was Tamar, and Amnon [her half brother] son of David loved her. And Amnon was so troubled that he fell sick for his [half] sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and Amnon thought it impossible for him to do anything to her.
2 Samuel 13:14
But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her.
2 Samuel 13:28
Now Absalom commanded his servants, Notice now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine and when I say to you, Strike Amnon, then kill him. Fear not; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and brave.

god Buffet

How Many gods?

We live in a culture that is increasingly embracing a multiplicity of gods.  If the question were posed today...do you believe in God?  The vast majority would say certainly.  (With the exception of those who are embracing the atheist fad, which many students are.  And it is a genuienly a fad for many.  Not to mention that atheism is an oxymoron)  However, clarification often reveals that God to you may not be God to someone else.  We have a virtual buffet of gods and its just "enee meeni minny moe".  So do you believe in God?  I would challenge you, there is but one God! 

Ephesians 4:6 AMP
One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.

Exodus 20:2-3
I am the Lord your God....
You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.

Aggrevating People

Attitude With Others

Sometimes people are aggravating!  Ever met anyone like that?  I am sure we all have a long laundry list.   Now don't start fretting about them...instead walk like you have been summoned by the God of the universe to be His ambassador.  And if so then this should be our attitude toward all those aggrevating people in our life...

Ephesians 4:1-3 AMP
I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.

Your Name

How Significant Is Your Name?

Your name is important to you because it is a link to your family, your spouse or maybe a favorite person in history or a relative from long ago.  Yet people by the hundreds change their name daily because they simply don't like thier name, divorce, abandoned by biological parents or some for religious purposes.  So is your name important to you?

If you are part of the heavenly family beacuse you have embraced, through repentance the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ you have been named by God Himself.  Now thats a significant name.

Ephesians 3:14-15 AMP
For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name].

UNFATHOMABLE!

We cannot begin to think, ask or imagine what God can do on our behalf.   We try to limit God's ability, we put Him in a box, and we minimize His capacity.  But make no mistake, inspite of our efforts to stiffle His greatness, there is no stopping His wonderful, glorious, bountiful goodness that He so desires to give to us generously.

Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

Created and Recreated

To think that the God of the universe handcrafted each one of us is astounding. 
Psalm 139:13-14
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

But wait it gets better.  Not only did He create us, but then by His mighty act of redemption, He recreated us.  
Ephesians 2:10 AMP
For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Of coarse this is predicated on this fact:
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!