July 28, 2014

July 28, 2014

Mark 10:23  And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"  (ESV)

I have heard this verse preached in various manners.  I won't go into them, but I will share my belief.  (I don't believe it means the affluent will not enter heaven because being rich is wrong.)  I believe in the Lord's infinite wisdom, He just knows that many people will be so distracted by their money or the making of money, that they will not find time for Him and the things of His kingdom.  

It is like everything else in God's economy - it is all about the heart condition.  God did not give us a new heart, just so we could corrupt it with the things of this world.  So keep things in balance!

July 23, 2014

July 23, 2014

I Samuel 2:12  Now the sons of Eli were worthless men.  They did not know the Lord. (ESV)

I don't know about you, but I read this to say that worthless people are people who don't know the Lord.  If you ponder this, you might agree.  We get our worth in who we are in Jesus Christ.  That is my problem with some "self-esteem" programs.  I don't think we should be into self abasement, but our esteem is not found in who we are, but who we are in Christ.  Give it some thought.

July 22, 2014

July 22, 2014

II Samuel 11:1  In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel.

If you are familiar with this passage, then you know it leads into the narrative on David and Bathsheba.  I have always felt like it had something to do with the fact that David didn't go to battle like the other kings, but sent others.  Had he gone to battle perhaps he would not have been in the position to see and lust after Bathsheba.

I am not picking on David; I am identifying with him.  How often I have not gone or been where I should have been and found myself in trouble. That means generally I am, where I shouldn't be. I think we can carry this concept to any number of areas of our lives.  The drunkard who shouldn't be in the bar, but stops for just one drink.  The glutton who shouldn't be at the fast food place, but is, and will begin eating better tomorrow. You get my drift.

July 21, 2014

July 21, 2014

Leviticus 1:1  The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, "Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, 'When any one of you brings an offering to the LORD, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock.' (ESV)

I think the key word in this passage is "when".  According to this passage, the Lord expects us to bring offerings to Him.  Even though this is in the Old Testament, I believe we are still to bring offerings to the LORD, albeit not from our livestock.  

If you have never read through the book of Leviticus, you really should.  It is so relevant to today. I would recommend a good book on Leviticus by Ray Stedman - The Way to Wholeness.

July 20, 2014

July 20, 2014

Psalm 20:4  May he (God) grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!  (ESV)

You know how to make this a sure thing?  Get into God's word and be intimately acquainted with His will for you and your life.  Then,  He will most assuredly fulfill your desires and your plans, because your will and His will match.

July 19, 2014

July 19, 2014

Matthew 4:17  From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  (ESV)

Isn't it interesting that the first message Jesus preached was one of repentance?  That is always a good place to begin.  Whether we are preaching or responding, repentance should always come first.  If we don't turn around and face God and run to His arms, we will never find forgiveness.  Do it now.  Do it often.

July 18, 2014

July 18, 2014

James 2:17  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  (ESV)

We can have all the faith in the world, but the word tells us that if it is not accompanied by works, it is dead.  In other words our faith should produce good works.  There is an action element that goes along with our faith.  Now would be a great time to stop and assess your faith.  Do you see the proof of your faith in the good works you are doing?  If not - seriously consider this verse.