Saturday, June 30, 2001
God’s grace is never more clearly understood than when we fail. So is people’s grace!
-Col 3:12-14 NIV
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Friday, June 29, 2001
The great deception of our day comes from the things we see and read that portray life as one great ecstasy of activity that makes no room for reflection, personal development or spiritual growth. Generally this portrayal promotes a fantasy life that depicts no spiritual or family values whatsoever. Most often it promotes anti-christian and immoral lifestyles. People need relaxed and common sense lifestyles to gain and keep perspective. Perhaps we need to be bored “sinless!”
-Rom 6:11-14 NIV
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Thursday, June 28, 2001
Because we rarely ever hear any sermons about hell anymore doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist!
-Matt 10:28-29 NIV
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Wednesday, June 27, 2001
Too many Christians today have so many burdens of their own to carry they have no strength left to help carry anyone else’s burdens. Thankfully God has the strength to help all of us carry our burdens.
-Ps 68:19 NIV
9 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Tuesday, June 26, 2001
I’m more impressed with full altars than I am with full pews!
-Ps 43:3-4 NIV
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.
Monday, June 25, 2001
The secret to being happy with your job is being in God’s will. Then the workplace becomes a “mission field” instead of a “mine field!”
-1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, June 24, 2001
Lord, please send us more of those small, boring churches where people can find themselves instead of lose themselves!
-Ps 62:5-8 NIV
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Saturday, June 23, 2001
An empty wallet is not near a critical of a problem as an empty life!
-1 Peter 1:18-23 NIV
18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
Friday, June 22, 2001
“Who made the mountains? Who made the sea? Somebody bigger than you and me.” These are the only words that I remember of a song I heard years ago. I can’t remember who recorded it, if it was recorded or who wrote it. But I remember the message.
We spend a lot of time in life working as if it were important that people know we did something, that we get the proper credit. In reality, the most important thing is the message that people remember not who said it or where it came from.
What message will you leave behind where you go today?
The message I would like to leave where I go today is, “God made the mountains. God made the sea. God is bigger than you and me!”
-Ps 104 NIV
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent 3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. 5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; 8 they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. 9 You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. 10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. 11 They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. 13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. 14 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate–bringing forth food from the earth: 15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. 16 The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 17 There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees. 18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. 19 The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. 20 You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. 21 The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. 22 The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. 23 Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening. 24 How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number–living things both large and small. 26 There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. 27 These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. 28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. 29 When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. 30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. 31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works– 32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. 35 But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD.
Thursday, June 21, 2001
The pain of sin is greatest when it is exposed but the price of sin is “heaven high” the instant it occurs!
-Ps 70:5 NIV
Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Yesterday I walked through the tornado ravaged town of Siren, Wisconsin. It was quite overwhelming to say the least. I lived in Siren as a child and it brought back many memories just to walk the streets. My grandmother lived in Siren and died last year but I walked through her destroyed apartment. I am thankful she didn’t have to experience the horror of this event. See pictures http://www.churchmouse.net
It became clear that the power of nature is far beyond anything we can deal with. It reminded me of an end time’s video because the people were gone and lives were changed in the twinkling of an eye. It should serve as a solemn reminder to us that things can change quickly, our entire lives disrupted and perhaps never to be the same again. I am thankful for my faith in God and His comfort in even the most painful, difficult circumstances.
Please pray for the people of Siren, Wisconsin as it is my understanding that there are over 100 families out of their houses and many businesses destroyed where people will be without their jobs.
-Rom 4:18-21 NIV
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Tuesday, June 19, 2001
Attitudes are contagious, whether good or bad. Attitudes determine pleasure or torment in many places in life including the workplace, school, church or families.
When people have a close relationship with God they have a good attitude even under the worst circumstance. People who do not have a close relationship with God have a bad attitude even in the best circumstances.
Bad attitudes cripple the healthiest while good attitudes heal many an illness.
Attitude is a bitter pill of poison or a blessed potion of purpose.
The bad news is that attitudes are hard to manage. The good news is that you are in charge of your own attitude!
The bad news is that your attitude affects the attitude of others. The good news is you can make other peoples lives better even if it is just for the fleeting moment of a kind word and warm smile.
No one ever lead another to Christ who displayed his or her black heart, a bad attitude!
-Ps 15 NIV
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
Monday, June 18, 2001
Gossip is like a guest knocking on your door. It doesn’t come in unless you welcome it!
-Prov 16:28, 26:22 NIV
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
Sunday, June 17, 2001
Great fathers are seen and heard!
-Ps 111:2 NIV
Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Saturday, June 16, 2001
God the Father’s love does not come to us is small doses. When it comes to giving his love, He gives extravagantly until our cup (our spiritual house) runs over! However, there are some things to remember. First, we must make room for God in our house (lives). Second, God likes a clean house. And lastly, he doesn’t like roommates!
But if you will make room for God, try to keep your life tidy and don’t expect God to share your soul His loving-kindness will be poured out on you beyond all measure!
-Ps 36:5-9 NIV
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Friday, June 15, 2001
To be a good father requires a passionate love for and for the best interests of a child. It is a Godly trait.
It gives me great comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father has given us His Word to show us what is best for us. He loves us passionately and has our best interest in His heart. God the Father not only knows what is best, He is the best. Give Him the glory this Father’s day and worship at the church of your choice.
-Ps 18:30 NIV
0 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.
Thursday, June 14, 2001
When God created Adam he found no suitable helper so He created Eve. Evidently God felt that life was going to be a little boring so he determined that children would keep people busy. God knew what He was doing!
Adam and Eve had two sons named Cain and Able. Cain killed Able and, although nothing is said of it, we find the first case of a Father’s broken heart. Or was it the first?
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden we really find the first case of a Father’s broken heart, their Heavenly Father. It breaks God the Father’s heart when we are disobedient, make wrong choices and sin.
Interestingly, when people sin they think it affects only them. Nothing could be further from the truth! When Adam and Eve fell to temptation it has affected everyone ever since!
No person is an island unto himself or herself!
P.S. Father’s Day is this Sunday. Don’t forget grandfathers!
-Deut 5:16 NIV
“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Wednesday, June 13, 2001
Much of our tomorrows rest upon the decisions of today. Much of today rests upon our relationship with the Lord. A lifetime is made up of small, mundane daily decisions that don’t always seem important at the time but have lifetime or even eternal consequences.
-Deut 30:19-20 NIV
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life,..
Tuesday, June 12, 2001
It is obvious that we are all fellow strugglers but it is more important that we are all fellow seekers, seekers of His heart.
-Ps 19:7-14 NIV
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Monday, June 11, 2001
There is more to praise God for than what we experience. One of the greatest reasons to praise God is for what we don’t experience! If we walk in the light we won’t stumble in the darkness.
-Ps 37:23-24 NIV
If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Sunday, June 10, 2001
Praise and worship remains a controversial issue in the church but the controversy probably doesn’t even make the back page in Heaven’s “Gold Street Gazette.”
-Ps 84:10 NIV
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Saturday, June 9, 2001
Diversity is a buzzword of our time. Corporations are spending a lot of money to try to find direction and implementation of diversity plans. However, if you really want to learn about diversity, enroll in the Master’s degree course at His “Diversity University” and read what the Bible says about it. After all, who would more about the similarities and difference in people than God?
-Eph 4:3-6 NIV
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Friday, June 8, 2001
One of the secrets to a good relationship with God is to include Him in your plans, before you make them! One of the secrets to a better relationship with God is to seek His guidance in your plans, before you make them. One of the secrets to the best relationship with God is to forget about your plan and seek His!
P.S. God’s plan may be the same as yours but how you go about it may be somewhat different.
-Prov 16:9 NIV
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Thursday, June 7, 2001
Yesterday I was having a discussion with a family member about my mother’s death from terminal lung disease and her addiction to cigarettes. He is also addicted to cigarettes. He told me that he wanted to quit and he said, “I spend almost as much for cigarettes each month as I do for my house payment.” It was really quite a shocking statement even tough he lives in a modest house.
A few weeks ago another family member was visiting me and he has also been addicted to tobacco for decades. He chews “snuff.” While he was here he opened his snuffbox sadly and said, “I can’t afford to buy regular “snoose” anymore so I put coffee grounds in the snuffbox and chew them instead.”
Even with the high cost of everything else, the cost of salvation has not changed in 2000 years!
P.S. Think of what we could accomplish in the kingdom of God if we could somehow miraculously change the “tobacco money” spent by church attendees into “tithe money!”
-Ps 3:3-5 NIV
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
Wednesday, June 6, 2001
Happiness is not what state you live in America (or anywhere else around the world) but what state you live in spiritually!
-Prov 15:13 NIV
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
Tuesday, June 5, 2001
DENOMINATIONAL SURVEY
(Please take the time to answer these questions and send them in a reply email.)
Are you presently attending a church that is part of or affiliated with a denomination?
(If you are presently attending a non-denominational church please feel free to answer the questions for the purpose of input.)
What denomination? (optional)
Why do you attend a church of that particular denomination?
Was the denomination of the church you attend a determining factor when you chose to attend there?
If you were going to relocate and had to find a different church to attend, how important would it be to you to find a church of the same denomination you are presently attending?
What is the purpose of a denomination?
Some people say that denominations have outlived their usefulness. How would you respond to that?
How might denominations improve or “reinvent” themselves to better serve the local church.
How do you feel about the money that your church sends to the various denominational organizations?
Do you feel that the denominations are good stewards of the money they receive?
Results of this survey will be posted on the website and also emailed to you. No reference will be made to any denominations from Question #2.
Monday, June 4, 2001
When the church fails to identify truth, truth will identify the church.
-John 17:17-18 NIV
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Sunday, June 3, 2001
There are a lot of gamblers in casinos these days but nothing that compares to the “high stakes” at the roulette table of eternal life. Since time began man has been gambling his soul. Why people cannot accept a sure thing is beyond me. They place their bet on the temporary rather than placing their heart on the eternal.
-Heb 12:2-3 NIV
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Saturday, June 2, 2001
To live in the shadow of the Almighty we must walk in it, not sit in it. Why? Because God is not standing still!
-Ps 62:1-2 NIV
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Friday, June 1, 2001
The pace we live at today causes uncertainty in the minds of God’s people. We live in a crazy world that challenges our faith daily. We were made to have fellowship with God, and therefore, it is extremely important for our spiritual well being that we spend quality time with God daily to regain our perspectives and keep them.
Prayer makes for positive communication with God and others!
-Matt 26:41 NIV
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
