1 John 5:13

Where Do We Place Our Trust?

2010-10-01T16:42:00.001-05:00

Like many others I have “doubted” my salvation. As a younger person when I would fall short or sin as God refers to it, I would have this overwhelming guilt and shame which would ultimately lead me to doubt that I was ever saved. So, through the years I just dealt with this scenario (daily) as best I could until I decided one day that I wouldn’t simply be a sideline Christian, but rather an active believer. The after shocks of that decision were life changing.

I discovered that just like a new born baby who desires to be feed (1 Peter 2:2) I too had a strong urge to feast on God’s word. It took several years for me to come to this knowledge, but I am thankful it came. I recalled back to the day I accepted Jesus as my Savior that there was a very strong desire for me to know more about God. I sadly was never discipled and therefore didn’t learn to feed the Holy Spirit which now dwelt within me.

I was asked a few years ago whether or not I ever doubted my salvation. I came to the conclusion that my salvation is not what I was doubting, it was God’s faithful to keep his word that I doubted. I discovered that the more I read and meditate on His word, the more I trust His Word. (John 1)

Assurance of Salvation

2010-09-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

I have noticed that there are many people who seek approval. They will seek it from literally every person they come into contact with. Where this comes from is for another time, however, I’d like to point out that it is convincingly clear that most of these people seek approval to avoid conflict. Conflict is inevitable in life. I’ve yet to meet a person who hasn’t at one time or another had to deal with conflict.

I worked for a man whose philosophy was to ignore conflict and it wait for it to go away. My leadership suffered because I served under his authority. His philosophy was wrong and has never been true. Those who avoid conflict are those who are in desperate need of approval. Ultimately, beliefs and convictions are compromised in effort to avoid conflict.

Sadly, most Christians live their lives trying to avoid conflict. I’m referring to the conflict that is the result of their miserable relationship with Jesus. They spend more time dodging darts of doubt than they spend in the Word (Bible). It’s difficult trying to balance on a fence and dodge darts.

God wants His children (born again believers; John 3) to live lives with confidence and assurance. 1 John 5:11-13 explains that eternal life is provided through Jesus and that assurance accompanies the relationship. Simply put, if you have Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have life (eternal), if you do not have him as your Lord and Savior, then you do not have eternal life.

The icing on the cake is that He says in verse 13 that we can “know” we have eternal life. We can live our lives with full assurance and knowledge of our salvation. We need not battle this conflict as Christ followers. Never again is there a need to compromise convictions and/or beliefs. The conflict between our flesh and the spirit can end if only we get serious about our relationship with Jesus.

Feast of Famine

2010-09-10T22:44:00.001-05:00

I think often of a friend who passed away a few years ago. We leaned on each other about losing weight and eating better. He told me one day with a serious look that he loved food. I said, “Jim, I do too.” He replied, “No, you don’t understand. I really love food.” My response was, “Yeah, me too. I didn’t get this way by not loving food.” He looked at me and reiterated, “You don’t get it. I love food! I lie in bed at night and think about what I’m going to eat tomorrow.” All I could say was, “Well, I guess you really love food.”

I took notice after that day. Some people eat to live while others live to eat. God gave us food to sustain the body, but I also believe He created it so that it could be enjoyed.
Christians, we are told to digest God’s word and digesting is part of the eating process. We are to feast on God’s word, digest it and allow it to nourish our spirit. If we are to stay healthy and strengthened, we must eat. That is true physically and it’s just as true spiritually. The problem is when things are good we don’t display our need for God. It’s true! Sadly, most Christians only spend time with God when times are bad.

When times are good we don’t want to read God’s word or spend time in prayer with Him. It’s just like the man who just finished a feast and then offered a slice of pecan pie. He replies,”I’m stuffed and couldn’t eat another bite.” On the other hand, the man who hasn’t eaten in days would eat a greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ash tray. (Proverbs 27:7) One of the men has no need for more food, while the other man would be happy to just place something in his stomach. We need to learn to eat to live, not live to eat.

Blinders of The Heart

2010-09-08T10:09:00.001-05:00

blind•er \ˈblīn-dər\ noun
(1809)
1 : either of two flaps on a horse’s bridle to keep it from seeing objects at its sides
2 plural : a limitation or obstruction to sight or discernment

Blinders are used when the jockey wants to obstruct the sight of the horse he/she is riding. The purpose is to prevent objects on the horse’s side from becoming a distraction. I’m not too sure many Christian shouldn’t wear blinders. It seems we become easily distracted with the things of this world, thus preventing us from fulfilling our duty as believers.

On the other hand, I’m afraid several Christians are wearing a form of blinders, but not to prevent distraction. These particular blinders work in the same manner as the previously mentioned blinders, but they blind our discernment.

Blinders are blinders, but their function is dependent upon the one who places them. If we allow the Master to place them on us, then we have done well. If we assume the role of the master and place them on ourselves, then we have chosen to squelch the Holy Spirit.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; Psalm 1:1

Know it All...

2010-08-24T09:06:00.000-05:00

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

Each person who has called out to God the Father for eternal salvation, and means it, is saved from eternal damnation by the work of the gospel provided through Jesus Christ. When a person asks for salvation, they receive the Holy Spirit of God. The Spirit indwells the believer to teach and guide until we are called home to be with our Heavenly Father.

The thing that sticks out to me in John 14:26 is the phrase “…He will teach you all things…” I have always had to try harder than most to accomplish anything academically. After being dismissed from the University twice for scholastic probation as a young man, I returned while in my thirties and earned a place on the Dean’s list three of the four semesters I was enrolled. I discovered that prior to ANYONE teaching you ANYTHING, there first must be a willingness to LEARN. When we get to the place when we feel we know it all, watch out!

Confident Conviction

2010-08-14T06:05:00.000-05:00

But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness Romans 4:5

Meaning, that we are justified completely by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our confident conviction that Jesus is the ONLY means of salvation is rewarded with a righteousness provided on our behalf by Jesus Christ, which is required to enter Heaven.

The opposite is true. Those who work to be justified or saved do not believe God or in His son, Jesus Christ. A definition of works is required here. Works would be anything one does to gain God's approval and forgiveness other than trusting solely in the gospel. The gospel being the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

The argument can be made that one can believe in God, but not have a clear understanding of salvation or justification. A simple belief that God exist does not qualify one as being justified. If this were the case, then Satan would be justified, because he believes God exist.

There is more than just believing God exist. This is where faith comes in to play. Faith is the confident conviction in something or someone to the point of putting your life on the line. In this case, we are talking about a faith in Jesus and the gospel.

According to James 2 we perform works because we are saved which in turn strengthens our faith. Our faith leads to actions or works, not the other way around!

Due Diligence

2010-08-13T05:27:00.000-05:00

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

A craving desire to have Jesus rule in order that I might live a virtuous life as well as think and act correctly is what I must do. Instead of searching for fame and fortune and worrying about my "rights", my focus is to be on that which concerns Heaven. The added benefit is that the amenities of life will be provided. My due diligence is to aim to obey the Word of God.

The promise is found here, "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7,8

The tense of the word "shall" in the Greek is a future tense. Which simply means asking, seeking, and knocking is to be a daily task. Need anything? Ask in accordance to God's will, and it will be yours. Many of us should first ask that God cleanse us from all "unrighteousness" before we begin to think of asking for more.

The Beginning of The Rest of Your Life

2010-08-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

God did not exhaust His creative efforts in Genesis 1:1. God has made today. It was fashioned with the same creative mind and loving hands as the world and universe we were created in. We often overlook the phenomenal truth that God made this day and has many NEW things for us to experience and NEW people for us to meet and influence. For some reason, we neglect this notion and go about our lives and never truly get it.

King David understood it when he said, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 He was asking for forgiveness and beckoning for a new start. I have done this myself a number of times. It empowers me to know that God hears our cries and is ready, willing, and able to wipe the slate and paint the rest of our lives on a newly created canvas.

Be inspired to see a new face, hear a new voice, shake a new hand,make a new friend; and then tell them about Jesus!

Living in the Parenthood

2010-08-08T06:12:00.001-05:00

I have to say that I struggle with parenthood. Being a father of three I have learned a good deal. I learned more about myself than about any of my kids. I have been where they are, I’ve lived through the years they are experiencing, but I had never been a father, so the learning curve was greater.
I learned that the older I get the less frazzled I become. Maybe they have worn me down. I have learned that the things that embarrassed or frustrated me don’t seem to matter any longer. I have learned that the longer I know them, I love them greater. I have learned what my parents withstood raising me and six other siblings.
I was shocked that my first child didn’t come with instructions. The day I drove her and my bride home from the hospital was a day I’ll never forget. I was so scared that I would hit a bump or another car and damage her. I was a nervous wreck for a long time. I love my wife dearly, but I remember not wanting to leave for work because I wasn’t sure one adult could handle the task of child rearing.
I suppose the greatest thing of all that I learned as a new daddy is that my Heavenly Father knew what I was going through. I have learned over the years to take His perspective of my children and transpose His heart for His children onto my kids. The sad news is that it has taken many years to begin to see results of my efforts. The two girls are off at college now and my son is racing toward his high school diploma. Just over two years and I can sit back and truly wonder where time went.

I Don’t Feel Like It

2010-08-05T10:29:00.001-05:00

We must be careful as Christians so as not to base our salvation or devotion to God on our feelings. I was “born again” (John 3) in 1977, so I don’t recall much of how I felt living my life without Christ. I do recall the emotions and feelings that came when I asked Jesus to be my Savior. Though three decades have past it becomes more difficult to recall those feelings.
I know this…when I wake up each day by the grace of God, I do not look, act, smell, walk, talk, or feel like a Christian. I have to gather my thoughts, adjust my being and locate the nearest cup of coffee before I can begin to focus and begin my day. I’m certain I do not exhaust an eternal God with my faulty morning habits.
If I based my eternal everything on my feelings I would be a mess all the time. The love of God handcuffs us and we can’t lose Him. (2 Corinthians 5:14) It’s not the Folgers that draws me close to my Heavenly Father, it’s the mercy He displays daily that keeps me looking up. Our salvation is not based on our feelings, but on God’s faithfulness.

Which Way Are You Headed

2010-08-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

A young preacher was asked by the local funeral director to hold a grave-side burial service at a small local cemetery for someone with no family or friends. The preacher started early but quickly got lost, making several wrong turns. Eventually, a half-hour late, he saw a backhoe and its crew, but the hearse was nowhere in sight, and the workmen were eating lunch.
The diligent young pastor went to the open grave and found the vault lid already in place. Taking out his Bible, he read the service. Feeling guilty because of his tardiness, he preached an impassioned and lengthy service, sending the deceased to the great beyond in style.
As he was returning to his car, he overheard one of the workmen say: “I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years and I have never seen anything’ like that.”
We have a bad habit of starting each day without checking the directions – the life map – God’s word. We believe that our daily tasks outweigh the importance of God’s word. There just isn’t a good excuse for not reading God’s word on a regular basis. Psalm 119:105

Who’s Rattling Your Gate?

2010-07-29T06:08:00.001-05:00

Prayer is a great tool God has given us, but we seldom use it. I know some Christians who are faithful to pray daily and tell me often they have prayed for me. I am so impressed with their faithfulness. In spite of what you may think, prayer is not tricky; it is simply talking to God.
The lack of prayer from believers indicates a vicious cycle has been established. Christians fail to pray because they’ve not seen their prayers answered. Since they can’t see an almighty, eternal God work, they cease to pray. That is unless there is a dire need and even then most Christian’s faith falters.
I’m concerned that when believers pray they are not expecting to “see” God answer their prayers. In my opinion, the gesture of closing one’s eyes while praying carries over to their expectancy of their prayers being heard or answered. In other words, we keep our spiritual eyes shut and never see God work regarding our petitions.
I think many Christians would respond like Rhoda, the young servant girl in Acts 12:1-17. When she heard Peter rattle the gate outside the home where Jesus’ followers were gathered praying, she ran to tell everyone Peter was there. She forgot one minor detail though; she failed to open the gate and let Peter enter. She was shocked God had actually answered their prayers.
When we pray according to God’s will we too will be shocked at His response.

A Nail Biter

2010-07-18T16:23:00.001-05:00

When will I finally learn? Many times in my life when a situation arises that is cause for alarm I immediately think to run to God. I let Him know what is happening, like He is unaware, and then I ask for His guidance, help, wisdom, and direction. Secondly, I then do what most Christians do; I set to worrying.
When King David was just a boy and faced with the challenge of a giant he was mocked and ridiculed by his brothers and asked how he planned to defeat such an adversary. Without hesitation, David replied, the same God who allowed him to conquer the bear and the lion would see him through this challenge. He stated that the battle was not his, but it was God’s. 1 Samuel 17:37
God is big enough to handle His battles without me getting in the way. He has seen me through many tough situations and has never let me down. When will I learn to rest in His promise and just simply take Him at His word? One day at a time.

Varmints at My Window

2010-07-16T00:21:00.001-05:00

When I was a young boy we lived in the country about an hour or so outside of Dallas, Texas. Our house was nestled within 25 acres of oak trees and our closet neighbor for the longest time was a mile away. I use to tell people, when asked, that we lived out in the woods. It was a great place to grow up. During the day we would go into the woods and mess around for hours. We would come back to the house with an earthy smell and I’m sure chiggers, ticks, and who knows what else.

Sometimes at night my old home could be a bit frightening. You could hear coyotes, owls, and other varmints that made me think they were at my window ready to enter for an evening snack. On nights like this I would find my way to my parent’s room and settle in at the foot of their bed. Once and a while I would come out of my room and find my parents sitting in the living room. I would explain my fears and at times I’d get to set with them until the moment passed.

I remember on occasion my mom would sing a song. She would sing this in the car or around the house, but I especially remember hearing her sing it when I had these scary moments. A song Mosie Lister wrote in 1958 entitled, “Til the Storm Passes By”.

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,

While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place.

‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Chorus

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try,

For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”

But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was fast asleep in a boat with his disciples when a storm quickly rose up. The disciples were frightened, but Jesus continued to sleep. They woke him up and ask, “don’t you care that were about to die?” Then Jesus sat up and spoke to the wind and the sea and said, “Peace, be still.” Mark 4:39

My parents taught me that nothing was out of the control of God’s mighty hand. If He could control the wind and water, then certainly He could control the varmints at my window.