Friday, August 31, 2001
A lot of emphasis these days is placed on fellowship, and we certainly need it, but the church has a greater need. And that need is for God’s people to fellowship with each other and with God through prayer. When we gather together to pray, something special takes place. It’s not just the bonding of God’s people but rather a bonding of God’s people with God.
And then to think so churches have quit holding prayer meetings.
-Matt 18:19-20 NIV
19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Thursday, August 30, 2001
Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost.
If He is in you, He will be seeking and saving the lost through you.
“I am the Lord; I change not.”
-contributed by Martin Wishnatsky
Wednesday, August 29
When people want to purchase a home they usually seek the assistance of a real estate agent to represent them. If they find a house that meets there needs in their price range they usually put in an offer to purchase. After the offer is accepted they usually have it appraised to make sure the value is there. Then they have it inspected to make sure that the property has no hidden defects and that everything is in proper working order. Then they usually have a title opinion by an attorney or they purchase title insurance to make sure there are no disputes or claims on the deed. Then, after all of that and a mountain of paperwork you have to sign,, you pay for the property, get the keys and move in. Having the assistance of a real estate agent or attorney you can trust to represent you is essential because they are familiar with the process and are looking after your best interest.
If we can’t even buy a house on our own how are we supposed to raise kids on our own, choose careers on our own, choose a mate on our own, deal with others on our own or a host of other decisions? And then to think that people try to make it through life on their own, without seeking God every step of the way. No wonder so many people are up to their armpits in bad decisions!
-Job 22:26-28 NIV
26 Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. 27 You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. 28 What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways.
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Read on a church sign yesterday:
“Wal-Mart isn’t the only one who saves!”
-Ps 27:1 NIV
The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?
Monday, August 27, 2001
Isn’t it interesting that we have a big celebration in the church when people get married but divorces occur in the shadows of a small courtroom. If divorce is such a good thing how come people don’t have the hearing in the church and invite all of their friends and relatives?
Divorce is unfortunate and painful for everyone concerned. Although there are times that divorce may be necessary or the only alternative, it should never be construed as a good thing. God’s plan is for two people to be married and have Him as the center of their home. And it does take two people committed to Christ to build a Godly relationship. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen and divorce occurs.
Choosing the right Godly wife or husband to begin with is the best way to avoid a divorce. A wise old pastor once said, “Sometimes the sin is in the marriage and not the divorce!”
-Eph 5:33 NIV
…each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Sunday, August 26, 2001
When we close our eyes to the world around us we lose our vision. No wonder so many churches are closing!
-Prov 29:18 KJV
Where there is no vision, the people perish…
Saturday, August 25, 2001
We should always be prepared to meet God.
I was at the hospital this past week to be with a family member who was having surgery. While I was waiting for the surgery to begin the ambulance came to the hospital with his neighbor who had been in a car accident. The neighbor has not family in the area so I found myself going back and forth between surgery and the emergency room. After about four hours in the emergency room and lots of stitches, the neighbor was released with bad lacerations and bruises from head to toe. The family member’s surgery also went well.
However, while I was in the emergency room another man in his early sixties came in the emergency room with his wife. They had been camping when she suddenly had a heart attack and died. Nothing could change that. At that moment, whether she was prepared to meet God or not, she did.
We too must be prepared. Walk close to God daily is an act of holiness.
-1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Friday, August 24, 2001
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality,” or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms:
[a] Loss of direction
[b] Foul vocal emissions
[c] Amnesia of origin
[d] Lack of peace and joy
[e] Selfish, or violent behavior
[f] Depression or confusion in the mental component
[g] Fearfulness
[h] Idolatry
[i] Rebellion
The Manufacturer, Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.
There is no additional fee required.
The toll free number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, the Jesus will replace it with:
[a] Love
[b] Joy
[c] Peace
[d] Patience
[e] Kindness
[f] Goodness
[g] Faithfulness
[h] Gentleness
[i] Self-control
Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade, the manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit.
Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up permanent residence on the premises!
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids the Manufacturer’s warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
For free emergency service, call on JESUS.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice.
-contributed by Jocylne Thompson
Thursday, August 23, 2001
Meet some of my friends.
Their son had Muscular Dystrophy. They cared for him for many years, lifting him in and out of bed each evening and morning. He had a strong belief in God and shared his faith with those who came to help care for him. He died at home at age 33. I conducted his funeral service and a number of people committed their lives to Christ that day. They are my friends.
They had what appeared to be a normal family, good careers and a strong Christian background. One day it was discovered that she was involved with other men and was about to run away and leave her husband. Through a miracle of God their marriage was restored and today they are active in a church ministering to others out of their own failures. They are my friends.
They had been active in their ministry for 18 years, ministering to those I need. Because of their activism, accused of embezzlement, the state came in can took over the ministry leaving them penniless, car-less and homeless. Within weeks it was determined that there was no money missing and all funds were accounted for. But 5 ½ years later the state still controls their ministry. But in spite of it all God has blessed them with a wonderful family. Their children are all actively involved in serving the Lord and they remain faithful to their calling. They are my friends.
His wife filed for divorce leaving him devastating. He was had nearly finished his doctorate in theology at the time. He remarried sometime later. He had an unexpected child and an unexpected tough time in the marriage. They separated, he is a father to his children and he remains alone. They are my friends.
He is probably the greatest example of a pastor I have ever seen. His wife developed an incurable debilitating disease. His unselfish loving care for her brings tears to my eyes and a broken heart for both of them. He continues to pastor a vibrant growing church. It’s not the church programs that draw people to Christ but rather his example. They are my friends.
Both of them are highly successful in their careers, enjoyed a lovely home and were financially free. But they wanted children and were not able to have them. Their hearts were broken. Through miracle of God they were offered to adopt a baby girl and they gladly said yes. Today they have adopted another child and are providing a wonderful home for the children. They are my friends.
They were a bright young couple with a large family actively seeking God’s plan for their lives. Through a series of infidelity their marriage ended. One continues to seek God, the other not. The draw of a career also contributed to the marriage failure. Now they all suffer, especially the children. They are my friends.
He married young, had children and became a pastor. His marriage ended while he was a pastor. She was especially bitter and made sure he never forgot it. Eventually he remarried and God blessed him with a wonderful wife and beautiful children. One of the children from the first marriage struggled with drugs and alcohol, eventually ending up in prison. I share in his suffering. He is my friend.
They were a young couple with a successful ministry. In three short years their church had grown from 35 to 175 people in attendance. With the pressures of ministry, lack of experience and the work of Satan he became involved with a married women in his church. She became pregnant and he resigned in humiliation. Heartbroken, they rebuilt their marriage and continued to serve God in whatever capacity they were allowed. They remained brokenhearted, willing servants. Often they were humiliated by the failure he had and denominational officials were less than forgiving. But they never quit loving and serving God. He took the role of father to the little girl and she participates with their family as one of the family. He has paid child support for 16 years. They are my friends.
And I have more friends and I could write and write and write.
What kind of friends do you have? You may think that these are less than perfect friends. You are right. But I am less than perfect too and, therefore, so are my friends. We share each other’s burdens and share common threads of being “fellow strugglers.”
What else do we have in common? First we share out faith, but even more, we share a common passion and commitment to Jesus Christ. My friends would walk through the fire, whatever that fire may be, to help one single person in need or lead a lost person to Jesus Christ. I could write about my friends forever! They are gifts from God.
-John 15:12-15 NIV
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
Wednesday, August 22, 2001
“Lay not up treasure upon earth.”
Heaven’s lottery is a sure reward for taking a chance in this world by witnessing to a lost soul. If the soul is saved, you become a BIG winner.
“He that turns a sinner from his ways will save a soul, and wipe out a multitude of sins.”
Take a chance on witnessing for an eternal reward, promised by God who cannot lie.
“He that winneth souls is wise.”
-contributed by Martin Wishnatsky
Tuesday, August 21, 2001
Many people will buy “lottery” tickets today in hopes of winning the big prize. Perhaps you should consider playing the “lostery” instead. You have a much better chance of winning the heart of a lost person for Jesus Christ. But then again, a lottery ticket is something that can be bought.
-Matt 18:10-14 NIV
10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Monday, August 20, 2001
I got this letter Saturday from a good friend and I thought it was so special that I wanted to share it with you today. I trust you will find it meaningful, as I did.
Friends
Until last week, Hank and Vern were room-mates here at Potter’s Country Home. They’re both rather quiet, gruff men—its very difficult to get much more than a grunt from either. No one I’ve talked to has ever seen them exchange even a word with each other.
A few days ago, after an extended struggle with a respiratory disorder, Vern died.
Just before Vern’s passing, Hank paid him a final visit at the hospital. Witnesses say that Hank slowly approached the bedside. When their eyes met, a remarkable gush of emotion flowed–these two men, who each hardly seemed to acknowledge the existence of the other, cried openly together in these last moments together. So charged was the atmosphere, that those present claim it was very difficult to remain in the room.
The power and mystery of relationship head the list of creation’s wonders, in my book.
By the way, each of you are so important to me, though so often I fail to show it.
Rick
-contributed by Rick Schwagel
Sunday, August 19, 2001
Common expressions we hear is don’t put your eggs in one basket. However, as Christians we need to put all of our eggs in God’s basket!
-Ps 55:22 NIV
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Saturday, August 18, 2001
It was only yesterday, or so it seems, that I graduated from high school. I was ready to “take on the world.” I thought I knew almost everything and what I didn’t know I would learn easy. What I didn’t realize was how difficult of a battle it would be. All around us there are giant obstacles and competition seeking the same things we are. And there is so much that goes on that I cannot control, even though I try my hardest.
In a couple of weeks I will experience my 53rd birthday and I surely do not feel that “conquer the world” attitude I had when I was18. I suppose that I have so much of myself in me that the “dying to oneself” that Paul talks about drags on through the years. Many times I thought I had died out to myself only to discover that I had merely fainted.
Therefore, as we continue to “fight the good fight,” I suspect the process continues until death. Perhaps on my tombstone it could read, “He fought the world, but God won!”
-2 Tim 4:7-8 NIV
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Friday, August 17, 2001
An elderly veteran Sunday School teacher was asked, “How did you keep such a good attitude all these years of teaching, church involvement and just plain life?”
“Well,” she replied, “I don’t focus on the work of the enemy and I focus on the work of God!”
Where is your focus today?
-Job 14:1-6 NIV
1 “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. 2 He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. 3 Do you fix your eye on such a one? Will you bring him before you for judgment? 4 Who can bring what is pure from the impure? No one! 5 Man’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. 6 So look away from him and let him alone, till he has put in his time like a hired man.
Thursday, August 16, 2001
Someone once said, “Pastor, I seek God everyday but my life never seems to change.” The experienced pastor simply replied, “What do you seek Him for?”
Perhaps these words of wisdom of the pastor could be echoed in each of our lives, “What do we seek Him for?” I assure you that when you seek God for the things that are pleasing to Him and good for us, He is moved!
-Matt 6:32-33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Wednesday, August 15, 2001
Recently I met a couple that is in a ministry of teaching parents how to be parents. Their focus is parents who are in prison. They also bring children to the prisons to see their parents. What a unique calling.
When the wife shared with me how she felt called to this ministry the tears began to flow. It had been a few years but the emotion of her called experience was still fresh. I saw something in her heart that I recognized but realized that I hadn’t seen for a while. Too many pastors and ministry leaders have lost the freshness of their calling. If you lose the freshness of your calling I think you lose the freshness of your ministry.
How fresh is your calling?
-Ps 92:12-15 NIV
12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
-Heb 3:1 NIV
3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.
Tuesday, August 14, 2001
I was intrigued today watching a trench being dug for water and electrical lines at a construction site. The trench was carefully dug with flared walls to prevent collapsing. In our lives we also need to take precautions to strengthen the spiritual walls that protect us.
-Ps 73:26 NIV
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Monday, August 13, 2001
I am less concerned about when Jesus is coming again than I am who will be ready when He comes!
1 Cor 15:52-53 NIV
52…in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
Sunday, August 12, 2001
Few are willing to take leadership roles in the church any more because every time they try to carry the ball, someone tackles them! The next great wave of seminars passing through the church world could be entitled, “How to Destroy the Leaders in Your Church in 30 Days or Less!”
The scary thought is how many people may attend. An even more scary thought is how many people may attend from your church!
-Heb 13:20-21 NIV
20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, August 11, 2001
How many clocks do you have in your house? I have noticed that some people have a number of clocks in their homes and all of them have a little different time. The problem with is that you never know for sure what time it is, you can only guess. It is very confusing.
Many people today have a similar problem. They listen to all kinds of “backyard theologians” and they end up not knowing for sure what they believe, they can only guess! It is very confusing.
If you want know what time it is get a watch that keeps time and set it to the correct time. If you want to know what you believe get a Bible and set your theology by it!
2 Tim 3:16-17 -NIV
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Friday, August 10, 2001
The trend in the church today is multiple paid staff. Many are trained at seminaries and Bible schools including secretaries. Part of this is out of necessity because of the lack of volunteers.
Many part time positions including musicians, custodians, nursery and others are also paid positions. Some are paid to improve the quality and others out of necessity.
Are we improving the ministry of the church by hiring paid staff to do what has traditionally been part of the ministry of the local church members? I am sure there are arguments on both sides of the issue. But remember this. An amateur built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic!
-Ps 95:6-7 NIV
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
Thursday, August 9, 2001
In attending many churches in recent years I am continuously amazed at how little attention is given to the offering. Many congregations do not take the ministry of Ushering seriously. Even the Ushers themselves seem to just “go through the motions.” I find this particularly interesting considering that the offerings we give in church are an “act of worship.”
-Ps 84:4 NIV
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
Wednesday, August 8, 2001
The healthy church is a church that focuses on people’s need for God.
-Luke 5:31-32 NIV
31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Tuesday, August 7, 2001
Yesterday I was at the construction project where a new storage facility is being built. They built it on an open field so, fortunately, they did not have to tear down old buildings before construction began. I saw the big “D8 Cat” stripping the topsoil. The buildings have to be staked out. Then they will put in a layer of sand. Then they will pour footings, bury the water lines, bury the electrical wires, and pour concrete floors before they ever build anything. That doesn’t take into consideration all the steps that were taken before it got this far. The point being there is an enormous amount of steps involved in a building project.
We should not be surprised that our spiritual lives are any different. From the time the foundations are laid until the time when we learn to lay down our bitterness and unforgiveness there is a lot of steps in what can be a rather long, complex process. It doesn’t have to be that way but most of us have this thing called old-self that has to be torn down before God can be built up in our lives. And for some of us, that old self was built with “nails of selfishness” and “glue of greed” that only the mighty power of God can demolish. The point being that the old self has to be removed before the new self can be constructed correctly, step at a time.
Many have tried to short-cut this process but no one has succeeded!
-Matt 7:24-27 NIV
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Monday, August 6, 2001
To experience the best in your week start it with thanksgiving and praise, regardless of your circumstances.
-Ps 18:46 NIV
The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!
Sunday, August 5, 2001
Early in my pastoral ministry I asked God to give me wisdom. I prayed in earnest for a long time continuing to petition the Lord with my request. Eventually my prayers changed to other more critical needs and time moved on. Recently I was gently reminded of my prayer. It almost made me laugh. I may have forgotten it but God had not.
I reflected on my learning curve and realized that I did not feel wise at all and, in fact, quite the opposite. I know and understand less now than I did 20 years ago or so it seems. It’s easy for us to look at others struggling and say that they are having a “learning experience” but when we personally struggle we call them a “bad experience!” Therefore we don’t recognize our own human and spiritual growth because we may misinterpret the lessons of God as punishment. Or we may think that we have fallen out of favor with God or that His love for us has waned. Not so. God teaches us wisdom in whatever way and however long it takes because of His passionate love for us.
Looking back to that prayer I did not realize the magnitude of my request. Wisdom is not something that is an instant experience like a supernatural healing. Wisdom is learned and accumulated over a lifetime. What I didn’t realize is what a slow learner I am and how bent I am on learning through my own failures. What’s even worse, sometimes I have to repeat the lesson over and over and over again. Even then I wonder if I “got it.”
So be careful what you prayer for. For me, whatever small amount of wisdom I may have been fortunate enough to have learned and accumulated has come with the price of pain, suffering, disappointment, repeated failure, humiliation and more. So what are some of the most important things that I have learned?
God forgives me.
God loves me.
God will never leave me alone.
God will never forget about me.
God will never give up on me, even when others do.
God is everything!
-Eccl 1:18 NIV
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
Saturday, August 4, 2001
As I look out my window I see what I call “Seekers Bay.” That’s not really the name of the bay. It has such an unusual variety of seasons and wildlife that I sense God’s presence in its beauty. It seems like one of earth’s perfect places to live and seek God. Unfortunately, with the heat we are experiencing the water level is down and the weeds are up! In fact the weeds are so thick in places that it appears that someone could get lost in the maze of weeds in a small, shallow boat.
It caused me to think how people can get lost in the weeds of their own lives and may not even realize it. If you are experiencing extreme frustration and you feel like your caught in the maze of life’s weeds, get back to the shore where you had peace. Once you are there, walk to a high place, look over the maze and get the whole picture.
Life’s weeds are either a blessing or a curse depending on your perspective, whether you are looking at the weeds or looking over the weeds!
-Prov 20:27 NIV
The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.
Friday, August 3, 2001
We never know what tomorrow brings or do we? I know that in all of my tomorrows, even unto eternity, God will always be there. That’s really all I need to know.
-Heb 13:8 NIV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Thursday, August 2, 2001
Many churches will be serving communion in their morning worship service this Sunday. It would be an interesting to ask each person why he or she is taking communion, what it means to them and what they think Jesus purpose was in the Lord’s supper. There are too many important things that are part of the practice of our churches that our congregations know little about, forgotten what it means or why it is being done. It is good to practice ones faith but it is better to know why you are practicing it!
-Luke 22:19-21 NIV
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Wednesday, August 1, 2001
How often have you heard someone say, “They need to get their ducks in a row!” I am sure that it has been said about most of us, including myself, at one time or another. This sounds so simple. However, I have discovered in my own life in those difficult times that “getting my ducks in a row” is not the problem. The problem is I can’t find my ducks!
It is during those times that I pray, “God, send the ducks so I can line them up!”
The point is that there are times in people’s lives that God is silent and as we seek Him we know or hear nothing. Is God ever silent? He never spoke for 400 years between Malachi and Matthew. Although it may seem like it, the good news is we won’t be waiting for our ducks for 400 years!
-Ps 130:5 NIV
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
