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Old Testament Revival

Did you notice the revival that Judah experienced in the time of Hezekiah? There are a few things that stood out to me as I was reading; these things have characterized revival in the past. First, revival is never about finding something new but returning to what has always been God's will. That's also why its called re-vival and not discovery. Second, there are some who won't agree, understand, and will mock what is true. Third, revival will involve an increase in obedience to God along with impact on all of life. And finally, 2nd Chronicles 31:21, "And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered."

Father, give me a whole heart to seek after You. You are worthy and strong. That You would send your Son for me is such an amazing gift. That Your Son would die for me is beyond comprehension. Revive my heart to serve you. I don't want to just have some improvement of religion. God I want improvement in all of my life. I want all of me to be changed by Christ. I want all of me to be governed by Christ. I want to live for Christ. Do not let me think about what others will say. Let me think about what Christ has done and how I am given life in Him. Send revival to me. Send revival to my church. Turn our hearts to You.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Don't miss this

Oftentimes in search of the meaning of prophecy we miss the message of prophecy. Don't miss this today from Revelation 12:11

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Father, show me and fill me today with the power of the blood of the Lamb. I don't want to be simply nostalgic about the cross. I want to know the power of His resurrection. I don't want to just make it by. I want to live for You. I want to know the power of faith to conquer. May my testimony of faith be powerful because it's grounded in Christ, fed by Christ, and directed always to Christ. And Father, I want to know Christ to the extent that faithfulness unto death is an easy choice. Do not let me wait for the executioner's sword. May I not love my life even unto service. May I not love my life even unto sacrifice and witness. May I love Jesus Christ and by his blood become a conquerer.

For Jesus
Amen

Pay Attention Don't Drift

The lesson is the same from the kings of Judah to the end of time: we need to hold fast to Jesus Christ. The product of our depraved natures is to look inward instead of look Godward. Unfortunately this doesn't disappear at the new birth. The residual effects are felt every day while we walk this earth. To put it is as blunt as Scripture does there is the temptation to return like a dog to its vomit (2 Peter 2:22). Joash returned to his vomit. The nations will wallow in the mud. Christ and Christ alone is what cleans us up and keeps us clean. Looking to Christ who is the full display of God's glory brings repentance of sin and sanctification. We must intentionally set Christ before our eyes. After my daily bible reading and prayer this morning I returned again to Philippians chapter 2. This passage has pointed me repeatedly to the glories of Christ and my satisfaction. Search for Christ in His word and you will be satisfied.

Father, shine the light of Your glory today into me and out through me. I want to see Jesus. I don't want to run well for a time and then lose it in the end. I want to run the race, finish well, and win the prize. Oh how I need Jesus. Oh how I love Jesus. I live in a dark land constantly bombarded by the temptations of darkness. Surround me with light. Use me to shine forth the light of Christ. Master, it is my desire to be used by You. Show me Your glory that I might be transformed. Teach me great and wonderful things about my Savior.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Always Reforming

The nation of Isreal was under a constant need of consistent reform. This was the produce of two ingrediants sinful humanity and leadership turnover. Mankind has an obvious sin problem that unfortunately tends to taint even our best attempts at obedience over time. Mankind tends to die as well thus forcing new leadership into position. I don't say all this because I'm a pessimist but because I'm a Christian. We need Christ today and we long for Christ's return and His complete reform. Christ is not sinful so we must rely on His leadership. Christ will not die so we must rely on His longevity. Jesus can be trusted. Jesus must be trusted. He will lead the way to faithfulness and He will lead raise up faithful leaders. If you're going to be pessimistic just be sure you don't go too far. Maybe it's time to reform our pessimism.

Father, Your wisdom and glory are my hope. Christ is what I need and what the church needs. He has given us our salvation and He has given us our direction. The cross tells us that we need saving, all those who come to Christ will be saved, and there is glorious work to be done. May I grow today. May I be useful to You today. May Christ's obedience and sacrifice guide my every thought.

In Jesus' name
Amen

The king no one wanted

Today we meet King Jehoram of Judah. His life is a lesson in how to be a person no one likes. First, kill all your family. We're not quite so drastic so we just verbally wound and run off everyone around us who is a perceived threat. Next, Jehoram was a poor leader and military commander. In order not to be liked its a good idea to run everything into the ground. Then, Jehoram set up idols and places to worship false gods. Leading people to hell is ultimately not the best way to care for and look after your family and friends. Finally, abandon God. Jehoram turned his back on God and tasted the earthly discipline for that act. The gut wrenching thing (no pun intended) about Jehoram is that his suffering isn't over; his suffering only just began.

Father, You are the One who holds the four angels at bay. By Your word and Your wisdom they go and stay. Your power is magnificent. Use me today and the rest of my days in a way that reflects Your power. You defeated sin and death through Christ and His glorious resurrection. Nothing is too big for You. Make me useful today. Make me a plant in your kingdom that yields a great harvest of fruit. I want to see people saved. I want to see people changed. I want to see people invigorated by Your glory and honor. I want to see people come to know Jesus Christ. Use me today.

In Christ's name
Amen

Our Eyes are on You

2 Chronicles 20:6-12, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, [4] or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 10 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— 11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Angelic Worship

Revelation 4 gives us a glimpse into the daily worship that takes place in heaven. This worship is foreign to us because it involves a holiness of the magnitude we have never seen. There is a grandeur about the throne and person of God that is unthinkable. There are creatures of such marvelous character that we can scarcely comprehend their being. Chapter 4 reveals to us that we worship and seek to know a God that is beyond our imaginations and comprehension. He is worthy of worship. Come let us worship

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (Revelation 4:11).

The Prayer of Asa

O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you (2 Chronicles 14:11)

The prayer of the weak and needy

The churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea were churches who needed Christ. Some needed Christ for strength to continue. Others needed Christ to come and right the wrongs of heart or practice. Either way, their greatest need was to know Jesus Christ.

Father, I am weak and needy. I am prone to sin and choose the easy way. I tend to lay down or stick my head in the sand when it's time to boldly follow You. Wake my soul with Christ! Do not let me be stirred by riches or worldly pleasure. Do not let me wander chasing after self. Open me, stir me, change me so that the desire of my heart is to meet with You. When I'm under the chastening of God give me endurance. When I'm experiencing the blessings of my Father give me humility and gratefulness. I do not want to forget the cross and all the heavenly blessings that are mine. Meet with me today Christ Jesus. Come and eat with me; teach me great and wonderful things.

For Christ
Amen

Praying like Pergamum

Note: according to tradition Antipas, a leader of the church at Pergamum, was roasted to death inside a brass bull during the persecution by Emperor Domitian.

Father, Your Son is both a warrior and a redeemer. He is both strong and gentle. I long to be with Christ because in His gentleness I have been redeemed. The imagery of the sharpest two edged sword is clear: none can defeat Christ. I long for others to be with Christ. I long to see others saved by grace. I do not want to see judgment. I do not want to see judgment fall on those in Mambrino Baptist Church who compromise. Like the error of Balaam and the error of the Nicolaitans let us not love the world or the things of the world. May we be a people who walk in holiness because we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. The war is coming, the head of which is Christ and His terrible sword. May I taste the hidden manna of His eternal promises. May I receive the stone with my new name given by my strong heavenly Father.

For Jesus
Amen

Praying like Smyrna

Jesus, You are the first and the last. You died to defeat sin and You rose from the grave as The Victor. As You knew tribulation and difficulty so it appears I will too. Do not let my heart fear what is to come only let me know the power of Your resurrection. Though opposition come from the outside or the inside I pray I will be faithful. I pray I will not be afraid. I long to be found faithful and I know the grade comes only after the test. Prepare me for the test. Prepare my brothers and sisters at Mambrino for the test. Make us strong in You. Make us bold in You. Make us conquerors.

In Your Name
Amen

Praying Like Ephesus

Father, I come to You in order to repent and find forgiveness and grace. With a reoccurrence of which I am ashamed I go through the motions. Like those in Ephesus I pray, serve, worship, and gather with Your church because that's what I do. There is light but no heat. Their is orthodoxy but not love. May today mark an obvious return to my first love of Jesus Christ. May today mark and obvious return to our first love of Jesus Christ as Your church at Mambrino. We love Your Word and cling to truth. May we with great fervor love Jesus Christ. May we work hard, endure, and seek the redemption of all that is evil. With repentence and faith in Jesus Christ I come praying that You will use me to win the lost and build Your church. Use me Father for Your glory. Restore a passionate love in me for Jesus Christ.

In His Name
Amen

It's all about Him

Today we start reading through the book of Revelation. There is no way I can answer every question and address every issue so I'll leave that amount of detail to your personal study and questions as they surface. What I want to focus on is how to pray in response to God's Word.

Father, I know that the book of Revelation is Your book. It's not John's book. It's not the church's book. It's Your book and it's Your book about Jesus. This is not a book about the tribulation or the church or Israel. Revelation is first and foremost about Jesus. Make me first and foremost about Jesus. Make me like Him in obedience so that I will keep what is written in Revelation. Make me like Jesus who is full of grace and peace. He is the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. As Christ was always obedient to You make me always obedient to Him and ultimately to all of the Trinity.

I rejoice this morning in the love of Christ. He loves me. He loves his people and I know it because Jesus died to free me from my sin. By dying for me I was freed from my bondage to slavery. I am His kingdom. A Gentile, a sinner, Your enemy, and dead in tresspasses are all characteristics of who I was. Thank You Father that I am no longer those things. I am Your redeemed son.

This morning I praise Jesus Christ. My words cannot do justice to who He is. I pray that my praise is pleasing to You. How can I express my wonder over Christ who is the beginning of all things and the end for which all things exist? He is supreme. Christ walks with me and guides my church. He is royality unlike any earthly king; He's so much greater. Christ is my priest. He is pure. He is the refiner. He is full of power. Christ's word is truth. May I have the awe of the Apostle John who fell like a dead man at the feet of Christ. May I see Christ for who He truly is. May I praise You and know You. I want to know Your power and grace. I want to see Your holiness and feel Your gentle hand.

Christ is my master and my king. He is alive forevermore. He died because of my sin and He lives because of His righteousness. Thank You Father for my great King.

In His Name
Amen

Sin unto Death; 1 John 5:16

Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. In 6:23 there is no distinction all sin leads to death. John is not making the same connection. This is seen clearly in the statement, "committing a sin not leading to death."

What we must keep in mind as we seek to understand this passage is the context of prayer. John does not encourage prayer in situations of sin leading to death. This prayer is not prohibited but it is obviously not encouraged. This is nothing foreign to Scripture. Elsewhere we see instances the prohibition of prayer in certain situations or obviously excluding some people from prayer (1 Samuel 2:25; Jeremiah 7:16-18; 11:14; 14:11).

Here is the example of exclusivistic prayer by Jesus, "I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours" (John 17:9).

So what about 1 John 5:16? Here are some explanations from history:

1. Some have claimed a distinction between forgiven sin (not leading to death) and unforgiven sin (leading to death). But it must be explained even further. Are we talking about Christians who die with unconfessed sins or every unbeliever who never seeks forgiveness? Yet this would lead us not to pray for the lost.

2. Sins committed unintentionally (not leading) and sins committed defiantly (leading to death). Yet Jesus prayed on the cross for defiant sin.

3. Sin unto death is heinous sin. Yet this forces the creation of an extra-biblical category defined by the church. This does not explain Scripture it adds to it.

Here's where I fall
4. Sin not unto death is the sin of believers. Sin leading to death is the sin of unbelievers. John has used distinctions throughout the letter in regard to the children of god and unbelievers. Unbelievers deny the incarnation. Unbelievers deny Christ's death was necessary.

The distinction continues: "We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."

There are those who are born of God and those who are not. There are those who are protected by God and those who are not. There are those the evil on touches and those he does not. There are those who are from God and those who are not. There are those who have understanding and those who do not. There are those who know Jesus is true and those who do not know Jesus is true. There are those who are in Jesus Christ and those who are not.

Conclusion: we should pray for the specific sin of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not encouraged to pray for the specific sin of unbelievers. We pray for their conversion, their eyes to be opened, their hearts to be changed. Our prayers for Christians and non-Christians should be different because Christians and non-Christians are different.

Father, I pray for the church. I pray for our faith and our specific sins. Strengthen our love for Christ. Turn our eyes from the world to what truly satisfies. I do not pray for the sins of the world. Instead, Father I pray for a new heart. I pray for their conversion and repentance. Turn their hearts to You. Help the church to be different and make a difference.

In Jesus' name
Amen

The Temple, the Christian, and the Holy Spirit

The Old and New Testaments are different but often not as different as we often assume. This is the case in our reading for today.

1 John 4:13, "By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit."

2 Chronicles 5:13-14, "and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, 'For he is good,for his steadfast love endures forever,' the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

The way that God filled Solomon's temple is the way the Holy Spirit fills the Christian. We may not be able to explain every detail or put it eloquently but we know it has happened. There is no true conversion without the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. We can sound spiritual and do spiritual looking things but if the Holy Spirit is not in us then all our talking and doing is for nothing. So, how do we get the Holy Spirit?

John 3:6-8, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Lord, send Your Spirit. Send Your Spirit to bring the new birth. Send Your Spirit to give strength. Send Your Spirit to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Send Your Spirit so that we will know that we abide in You and You abide in us. Master, I pray this morning that Your Spirit will speak to my spirit about my sonship. Comfort me with the truth that I am Your child. Encourage me with the truth that You love me. Equip me with the Spirit so that I will love others. By Your Spirit make me a temple useful to You and full of Your presence.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Hope in Him

1 John 3:2-3, "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

The first epistle of John is a highly practical book. John does not pull punches or sugar coat God's Word. Those who practice righteousness have been born of God. There is every reason to have confidence as we look to Christ's return and there is no reason to shrink in shame. Through the work of Christ all those who have faith in Christ are made to be like Christ.

What that fully looks like we do not yet know but we do know that when Christ returns we will be changed to be like him. The reason? We shall see him as he is. This is an interesting reason because we would expect something more like, "because we will be given glorified bodies." Or, "the old will pass away and the new shall come in its fullness." We do not expect to be changed because we see him as he is. Yet, this is the reason why we will be changed. We are now talking about the Christian's desire to be like Christ. A Christian is not someone who just hopes not to go to hell. A Christian is someone who wants to be like Christ. We want to know God fully. We want to be pure. We want to walk in righteousness pleasing the Father in all things. The glorious truth of the gospel is that when we see Jesus our heart's desire will be met- we shall be like him.

Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Is this your hope? Do you want to be like Jesus? Does your heart long to put on holiness, righteousness, joy in the Father, God-glorifying obedience, and an unhindered relationship with God? These are the greatest passions a person can possess. Do you hope for these things? The person who hopes for these things, the person who hopes in Christ purifies himself as Christ is pure.

Father, in this moment I pray that you would make me like Christ. Give me a mind like His. Give me a heart like His. Give me a purity like His. I want to be like Him so that I may know all three of You, the perfect Trinity. I want you to be pleased with my life and pleased with my death. I want you to be pleased with my thoughts and pleased with my deeds. Purify me this morning through hope. There is much in my life to discourage me. Wash away my sins with the work of Christ. Atone for my sins through Christ. Strengthen me through Christ. Give me hope through Christ. I am Yours my King. I believe in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ and I desire to love others. Through faith in Christ make me like Christ.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Abiding not blindness

In 1 John 2 there is a comparison made between those who walk in the light and those who do not. Those who walk in the light are those who the gospel truth abides in as well as those who abide in Christ. To be a Christian is to be fundamentally changed by the good news of Jesus Christ because the Christian has been joined to Christ. This is a supernatural amazing metamorphosis. To not be a Christian is to be blind, unchanged. In 1 John 2 we learn that these people have been blinded by darkness. They do not know that Jesus is the Christ. They do not know that Jesus is righteous.

Like Solomon, those who know Jesus Christ know, "The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods" (2 Chron 2:5). Those who know the greatness of God seek to reflect His greatness in their lives. To do this we must be changed by Jesus Christ, forgiven through Jesus Christ, and abide in Jesus Christ. He is the greatness we need.

Father, today I praise Your great name. I praise the name of Father, Son, and Spirit; three persons and one magnificent God. Show me today the greatness of Jesus Christ. Lead me not into temptation and strengthen my desire to abide in Your Son. I will come into contact today with many people who have been blinded by the darkness. Use me to shine the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ into their lives so that they will be saved. Make me aware of those who are around me. Make me passionate for the needs of those around me. I want to know Christ. I want to honor You. I want people to be saved.

For Christ
Amen

The Rescue & the Punishment

2 Peter 2:9-10, "then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority."

1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

God rescued Lot by all but dragging him out of town. God rescued Noah by decades of faithful ark building. God rescued Israel from a giant's power through a young man. God rescued mankind through a suffering servant born in a stable. God rescued mankind through His Son who died on a cross. This was God's plan and His Spirit works in us to fulfill that plan.

As we seek His rescue what do we avoid? From our reading this morning, we must avoid the lust of defiling passion and we must avoid the despising of authority; sexual sin and individualism, rampant immorality and "no one can tell me what to do." These both speak of indulging the self. It's all about me. This is not the way of the Christian.

Pray this morning asking God to show you the potential danger in your life of indulging the self. Where are you tempted toward immorality? Where are you tempted to throw off authority? Ask, 'What is Your rescue plan?' and, 'How does the gospel show me the better way?'

David's Census

1 Chronicles 27:23-24, "David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the Lord had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David."

I knew the census David took was sinful because of the clear teaching of Scripture. But at the same time I didn't know exactly why it was; that it was disobedience was obvious the kind of disobedience was not. 1 Chronicles 27 gives us the kind of disobedience involved in the census sin. When David began counting he did so on the basis that the people could be counted. The people were not like the stars of heaven or the sand of the sea. David's counting revealed his understanding that God was not faithful to his promises.

Before we judge David as the only one who has ever committed sin of this type we must realize that every sin is sin of this type. Every sin is committed because of the belief, either conscious or unconscious, that God is not faithful. Some sin is committed because we do not believe God will take care of us. Some sin is committed because we believe we know better. Some sin is committed because we believe our way and not God's way will bring us joy. We could go on and on. Fundamentally sin is unbelief.

2 Peter 1:1-2, "To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

Faith is obtained through the rightousness of Jesus Christ. As our knoweldge of God the Father and God the Son increases so will our grace and peace. Fundamentally faith comes through the righteousness of Christ.

My Lord and Master, I have no righteousness of my own I claim only the righteousness of Christ. Teach me about You my God so that grace and peace will increase in You. I do not want to be a man of unbelief. I do not want to be tossed about by every doctrine of man. I want to hold fast to Christ the steadfast and sure anchor of the soul. Show me Christ's righteousness. Show me Christ's obedience. Show me Christ's sacrifice for me. I want to be forgiven and I want to be faithful. I confess this morning and forever that forgiveness and faithfulness comes only through Christ. Give me faith and help my unbelief.

Through Christ
Amen

Humility

1 Peter 5:5&6- Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another...humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God.

What would it look like for a church, all of it, to clothe itself with humility toward one another? What would it look like for a church, all of it, to humble itself under the mighty hand of God?

The major difference would be the dramatic decrease in personality struggles. All the he said/she said, I want this, and even threats would decrease. The church would stand firm in the faith instead of standing firm on the personality of leaders, the size of the budget, or the success of a particular ministry. Humility says the church is not about programs, budgets, or personalities but about faith, obedience, and standing together against the devil for the glory of Christ.

Father, make me humble and use me to set the example of humility in my church. Bring humility to Mambrino Baptist Church; may each one of us clothe ourselves with humility toward each other. Remove needless and harmful division. Raise up elders who will shepherd the flock willingly and joyfully. Raise up a church body ready to worship, serve, and live joyful lives in Christ. God, you can do amazing things. I pray you do amazing things in us.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Setting up Success

What strikes me from today's reading is that David set up the next generation to succeed where he could not. God did not allow David to build the temple. David wanted to build the temple but God told him he would not. There was no pouting only preparation. There was no sulking around like a whipped puppy only storing up for Solomon. Part of all or our ministries must involve intentionally setting up the next generation to succeed. We must be thoughtful concerning today and how we can be serve God in the moment. But we must also be thoughtful concerning the future and how we can best equip the next generation to serve after our deaths.

Father, give us eyes that look to the future and give us hearts that love children and the next generation of leadership. Make us zealous for doing good to all people in all situations.
I thank You for this morning's reminder of Christ. He suffered for sins so that I would not have to. The righteous stood in the place of me the unrighteous. He was put to death and rose to new life so that I, being dead in my sins, could rise to new life. Christ lived, served, and died with his eyes on the needs of others. Thank You Father for providing for my needs. Use me to provide for the needs of others.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Reason to be thankful

1 Chronicles 17:11-14, "When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever."

Thank God the Father today for Jesus, God the Son. What David, Solomon, and all the kings could not be and failed to do Christ did to the extreme degree. Where human kings failed the God-man succeeded. God the Son was born as a human to do for humans what humans could not do. He fulfilled the law. He obeyed perfectly. He gave Himself as the spotless lamb. Jesus gives us eternal reasons to be thankful.

My Father, I thank You today for Your Son, my Savior. In praise of Jesus Christ I lift my voice to Your strong throne. Christ is my reason for thankfulness. He is my rock and strong tower. He is the one who shepherds me. He is my ransom and my redemption. He is my joy and my song. For Christ I give thanks.

In my wonderful Savior's name
Amen

Start a new tradition

Are you a bit frustrated about the lack of spiritual content in most Thanksgiving celebrations? How about reading 1 Chronicles 16:8-36? Divide it up at the paragraph breaks, pass a bible around, and everyone who wants to read can. Then pray seeking a thankful heart.

Faith, Works, and Justification

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

James 2:24, "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."

As I read and live life two different approaches to the Christian life are becoming more prevalent. One approach seeks to define everything about Christianity to the smallest most microscopic degree. For these people Christianity is cut and dry, the different aspects always color inside the lines, and life is like a white long-sleeve button down with heavy starch straight from the cleaners.

The other approach doesn't want to define anything. If you define something you will kill it or worse than that, the church would require it. Christianity here is vague and doctrine doesn't matter. For these people Christianity is nebulus, the different aspects should not be defined, and life is like a college student perpetually living out of his dirty clothes hamper. If it doesn't stink too badly spray some cologne and if it does then just give it time to air out.

Christianity is neither a sterile laboratory nor is Christianity a filthy dorm room. We must define what Scripture defines and we must define it the way Scripture defines it. That's our struggle with faith, works, and justification. We want them to be simple. We do not want them to overlap. But this is not possible.

Faith is believing. I believe God is who He says He is and God will do what He says He will do. This is seen clearly in trusting in the work of Christ but faith does not end at conversion. Christ is my sacrifice; faith believes that. God demands the death penalty of me and Christ has paid with His life what God demands of me. Faith is also believing that Christ is my righteousness. God demands perfect obedience of me and Christ has paid with His life what God demands of me. Christ fulfills what God requires of my life. Christ fulfills what God requires become of my sin. Faith holds eternally to these truths.

Works are the response of a new heart. Works do not produce a new heart. A new heart produces works. Faith that does not produce works is dead because the heart is dead, it is a faithless stone. Do you claim to have faith? Prove it, show me the difference faith makes. Faith made a difference to Abraham. Faith made a difference to Rahab. And this difference came in the Old Testament dispensation.

Now, to justification. With the recent and prevalent attempt to redefine justification the response on many fronts is to define justification so clearly that it is water-tight and impenetrable. So, justification becomes legal declaration and only a legal declaration. It becomes a pronouncement outside of us based on works outside of us and it has little to no influence inside of us. But if a person is justified by works and not by faith alone it becomes clear that this category falls short. Justification IS a legal pronouncement by God on us based on the work of Christ. Because of Christ's perfect life and atoning sacrifice we are rightly declared and practically are not guilty. Faith rests in Christ's work and God's pronoucement. Works reflect our new heart's desire to honor Christ. Logically there is an order: faith, justification, works. Practically we cannot discern a difference or demand progression through verfiable stages.

Father, give me balance in life that honors You and stays always faithful to the work of Christ and the truth of Scripture. Strengthen my faith. Grow my understanding of what it means to be justified. May my life, the work of my hands, reflect true faith and Your righteous pronoucement over me. Do not let me make excuses. Use me to make disciples. Do not let me avoid Your demands. Through Christ may I fulfill Your demands.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Is God fair? The death of Uzzah

1 Chronicles 13:9-11, "And they came to the thresing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day."

It is hard, impossible, and unhelpful for us to study God's word in a disconnected nothing-to-gain and nothing-to-lose mentality. We come to Scripture with dreams, hurts, desires, baggage, preconceived notions, and a host of other mental, physical, and spiritual ideals. What I try to instill in the flock God has given is a humility toward God's Word. Our first reaction should be to bow the knee to God's Word instead of kicking against God's Word. There are difficult passages no doubt. The historical account of Uzzah's death is a clear example. Before we discount Scripture the Christian approach is to seek the mind of Christ. Ask, Father what are You doing and what are You teaching? Ask this before we run rough shod over the Word of God.

What we must realize is that God's holiness is real and not contingent on the condition or intentions of man. The infinitely loving God is also the infinitely holy God. Though we may desire to receive His love with no thought of His holiness this is not possible. And this is not the work of just the "God of the Old Testament". The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 as well as the deaths of those who took the Lord's Supper wrongly in 1 Corinthians 11:30 prove that God is still holy. God is still holy and commands holiness in our relationship with and service for Him.

There is no black and white rule such that all deaths are deaths of judgment. But there is a call in all of this to turn to God. This is later what David does when he realizes and confesses his wrongs in connection with the Ark. "Because [the Levites] did not caryy it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule" (1 Chronicles 15:13). Well intentioned presumption is still presumption.

Father, You are indeed holy and loving. Give me understanding. Your ways are higher than mine. Your mind and will are greater than my understanding. Through difficulty I will trust You to strengthen me through Christ's work, the Spirit's power, and the Scripture so that I will even through tears be able to say, "I will yet praise You." Give me a spirit of humility toward Scripture. Let it guide and shape me instead of me struggling to guide and shape the Scripture. I want You to be honored and I want to honor You according to Your holiness. I want to know Your great love and I do not want to presume upon Your grace. I need eyes that truly see and ears that truly hear. You are so much bigger than I have ever thought. You are so much holier than I ever thought. I would never ask for You to change. I humbly ask, "Lord change me."

For Christ
Amen

How to be content in any situation

I came across this while reading Lloyd-Jones' book On Spiritual Depression. It fits squarely with knowing the better and abiding possession that is Jesus Christ. In Philippians 4:10 Paul wrote, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Lloyd-Jones gives some practical steps to arrive at this blessed condition.

Know these things:
1. Conditions are always changing, therefore I must obviously not be dependent upon conditions.
2. What matters supremely and vitally is my soul and my relationship to God--that is the first thing.
3. God is concerned about me as my Father, and nothing happens to me apart from God. Even the very hairs of my head are all numbered. I must never forget that.
4. God's will and God's ways are a great mystery, but I know that whatever He wills or permits is of necessity for my good.
5. Every situation in life is the unfolding of some manifestation of God's love and goodness. Therefore my business is to look for this peculiar manifestation of God's goodness and kindness and to be prepared for surprises and blessings because 'His ways are not my ways, neither His thoughts my thoughts.'
6. I must regard circumstances and conditions, not in and of themselves therefore, but as a part of God's dealings with me in the work of perfecting my soul and bringing me to final perfection.
7. Whatever my conditions may be at this present moment they are only temporary, they are only passing, and they can never rob me of the joy and the glory that ultimately await me with Christ.

Put this book on your Christmas list and if you don't get it be content for the moment then go out and buy it. Why not go ahead and get it now?

http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Depression-Its-Causes-Cure/dp/0802813879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195140324&sr=8-1

Christianity is about a better and abiding possession

Christianity involves facts, hard absolute truth facts. But Christianity is more than facts. Just knowing the facts does not make someone a Christian. Christianity is about a relationship with the Creator God who is Father, Son, and Spirit. In our reading today we see this relationship causing a real response in the people of God.

Hebrews 10:34&35, "For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."

These Christians had a relationship with God that stirred their hearts to action and endurance. That's what I want. I want a relationship with Christ that effects my life today and every day. The impact of faith is seen as they rested in the fact that they had a better and abiding possession. This possession is better than houses, possessions, and freedom. They knew Christ, they had forgiveness, they had hope, and all of these in the middle of extreme difficulty. They endured.

Father, I thank You today for Christ. I thank You that He is better than a house. I thank You that Jesus is a better than possessions. I know that my life is more than stuff. I know that Christ is like a pearl of great price and a treasure hidden in the field. Give me joy as I lay all that I am and all that I have at Your feet. Use me and use the things You have given me. Make the facts that I know joy fueling truths that guide all of my life. May my walk with You today be the stuff of a better and abiding possession.

Thank You for Christ
Amen

The Prayer of the Eager

Hebrews 9:27-28, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."

Jesus Christ, my salvation and my joy, I eagerly wait for You. In this world I will have trouble. When I desire to live a holy life I will experience tribulation. Come and put away all trouble. Come and overcome all tribulation by the word of Your power. Strengthen my desires for You. Fan into flame the smoldering wick that often is my affections for You. Drive away the competition. Give me skill with the sword of the spirit that I may put to death the sin that remains and fight for You with strong desire. I long for my faith to be sight. I long to see my Salvation. Come Lord Jesus and save me.

In Your Name
Amen

Why all those names?

Why do we have those lists of names in the Bible? Why all the genealogies?

God is the God of the nations. God is the God with a plan to restore all things through Christ Jesus. The genealogies point to the God of the nations and the God with a purpose. The lists of names show God's handy work and they show God's specific action. God is calling out for himself a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation who will worship Him through the blood of His Son; the Son who is the bearer of a better covenant.

Father, You have truly done great things. And You have done great things through Christ the God-man and through a list of oridnary men and women. Thank You for being involved in this world and in my life. Thank You for not abandoning me in my sin but sending Christ to redeem me. Thank You for not abandoning the nations but instead you sent Christ to be the King of all nations. Show me today what it is to live in the days of the better covenant. Show me Your glory shining through the nations as they worship the King.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Jesus is able to save to the uttermost

Hebrews 7:23-25, "The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Consider Jesus; He is our great high priest because He holds the power of an indestructible life. He is eternal and full of power. He has given Himself for you. He saves to the uttermost! No part of you is outside of His redemptive strength. No is is too big to be forgiven in Jesus. He is our intercessor. He lives for us.

Father, I thank You for Jesus. He is my permenant priest. He is my permenant salvation. He is my permenant intercessor. Thank You my God for providing so great of a salvation. You could have done a small scale thing in the quietness of time but You didn't. You sent Your Son who is full of glory to redeem me full of sin. Strengthen my faith in Christ. As You hold me in Your hand strengthen my grip on Christ. I long to honor my Savior. I desire to see my Savior. Come Lord Jesus.

Amen

When God's Word is Forgotten

As I was reading today and thinking about the condition of Judah, the reform of Josiah, and the subsequent fall of the nation I could not help but think about the loss of Scripture. The king didn't know God's word. The people didn't know God's word. The priests didn't know God's word; for crying out loud that is ridiculous. The had found something better. They had filled up their lives with other things. The word of God didn't matter to them. May we return to a love for God and an appreciation of the Bible.

God, as we gather today as Your people give us a respect for Your word. Call us back to faithfulness where we are lacking. Give us strength to remain faithful where we are honoring You. You have revealed Yourself to us through Scripture in the power of the Spirit. Meet with us today. Show us the importance place of Scripture.

For Jesus
Amen

When a Generation Turns

2nd Kings 2:22, “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Is one generation punished for the sins of the previous? They are when led into sin themselves. When a father's sin leads his son into sin both deserve what they have earned. When the pattern is set and the pattern is sin there is punishment. That brings the great work of faith.

Hebrews 4:1, "Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened."

Hebrews 4:6-7, "Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,
“Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts.”

Hebrews 4:11, "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."

Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Father, I am amazed this morning at Your living Word. The truth you spoke in the book of the law, the truth spoken through the book in the days of Josiah, and the truth spoken in the first century to the Hebrews is alive today. It is just as sharp as it does it's work. Master, do the work of calling us to repentance. Do the work of exposes our needs that we may run to Christ. Make us men who pray. Make us women who pray. Christ is what we need. He was tempted in everyway yet was without sin. Praise You Father and praise you Jesus. Make us faithful. Make us bold. Do your great work in us and turn this generation to You.

For Christ
Amen

One Generation to the Next

2 Kings 18:3-6: Hezekiah "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses."

2 Kings 21:11-12: “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, 12 therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle."

Manasseh was Hezekiah's son and they could not be any more different. One generation following God faithfully and the next generation is seen to be the most sinful of all generations. Christianity is always one generation away from shipwreck. We are one lazy generation away from apostasy.

Hebrews 3:12-15: "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"

Father, give us great concern for Christ and for our brothers. Give us hearts that love all those that are in Christ Jesus. As we prepare for what we call revival, Lord stir our hearts to reach out to others. Open our eyes to see and love those with evil unbelieving hearts. May we become people who value a brother's exhortation. May we become a people who love enough to exhort one another. Hold us fast so that we may hold our original confidence firm to the end. May our hearts flame with a love for You. May our eyes glisten with the truth of Jesus Christ. May our mouths speak the truth in love. May our hands serve all the days of our lives.

For Jesus
Amen

Jesus our Helper

Hebrews 2:14-18, "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Pay attention to the Helper. Do not drift away from the Healer of your Soul. Christ has come to destroy the power of death. Christ has come to remove your fear of death. And He has done this by becoming like us. He is the victor and we are his. He lived the life of obedience. He drank the cup of God's wrath. He was tempted and suffered. He is a sure help for us.

Father, You are my great Lord and Master. You are full of love, holiness, and strength. Your wisdom is beyond my abilities to comprehend. I praise You. I praise You for so many things and I praise you specifically for Christ. What a wonderful gift; what a glorious gift. He is my salvation and my help. He is my priest who intercedes and my sacrifice for sins. Use me today to bring salvation to those I will see. Give me a warm heart and a caring face. May my contenance reflect my great salvation in Christ Jesus. Give me opportunities and boldness to take those opportunities. May this day bring You praise.

All for Christ
Amen

Good quote

When all things seem against us,
To drive us to despair,
We know one gate is open
One ear will hear our prayer


(quoted by Martin Lloyd-Jones, On Spiritual Depression, 228).

Reasons to Rejoice in Jesus

This morning I hope the Spirit refreshes your soul with these spectacular characteristics of Christ:

• Jesus is God's Son and God speaks to you through His Son. Jesus came to be God's Word- God says through Christ, "I desire your salvation and I have paid your ransom."
• Jesus is the heir of all things. All things belong to Jesus and we are joint heirs with Him. Everything is His and we share in his abundance.
• The Father created the world through Jesus. Consider this, the Father brought all things into existence through Jesus. God is able through Jesus to save you and keep you.
• Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God. All that is amazing about the Father is in the Son. We do not look to a 2nd rate savior. Our Redeemer King is wonderful.
• Jesus is the exact imprint of God's nature. Jesus is God. Jesus is divine. All that the Father is the Son is also. Our Ransom is of eternal value.
• Jesus upholds the universe by the word of his power. All that is this universe is because of one word of Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks and it is infinite power.
• Jesus made purification for sins. Think of all that Jesus is and all that he does. Now, reflect on the fact that he made purification for your sins.
• Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Jesus is not condemned because of all my sins. Jesus is not condemned because of the sins of the world. Jesus has defeated, atoned for, put away, wiped away, dealt with, and made purification for all my sins. He has the best seat in God's presence and He is preparing a place for me.

Jesus is coming again to take me where he is and not so I can get a glimpse of it and return. Jesus is coming again for me so that where he is I may always be.

Praise the name of Jesus

Amen

He held fast to the Lord

2 Kings 18:5-8 "He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. 7 And the Lord was with him; wherever he went out, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him. 8 He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city."

Father, make me like Hezekiah, strengthen my trust in You. I long to hold fast to Christ. Do not let me depart from following Him. May I keep Your commandments and honor You with my life. Be with me Father. Wherever I go, be my guide. Whatever I may it be useful for building Your kingdom. Give me wisdom as I turn from the things of this world. Give me strength as I engage in spiritual warfare. I want to be Your man. I want to be a man who leads, serves, and builds up my wife, my family, and my church. Help me God to honor You.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Why did Jesus die?

Jesus "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).

Jesus gave himself willingly and totally in order to redeem us. He is our ransom (1 Timothy 2:6) paid to the Father in order to bring us to the Father (1 Peter 3:18). The wondrously invisible and inaccessible God full of love sent His Son in order to redeem me. From ages past God uttered the decree that I would be His child. Though full of lawlessness and in need of purifying, though an enemy, God sent His Son for me. And the Son died.

The Son died for me securing my redemption. I was bought with a great price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23), the life of Jesus. I am not my own. I belong to God. I've been purchased for the King. It is now my life's song to live for my Savior. I am to be a zealot. A zealot eager to sacrifice myself and my goods for the benefit and salvation of others. I am not a consumer I am a child of God for the glory of God and the praise of Christ Jesus.

I will praise Him!

The whole truth matters

I'm sure you've noticed reading through 1st and 2nd Kings that there were many kings who did the wrong thing going against God's express commands. Then there was a few kings who did the right thing in obedience to God's express commands. But even the majority of these obedient kings still did not take down the high places. Obedience to God is difficult. We cannot do it on our own. Attempts to force obedience through commands or laws does not work either. What is required is a heart desirous of the knowledge of the truth. Obedience requires a willingness to hear the whole of God's truth. This wasn't the case among the leaders of Ephesus where Timothy was or in Crete where Titus was. The leaders wanted some of Scripture, they wanted their Jewish spin on Scripture, but they didn't want the whole truth of Scripture. In the same way that the people and the kings did not want to remove the high places in total obedience so too the people of Crete didn't want total obedience to the Word of God.

Father, give us hearts that want to hear and preach and live in accordance with Your whole council. Give us humility and boldness to deal with the disobedience in our hearts. Give us humility and boldness to deal with the disobedience in the hearts of fellow believers. Your word calls us to care and train up each other. Do not let us disobey. Your word calls us to disciple the nations. Do not let us disobey. Fill our days with a desire to walk with Christ. Give us hearts that break over disobedience and unbelief. Give us hearts that beat for the purpose of knowing Christ and making Him known. Show me my disobedience. Make me like Christ.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

The days are here

2 Timothy 4:2-4, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

The Spirit warned through Paul that days were coming when people would no longer want to hear what the Bible says but would instead seek out teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Those days are here and have been here for quite some time. What should be our response? Should we get angry and throw Bibles at those 'heathens'? We are told in 2 Timothy 4:2 to preach the word all the time in many ways with patience. Sound teaching is not a time machine that fast forwards the church overnight into maturity. Sound teaching is the cultivation of a garden. Sound teaching is long-term investment.

Father, give us endurance and patience. Give us a teachable spirit and the willingness to make the sacrifice of teaching others. Do not let us grow weary of doing good but focus us on Christ. He is the center of truth. He is truth. May all that I preach and all that is taught at Mambrino be biblical and out of a heart of love; love for Christ and love for the church. Show us the importance of preaching the Word and not the myths of humanity. Make us mature disciples who do the work of an evangelist. Make me a mature disciple who does the work of an evangelist. Stir our hearts to love Christ and serve this world.

In Christ Alone
Amen

The appearance of godliness

One great tragedy in the church is the person who has the appearance of godliness but denies its power. They look forgiven, gifted, and faithful but they are not. Persecution reveals the truth when they run like a hireling shepherd. Times of difficulty reveal the truth when all those characteristics from 2 Timothy 3:2-4 come out instead of the power of godliness. These are outward characteristics that all can see but what about the inside where it starts? Inwardly they deny the power of godliness. They honestly deny the need to be forgiven of sins. They honestly deny the power of Christ to forgive and redeem. They honestly deny the power of the Spirit to strengthen and guide. THe refiner's fire reveals the truth.

Father, please my God do not let me be someone who has the appearance of godliness but deny its power. May my crucifixion with Christ be true and always on my mind. May I live by faith in Christ. May my life count and my salvation be sure in Him. Do not let me run from persecution but endure in difficulty. Christ is my treasure; the hope of my life. Your word is my powerful teacher; the lamp to my feet. Train me and use me I pray.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Approved Workmen are Not Ashamed

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

I am currently at a loss concerning the BGCT and their recent decisions and apparent lack of a biblical foundation. Take a moment to read again 2 Timothy 2 thinking about the BGCTs decision to hire the first woman to lead our affiliation of churches. What you may not know is that yesterday I introduced a resolution to the resolution committee that the Convention stand against Open Theism. I was told that the resolution would not go to the floor for vote because, in essence, it's too controversial. It is a sad day when it is too controversial for the BGCT to stand together and say, "We affirm God's exact and exhaustive knowledge of all future actions of his creation." Really? It is too controversial for us to say, "I may not know what the future holds but I know who holds the future"?

It seems our convention is caught up in civilian affairs and not competing by the rules. Youthful passions chasing after whatever is novel, controversies, and quarrels seem to be everywhere.

Father, make us approved workmen who rightly handle Your word of truth. Make us a convention that returns to the gospel and the absolute truth of Scripture. Do not let us get mired down in controversies or irreverent babble. Focus on Scripture, God's special revelation to us. I do not want to engage in struggles or stir emotions. I want Christ to be honored by my desires, words, and deeds. I want to endure and I want the Convention to endure but if we do not return to the total authority of Scripture over all of life we have no reason to believe we will endure. Father, no matter what happens I will trust in You because no matter if we are faithless I will look to Christ because He is faithful. The Gospel is not bound. I will trust in You. I will yet praise You because You are my God.

For Christ,
Amen

Pray for the BGCT

Aaron and I will be attending the Baptist General Convention of Texas Annual Meeting today and tomorrow. Pray for us and for the convention. Pray that we will grow together as brothers in Christ, encouraging and challenging each other. Pray that the convention will return to it's bible roots. These are the major issues in the convention right now- support for Open Theism in our colleges and seminaries, support and encouragement for women to become senior pastors in our convention, from our executive director, and from our colleges and seminaries. Fundamentally this is a product of leaving behind a solid stance on the inerrancy of Scripture. If their is no authority than everything goes. And judging by the attitudes of those attending the convention things are going.

Pray for us

The Church

1st Timothy 3:14&15, "I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth."

Father, may You make this church Your assembly. Make us the church of the living God. Don't let us make a name for ourselves or set up little groups. Remove our pride. Let our pride fall down like the walls of Jericho. Raise up among us men and women who love Jesus Christ, who love the truth. May our desires focus on Christ and being faithful to Him. God remove division that Your church may stand. Help us to love. Help us to serve. Help us to be like Christ.

In His Name
Amen

To the ends of the earth

In Ephesus where Timothy was pastor there was a dangerous tendency to focus only on the Jews and only those Jews in Ephesus. It is the equivalent to focusing only on yourself and your family. Our prayers start to revolve around us. Our ministry becomes limited to us. Our evangelism stays in the family. So we are reminded of three truths in 1 Timothy chapter 2: we should pray for all people, God desires all people to be saved, and Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all people. It is the calling of every believer to pray expansively. It is God's responsibility to call men and women to Himself. It is Jesus' responsibility to redeem those that belong to Him.

God, we trust You to work and save. And we rely on You to give us the strength and boldness to share the gospel. You know who will be saved; You lovingly chose them before the foundation of the world. Use me and use Mambrino Baptist Church in Your plan of redemption. Do not let us become narrow-minded. Help us to pray, give, and go so that the gospel of Jesus goes forth everywhere and is honored. Help us to exalt Jesus and rejoice in Him.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Jesus the prophet

2nd Kings 4:42-44, "42 A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” 43 But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” 44 So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord."

Matthew 14:15-20, "15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children."

Jesus, You are the perfect prophet. Like Elisha who has gone before You feed the hungry and raise the dead. Show me today from Your word and in Your power that You are trustworthy. You will take care of my needs. You will take care of me in death. Father, I praise You for Jesus. Your compassion, wisdom, and holiness are displayed perfectly in Him. He gives the bread I need to live and He himself is the bread of life. May I follow Him faithfully today. May my brothers and sisters at Mambrino Baptist Church follow Christ faithfully today. Make us bold. Make us true to You.

In Jesus' name
Amen

The Speedy Word

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

My God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that You will make the word of the Lord speed ahead and be honored among Mambrino Baptist Church. Deliver us from wicked and evil men. We know that not everyone is faithful but Jesus Christ is. Show us His faithfulness. Establish us and guard us against the evil one. Give us confidence. Give us confidence in Christ and give us confidence in Christ in each of us. Show us Your will and and give us the strength to do all that is commanded. God I desperately want You to direct our hearts to Your love. I want this church to be different and steadfast in Christ. May Your word move speedily through Your church.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

We Belong to the Day

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11, "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Our Father in heaven, I pray today that we would be sober minded. Give us wisdom and give us discernment. I know the aim of ministry is love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Show me how to put these things on every day so that I might be the man You call me to be. I want to walk worthy of You. I want to please You and I want to be used by You. Give me the hope of salvation. Set my eyes on the return of Christ and His great day. I know You did not destine me for wrath but to obtain salvation through Christ. He died for the church so that if we are dead or alive we will all live with Him. Show us that great life. Help us to encourage each other. Do not let me spend on my self but on others. Use me today my great King.

In Jesus' name
Amen

More and More

1 Thessalonians 4:1, "Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more."

Father, I thank You for the obedience in my life; I know it is only because You are working in me. Work even more in my life. I want to please You more and more. I want to walk in a manner worthy of You more and more. Help me Father to hear the urging of others. Use me to urge others to grow in faithfulness. Make pleasing You the center of my day and a defining characteristic of my life.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Big Talk

1 Kings 20:11, And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’”

There is an obvious difference in saying you are something and actually being that thing. We can talk big about how strong, humble, or faithful we are but how do we fare in the battle? The battle ground, not the parade ground, is the proving ground. Strength in marriage is not proven in the good days but through the trials. Our love is not demonstrated clearly when we are loved but when we are hated.

1 Thessalonians 3:12&13, "and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints."

Lord, establish my heart in holiness. I pray for my church that You would establish all our hearts as blameless in holiness before You. When the greatest test and strongest gaze of perfection falls upon us make us stand firm on Christ. Do not let us who are strapping on the armor boast as he who takes it off. Give us all that we need to be faithful and fruitful. Guard our consciences from pulling up short of faithfulness like Ahab did. Make our report like the report of the Thessalonians, "standing fast in the Lord."

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Can you believe this guy?

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Great Father of mercies, give me boldness. Give Your church boldness. Though I suffer and though I be shamefully treated I pray for strength to declare Your gospel even in conflict. I pray for strength to declare Your gospel especially in conflict. Do not let me shy away from what is important. Do not let me sacrifice what is true for what is easy. Give me a hunger for Your gospel and a willingness to humbly defend it. And Lord I pray for gentleness. Too often I swing from cowardice to brutal pride. Make my exhortation, encouragement, and charge to Your people like that of a father to his children. Give me boldness and give me gentleness. Give me the mind of Christ. He is my glorious Savior and my perfect example. Christ is my all in all. Christ is worth my all. May I stand firm for Him.

In His name
Amen

What do people pray for you?

Have you ever given thought to how people pray for you? It is an unfortunate tendency among Christians to tell people we will be praying but then not pray. As Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica he was sure to pray for them. He prayed for them because of some specific things.

1. Their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ was evident and clear in his mind so Paul prayed.
2. Paul prayed for them because he knew they were loved and chosen by God.
3. Paul prayed for them because they were imitators of right faith full of endurance and the joy of the Holy Spirit.

Why do people pray for you? Do your prayer requests always deal in the negative or physical? In a humble way do you ask people to pray for your work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ? Do you remember to pray for people for no other reason than they are loved and chosen by God?

Father, I want to pray today for Pat Barrett and Commissioner Roan. Pat's work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ are so evident and clear. It is obvious that You love her and have chosen her. As she imitates right faith full of endurance and sets the example with the joy of the Holy Spirit please guide her. You know the Comissioner's Court is meeting next Monday to rule on funding the road project in Brazos River Acres. Be with Commissioner Roan as he makes his case and request. Guide the ministry that Pat leads. Guide Mambrino Baptist Church. Guide Brazos River Baptist Church. May we set the example. May You see fit to use us. May our faith go forth everywhere. May Your glory shine forth.

Because of Christ

Amen

Seek and Set

Colossians 3:1-4, "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

What are you going after? What do you want? Are you seeking the things above? Do you want Christ? What is your mind set upon? What do you imagine or think about? Are you set on earthly things or are you set on heavenly things? If you are a Christian then you have died. The power of Satan and this earth of you has been broken. Your inability to please God has been cured. You are hidden with Christ in God. You are a new creation because of Christ. When He returns then you will be with Him. Dwell on these things.

The struggle

I think we struggle so much in our lives physically and spiritually because we are not dedicated to struggling for others. Because our energies are not funneled correctly those energies end up being consumed in an ineffective manner. Think of Paul's words in Colossians 2:1-3

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

As Christians, and if you are reading this, it's safe to assume there is some level of effort on your behalf to grow yourself spiritually. That is a very good thing. Do you want to step up that growth? Do you want to bear even great fruit? Struggle for someone else. Give yourself to encouraging someone in Christ. Serve and give so that it will lead to the knitting together of the church body in love. Speak of Christ and teach His gospel so that others will reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and knowledge of Christ. Find the treasure map and take someone with you as your pursue all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pursue Christ.

Why Christ?

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Father, show me who You want me to serve and struggle and sacrifice for. Show me who You want me to pour my energies into. Give me the energy to follow Your will. I want to know You. I want others to know You. I want to grow in Christ and I want my knowledge of Him to be fruitful. I don't want to waste my life or the opportunities You give me. I have been given wonderful gifts in Your Son: spiritual circumcision, baptism, the resurrection, new life, total forgiveness, all debts canceled, and removal from the rule of Satan. Your Son and His cross are amazing! Thank You Father. Send me to people and bring people to me who need to hear and grow in the truth of Christ.

Use me Father for Christ
Amen

Hear and Understand

Colossians 1:5&6 "Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,"

Jesus has left us the blessed calling of discipling the nations. We must take the gospel to all of creation. Every person must hear the good news of Jesus Christ. What will mark the Christian as different from the lost person, both after hearing the gospel, is the understanding of grace in the Christian. The Christian will see his need for grace. The Christian will see the free provision of grace in Jesus. The Christian will understand his need for and Christ's provision for forgiveness. We must speak of the preeminence of Christ. The glory of our holy Head should be constantly before our eyes.

Pray to the One who is all that you need.

Paul knew what Jeroboam didn't

I'm not referring to the work of Christ specifically but the contentment of trusting in God. In Philippians 4 Paul wrote, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me." He had learned to trust the sovereign God who gave what was needed. Paul understood at times what was needed were difficulties and trials which exposed and strengthened the heart. Jeroboam was worried about losing his kingdom. He was more concerned about his earthly stuff than he was concerned about his heavenly Father. Paul trusted and obeyed; Jeroboam did not.

Heavenly Father, the One to whom belongs all honor and glory forever and ever amen. I pray for contentment in You. I pray for my church that You would give us a deep hunger for Christ and provide for us a lasting satisfaction in Him. Do not let me get wrapped up in keeping what I perceive as my kingdom. Do not the church be concerned about keeping their kingdoms. Instead, may we joyfully serve and faithfully give so that Your kingdom would advance. Give us true contentment in Christ so that no matter the plenty or lack we will trust in Christ who gives us strength.

In His Name
Amen

Pray for your Pastor

Here are some specific requests from Philippians chapter two that would be good consistent prayers for your pastor.

From 2:5 "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,"
Father, give my pastor the mind of Christ which is already his in Christ. Give him humility, remove rivalry in his heart, remove rivalry from our church. May there be no hint of selfish ambition but the pleasing aroma of sacrifice. Make my pastor like Jesus.

From 2:16 "holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain."
Father, hold fast to my pastor that he may hold fast to the word of life. May the gospel be his joy and the subject of his preaching. Fill his times of prayer with hope in the gospel that his work might fill your church will the hope of the gospel. Do not let him labor in vain. Do not let him waste his time or energy.

From 2:20 "For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare."
Father, give my pastor a strong pastor's heart. Give him a love for all the curch. May he be genuinely concered for the new members as well as the old. May be be genuinely concerned for the nursery, the children, the youth, the young adults, and the mature adults. Guard him from ignoring people and guard the church from wanting pastor to play favorites.

From 2:30 "for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me."
Father, give my pastor the energy, desire, and love for the work of Christ. Do not let his work be tedious. May his work be joyous. Give him eyes to see the work of Christ so that pastor will even risk his life so that nothing will be lacking. Guide our church and lead our pastor.

Praying Biblical Prayers

Use this in your time of prayer today. Pray this for yourself, for me, and those in your family.

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family [11] in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

We'd have nothing without Him

As I read through Ephesians 1 this morning my need for Christ became evident again. These are the things that I have only in Christ. We're it not for Him none of this would be mine

1. Every spiritual blessing (v.3)
2. I have been chosen in Christ (v.4)
3. My election is for the purpose of being like Christ- holy and blameless (v.4)
4. I have been predestined for adoption through Jesus Christ (v.5)
5. I have grace because of the purpose of God's will and to His praise (v.5&6)
6. In Christ I have redemption through His blood (v.7)
7. In Christ I have forgiveness of my trespasses (v.7) and this not according to works but according to the riches of God's grace
8. God has lavished grace upon me (v.8)
9. God has made known to me the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ (v.9)
10. In Christ I have obtained an inheritance (v.11&14)
11. Because of Christ I now exist for the praise of Christ (v.12)
12. In Christ I have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (v.13)

So what do we do now? We pray for and seek a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ (v.17). The fruitful Christian life can only be lived as we seek to know Christ more. Fruitfulness is tied directly to abiding in Christ. We do not know hope aside from daily abiding in Christ. We do not know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints aside from abiding in Christ. We do not know the immeasurable greatness of his power or the working of his great might aside from abiding in Christ.

Father, enlighten my eyes to see Your greatness today. I want to see Jesus. I want to be changed I want to live a life that is to Your praise. I want to worship Christ Jesus with all that I do. Constantly remind me of what Christ has done and what I have in Him. Do not let me grow prideful thinking I deserve Your gifts or I have earned some blessing. Lord, I need a passion for Christ. I need a strong heart so that I may love strongly. I need my Brother's heart. Father, make me more like my Brother. Focus the eyes of my heart on what is true and what is best. Raise up Your church to be what You call it to be. Raise us up to be the outworking of Christ's rule on this earth. Help us God.

In Christ's Name

Amen

Don't look for the easy road

First, forgive me. I have not been able to connect to blogger for the past two days. On to what really matters.

After coming to Christ and seeing the work of God we should not expect an easy end. Look at David and look at the church at Galatia. If anything, the final years of our lives will bring greater temptation because the pressure will lessen. Most will retire and no longer feel the strain of performance and production. Most will have an empty nest. The constant work of raising Christ-centered children will change as they age and move out of the home. With the absence of children in the home the temptation will be to back out of ministry at church. The retirement years bring a strong temptation to coast. Sit back, count the troups, and take it easy.

Father, keep us from returning to the law and keep us from wasting our lives. Guard our hearts from desiring fruitless trees and fields without production. Keep our eyes open to the temptation of returning to the law. Increase our understanding of grace and the gospel. May we be so full grace and may we live in gratitude to the gospel of Jesus Christ that legalism would never be an option. Increase Christ in our lives that foolishness and legalism are seen as they truly are, empty and tragic. Increase Christ in our lives so that we may always do faithful work and live truly abundant lives.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Called by Grace

In the Apostle Paul's testimony he mentions being called by God's grace in Galatians 1:15. Verse 16 tells us then that God revealed Jesus Christ to Paul. These two elements must be involved in everyone's conversion. Without them there is no true conversion. We must be called out of darkness. God must draw us to himself. Here, when confronted with the holiness of God we become convicted of sin. God could have left Paul in his sin and selfrighteousness but because of His grace God did not. And God did not leave Paul in helpless conviction of sin. God revealed to Paul the true work of Christ. Paul knew the story of Jesus. He knew the claims of Jesus. The problem is Paul did not believe they were true. He did not believe Jesus was who He said he was. And Paul didn't believe Jesus did what He said he would do. Until the call of grace and the revelation of Christ there is no Christian.

Father, use me this day and all the days of my life to bring people to faith in Christ. Give me boldness with Your Word. I long to see people saved. I want to be a part of You calling people by Your grace. I want to be a part of You revealing the truth of Christ Jesus to the world. Use me today I pray.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Examine Yourselves

Are you in the faith? Am I in the faith? How can I tell? Let's use our Old Testament reading for some insight. From 2 Samuel 20 we have the test of following the king. Do you want to rule yourself or do you want to be ruled by the king? In 2 Samuel the test of belonging to Israel was following the true king David. For us today the test of being a Christian is following the true King Jesus. Like Amasa do we disobey? Like Sheba do we revolt? Do we do what is right (2 Cor 13:7)? Do we go on sinning against the truth or do we seek to obey the truth (verse 8). Just as in Old Testament days there is a severity at times in the use of authority. We do not spill out entrails or lope off people's heads. Instead there are warnings, removal of members, and both of these only when the evidence is established by two or three witnesses. And in all of these we are seeking restoration. We are seeking the restoration of the individual and the restoration of God's Kingdom.

Are you in the faith? We're not looking for perfection in ourselves. We are looking for a love for Christ that drives us to consistently seek obedience to Him. When we fail, when we sin, we repent. Do not look for sinlessness in yourself. Look for true repentance. Aim for restoration in all spheres of life because of the work of Jesus Christ and His presence in you.

Change my heart O God, make it ever true. Change my heart O God, may I be like You. Gracious and merciful Father, You are the Potter and I am the clay. Mold me and make me so that I reflect to my wife, children, church and world, the image of Christ. Give me honesty as I examine myself to see if I am in the faith. Do not let me run from the duty to search my own heart according to Your commands. Father, stir up Your church. Make us a people who rejoice. Make us a people who aim for restoration, comfort one another, and agree with one another. Give us Your peace and make us a people who live in Your peace. I want you to be with me and with us. I want Christ to be worshiped and exalted in us. Not just in word but in deed, expand the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in us. Expand Your love in us. Teach us to seek and live in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. God please move in Your church.

In Christ's name
Amen

Boast

2 Corinthians 10:17&18 “'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

When is the last time you boasted in the Lord? When is the last time you pointed to the glory of your Redeemer? Do we cherish the powerful and life giving work of Christ for us or do we cherish how well we can complete some job?

What we value we talk about. It has amazed me how much God has grown me spiritually since becoming a pastor years ago. My growth in the pastorate has been far greater than my growth during seminary. Those days where days of boasting in myself and boasting in theologians. These have become days of learning to boast in Christ. Those were days of learning to defend truth. These have become days seeking to know Christ who is the Truth. It is not for me to boast in accomplishments. It is not for me to boast in knoweldge. It is my joy to boast in Christ.

Father, I thank You for Christ. I come to You in prayer only because of Christ. I will come to You in death only because of Christ. You are my Father and my Savior only because I belong to Christ. Thank You my King and I pray that You will use me so that others will boast in Christ. I want others to know the joy of forgiveness and hope. I want others to know the strengthening and convicting power of the Spirit. Lord use me I pray so that others will see Your glory.

In Jesus' name
Amen

The Grace Foundation

Last night in our adult bible study we emphasized the foundation of grace for all giving. 2 Corinthians 8 opens with this statement, "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia." 2 Corinthians 9 verse 8 continues the idea, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." And then verse 14, "while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you."

If our giving is going to be generous, if your ministry is going to endure, we must be people who love, cling to, and experience God's grace. God's grace is God's favor giving us what we do not deserve. Grace is not limited to the first prayer of faith and repentance. Life is not intended to be lived on left-over grace. Just as Timothy needed grace, mercy, and peace so also do you. To live in grace we have to order our priorities- seek first the kingdom and His righteousness. To live in grace we have to realize that we need grace. Admitting we cannot do what God desires for our life and experiecing God's forgiveness through Christ and the Spirit's power is a large part of living in grace.

Lord, show us grace today. Show us our sin that we may see your grace. Bring us into ministry that is over our heads so that we may experiencing your grace that overflows our cups. I don't want to live a life ignorant of grace. I don't want to live a life that is inconsequential for your kingdom. I want to live in grace. I want to give generously. If I am to be poor so that others may pour out grace then Lord make me humble. Raise up generous givers and humble receivers. Make us a church who sees needs and meets them. Make us a church that lives according to the grace that Christ provides.

In His name
Amen

How to give

Everybody and every church wants us to give. Do you understand that God calls us to give? But how are we to do that without growing bitter or resentful toward others in need or toward others who won't give?

"they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us" (2 Cor 8:5).

Right giving does not start by understanding all that we have been given belongs to God. Right giving starts by understanding all that we are has been give to us by God (1 Cor 4:7). God does not call us to give a portion of our stuff. God does not call us to give all our stuff. God calls us to give ourselves first to Him and then by His will to others. It is a God honoring thing to give out of our abundance to others. It is a work of the Spirit to give ourselves to others.

Father, break my love and attachment to this world. Forgive me for wasting myself and what You have given me on things that will not last. Teach me what I know, may I take it to heart. I am not my own but You bought me with the life and blood of Jesus Christ. I want to honor You with all that I am and all that I have. Help me Father to honor You. Help me to no longer live for myself but for Christ who loves me and gave Himself for me.

For Christ my Redeemer
Amen