Hebrews 2
1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak?
To those who don’t think that believers can lose their salvation, I submit this passage of Scripture (among others). We must constantly stay vigilant and focused on the Christ, and live our lives accordingly. Just when we think we have it all together, we take our eyes off of Jesus, and that is when we get into all sorts of trouble. Father, keep me focused always!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Submissive Lifestyle
Lamentations 3
25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline
As I read these encouraging verses in the midst of Lamentations, I am again reminded of our college age crew. Father, may they long to spend time daily in Your Word. May they burn with desire to live for You every day of their lives. May they submit to You, Father. May I live in such a way as to be an example to them. I pray for Your strength, for Your peace, and for Your grace all the more.
25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline
As I read these encouraging verses in the midst of Lamentations, I am again reminded of our college age crew. Father, may they long to spend time daily in Your Word. May they burn with desire to live for You every day of their lives. May they submit to You, Father. May I live in such a way as to be an example to them. I pray for Your strength, for Your peace, and for Your grace all the more.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Life of Intregrity
Psalm 101
1 I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
Lord God, help me to live a life of integrity at home. Help me to be the husband that Peggy deserves, the father that Elliott, Ian, & Emily deserve, the son that Dad deserves. Help me to be the child of God that You deserve. I fail You in so many ways, Lord. In so doing, I fail my Bride, my children, my Dad, my church family. May it never be so again. I will sing of Your love and justice, Lord. May my life reflect my love for You.
1 I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
Lord God, help me to live a life of integrity at home. Help me to be the husband that Peggy deserves, the father that Elliott, Ian, & Emily deserve, the son that Dad deserves. Help me to be the child of God that You deserve. I fail You in so many ways, Lord. In so doing, I fail my Bride, my children, my Dad, my church family. May it never be so again. I will sing of Your love and justice, Lord. May my life reflect my love for You.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Proper Political Behavior
Titus 3
1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
Make no mistake about it, I vehemently disagree with the direction this nation is heading. The politicians in charge are diametrically opposed to my way of thinking, and vice versa. The same held true in the 1st century when it came to governmental leaders and followers of Christ. Yet, Paul says to submit, be obedient, and always ready to do what is good. I believe that with all my heart. I do submit to my governmental leaders, I obey the law of the land, I pray for them, and I am ready to do good. By voting against them. By educating others. By participating in the political process with respect for all parties. Especially those with whom I disagree.
1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
Make no mistake about it, I vehemently disagree with the direction this nation is heading. The politicians in charge are diametrically opposed to my way of thinking, and vice versa. The same held true in the 1st century when it came to governmental leaders and followers of Christ. Yet, Paul says to submit, be obedient, and always ready to do what is good. I believe that with all my heart. I do submit to my governmental leaders, I obey the law of the land, I pray for them, and I am ready to do good. By voting against them. By educating others. By participating in the political process with respect for all parties. Especially those with whom I disagree.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Norm
Titus 2
1 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
“Promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome living.” Now THAT kind of teaching would certainly put you out of the cultural mainstream today. As it did in Paul & Titus’ day, too. When we teach others to live as followers of Christ Jesus, we teach things like self-control, respect, love and patience. These attributes are NOT the cultural norm in pagan America, nor were they the norm in the pagan Roman Empire. They ARE to be the norm for those of us who claim to follow Christ. May these types of traits be seen as the norm for my family, my brothers and sisters in Christ and for me.
1 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
“Promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome living.” Now THAT kind of teaching would certainly put you out of the cultural mainstream today. As it did in Paul & Titus’ day, too. When we teach others to live as followers of Christ Jesus, we teach things like self-control, respect, love and patience. These attributes are NOT the cultural norm in pagan America, nor were they the norm in the pagan Roman Empire. They ARE to be the norm for those of us who claim to follow Christ. May these types of traits be seen as the norm for my family, my brothers and sisters in Christ and for me.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
New Song
2Psalm 98
1 Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.
His right hand has won a mighty victory;
his holy arm has shown his saving power!
Don’t get me wrong, I love the old songs, but when I read this Psalm, I cannot help but rejoice in the New Song Jesus has placed in my heart. I no longer am bound by the Law or by man-made rules, I have my salvation in Jesus. His wonderful deeds and His Holy arm has indeed shown His saving power in my life, and I will sing a song of praise to my Lord and Savior every single day of my life!
1 Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.
His right hand has won a mighty victory;
his holy arm has shown his saving power!
Don’t get me wrong, I love the old songs, but when I read this Psalm, I cannot help but rejoice in the New Song Jesus has placed in my heart. I no longer am bound by the Law or by man-made rules, I have my salvation in Jesus. His wonderful deeds and His Holy arm has indeed shown His saving power in my life, and I will sing a song of praise to my Lord and Savior every single day of my life!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bring It On
2 Timothy 4
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Three points to take away from this solemn urging from Paul: 1)Be prepared to preach the Word always. Be patient with them, and teach them always. 2)Not everyone will accept your preaching, nothing you can do about that. 3)Stay focused on Christ, keep your mind clear, and yes, you will suffer for the sake of Jesus. Knowing that is what awaits those of us who are faithful to the Word of God, and to Jesus, it is little wonder why so many people honor Christ with their lips only. As for me, I say, bring it on! I will remain faithful to Jesus to my dying breath and beyond!
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Three points to take away from this solemn urging from Paul: 1)Be prepared to preach the Word always. Be patient with them, and teach them always. 2)Not everyone will accept your preaching, nothing you can do about that. 3)Stay focused on Christ, keep your mind clear, and yes, you will suffer for the sake of Jesus. Knowing that is what awaits those of us who are faithful to the Word of God, and to Jesus, it is little wonder why so many people honor Christ with their lips only. As for me, I say, bring it on! I will remain faithful to Jesus to my dying breath and beyond!
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