Narrow Yet Wide Open

“Enter through the narrow gate.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

 

Our flesh craves popularity.

We certainly don’t want to be the odd man out.

We search for ways to fit in and not be the outcast.

Our verses today set up a struggle for us.

Most people take the wide gate and the broad way.

It’s easy for large crowds to pass through a wide gate.

Have you ever been to a stadium or amusement park that has turnstiles?

Why are they there?

Because the turnstiles funnel the paying visitors into the event.

The turnstile gives control to better facilitate the paying customers access while keeping out the ones who might try to get in without paying.

The price for eternal life was paid through Jesus Christ.

He is the ‘gate’ through which we must pass.

It’s a narrow way that most will not take.

While it is available to all – it is far less attractive than the wide gate and broad way.

Many prefer their ‘religion’ to have mass appeal.

They reject the ‘narrow’ way as non-inclusive.

Some might even call it ‘narrow-minded’.

There’s some irony for you!

They reject a God who, even though He provided the Way, narrows down the entry point.

In doing so, they are essentially making their own way and turning away from the Truth.

The next time someone expresses frustration at your ‘narrow’ interpretation of scripture, share today’s verses with them and then challenge them with Jesus wide open invitation to “…whosoever will…”!

 

 

 

Hup Two, Three, Four!

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked.”

Psalm 1:1

 

 

 

You and I can be in step with many things!

We can be in step with the culture.

We can be in step with the boss at work.

We can be in step together as husband and wife.

The Bible holds a promise for those not in step with the wicked.

It says that man or woman is blessed!

A simple definition of the word wicked is: “morally very bad.”

Most could agree that being “morally very bad” is not something we would aspire to.

Yet the Bible finds it necessary to issue the warning.

Why?

To be in step with someone is not to be that person.

We take comfort in that.

They are evil – I am not.

But when we are in step with someone, it is as if we are walking alongside them and maintaining the same pace and cadence.

We’ve convinced ourselves that to be relevant we must adapt the culture of those around us.

After all, we certainly don’t want to appear to be out of step do we?

We don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb do we?

If my light shines too brightly I might cause discomfort for those around me.

Maybe I can hide it under this bushel over here so as not to offend and still remain in step!

Hmmmm….

Wonder if there are any red letter words about lights and bushels?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

Stop worrying about being in step with the wicked – be the light you are called to be!

 

Who Got the Better Workout?

“…for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.”

Colossians 3:9-10

 

 

 

The words you have speak of an action that has already taken place.

In the verse for today there are two things you have done.

You have stripped off your old evil nature and

you have clothed yourself with a brand new nature.

The old has gone and the new has come.

Past tense!

“But” you say, “how can it be gone, I battle the old nature all the time!”

Sure you do.

We all do.

Just because we have a new nature it does not mean the old man is giving up without a fight.

He’s eager for his life of ease, his self-gratifying ways and his “me-centric” thinking to return.

The “old nature” or “old man” tries to re-exert his dominance a thousand times a day.

Every time he flexes his muscle we have a choice to make.

Who will win – the new nature fashioned after Christ or – the old nature which once dominated our lives?

 Like a repetition at the gym each choice strengthens us after one nature or the other.

Look back on your day today.

Who got the better workout?

The old man with his works of the flesh or the new man fashioned after Christ?

Are You Guarding Your Most Valuable Possession?

Today's blog is contributed by Dave Trotta:

We go to great lengths to guard the important things in our life.  We buy all kinds of insurance to guard against personal hardships, such as unexpected death, automobile accidents, and damage to our homes.

We purchase safes or safety deposit boxes to keep our valuables safe.  We install locks, deadbolts, and buy home security systems to guard our loved ones from harm.

I’m not knocking any of these.  They serve a purpose, and unfortunately, are often necessary in the world we live in.

But, there is something even more valuable in our lives that we often neglect to guard against theft and deception – the word of God! In Luke 11:28, Jesus says “Even more blessed are those who hear God’s Word and guard it with their lives!”

But, how do we guard the word of God?  Well, one way scripture teaches is by not only being hearers of the word, but also doers.  James 1:22 says “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” In the “doing” we guard against deception.

Stand guard over the word of God in your life by continually filling your mind with it and then applying it to your life.  When you do, you will become a river of living refreshment to those around you (John

Posting Christ!

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

John 15:1-2

 

 

 

 

Long before there was anything called Facebook or even the Internet

we all ‘posted’ our lives for others to view.

And then, as now, we usually post(ed) only those things that painted us in a favorable light.

It was called presenting a ‘façade’ or wearing a mask.

As a matter of fact there are many who purposely pose as another person to trap or seduce others.

It is very easy to post one thing and live another way.

Others are not always quick to catch on.

But God knws the real ‘you’ regardless of how many posts to the contrary.

Many times the church has been guilty of ‘posting’ one thing and living another.

We speak of freedom in Christ but are bound just as our unsaved friends.

We speak of forgiveness but hold grudges long, long after an offense.

We speak of a ‘heavenly reward’ but live our lives valuing only the rewards offered in the here and now.

We wear a mask.

We present a façade.

We post a lie.

Ouch!

No wonder so many struggle to follow Christ.

His image is just not very evident in the life we present.

How do we change that?

We don’t.

He does.

He does it through our surrender to Him.

Don’t surrender to Him only to turn back when He begins the pruning process in your life.

It will yield wonderful fruit in your life if you allow it.

A little snip here, a little cutting away there and before you know it the ‘posting’ of your life begins to reveal Christ to others.   

Greater – Not Equal!

 

 

 

Remember the old movie from the 1950’s titled “The Invisible Man”?

In order to be seen the invisible man would put on a long trench coat, wear gloves and wrap his face in bandages looking somewhat like a mummy.

The real problem for others was when he wasn’t able to be seen. He could create havoc or harm wherever and whenever he chose, all the while remaining undetected.

 Our adversary, the devil takes that tact sometimes.

He has convinced many, perhaps even most, that he does not really exist

except in the over-active imagination of some.

He’ll allow that ‘evil’ exists but it is only as a result of mans’ inhumanity to man.

This allows him the cover of anonymity to continue his destruction.

It also allows him to ridicule and mock those who do believe the Truth of the Bible and of his existence.

It is an effective strategy against most of humanity but it is still a lie.

We know, without a doubt, from scripture that he does exist and that his plan was, and continues to be, to rob steal and destroy.

But, as we have said before, he is not God’s ‘equal’ opposite.

He has an ending in the Lake of Fire which was created for him.

This may be his ‘heyday’ but his end is coming.

Don’t be deceived by buying into the ‘imaginary’ devil.

But be encouraged that God’s power to work in your life is greater!

 

Did God Really Say…?

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

 Genesis 3:1

 

“Did God really say…?”

I suppose at its most basic that question raises doubts, not only about what God said but also, about His ability to communicate with His creation.

“Maybe God said that to you but did He really mean ‘surrender all’”

Or

“Gods’ never said that to me, are you sure that’s what He meant?”

To raise doubt in the heart of a believer one can first question what He said or how we understand what God said.

If that is the case then scriptures teach us that we are to seek out trusted godly counsel in confirming the words of God spoken into our lives.  

But sadly that is a step many are not willing to take.

Eve had the opportunity to talk with Adam.

Adam and Eve had the opportunity to bring their doubts to God Himself.

The fruit was just too tempting and the deceiver just too crafty.

Maybe I can check with God afterwards!

After what?

After disobedience?

After succumbing to temptation?

After ignoring the clear command of God?

How about questioning before?

God will never turn away the child honestly seeking the truth.

Are you unsure of the next step in your life?

Does the recent word God spoke to you still leave you with questions?

Before you walk away, walk toward God.

Seek His counsel and the counsel of those who have walked with Him for many years.

Ultimately, obedience will still require faith on your part but you will have taken a step in the right direction by seeking Him.

God is not  put off when you are earnestly seeking to do His will.

Walk in the Truth

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

 John 1:4

 

 

What do you suppose is the greatest weapon in the enemy’s arsenal?

I know what it is – surely it must be music.

The wrong beat and we are all going to hell!

Really?

Alright, you find that one hard to believe so maybe his greatest weapon is guns.

After all guns kill people and since he is out to kill – it must be guns!

Sure it is!

And in David’s day you would have said the enemy’s greatest weapon was a slingshot!

But you know full well whose hands the slingshot was in.

Hmmmm?

Maybe it’s’ nuclear arms?

After all, the bumper stick tells me I can’t hug my kids with nuclear arms.”

Slick play on words but afraid not.

His weapon of choice hasn’t changed.

The same one he used effectively in the Garden is still used today.

Deception.

We saw him use it with Eve in the Garden.

We saw him try it with Jesus in the wilderness.

Man’s creation of weapons is growing more and more sophisticated but none can compare with the deception of the enemy.

God does not leave us defenseless against his weapons.

The truth is the antidote for deception.

As a matter of fact truth is a part of the armor of God.

Just as Jesus showed us that deception heard is not always deception believed, the Truth heard is not the same as the Truth lived!

Many ‘hear’ the truth but walk in deception.

If you walk in the truth that you have heard then the enemies devious ways are shown for what they are!

 

'Jumping' the Invisible Fences in our Lives

Today's blog has been contributed by David Trotta:

I’m sure you are familiar with invisible fences for pets, primarily dogs.  They are installed underground and are designed to keep the dogs confined to a certain area of the yard.  Dogs wear a special collar that gives them a slight electrical shock if they get to close to the boundaries set by the invisible fence.  After a couple attempts at running for freedom, they quickly learn to stay confined to that certain area to avoid experiencing the discomfort delivered by a few jolts of electricity.

Did you also know that some persistent dogs, understanding the freedom that awaits them on the other side, have actually braved through the pain and broken free from their confinement?

What about us?  What invisible collars and fences has the enemy strategically placed in our lives to keep us confined?

For example, when God prompts us to step out and be used by Him to touch someone’s life, what uncomfortable thoughts or feelings does the enemy use to keep us confined?  How about a jolt of fear – “If I share my faith with that person, I might be ridiculed or rejected.”  Or, how about a jolt of inconvenience – “Not now Lord!  My schedule is too hectic today; I might be late for my meeting at church.”  Or, how about a jolt of unbelief – “What if I pray for that person to be healed and nothing happens?”

In Mark 6:7,12-13, Jesus commissioned us to go – Calling the Twelve to him, he (Jesus) began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.  They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Don’t let your fears or the lies of the enemy stop you in your tracks when it comes to being used by God to touch the lives of others.  Instead, choose to step out of the comfort zone that confines you, regardless of the risk, inconvenience, or possible rejection involved.

As my pastor said on Sunday, Jesus was temporarily confined by the cross and the grave, but He broke out of those confinements, and the result was heaven breaking out on the earth.  If you choose to partner with God and break out of your confinements, He will bring heaven to those around you.

Take No Thought For…

“Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”

Mark 6:7-13

 

Today’s verses are an interesting passage to be sure.

In the context of our topic of ‘containment’ I find it interesting that Jesus sent the twelve out with specific instructions concerning food, clothing, shelter and money.

Could it be that these were not to be considerations as they went out in order that they would not restrict their ministry to others?

Interestingly, the ‘trip report’ when they returned does not include hunger, nakedness or a lack of provision.

They preached, they drove out many demons, they anointed the sick who were healed.

So often we place many restrictions on our ministry to others.

I can’t do it unless…

And then our “unless” becomes the container restricting us from reaching the world God has sent us to.

What’s my point?

We are often cooperate with the enemy in ‘containing’ ourselves through self-imposed restrictions God never meant for us to have.

Jesus addressed this question in the Sermon on the Mount.

In that passage He reminds us that our heavenly Father knows we need these things.

It comes down to a question of trust.

Will we trust God enough to let go of any self-imposed or enemy controlled restrictions?

Whatever the area of our lives they may be found in?

Without a doubt these are tough questions for any of us to answer yes to.

Just ask the wealthy young man who came to Jesus.

He had kept all the commands but still Jesus addressed that one ‘container’ that held him.

Tomorrow we celebrate the day that Jesus paid it all for you and me when he died on the cross.

He did it because He trusted the Father and the only ‘restriction’ in His life was His desire to please the Father.

May we also begin to live our lives with that one lone ‘restriction’ containing us!

How Would That Change You?

“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death,

because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

Acts 2:24

 

“By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just,

for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

John 5:30

 

Combining the two scriptures above is very revealing when our topic is ‘containment’.

There was only one thing in Jesus’ life that ‘contained’ Him.

His one desire was to do the will of His Father.

Death couldn’t hold Him.

Cultural differences didn’t stop Him.

Unbelief and what other people thought of Him were never impediments to Him.

Can we say the same?

The enemy met Him in the wilderness with one goal – stop this ‘One Anointed’ of the Father.

He knew that if Jesus was allowed to ‘do and teach’ the Kingdom of God then his kingdom of darkness was in big trouble.

If the devil ever trembled, it was at that thought.

What does the thought of you ‘uncontained’ by his strategies cause the devil to do?

Does he tremble at that thought?

He should.

Jesus spoke of His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, doing greater works than He did while on the earth.

That reveals the picture of a church not held back by the constraints of worldliness or the strategies of the evil one.

Imagine living a life where the only restraint you knew was pleasing the Lord.

Think about that today.

How would that change how you spent your time?

How would that change where you went?

How would that change you?

 

 

 

 

Be An Influencer!

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,

out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

John 7:38

 

 

Go into many manufacturing facilities whose production processes includes hazardous materials and you will find containment skids.

These skids are designed to contain hazardous material that may leak or be spilled from drums placed in it.

Often you will also see a containment dike built around equipment or machinery processing hazardous materials for that same reason.

The idea of course is that a contained spill is not as great a risk to the rest of the plant, its personnel or surrounding groundwater.

Yesterday I spoke to you about not letting your light and witness for Christ be ‘contained’ by the enemies strategies tailored to shut it down in you.

It is easy to see that the world’s philosophy and culture is not at all ‘contained’.

It permeates all of society.

Too often it is also so evident in the church that there is no noticeable distinction or contrast.

When that happens it is like the light under a bushel or the salt without savor that Jesus spoke of.

Jesus command to His disciples was to “…go into all the world…”

Don’t be contained by the enemy or by the culture through fear, political correctness or anything else that would quench the Holy Spirit’s witness through you.  

The phrase “…out of his belly shall flow…” speaks of action and not containment.

We are to permeate, to influence, to change the culture and not the other way around.  

   Examine your life.

Are you a container filled up with the culture of the day or are you an influencer for the Kingdom of God?

Great questions to start with!

Are You ‘Contained’?

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 8:36

 

 

“The enemy strategizes to contain you so you can’t advance the Kingdom of God on earth.”

Are you ‘contained’?

Does the enemy have you in a box of fear or poverty or pride or any other “lay-away” plan?

Has his containment of you effectively stifled the Kingdom of God flowing through your life?

Have you ever seen the container ships that cross the ocean?

The containers are filled with all kinds of products which are being moved from the country of origin to the destination country.

Imagine arriving dockside in the shipyard but never unloading the containers.

So it is with us if the enemy’s strategy is effective in containing you.

You ‘carry’ light.

You ‘carry’ the Kingdom of God.

Wherever your ‘ship’ goes is the potential for the Kingdom of Light to pierce the Kingdom of darkness.

But if you are ‘contained’ with fear you will not speak to that coworker who desperately needs to hear of that hope that is in you.

If you are ‘contained’ by poverty you will not believe God is able to bless you in order to give to His Kingdom work.

If you are ‘contained’ by pride God resists you rather than working through you.

Who gets the glory in that?   

God spoke to our Pastor this word of ‘containment’ some time ago.

It was in order to see His people set free.

So, are you ‘set free’ or ‘contained’?

Let’s look at that this week.

 

 

If God Shook You, What Fruit Would Fall Out?

Today's blog is contributed by David Trotta:

 

Do you ever wonder how farmers get fruit off their trees, like apples, peaches, and cherries?  No, they don’t climb up a ladder and pick them J.  Instead, many farmers, especially the larger ones, have what is called a tree shaker.  It is a large motorized piece of equipment that grabs a hold of the trunk or branches of a tree and then shakes the tree until the fruit begins to fall to the ground where it can be easily collected.

How do you respond when you are shaken by difficulties and challenges that come into your life?  What fruit becomes exposed in your life?  Do you worry, fear, and get stressed?  Do you run to the things of this world for comfort and escape?  Do you blame others, even God, for your situation, and become bitter and angry?

2 Corinthians 13:5 says “Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected? (AMP)

When difficulties and challenges come (and they will), watch and evaluate what fruit appears in your life.  Is it the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) or is it the opposite of such fruit?

As we have discussed previously, the fruit in our life is directly related to what thoughts we choose to fill our hearts and minds with. As Christians, the WORD (Jesus) dwells in us, and we have access to God’s inspired written word.  What a privilege!  But, in order for good, healthy fruit to appear in our life, we must allow the “roots” of our life to get their nourishment from Jesus and scripture.

If the wrong fruit falls from your life when you are shaken, don’t get discouraged, but make a renewed commitment to empty yourself of the world’s philosophy and fill your mind with God’s powerful, life changing word.  When you do that, good fruit will appear and the people around you will be drawn to learn more about your Jesus.

Light and Darkness are Different

“From that time on Jesus began to preach,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Matthew 4:17

 

Yesterday we looked at what a worldly philosophy is.

Today we will ask the question - How might we define the ‘philosophy of God’?

We will look at the same three concepts, i.e.

The focus is a God centered view of existence

The motive is that my life is God’s to do with as He will.

The goal is to live life to please God.

Comparing the two philosophies shows the stark differences.

One can see the wisdom of the question – “What fellowship does light have with darkness?’

It also clarifies the statement of Paul to not being unequally yoked.

But I really want us to understand how different those two philosophies are and in so doing also understand how that difference will impact our thought life.  

If I am a child of God my response to all that happens in my life should be in sharp contrast to the response of that person who only follows the philosophy of the world.

You cannot claim a focus, motive and goal so different and still, in every way, walk as unredeemed person.

“Gimme a break”, you say. “After all, it is a journey and while I may be born again in a moment, sanctification, that process of becoming like Him, is for a lifetime.

Yes, that is true.

But the proofs of that changed life should start being evident at the new birth and only increase as you walk with Him.

Certainly one of the greatest ‘proofs’ to an unbeliever is that when we fall, we can repent, get back up and continue to grow.

It is the evidence that while we are not perfect He is!

His mercy, love and righteousness is extended to us.

That is a powerful message to be lived out in front of others.

It just may cause them to question the philosophy they are following.

Light and darkness are different!

Which Message Brings Life?

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”

I Corinthians 1:18

 

 

Our Pastor gave a definition on Sunday of worldliness as:

Anything that will prevent me from experiencing God’s love and living out His will for my life.

Worldliness’ focus is a self-centered view of existence; the motivation is ‘my life is my own’ and the goal of worldliness is that you live a life that pleases you.

If something in life confronts you that is contrary to that philosophy you have a decision to make.

But it is not a simple one-time-only choice. You will choose over and over and over what philosophy you will follow.

Some statistics were compiled by Barna Research way back in 2003 that clearly showed the Born Again believer often chooses the world’s philosophy over that of a godly worldview.

Sadly, when you looked at the results of that survey there was very little that distinguished a believer from the rest of the culture around them.

Some in the church would applaud this.

They would call it ‘being relevant’ or ‘seeker sensitive’.

Jesus was ‘seeker sensitive’ with the woman at the well by speaking the truth in love to her.

Jesus was seeker sensitive to the woman caught in the act of adultery when He said…

“…neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more…”

Throughout the New Testament we read of a love for people that does not seek to soften the results of sin and its impact on lives.

It results in a stranglehold of slavery, death and eternal separation from God.

That is not a palatable, pleasing message.

Sin is not pleasing or palatable to God.

He created, He loves you and He wants you to walk in the freedom Jesus bought through His death, burial and resurrection.

That is the Good News of the Gospel.

When the truth is declared people are set free.

When the truth is ‘watered down’ to make it palatable people remain comfortably condemned in their sin.

Which message brings life?

 

Can You Finish God’s Sentences?

“…have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”

Philippians 2:5

 

 

I have been married now for over 34 years and there is a ‘phenomenon’ that longevity in our relationship has allowed me to experience.

I’m sure you’ve heard of it – you maybe even have experienced it yourself.

It’s simply this – I start a sentence and my wife finishes it – or visa-versa.

You see, after so many years together in relationship, we know one another well enough to be able to finish the other person’s thoughts.

How much more should we desire that outcome through our relationship with Jesus?

Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, could not have written it more clearly than he did in Philippians when he said: “…have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”.

As I begin to think like another person, guess what follows?

I begin to behave as that person behaves.

Imagine a church where every believer behaved just like Jesus!

How powerful would that be?

Do you think the world might take notice?

That man or woman who thinks as Jesus thinks stands out in the culture.

Too often Christians strive for ‘relevance’ as the expense of thinking as Jesus thought.

No one was – or is – more relevant than Jesus Christ.  

Not because He tries to ‘fit in’ to culture but instead because He is The Truth.

Start thinking, start acting, start behaving more like Jesus and the world may not be able to finish your sentences but they will begin to take notice of a life lived differently.

So how about it, can you finish God sentences?

 

Dealing With the ‘Potholes’ of Life

“Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

II Timothy 3:16-17

 

Bang!

It’s one of those potholes that send hubcaps spinning into the ditch.

It’s also one of those potholes that jar your teeth and rattle

everything on your car that can be rattled.

They will even break loose the duct tape you used to hold your exhaust system together!

In the South they have sink holes.

Here in the Northeast, at this time of year especially, we have potholes.

Not ‘mole hill potholes’ but potholes that rival a meteor strike smack dab in the middle of the lane you are driving in.

Try to avoid them and you face oncoming traffic!

Life can also present us with some potholes.

Some can rattle us to our core.

It is at those times we must evaluate our philosophy?

Do we hold to a God-centric philosophy or are we more comfortable with a wordly point of view?

Are the potholes you face in life addressed through a ‘God first’ focus or a ‘me first’ focus.

If you only know a ‘me-first-middle-and-last’ approach to those inevitable potholes then maybe it’s time for a realignment.

Maybe it’s time to recognize that a born again believer needs to

think less like the culture around him and more like Jesus Christ.

That is the most effective way to battle worldliness.

Get into His Word and let His Word get into you.

Does God Have Your Permission?

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

 

Contributed by David Trotta 

Imagine going to the doctor because you are experiencing abdominal pain and the doctor tells you he has to run some tests to locate the cause of the pain.  My guess is your response would go something like this - “Doc, you have my permission to run whatever tests you need to find out what is causing the pain and then prescribe treatment so I can start feeling better!”

 

King David knew there was potential for ugliness in his life and he wanted it out.  He wanted nothing to come between him and his God.  So, he gave God permission to search his heart and perform spiritual surgery to remove anything that was harmful to his relationship with God.

 

How about you?  Are you willing to give God that same permission?

 

The first step is to take an honest and transparent look at your life.  I think each of us, if honest, would admit there are areas in our life where wrong thinking and sinful behavior causes pain to ourselves and others and hinders our relationship with God.

 

The next step is to go to God and give Him permission to reveal any offensive ways in you.  Give God full access; don’t leave anything untouchable.  Tell God earnestly that He has permission to go even to the darkest corner of your heart where nobody is allowed to go.

 

Then, once He reveals an area of your life, ask God to show you how to change.  Ask Him to prescribe treatment through His word, and then apply that truth to your life so you can be set free.

 

Finally, let go of the lesser things in life that you know aren’t God’s best for you.  “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

 

Does God have your permission to begin searching your heart today?  He stands ready.

Learning Through Observing

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.

 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth;

but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Luke 21:1-4

 

 

Recently I spoke to you about object lessons and how God can use them to teach us.

Jesus also taught His disciples just by observing people and then using their actions as a lesson for Peter, James, John and the others.

You could claim that Jesus had discernment and knew this woman’s heart.

He went beyond what He saw with His natural eyes and understood the intent of her heart in giving.

I couldn’t argue that point with you.

But those standing around did not.

Those to whom he addressed the words from our passage above would have seen her age, her dress, perhaps even her apprehension as she gave her offering.

Jesus taught his disciples that they could learn much by simply taking the time to observe people.

When Mary wiped His feet with her hair Jesus took the opportunity to contrast her love and service with the others in the room.

We get so busy sometimes we miss the chances that are there for us to learn simply by taking the time to watch people.

What child hasn’t, at some point in their lives,

copied those things they watched their parents doing.

Paul encouraged us to follow him as he followed Christ.

In other words observe my behavior and, as much as it exhibits Christ, copy me.

Are you taking note of those who live godly lives?

Are you following their examples?

Jesus took the time to note right behaviors in people.

We should too!

 

An Object Lesson

“This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:

 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.”

 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel.”

Jeremiah 18:1-3

 

 

 

            The Book of Jeremiah is rich in object lessons.

It is not unlike so many of the other Bible books where God used everyday objects to instruct.

He used these objects to speak to the prophet and to the Nation of Israel.

He hasn’t changed.

Sometimes we get so intent on seeing and hearing God speak through the supernatural that we miss the voice of God teaching us through the natural things around us.

The ordinary things of life: the tools of your trade, a grocery store shelf of food, the weather…

Recently I was complaining (to myself) about the long Winter this year here in Western New York.

The Spirit of God whispered to my spirit…

“It could be worse.”

I thought to myself that perhaps He meant more frequent and heavier snow with even lower temperatures.  

But instead He simply whispered… “You could be homeless!”

It was spoken sarcastically or with the intent to plant guilt.

Rather, He spoke it in love to turn a complaining heart to a grateful one.

He used something simple – my complaint of our weather – as the object to teach me that I don’t always recognize His blessing and too often take them for granted.

Are you so busy looking for the ‘profound’ that you miss the ‘simple’ lesson?

Ask God to open your eyes to the simple lessons He can teach through the ordinary.

Then get ready!