Called to Be Like Christ

Thessalonians 4:7 "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness,but unto holiness".

"You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?"This quote has become a common catch phrase among believer.Anyone can grow up in church or hang around church people and pick up church language."I'm too blessed to be stressed"."I'm saved,santified,and filled with the holy ghost". Does the public and private life of a believer reflect his or her church jargon, or are these just catchy phrases used to cover up ones short commings?

God is calling us to be holy as He is Holy.God speaks to us in various ways, and he is calling us to stand up in the holiness of his darling son he sent to die that we might live. Perhaps we've heard the still small voice of his spirit directing our spirit.Or maybe our conscience has screamed at us when we've headed toward something we know isn't pleasing to God.Maybe some instruction in God's word has hit us squarely between the eyes when we've needed it most.The timely conversations with the other Christians that brings us a needed word of encouragement,direction,or warning.God is speaking to us,calling us to holiness.But are we listening?Sometimes we're so busy with us,we don't stop long enough to acknowledge or absorb what He's saying to us. At other times we may not want to hear what He's saying because it dosn't fit in with our agenda at the time.Or we may just not take the time when we have it, because we're "not in the mood" to spend time with God.(let us be honest with ourselves)

Hopefully,though this isn't the norm for us.As Christians we should long to hear from God and approach Him with a heart that is eager to listen and please him.But it can be a battle to fight against our own self as well as the pull of the world's demands pressing in on our time and attention.That why we must learn to set aside some quiet time everyday (maybe 2 or 3 times a day) just to spend with God in prayer and meditation.Time set aside to listen to his instructions.The time of day we do this is not as important as having the readiness of heart and mind to not only receive what God is telling us,but also to obey what he tells us.

God is calling us to holiness, the word says "be ye Holy as I am Holy", but we'll need to be listening in order to hear His call.Jesus said that those who follow Him should live in such a way, so that others would see their good works and glorify God in Heaven.So our holiness is more than just a matter of personal spiritual growth; it's a matter of honoring God and proclaiming Him to the world.To most of the world we are the only way they will see God. Are you an accurate reflection of our Saviors? Does your actions, attititude, and way of life ,show our Fathers characteristics? Will you answer God's call to Holiness?

The Truth Will Make You Free

John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth".

God's promises are sure.God's commitment to allow a new generation to  inherit a land he had promised them was a solid agreement.The disbelief of the older generation did not  hinder God's faithfulness to carry out His promise he had made to their fathers.He had given this land to His children back in the time of Abraham and Jacob.Before the foundations of the world, he promised us everlasting life with Him ,and now it is time for us to lay claim to it.

The Canaanites were a formidable enemy,However God said "Israel you will drive the canaanites from the land. He assured Joshua" I will be with you".The presence and power of God guaranteed the land was theirs, it wasn't Joshua's wisdom, militaries abilities, or strategies.It was in the truth of God's promise, and the power of His word that brought this to pass.Sin also is a formidable enemy,it uses various weapons to defeat us in this present life.Through the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life, we are often defeated in our quest to live holy unto the Lord.But God's word has already given us the victory,we just have to do like the children of Israel and step out in faith and lay claim to everlasting life with our Savior.In His word he tells us "He has power over all flesh". His word tells us to be of  good cheer ,"He has overcome the world".His word tells us that those he has been given he has lost none. And His word tells us we have a new life in Christ,as we have died to the ways of the flesh and the old man.Like with Joshua, he gave us several resources to help lead us to the promised land.

He gave us a clear set of instructions that we must follow to be victorious.He told us to always pray.You can't give in to the temptations of this world if you are always praying.He told us to esteem other higher than ourselves.It is hard surrender to the lust of the flesh if you always have anothers best interest at heart.He told us to love one another like Christ loved us, thus always making a sacrifice of yourself for the salvation of others.He then gave us a promise ,that if we followed His instructions we would be rewarded and would have everlasting life.He promised to be with all the way.And God told us to be successful we would have to be strong, courageous, and have the determination to follow the path He has laid out for us.Jesus Christ, the way laid out by God that we must travel, Jesus Christ the word of God made flesh, in whom we have the victory. 

Caring For Others

John 13:14 "If I then,your Lord and Master,have washed your feet;ye also ought to wash one another's feet".

We are servants of the Lord,no matter what title or position we hold in God's Church, we are but servants to do His will and carry out His commands.The position you hold or the title you give yourself does not free you from the work in which we have been called to do.We are the feet washers of the Lord. The head is responsible for the caring for the feet.

Jesus tells his disciples that if He being Lord and Master wash their feet, then they to have to wash feet. Now he is not telling us that we must literally go out and wash someones dirty feet, but we who know the Lord is responsible to share Him with a Lost world.We are responsible to look after and care for those who are less fortunate.See somewhere the message got twisted, the Church leadership looks for the congregation to serve them when we have been put in the position to serve the congregation.Jesus the great head of the Church is the example, he laid down His title and took on the position of a servant that God's will be done,and we are to follow His example.He came to serve,He washed feet,He fed the people,He gave freely of that which He had to all who had need. He sacrificed that others might have. The Son of God became the son of man that the sons of man might become the Sons of God,and we who have be chosen to lead and teach His people, should be able to lay aside our titles and positions and become feet washers so that a lost soul might be saved. He didn't chose us so we could be important, but that we might serve and be willing workers in the vineyard.

Now I'm not saying,your calling isn't genuine, that is something each of us will have to answer to God about,what I am saying is regardless of your calling or title, we were called to do a work.The work of all who were called is to lead a lost world to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord.We are to provide for and care for those who Christ shed His blood for, that the lost might to enjoy the salvation of the Lord. No mater what you call yourself, let us be careful to wash the feet of the lost souls of this world.

I Won't Turn Back

John 6:66-67 "From that time many of His disciples went back,and walked no more with Him.Then said Jesus unto the twelve,Will you also go away?

"No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God."For which of you,intending to build a tower,sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it.Who hath believed our report?And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?Have you truly counted up the cost?Do you believe? Will you go on with Jesus regardless of the suffering that comes alone with the journey.Will you continue on, when the road gets rough,when your friends turn their backs on you.Will you stay the course when you find that you might not get rich,or that you might have to let go of some of the material things in your life,will you go back,and walk no more with him.

Here in this chapter of John we have what can be called the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus reveals who he is,why he came, and our work in this great plan of salvation.Since the fall of man ,it has always be about reconciling man back with God.From  Noah's ark,to Joseph in egypt,to Moses leading the children of Israel from Egypt and even Samson's battles, were all about the salvation of  mankind. Here in the story we have a great multitude following Jesus.All who follow Jesus are not Follwers of Jesus. Are you following him, or a follower of his?Many followed Jesus seeking the miracles he preformed and the food which they ate.We have many today seeking Jesus for material and worldly possessions and not for the salvation of their souls.Jesus reveals to us our work in this great plan, he took the loaves Blessed it then broke it and gave to the disciples, who then distributed it among the people.Jesus then instructed them to gather up the fragments that none be lost. See Jesus came that none be lost,he has given us the blessed word of God, for us to take out and share with a dying world, that none be lost.We are then to take up the fragments of broken lives, and lead them to Jesus.Then Jesus will reveal who he is, that they might eat of his flesh and drink of his blood and enter into the kingdom.

Jesus must live on the inside of us, he is the living word by which we shall have everlating life. He is the abundant life promised us by Gods word. God never promised us big cars, fancy houses, large bank accounts, he never said the road would be easy, a narrow uphill road is never an easy road especially when so many are bumping into you on their way down.But what he did promise is that he would never leave you nor forsake you, and life more abundantly.What can be more abundant than a life lived in the arms of our savior.Jesus is asking you "Will you go away?"

Look In The Mirror,Not Out The Window

Matthew 26:22"And they were exceeding sorrowful, and begin every one of them to say unto him, Lord is it I?"

Here they are at the Lord supper,and the Lord says "one of you shall betray me", the Lords inner circle, his twelve, hand picked by him,and one would betray him.They were troubled to know their master would be betrayed, and it troubled them even more to know one of them would do it.They were troubled most of all, that they didn't know which one it was;each afraid for himself,and they asked "Lord is it I".They didn't point fingers at each other, or place blame on one another; they didn't say Lord is it Peter,John or James, they each asked "Lord is it I".

Saints we must all examine ourselves in our walk with the Lord, we must begin to look within for those things which hinder our relationship with Christ.Look within for the gods of this world that blinds us to the will and way of the Lord.They each looked within and ask the question "Lord is it I",Is it I betraying you for the love of money, selling you out for a hand full of silver.Is it I committing spiritual adultry and fornication,as I confess with my mouth, my marriage to the lamb, but secretly climb in and out of the bed with the gods of this world.Lord is it I,being led by the powers of satan unaware, captivated by his lies,and false promises, blinded to the things of heaven, trapped in the flesh,a slave to the old man and his ways,while confessing a new life in Christ.Lord is it I,causing division within your flock, proclaiming and teaching a self serving doctrine,catering your word to fit my beliefs, and lifestyle, Lord is it I; Am I denying you three times before the cock crows,denying you in my walk, in my talk, and in my appearence, as I bear no resemblance to you at all. Lord is it I who dips with you in the love of the Father with one hand, while stabbing you in the back with the other.Lord is it I,Who serves you with my lips, while my heart is far from you, dressed up on the outside looking like a new man, but on the inside just dead lifeless bones, walking on the same crooked path.They all asked" Lord is it I", eating bread with you while,lifting my heals up against you, they wanted and needed to know for themselves,"Lord is it I."

Saints we must be absolutly sure as to where we stand with Christ,salvation is real, and the choices we make are eternal; have you with all sincerity of heart, ask the question" Lord is it I". Because we were the "I" who was lost in sin,the"I" on the way to hell, and the "I" that Jesus suffered ,bled and died to save. So let us ask daily, "Lord is it I" and then pray for the strength not to betray the Lord of Glory.............

Found Favor!

Genesis 41:38 "and Pharaoh said unto his servants,Can we find such a one as this man in whom the spirit of God is?"

After years of waiting,Joseph finally stood tall before the King.Pharaoh immediately recognized"the spirit of God" in this young man.Joseph had responded positively,no matter what circumstances were. Whatever situation you are in ,remember you profess to be a servant of the living God.With all that Joseph had been through and endured,he remained faithful to God, and conducted himself as a godly man inspite of his circumstances. He was rewarded, for glorifying God in his living.

Results are very different when you work in faith,rather than striving in your own efforts.The biblical steward was the man who cared for his master's property.Like Joseph,each one of us is called to be responsible steward.Because Joseph was a good steward in smaller things,he was ultimately given authority over all Egypt.We may think that our place of service now is insignificant;however,our daily responses in small things matter greatly to God.Every Christian should glorify God by being the best person with God's help in every circumstance.Joseph was faithful over a few things,and God made him ruler over many. Joseph was given a signat ring,which identified him as Pharaoh's second in command. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower His Church.The Spirit puts His stamp on our lives.As Christians we are called to be faithful stewards over all he gives us no matter how small or great.

As Christians, let us live faithful lives ,and like Joseph honor God in spite of the difficulties and hardships we might face.In all that we do ,let us do it as we would do unto God,that he may be glorified in all that we do.

Focus On Jesus

John 21:22 " Jesus saith unto him,If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me"

Sometimes on this christian journey we run into distraction which prevent us from following Jesus. These distractions often come in the form of watching someone elses walk with the Lord. We often get so caught up in what is going on in other Christians life, that we fail to do that which Jesus has instructed us to do.Now I'm not saying don't be concerned about those who have fallen away or who has been lead astray,but let us not be consumed with their short comings.Let us pray for them and get back to the work of God at hand.

Now in our text,we have Peter concerned about two different things which is truly none of his business. First he ask who it was that betrayed Christ, and then he wanted to know what was John going to have to do.  Now on the surface these two question seemed harmless enough.But remember Jesus had left Peter with the instructions to feed his sheep,and this should have occupied all of Peter's energy.He didn't ask how he should go about feeding the sheep instead he was concerned about stuff that had nothing to do with him.We've all been given a task to do and that should occupy our everythought and concern.We should be focused on how to lead lost souls to Christ, how to let our lights so shine before men as the lost might seek the Lord Jesus.But like Peter many of us are to busy worring about what others are doing to follow Jesus.

The Lord gave each of us a command,to go into the hedges and the highways and compel all the lost to seek the salvation of the Lord.If each of us would focus on the part we are to play in God's glorious plan of salvation we could save the world.But when we are to busy watching others we are unable to follow Jesus's instructions in His plan for our lives.What is it to us what others are doing Jesus said "follow thou me"

It's Not About You

Philippians 2:21 "For all seek their own,not the things which are Jesus Christ's".

WIIFM "What in it for me"We as children of the most high God have to come to a few realizations before we can effectivelly walk this journey we have embarked upon.The first is this life we now live is not ours.The souls we are to lead to Christ He paid for,and the church we are members of belong to Him.We are just tools He uses in His garden of salvation,unworthy earthen vessels chosen to carry His precious word through out a dying land that all might live.

The word of God tells us this life we now live in the flesh,we now live through Christ,it is not us who live but He now lives through us.We have no say so as what we will or will not do.We are His servant, He is the master we are His bond servants.It is not about our will,our wants or even who we are.It is not about our salvation but the Savior who saved us all.They are not our souls we were told to compell to come to the Lord.It is not up to us who is or is not worthy to hear the good news.Jesus said go out and proclaim it to ever creature.Just like we don't know who is going to hell,we also don't know who is going to heaven,regardless of how many tickets they have in their hand.Jesus told us to proclaim the gospel to every creature.It is not our church,or even our ministry,we are just ministers in the ministry of Christ. We are members of the Church of the living God.Jesus said" upon this rock I build MY Church", not your church or your ministry.We don't even have a say as to where in the body we want to be,for He says "God has placed each member,everyone of them in the body where it pleased Him".

When and only when we truly come to realize this is about Christ and Him crucified,when we come to the knowledge that God didn't leave any part of salvation up to us for He said "you didn't choose me,I chose you",cause we didn't have enough since to choose Jesus, we said give me Barabas.But we were chosen for His will,out of His goodness and to serve His purpose.So let us remember the true JOY of salvation "Jesus-Others-Yourself",and let us stand united as the redeemed of the Lord say so.

The Danger Of Being Unprepared

Matthew 22:12 "And he saith unto him,friend,how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment"?

The Marriage of the lamb; Jesus gave a parable regarding a wedding feast in which those that were invited were not worthy."So those servants went out into the highways,and gathered together as many as they found,both good and bad:and the wedding was furnished with guest.And when the king came in to see the guest, he saw a man which had not on a wedding garment:The King had the man bound and cast into outer darkness" every married person and every wedding guest knows the extensive preparation that goes into a wedding.No bride waits until her wedding day to decide what to wear. The marriage of our lamb is approaching, have you made preparations to have on your wedding garment?

When once the master of the house has raised up,and hath shut the door, and you are standing outside knocking at the door saying, Lord,Lord open unto me;and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not,who are you . The bible says "Be ye Therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not".Saints we are to hurry up and wait,but while we wait we must remain faithful to our groom, being faithful in his absence.We must live a virtuous life worthy to be called the bride of our savior.We are to live holy and upright lives, that we might be clothe in the righteousness of our Savior.

Believers can neither be complacent nor inactive as we wait for his return, our waiting must include the telling of others about the good news of the gospel.We are to live in a way that when Jesus comes, we can face Him confidently, knowing that our lives have brought honor and credit to Jesus and the Gospel message.The only clothing we need, our wedding gown will be the righteous acts we have done in the name of Jesus,acts that reflect the character of Jesus. His righteousness bestowed on us will be the wedding garments worn at this wedding.Will you be dressed?

My Sin For His Righteousness

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us,who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him".

Jesus Christ death;the message is unbelievable,a message of redemption,that is a substitution for sin. This is one of the great verses proclaiming the unbelievable love of God.It is impossible for man to grasp the fact that God made Christ to be sin for us,yet that is exactly what the scripture says.He who knew no sin made to be sin,for the sole that sinneth shall surley die,so for man to live He had to die.

Why was this act necessary? Because man needs more than just righteousness to stand perfect before God.To stand righteous before God is not enough,for man has already sinned.Man already stands guilty of breaking God's law, and the judgement and condemnation of death has already taken effect upon man. So the condemnation and judgement of sin had to be taken care of. God did this by laying all the sins of man upon Christ,all the guilt and condemnation of sin,God placed it all on Christ and let Him bear it all Himself.God's purpose for this was that we through Christ death, might be made righteousness of God in Christ.When a person believes in Jesus Christ,I mean really believes,God takes that man's faith and He counts it as righteousness.The man is not righteous,but God considers the man's faith in Christ as righteousness.God does this because he loves man so much,so much that he sent His only begotten Son to die that we might have a right to life.Jesus secured righteousness for man.He came into the world to die for man.He came and arose from death and thus conquered death for man,thus His resurrected life could stand for the resurrected life of the believer.

The truth is this God loves His Son Jesus Christ so much, that He honors any man who honors His son by believing in Him and believing Him.When we sincerly trust Christ,God takes that faith and counts it as righteousness,thus He judges us , and treats us,as though we are innocent.We are not innocent,us and God both knows this,but God counts us as innocent because of our faith in Jesus Christ.To God we have died with Christ and rose a new creation.So He had to die in order for us to have life.

Prayer Time

Ephesians 3:14,16 "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, That he would grant you according to the riches of His glory,to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.

This is the great prayer of Paul for the church and the believer.It is probably the second most important prayer in the Bible.Because of it's importance, it should be prayed by believers daily.

 

This prayer  was not a prayer of begging for worldly gifts.It wasn't a prayer of tattling, it was a prayer to uplift,strengthen,save,enlighten and to aid in the growth of the church.The prayer first requested strength and power for the inner man, the spirit man,the new man from the new birth,requesting God's presence and power in our lives.The prayer requested for Christ to dwell in the hearts of man by faith.That means to have rule and reign in our hearts.Dwell means a permanent living arrangement.So the prayer is asking that Christ ,takes up permanent residence,settles in,and lives in the hearts of all believers.It is the presence of Christ that motivates us to follow Christ.He then prays that we be rooted and grounded in love the same love God has for us.He prays that we have understanding of all spiritual things.That we might fully grasp God's perfect plan of salvation, and the part we the church must play in that plan.Understanding God's perfect will for our life ,not the will we have chosen,but that which he has chosen for us. He prays that we know the love of Jesus which surpasses all understanding and knowledge.It is utterly impossible for man to grasp and experience the love of Christ, to know it in it's full measure,but we should pray and ask God to help us learn more about it everyday.

Prayer should be to lift up the name of Jesus;to stand in the gap for the lost and unsaved, while strengthening and uplifting the believer,while asking for strength to continue in the work we have been called to do.Jesus said "take no thought" for what we should wear, eat etc. He said our Father knows we have need of these things,so let us pray for the strengthening of the Church and other believers that God might get the glory throughout all ages. 

Everything

Revelations 1:8 "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,saith the Lord,which is,and which was,and which is to come,The Almighty".

Jesus is amazing in His power and in His Love.He exercised both perfectly,never flinching and never fighting.He stood His ground,doing everything His Father indicated,but He never reacted in self-defense when His enemies taunted Him.Jesus' authority and humilty were perfectly attuned to the Father's heart. It is beautiful and breath-taking when we stop to consider it.What is sobering,in light of this, is that we are called to be like Jesus.We have authority in Him, and yet we are mandated to walk in humility.It's a call we must take seriously and one we must pursue with care.

His mighty works "what manner of man is this,that even the winds and the sea obey him!" The elements, demons, disease,and even death were subject to the Lordship of Christ.Death had no dominion over Him, who could kill God? Jesus had to surrender to death and give up everything before he could die. He"became obedient[or submissive] unto death".The world percieved the cross as a moment of weakness when it was actually a temporary surrender of power,without which it would have been impossible for Him to die.

 

Jesus has all power, but He chose to excercise it in submission to His Father, in humility and Love. Abuse could not provoke Him to abuse His power; abandonment could not compel Him to abandon His humility.It was His love for us and His obedience to the will of the Father that allowed Jesus to lay down His power over death, and in humility, let it take Him temporary captive.He walked in both power and humility with utter integrity, and looked to His Father to show Him how. We must do no less.We must walk in his power to over come sin, and in His humility and love, lead a lost world to the salvation of the Lord

It's Only A Little!

1 Corinthians 5:6 "Your gloring is not good.Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"?

The apostle Paul used the analogy of the effects of a little bit of leaven(or Yeast) in a lump of dough,to illustrate how sin works its way through a community of believers, or any community.It is much like the old saying "one bad apple can spoil the bushel".It is easy to see how sin works when were standing on the outside looking in.However, when we're the ones with the bad attitude,the grievance we won't let go of,or the bad habit we won't deal with,we often become a fountain of excuses and denials.We may feel we have a right to what we want to do or a responsibility to make sure we're getting what we deserve. We often feel that it is others who need to shape up and change so we can stop feeling so angry and frustrated.Some think because we attend the church house we have a pass to do all that we want and it's ok with God.

Often times we seek to hide our guilty pleasures because we don't want to give them up,and we think God won't know or that he dosn't mind,even though  His word tells us other wise.But be warned: if there is known sin in your lives,whether we want to come clean and face up to it or not,we are ,by our own choice,kneading that leaven into our relationships,associations, and communities.Be not deceived God is not mocked,you can't fool Him who not only see what we do ,but he also sees the motives behind our actions.

So What shall we do? We must take a serious,fearless moral inventory.It is looking at ourselves with a ruthless truthfulness, not a look of self pity, in a self-deprecating way,but a sober,ready to confess,and repent honesty that brings cleansing,forgiveness and healing.Rather than continue to coddle our sins of choice,let us experience the powerful freeing that comes when we set our hearts toward God and decide not to participate in the vary thing which has been destroying our lives.Not matter what it looks like in the begining, any life which has sin as its main character will always end up as a horror show,and it don't take much.

Enjoying Jesus

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway:and again I say,Rejoice".

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we put all of our faith and trust in Him.In doing so, we should be accepting life, the good and the bad,as it is handed to us.However,we may still find ourselves broken and beaten by hard times instead of rejoicing in the belief we have in Him to bring us through those times.And we may find ourselves worrying about the things we need, rather than trusting in his continuing provision for us,as Paul obviously did.A non-believer does not rely on support from the Lord to get through trials and tribulations. However, we as believers,have professed that we are putting all faith in Him.So why is it that we sometimes do not practice this belief? We attend church and bible study meetings, but we may still get easily discouraged with our daily challenges instead of continuing to be encouraged by our relationship with God.

God's sovereignty, is available during any type of circumstance for the believer.To rejoice during troubled times is to tap into that sometimes inexplicable peace.Like a troubled child who wants to crawl into mom and dad's bed during a thunderstorm,the Lord is near to those that are troubled.So enjoy Jesus, for He is good.When we are anxious, it is generally about something that has yet to happen.The anxiety stems from circumstances that are beyond our control,or as a result of our own negligence.But those of us who trust in the Lord, should cast all our cares upon him, and leave them with Him,for God is faithful.Then we should accompany this action by giving thanksgiving and prasie,so we're putting things into perspective.Then the peace of God will fill our hearts during these troubled times.

Just as he made a commitment to us, we have to continue to hold up our end of the bargin.How do we convience non-believers of his love and faithfulness, if we are not exuding His joy and peace during difficult situations? If we have truly put our faith and trust in Him, we would just put the worry, fear, and negativity all in His hands.We can mature personally and spiritually if we draw closer to Him and turn over our troubles to Him.Letting our troubles go also frees up our time and energy,allowing us not only to grow in our walk with him, but also to minister to others who may not yet believe.As we find peace and joy in our lives,others will want to learn how to live in complete joy and peace.Rejoice I say, for God is good.

Teach The Children

Judges 2:13 "And they forsook the Lord,and served Baal and Ashtaroth".

Before Joshua died,the children of Israel made a covenant with the Lord, but shortly after his death they broke it.They turned to the idols they were suppose to destroy,and gave honor to, and requested favors from the multiple Baal-gods of the sun, moon, rain,and harvest.They also worshiped Ashtoreth,the mother goddest of love,war,and fertility.This worship of the false Canaanite gods included child sacrifice and temple prostitution.This greatly dishonored God,who highly regards children and demands sexual purity from His people.The book of Judges pictures graphically the family ups and downs of Israel.But like Israel, parents of the day sometimes fail to teach their children how God wants His children to Live.We must realize that if we don't teach them how to live for our God,the world will teach them how to live for the gods of the world.Through television, radio, the social media it teaches them values and moral that go against the word of God.

This causes the younger gerneration to drift towards the modern day Baals of constant entertainment,the pursuit of wealth and self serving philosophies.The Canaanite religion was extremely attractive.The   Israelites could worship the fertility gods of the land and satisfy their sexual desires with temple prostitutes.Next  to this easy lfestyle,the true God seemed like a harsh task master.The religion of this world makes the way of life desired by the true God harsh and no fun,But God loved us so much instead of asking us to sacrifice our children,He sacrificed His only begotten son, that we might live with Him in eternity.We want the easy way of the worlds religions,but when crisis hits we seem to seek the Lord in droves.The first Sunday after September 11th, churches all across this country was full, but shortly after they begin to be empty once again, as the people once again were blinded by the gods of this world.

The Lord shows mercy when we turn back to him.Turning to Him is the only way that we ourselves can break the cycle of sin that so easily entraps us.When we are drawn away and enticed,we must seek Him to resist temptation.Let us train up our children in the way of the true God, that in that evil day they might be able to stand.Teach them,so they will know rather times are good or bad, they will serve the true God always................ 

Thy Will Be Done

Job 34:33 "Should it be according to thy mind?He will recompense it,whether thou refuse,or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest".

God commands that all repent and be baptised,but the choice is up to each person.We are accountable for the choices we make.But how we are saved is not up to us.There is only one way to be save,and we have no say so it that matter.It is never wise to dispute with God,especially upon the matter of salvation.No sinner seeking pardon should be foolish as to dispute how it is to be done with our Savior.

The question is asked of Job by God, "should it be according to thy mind?" Should salvation be planned to suite you? Should beggars be choosers?Should these who profess penitence become dictators?What is your objection? Is there something wrong with God's perfect plan of salvation?Since He paid for it should it not be his way.When we pay for something we want it our way.Isn't his way the best way,after all our way got us to the point of needing to be saved.Should salvation be according to my mind which is ignorant to the things of heaven,which is sometimes feeble,fickled, selfish and often short sighted. Rather we accept or refuse salvation,God has paid the price.Rather you believe it or not,God will punish sin, and the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.God will be glorified and will glorify Christ by the conversion of willing souls who do it His way.God is not one to dispute with,He dosn't need saving we do,we have the choice if we want to be saved,but how we are saved is not up to us.So here God says "Not I", He will not be responsible for the choices we make, He did all he needed for us to be saved, now it is up to us to accept his way or deny salvation.

We have an invitation,"therefore speak what thou knowest". Let us excercise our freedom,choose or reject the plan of salvation set before us.Be sure of that you know by personal observation and experience,and let you decision be based on unquestionable knowledge.Decide for you self,but let it be done with much prayer and spiritual thought,for you decision is for an eternity.

Jesus The Light Of The World

1John 1:5b-7;"God is light,and in him is no darkness at all.If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness we lie,and do not the truth:But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another,and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin."

God is light and in him is no darkness at all, for God dwells in the light, and he has commanded us to walk in that light.Our fellowship with God and his son Jesus Christ is in the light,if we remaind in the darkness we cannot have fellowship with him.Darkness and light cannot co-exist. Reconcilliation between God and man, is man's acknowledgement of his sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord.We must not remain at the point of acceptance, but we must grow in faith, in obedience to God's word and unto perfection.Those who are not walking in the light are abiding in death.Those who claim to have fellowship with God but continue to practice sin deceived themselves.

Those who enjoy genuine fellowship with God, metaphorically speaking,"walk in the light."This does not mean that they are perfect or sin free, but they let the light reveal the sin in their lives, and then turn away from that sin.Those who walk in the light have fellowship both with God through the confessing and cleansing of their sins and with other believers.People do sin and all that say they don't is calling God a liar,when Gods word is active in your life you will confess your sins and not deny them.Truly knowing Jesus Christ is having a practical daily devotion and obedience to the Father's words.So let us live with the light on and experience the full love of God..

Denied Before The Father

Matthew 7:23 "And then will I profess them,I never knew you:depart from me,Ye that work iniquity".

One of the best test of everything is how it will appear in the moment of death,in the morning of resurrection,and the day of judgment.Here our Lord gives us a picture of people as they appear in that day.Riches, honors,pleasures,successes,self-congratulations, etc will all be set in the light of that day.This test should especially be applied  to all religious professions and excercises, for in that day they will be tried by fire.The people revealed here in the judgement light were not gross and open sinners;on the surface they seemed like regular church folks.They made an open profess to Christ as they said "Lord,Lord".They did christian service,as they habitually prophesied and worked miracles.They had done many wonders,and did everything in the name of Christ.

But note our Lord's open confession before men and angels,and especially to the men themselves:"I never knew you".I knew about you; I knew that you professed great things; but you had no relationship with me;and whatever you knew about me,you did not know me.I was not of your company, and did not know you.See had he once known them he would not have forgotten them.Those who accepts Christ invitation to "come unto to me", shall never here him say,"Depart from me".Workers of iniquity may now come to the Savior for mercy;but if they put there hope in themselves and what they can do,and ignore the Savior, he will tell them to depart to endure the rigors of his justice.Is it not strange that preachers and those who cast out devils,and perform many wonders ,can still be workers of iniquity?They may work miracles in Christ name and yet have no part of Him.

See the tongue can be betrade by the hands,they say Lord,Lord, but they don't do the will of the Father. They can use the name but not possess the nature of an obedient servant.They prophesied but didn't pray. They cast devils out of others, but held on to the devils within themselves.They spent time on the marvels but failed to do the essentials.They worked wonders but were also workers of iniquity.So the Lord said "depart from me" a fearful sentence, a terrible separation."From me",said Christ,who made himself man for our sakes, that shed his blood for our redemption."From me" that invited us to mercy and we would not accept it, that purchased the kingdom of glory for all who would believe on Him,and will honor our heads with crowns of eternal joy."Depart from me" my friendship,my fellowship, my paradise,my presence,my heaven,"Depart from me".

In The Will Of God

Genesis 50:19 "And Joseph said unto them,fear not: for am I in the place of God".

On this road we have been called to travel,there are going to be times when we find ourselves in some uncomfortable situations.There will be times when we will ask"why me Lord" and "why here Lord". There will be times when we will question and doubt if we are still walking with the Lord.But rather we like it or not, we will endure trial and suffer unjustly on the walk we have embarked upon.Contrary to the popular message being proclaimed today, the pathways of righteousness will take you through the valley of the shadow of death.But fear not, for God is in control.

See here Joseph was a man of great integrity and character.He was one who walked with the Lord.Yet on his journey he was sold into slavery by his own brothers,he was thrown in prision because of a lie that was told on him.But all along the wayGod was in control.Each trail that came upon him, was preparing him, and elevating him into a position to accomplish God's will for his life. There are some roads we must travel to get  us to the place God has for us.We must be like Joseph and remain faithful knowing that God is always in control and He always has our best interest at heart.He never promised us a walk through the park,but He did tell us to "be of good cheer for I have overcome the world", and that he would never leave us nor forsake us.God's will is that none should perish,so he will use us as He will, to accomplish His perfect plan of salvation.

So when you find yourself in a uncomfortable position don't focus on you, but look to what it is in the situation that can bring God glory, and salvation to one that might be lost.We must remember it is not about us, or about us being saved, it is about a Savior who can save anybody,we are just tools in His garden of salvation.So when the world put you in a situation intending evil,know that God meant it for good, for we know "all things work together for the good to them that love the Lord,them who are the called according to his purpose."

Disbelief

Numbers 11:1" And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord:and the Lord heard it; and His anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them,and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp".

Behold how easy mischief begins among the mixed multiutude,the church goer and the christian,and how the fire of the Lord burned in the utermost parts of the camp or congregation.The great danger of the church lies in her congregation, the casual followers,they actually infect the true believer. Grumbling, discontentment, ungrateful complaining these are grievous offences against our gracious God.God is displeased with a dissatisfied spirit,like us with an ungrateful, and unthankful child.There is an evil lust which accompanies our complaining, a covetousness, an ungrateful attitude which says"God you have made a mistake I would have done things different".If you believe God is absolutly always in control trust him.For we deserved to be dead yet the Lord through his mercy and grace gives us what we don't deserve,as he saved us from what we had comming, and we have the nerve to complain.He has blessed us with eternal life, feeding us bread of heaven and we will complain that we are not living like we were when we were a slave to sin.

Murmuring is quarreling with God,and making a verbal attack against Him.The children of Isreal murmurer said, that God had not dealt well with them,that they deserved better than what he had given them.When we complain about where we are and what we have or don't have we to are telling God that he could do better, like we have been so good.God will not withhold any good thing from us, but he can't bless us with them until we are ready to recieve them.Jesus has saved us from sin but we still have a sinners nature, we still think like sinners, and God is still working on us.He is creating in us a new nature, blessing us with the mind of Christ,and only he knows what is needed to complete this great work he has started.If we are selfish with the little things how can he bless us with the big things.If we to tired to clean and care for the little apartment why would he burden us with a big house.It is when you've been faithful over the little things ,that he will make you ruler over the many.

The murmurer charged God with folly,implying God might have a need to be wiser and a better God. They had manna,but complained they had no meat, but then was still not satisfied when they were given meat.Murmurering is a sin against God,and a sin which he cannot bear(Numbers14:27).God knows what he is doing, he sees the end at the beginning,if you find something in your life you don't like ,don't complain ask God to reveal his plan for your life and you will understand why he has placed you where you are and has given you what you have.The children of Isreal didn't understand that God had given them what  was best for their current situation,and it was preparing them for what lied ahead.God has blessed each of us with what we need to prepare us for what lies ahead, for the time has come for us to really trust and rely on God.Let us not complain and be content, for God's word says" contentment with God is great gain".

The Eyes Of Faith

2Kings 6:17 "And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee,Open his eyes, that he may see. and the Lord opened the eyes of the young man:and he saw: and ,behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha".

Faith serves as eyes to the true believer,and allows him/her to see what others cannot see.This allows the believer to remain calm and at peace when all around him might be in termoil.From today's text we might learn much about ourselves,and yet it might seem invisible to the natural eye.We have learned God is everywhere,yet sin-blinded eyes do not see him.His law touches the thoughts and intents of the heart , yet it's wonderful spiritual meaning is not understood.Mankind is evil, guilty,and fallen ,yet we do not see the danger of our actions.The danger is imminent, yet there is dancing at hell's door by many who cannot see.We are proud, thinking we know all things,but not realizing there is much we don't see. With our blind sight we cannot always see that which God has instore for us, we don't see that God has provide us with all that we need to keep us and protect us.We sometimes can't see that he gave us Jesus.

The good news is that God alone can open the eyes of man.He alone can open the eyes of man heart, to enlighten his understanding that he who once was blind can now recieve his sight. One of the saddest conditions of a man is to read God's word with an unbelieving heart, to pass blindly through all the wondrous testimonies of redeeming love and grace which the scriptures contain.If we say that we believe in and trust in Jesus, then we cannot doubt and not trust the word of God.We walk by the faith we have in the word of God, the love of Christ, and the power of his holy spirit.We might not always see a way ,but we must by faith believe that He is the way .I remember, when God  brought me across the Red Sea, so I have faith that he'll bring me over the Jordan river.

See Elisha and his servant was surrounded by the enemy,the servant was worried,because he didn't see what Elisha saw, but Elisha the man of God told him not to worry,see Elisha knew by faith the God was there.The servant couldn't see him so Elisha Prayed for God to open His eyes that he might see the salvation of the Lord.We too in this life must pray that God opens the eyes of those that are in darkness those that are lost in sin that they too might see the salvation of the Lord.That they to when surrounded by the enemy, feeling trapped,seeing no way out, might thru the eyes of faith trust in God's promises.

Leaning On His Everlasting Arms

Leviticus 4:29a "He shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering",

Here we have an emblem of the way inwhich a sacrifice becomes available for the offerer.The same ceremony is commanded in other verses;it is therefore inportant and instructive.The question with many souls is how to obtain an interest in Christ so as to be saved by Him.There is no question more important to be asked.It is certain that this is absolutely needful; but is has been fearfully neglected by many.Christ death would be in vain if none believed.

The intent of this symbol; it was a confession of sin.It was a consent to the plan of subsitution,as Christ took our place on the cross.It was an acceptance of the victim,for he alone is acceptable to God;and may well be acceptable to us.It was a believing transfer of sin.It was a dependence-leaning on the scarifice for our salvation.The offerer is to come just as he is,and to have the sin removed by the sacrifice.It is not the amount of faith that shall save,jesus said the faith the size of a mustard seed.The salvation come from leaning totally on the power of the sacrifice.The weak hand that grabs hold of Christ ,hold just as much of him as the strong hand,we just need to make sure we grab him.

It is with faith that we take hold of Christ ,but it is with total submission that we lean on him.Come then, dear hearer,whether saint or sinner,and lean hard on Jesus.He taketh away the sin of the world.Trust Him with your sin and it is forever taken away.It is not a matter of what you can't do,but more of what Christ can do.Die into the life of Christ;let him be all in all while you are nothing at all.Lean on Jesus,he is our strong tower.

A Believing Heart

Romans 10:9 "That if thou halt confess with thy mounth the Lord Jesus,and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,thou shalt be saved".

The relationship with God that is of salvation is a matter of the heart, and here in this 10th chapter of Romans it is revealed how a man can be saved from sin and death and be made the righteousness of God. The righteousness and salvation of God is right before man,it lies within his heart and only need be confessed with his mouth.

The gospel demands that man only believes and confesses that Jesus has both died for his sins and have been raised from the dead, for him to have everlasting life with the Father.All that man desires,perfect peace, righteousness,and salvation, are found in mans mouth and in his heart.Man only needs to do three simple things to be saved from sin, death and hell, and enter into the rest of the Lord.Man must confess with his mouth the Lord Jesus.He must confess that Jesus Christ is theLord from heaven,the only begotten of the Father.He must believe in his heart. Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. He must believe that Jesus died for man,and was raised from death because he perfectly satisfied God's demand for justice.God was perfectly satisfied with Jesus dying for the sins of man,taking the sins of mankind,and his punishment upon His back, therefore God raised Him from the dead.Man must believe with the heart,and then confess with the mouth as you can't confess that which you don't believe.

When we believe with our hearts that Jesus is the Christ who accepted for all mankind the wage paid by sin,God takes that faith and counts it as righteousness.Then the man confesses Christ unto salvation, that is he is saved by openly confessing Christ,no man can deny Christ and be saved by Him.

Tell Your Story

Matthew 5:13"Ye are the salt of the earth;but if the salt have lost his savour,wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing,but to be cast out,and trodden under foot of men.

In a culture of Christians icons- power hitters for Jesus, we may look around and feel like we're not doing much on the kingdom front.The good news is that we don't need to feel discouraged if we are not writting best-selling faith based books,recording popular Christian music albums, or filling stadiums for Jesus on speaking tours.Our story does matter.The least of us also have a story to tell,and as a little salt flavors the whole meal,and a little light removes the darkness,our stories to can change a life.

 Jesus didn't tell us we all need to be fireworks and sirens for Him. He called us to be salt and light: "you are the salt of the earth andYou are the light of the world".Common, everyday stuff, salt and light.We often take them for granted, but what would we do without them?They're essential to our lives.They don't draw a lot of excitement or attention,they just do what they do. Light illuminates the darkness wherever it goes. And how about salt? As it flavors its whole "environment", a little bit goes a long way.Salt also has power to heal and to perserve.Your story does matter,and no one can tell it like you,so tell your story by living a life which proclaims a gospel that can be seen, that others will glorify God in heaven.You don't need to be a famous Bishop, or have a fancy title or position to be of use in Kingdom building,just be real in your walk with Christ,let your light so shine before men.Walk worthy of the name by which you were called that your life will tell your story and light the path of those that walk behind you. 

It's not hard to draw parallels between the properties of light and salt and the lives we are to live as Christians.Jesus told us to let the light of our faith in him shine in whatever we do so that people could see our good works and glorify God. He told us to be like savory salt, flavoring the world around us with love and truth, that's our call.