FOCUS ON THINGS ABOVE – OUR FAREWELL MESSAGE TO YOU

As I have considered all of the scripture we have shared over the years during our Call To Worship, this is what I would like to focus on in this final broadcast. Here are just two things that I want to leave you with. And it’s all about your mindset, your thought life. Things we should always be thinking about.

Number one: always be thinking the way that Jesus wants us to think. Make it a lifestyle priority to invest time with God in prayer and in His word every day. And number two: to focus on things above, not on things of this earth.

Philippians 4:4-8   Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Colossians 3:1-4   Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

And consider the attitude and primary focus of Christ Himself as the Apostle Paul shared with the church at Philippi.

Philippians 2:5-11   You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A phrase that I’ve shared with many over the years and especially our children is to “do your best and trust God with the rest”. Just hear this again and think about how this reality will help lower your stress level and allow you to “focus on things above”. Do your best and trust God with the rest. There are several examples in scripture and this concept proclaimed in God’s word. Here are just a few passages.

Proverbs 3:5,6   Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Matthew 11:28,29   Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

II Thessalonians 3:16   Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I will continue to pray with you and for you, trusting God’s faithful promise to meet all your needs in Christ Jesus. As we all strive to focus on things above continue in prayer, in God’s word and fellowship with His family until we see each other in His presence in Heaven. We will finally be “HOME”.

This week’s Scripture:

Philippians 2:5-11; 4:4-8; Colossians 3:1-4, Proverbs 3:5,6; Matthew 11:28,29 and II Thessalonians 3:16

See this week’s playlist

LACKING IN FAITH

Oops, I did it again, failed to obey His word, to rest in Him. Dear listening friend, we all fall, lacking faith. Even after all God has done for us time and time again and is doing for us even now!

As I’ve thought about a recent event when I failed to believe that things were going to work out, I think about the example of Peter walking on the water. He knew Christ well enough to know that He could do the impossible. He had seen God at work healing the sick, multiplying the small amount of food to feed thousands. When folks think on Peter in the boat, most will think about him walking on water with Jesus.

Matthew 14: 24-33   The boat and disciples was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night Christ came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Think with me about the basics of this experience.

Peter asked for confirmation. “Jesus if it is really you, then have me come to you on the water”. Well, Christ said come and Peter got his answer, and became the only human (other than Christ Himself) to have ever walked on water.

Folks as you look at a need in your life, ask and you shall receive. God is forever faithful.

Matthew 7:7,8 and also in Luke 11   Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Peter got distracted by the circumstances around him. When he saw the wind, was afraid and began to sink…got his feet wet. We are so very much like that. I start the day off with scripture and examples of what God has done. Then as the day gets busy, I get distracted by the storms of this life and “Oops, I did it again”. I took my eyes off Him, failed to keep a proper perspective.

As our Creator and all-knowing God, He knows all about us. He understands our weaknesses.

Hebrews 4:14-16   Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

I John 1:9   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The instant that Peter knew his faith had failed, he called out to Jesus. Wow…just think about it. That had to be one of the fastest, most genuine prayers in history. “Lord, save me”. And “immediately God took hold of him” and He helped him understand why he failed. He lacked faith. And it is noteworthy that this all took place right after Peter had seen Christ feed the five thousand with only five loaves and two fish! But before we get to judgmental of Peter, stop and think a minute. I’m pretty sure you can remember when that was you. You had a “mountain top experience” and your faith was incredible, then moments later you went through something, got distracted by circumstances and you “got your feet wet”.

How do we recover from yet another time when we lacked faith? Confess your sin, call on Jesus in prayer, meditate on Him, invest time in His word and get a correct Christ centered perspective.

Hebrews 12:1,2   Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Then watch for God’s fingerprints and when things do come together, remember to praise and thank him. Just as the disciples did when Peter and Jesus got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

And in closing, listen to

Galatians 6:9   And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

This week’s Scripture:

Matthew 7:7,8;14: 24-33; Hebrews 12:1,2; 4:14-16 and I John 1:9

See this week’s playlist

YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Each of us have a Circle Of Friends. Just think about some of yours. Friends are vital to a healthy life, spiritually and physically. A true friend loves at all times.

Proverbs 17:17   A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

We learn and grow as we interact with friends.  Fellowship and friendship make us better than we would be alone.

Proverbs 27:17   As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Let me tell you about some genuine friends. I am one of seven who met a little over a half century ago. These were young teenagers, all from different backgrounds but all Christians. God led them to a small Christian school in California. The school was K through 8 when a few of us became students there. It grew and added the 9^th grade just in time for us. And they added the 10^th grade and so on until there were seven of us in the first high school graduation class of that school. Two girls and five guys, we were the class of 1968.

During our High School years, girls were Cheer Leaders. Four of the five guys were involved in the various sports, baseball, basketball, track and flag football. The fifth was actively supporting those.

Seven graduates is ironic since the number 7 is known as the number indicating completion. And the five boys of that class remind me of a “quiver full” as referred to in scripture. Personally, I can identify with both of those numbers on two different levels.   Five young men and two ladies. My wife and I were blessed with 5 children a quiver full. Five young men completed each other.

All seven of us each got married. One of us guys went into the military, becoming a Chaplain. The other men went on to college, getting involved in various forms of business, sales, management and some into ministry.

Over the years, all of us have supported each other through tough times and as we have gone through the loss of parents. At this point, my father, is the last remaining parent among our alumni group.

As we have gone through life, we have stayed in touch having had a few Class Reunions over the years.

Each of us have moved around, and seen other friends and family pass away. Most of us have had surgeries and there have been times when we were faced the possibility that any one of us would die. By God’s grace all seven of us are alive today.

There will come a time when one of us will graduate to glory, step through the pearly gates, absent from the body, present with the lord. As one of us has said about this process..”kicking this old carcass to the curb”

The remaining alumni will deal with that loss, laughing with each other, laughing at the events surrounding the missing person, crying at the loss, being comforted by remembering.

All of us have a “Circle of Friends”. The size of that circle will vary over time. And you may have times in life when you feel that you only have a very few friends or none at all. The fact is that you always have at least one friend. That friend that sticks closer than a brother, Jesus Christ, the “friend of sinners”. Your circle of friends is a gift from God.

James 1:17a   Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.

Thank God for your friends. He uses all of them through the good and bad times to help you become the person you are. Take time today to pray for your friends. Reach out to them. Send a text, invest time today to call them. Or write a letter. Very few things touch us as much as a handwritten letter. Be a friend to your friends!

This week’s Scripture:

Proverbs 17:17; 27:17 and James 1:17

See this week’s playlist

THE DIVINE INTENTIONS OF INTERRUPTIONS

How are you doing? Are you disappointed by things, circumstances and choices made by other people that are interrupting your desires and plans? Your heavenly Father loves you and is at work in and around you on your behalf. His intentions have a divine purpose for interruptions. When you are interrupted from a project or the way you were going, remember that God has a plan, “His ways are perfect”, trust, don’t lean your own understanding. His intentions are best.

Much of what we perceive as interruptions affecting what we want or desire are of the Lord.  If you stay close to Him through fellowship with the saints and in His word, you will see God’s fingerprints, clearly a sign that He is at work. For example: as Samson’s parents encouraged him to marry someone of their people, they were not pleased that he insisted on marrying a Philistine woman.

Judges 14:4   But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. 

Joseph responding to his brothers calls for his mercy after what they had done to him.

Genesis 50:18-20   Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

One important passage that is my “go to” when it comes to recognizing the benefits of God’s divine intentions is in Romans.

Romans 8:26-38   And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 

Surround yourself with Godly brethren. There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. As Christ said:

Luke 14:31   “…what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors”.

A very wise man and close friend of mine shared these concepts with me just the other day as I am dwelling on things in my life. His suggestion was that as you consider the events, circumstances around you look at your thoughts and desires. Then talk with the Lord in your heart. Ask Him to show you how to respond. Does God want you to “Continue” what you are doing. Or does He want you to “Stop” it. Maybe He wants you to “Start” something new. Remember these options: Stop, Continue or Start. I hope and pray that this helps you. It is something I will never forget.

Friends, make sure that you are surrounding yourself with brethren, mature Christians who can encourage you and when needed, call you out on something you need to correct to become more like Christ.

This week’s Scripture:

Judges 14:4; Genesis 50:18-20; Romans 8:26-38 and Luke 14:31

See this week’s playlist

FRUIT INSPECTOR, NOT JUDGE

When it comes to looking at the fruit/actions of a person versus judging/condemning them, the Bible provides pretty clear instructions.

Judge not lest you be judged. Don’t so much be watching for the negative, focusing on others actions/works in order to condemn them. Instead, be looking for the fruits of their labors. Complement and encourage them for doing good and things that are right. Recognize their good deeds. Just like we want to attract others to Christ through our good works.

Matthew 7:1-5   “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. 

Luke 6:37   Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”

It is also important that we are careful to not falsely accuse others. John the Baptist was preaching repentance and answering questions for the crowd.

Luke 3:14   And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

One real life example of judging someone or falsely accusing them is in traffic. Don’t raise your hand but how many of us get really ticked when someone cuts us off. I had to deal with this just this morning. I was merging onto a four-lane highway. Thankfully, as I pulled out, I was able to pull into a center turn lane and sped up while waiting for an opportunity to merge into the lane right of me. I watched carefully and there was just enough room for me to change into that lane but a car in that lane sped up to prevent me from moving over safely. That driver consciously made a decision to not be courteous by simply moving over into the right lane, allowing me room to make the change. As it passed me and I slowed down to find another spot behind that car, I confess that I honked my horn at it. God forgave me for losing my temper, getting angry and then acting on that anger. God’s word is very clear and specific. As the Apostle told the church at Ephesus:

Ephesians 4:21   Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.   Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 

As Christ was instructing the multitudes during his sermon on the mount, the concept of watching for people’s works, their fruits comes up.

Matthew 7:16-20   Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Galatians 5:19-25   When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear.  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 

May God help us to encourage one another to good works.

Hebrews 10:23-25   Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Ephesians 4:32   And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. 

 Now that we’ve heard His word, let’s all be doers of the word.

This week’s Scripture:

Matthew 7:1-5; 16-20; Luke 3:14; 6:37; Ephesians 4:21; Galatians 5:19-25 and Hebrews 10:23-25

See this week’s playlist

MORE HYMNS OF FAITH

Our program on Hymns Of The Faith has been so well received that I will be sharing even More Hymns Of Faith today. Our time together each week is limited and there are so many great Hymns that are a legacy of the church so we will be blessed with a few more during today’s program.

To create a Hymn of the faith that would last the ‘test of time’ is not a simple task. Some of you are musicians and/or poets that actually write lyrics for songs. I admit that my personal experience with this process is limited but I’ve lived in the field of Christian music for many, many years and have seen and heard this process. Writing a song, lyrics and music requires significant elements. Typically, it starts with an inspiration, a topic or thought or even a phrase or concept or it might even begin with a melody. In some cases, the process includes more than one person. And when all the pieces come together, it becomes a song that can be used by God to touch lives with His word.

For a song written hundreds of years ago to still be around, it likely has had the blessing of God and has touched thousands of hearts over the years.

Here are lyrics of some of the songs included in today’s program. As you listen to the words, I think you will have a better understanding of why they have remained favorites for generations.

“This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–His hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father’s world: the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere. This is my Father’s world: O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad!”

“I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him
He’s always near. In all the world around me, I see His loving care, and though my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading thru all the stormy blast, the day of His appearing will come at last. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.”

“Far dearer than all that the world can impart was the message that came to my heart; how that Jesus alone for my sin did atone, and Calvary covers it all. The stripes that He bore and the thorns that He wore told His mercy and love evermore; and my heart bowed in shame as I called on His name, and Calvary covers it all. Calvary covers it all, my past with its sin and stain; my guilt and despair Jesus took on Him there, and Calvary covers it all.”

Many of you have heard the story behind the song “It Is Well With My Soul”. It was written by Horatio Spafford as he traveled to meet his grieving wife. A shipwreck took the lives of his four daughters. His wife was spared. He wrote these words/lyrics as his ship passed near where his daughters had died. His thoughts and inspiration could have come from the Psalmist David found in the passage of Psalm 46:1. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear”. “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall re-sound and the Lord shall descend, even so – it is well with my soul.

And as we meditate on and consider the richness of messages incorporated into more hymns of the faith, let’s listen to the following message. “O worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His power and His love; our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise. Tell of His might, O sing of His grace, Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space; His chariots of wrath the deep thunder-clouds form, and dark is His path on the wings of the storm. Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite? It breathes in the air, it shines in the light, it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain. Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail; Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end! Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.”

From now on, make it a point to “listen” to the words, they are rich with meaning for you and your life with Christ.

This week’s Scripture:

II Timothy 3:16; John 15:4,7 and Philippians 4:8

See this week’s playlist

HYMNS OF THE FAITH

We have been blessed with a huge library of music passed down through generations. A “Legacy” has been bestowed upon us. One that we should appreciate, not taken lightly but embraced as a spiritual heritage.

Music is a vehicle of worship. Worshiping the LORD with song is an important part of our praise and worship to Him.

Ephesians 5:18   Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

Colossians 3:16,17   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Just listen to some of the comments from the Psalmist David about the place of music in our lives.

Psalms 66:1   To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

 Psalms 81:1   To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalms 95:1   O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:2   Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalms 98:4   Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

And for those of you who can’t carry a tune in a bucket, even using both hands, you’ll note that scripture refers to making a joyful “noise”. And even mentions the instruments playing skillfully, with a loud noise.

Psalms 33:3   Sing unto him a new song and play skillfully with a loud noise.

And just listen to the lyrics of a couple of Hymns of our Faith.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe. His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He – Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same – And He must win the battle.

And “How Great Thou Art”. O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in. That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great thou art, how great Thou art!

Filling our minds with these concepts in word and in song is exactly what the Apostle Paul instructed the church at Philippi to do.

Philippians 4:8   Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This week’s Scripture:

Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16,17; Psalms 33:3; 66:1; 81:1; 95:1,2; 98:4 and Philippians 4:8

See this week’s playlist

NO TOMORROW

No doubt you have heard this question asked before and it bears repeating. What would you do differently if you knew that there would be no tomorrow?

Well first, of course God does expect us to plan ahead, to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us. Here, I appreciate the verbiage of the New Living Translation.

Proverbs 6:6-8   Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. 

Make your plans and then don’t worry about tomorrow. Don’t let your thoughts get wrapped up and bogged down with the future.

Matthew 6:33,34   Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

On the cross, Christ knew that the thieves would not see a tomorrow. He basically told the one, “rest assured”, I know your future.

Luke 23:39-43   One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

I visited a fellow motorcyclist in the hospital a few days ago. He would be having open heart surgery. It was amazing to me as I heard and saw how he interacted with the staff. He had been actively sharing the good news of Christ in word and deed to everyone. He may have shared only a minute or two about the upcoming procedure. The other hour and a half we invested together was about the Lord at work in and around himself.

Plan as if you may live a full life, make daily choices on the possibility that you may not get a tomorrow.

Here’s a quote that most of us have heard: “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last”. Other accomplishments that are done in and for our flesh are as ‘wood hay and stubble’ that will be burned up. And what we do for the kingdom will have eternal consequences for those lives we touch.

In this context, consider the reality of the acronym – Y.O.L.O, you only live once. AND let me quickly add that this is not a reason to justify behavior as if we should “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die”. Absolutely not! God’s word is filled with very clear instructions for the priorities of our lives.

Many of you have either read or heard about the book “How Should We Then Live” by Francis Schaeffer. Scripture makes it clear that as we grow relationships and our society, it should be a God-centered approach, guiding our thoughts, motives and actions.  Some of you may remember the W.W.J.D. movement and philosophy. “What Would Jesus Do?”

And for you that are listening now and do not yet have a relationship with God, please consider doing business with Him today. You are not guaranteed a tomorrow.

II Corinthians 5:17-6:2   “…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.”

Just as we leave behind reflections, memories of our life. God has left a “legacy” for us, a legacy of love. Lord help us to remember that concept every day, with every choice, every spoken word.

This week’s Scripture:

Matthew 6:33,34; Luke 23:39-43; Proverbs 6:6-8 and II Corinthians 5:17-6:2

See this week’s playlist

BELIEF, FAITH & TRUST

The elements of belief, faith & trust are a spiritual ‘trifecta’ when it comes to our everyday life in Christ. Each of these are an important part of our relationship with God. And when all three are active it is a “win, win, win”.

I’ve heard these words used in a modern-day example, with a Jet Plane: First, you have a ‘belief’ that it was designed by professionals and statistically a pretty safe way to travel. At that point, you are just standing in the terminal. It is not enough to just believe that it will do what you want it to do. Belief will not get you to your destination. That’s when ‘faith’ becomes a factor. By faith, you move toward the door to the plane. Your faith might even get you into the plane but even at that point, you can turn around and walk back. It is not until you demonstrate your ‘trust’ by sitting down in the plane and buckling your seatbelt that you can expect to actually begin your flight.

Please listen carefully now as we look at scripture references to belief, faith and trust.

Belief:  To have confidence in, persuaded, opposite of unbelief.

II Chronicles 20:20   Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

Acts 16:31   And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

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

Mark 1:15   And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mark 9:23   Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

John 20:31   But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Faith:   To recognize as true, having expectation, reliance upon.

Hebrews 11:1-3   Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

Heb 11:6   And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

Heb 11:27-29   It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons. It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.

Heb 11:33   By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.

Heb 11:39  All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 

Trust     To wait patiently, ready to confidently act upon your belief with faith.

Proverbs 3:5,6   Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalms 37:3-5   Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.

Here’s a clear example of exercising your faith to the point of ‘trust’ from the words of Christ in Matthew 6.

Matthew 6:28-34   And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

This week’s Scripture:

II Chronicles 20:20; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9; Mark 1:15; 9:23; John 20:31; Hebrews 11:1-39; Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalms 37:3-5 and Matthew 6:28-34

See this week’s playlist

FORGET AND REMEMBER

In our Spiritual lives, it is OK to forget about some things and other things might actually be a benefit for us to forget. And there are important things to remember.

Forget

It is not safe to drive while you stay focused on things behind you in the rear-view mirror. Although an occasional quick look is valuable.  Be careful as you look back over your life at the sins so that they don’t drag you down.

Hebrews 12:1   Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Forget about any penalty for all your sins.

Romans 8:1   There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

I John 1:5-9   “…if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. 

Psalms 103:10-12   He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 

Hebrews 8:12   For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Yes, we will occasionally have thoughts about mistakes, sin we’ve done in the past AND we can do as the Apostle Paul describes. We cannot change the past but we CAN focus on the goal to know Christ.

Philippians 3:10-14   I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

And Paul goes on to speak about this concept in his book to the church in Rome.

Romanas 6:21-23   What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Remember

Acts 20:35   I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

II Timothy 2:8   Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Remember to comfort each other.

I Thessalonians 4:16-18   For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 

Remember, don’t forget what the LORD has done.

Psalms 78:7   So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.

Memorize/remember God’s word.

Psalms 119:11,16   Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Psalms 103:2-5   Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

Hebrews 13:16   And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

This week’s Scripture:

Philippians 3:13,14; Romans 6:21-23; 8:1; Acts 20:35; II Timothy 2:8; I Thessalonians 4:16-18; Psalms 78:7; 103:2-5; 119:11,16 and Hebrews 13:16

See this week’s playlist