EDC Christian

Discovering Joy

Discovering Joy

Joy has been aptly defined in a simple and yet profound acrostic.

Jesus, Others, You.

I like that. Consider the depth of joy as opposed to the shallowness of mere happiness. Happiness is generally derived from outer circumstances, while joy comes from within. Happiness is impacted by good or bad surroundings whereas joy remains constant no matter the events a person may go through. Joy is something that God can put inside your mind when you love and adore Him first in life. We can be happy when our team wins; but if our team losses, we can still have joy. We can get excited when the report comes back good; but when the doctor says, cancer or surgery, we can still have joy.

Speaking of the Macedonian Christians, Paul said in 2 Corinthians 8:2 “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”

These early Christians were suffering persecution, yet remained joyful in Jesus. Many were tortured and killed for their faith. These believers were known to be poor, yet were rich in spirit and even in sacrificing what little finances they had in order to give to missions work and Gospel ministry. They had and Gospel focus in life.

They were so focused on loving The Lord, and on serving others that in spite of their lack of stuff, they had joy. Even though their circumstances were tragic – they were at peace with God, satisfied with life, and expressed the joy of the Lord in their countenance, actions, and relationships.

Many times, we settle for “pursuing happiness” when we should be seeking, Bible based joy. Even if your circumstances are “less than ideal” or even if it seems like one storm after another comes your way – you can have the joy of the Lord in your life.

Following the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, the people gather together to hear Ezra read the Bible. Following his reading, Nehemiah stands up and says in Nehemiah 8:10, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

The Joy of the Lord is our strength too. Nehemiah says to “go celebrate, but no matter what happens the rest of your life – you can rely the joy of the Lord.” This joy gives us strength and hope for the journey called life. The Jews in the rebuilt city of Jerusalem were to face more troubles and challenges in the days ahead – and we will too. Relying on the power of God can reinforce this idea that no matter the circumstances, the joy of the Lord can be real in our life.

Change the priority and focus of your life. When my love shifts from selfishly loving myself to selflessly loving God, then others, and then far down the list, myself – then joy is can be discovered in my life.

Jesus – First.

Others – Second.

You – Last.

It will change your life.

Responding to Our Public Leaders

Responding to our Public Leaders

Romans 13:1-7 is a passage of Scripture devoted to the Christian response to our governmental leaders. No matter which side if the isle and what model of leadership they offer, the Bible has a “one size fits all” approach the Christian should consider for his response to our public leaders. Note the following Scripture:

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Application from Romans 13:1-7 includes:

Be a Good Subject. We do not have kings in America, but we do have leaders that God has appointed to lead us. Even if we disagree with the leader, it is God who has placed him there.
Do Good Works. A citizen who is not breaking the law should have no fear of the government. The government does not terrorize law abiding citizens. Law breakers should be fearful of the consequences of their breaking the law. The government was appointed by God to “bear the sword” or enforce the rules of the land. People doing good should have nothing to fear.
Have a Clear Conscience. The leaders are held accountable to God, by God. We can vote people in or out of office, but ultimately any leader answers the God. We can have a clear conscience in the areas of showing respect, observing the law, and being proper in our response to the leaders.
Show Honor. I have heard many “Good people” say jokes about various presidents or other political leaders. It is not right to mock authority. We are to show honor. Even if the person is no longer respectable because of scandal, impeachment, or some other cloud hanging over them, the position they hold should be revered and respected. God established and ordained the position they are holding. God put them in that position. It is right to show honor, not name calling, mocking, or scorning. Most people need to learn to disagree with grace.

Praying for our leaders is one final admonition for this post. No matter if in “my” party, the “other” or no party, our leaders need our prayers. We are on the same national team. It is God who “holds the Kings Heart.” It is God who can work despite sinful men. It is the Lord who shows mercy and grace every day. We are to pray. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 declares: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Have you prayed for our nation today? Have you prayed for the outgoing and incoming president? Posting to social media is not as important as praying to God on behalf of our leaders. Will you have a proper Christian response to our leaders?

A Parental Challenge

A Parental Challenge

The following moth story can help us understand part of our role as parents: “One man noticed an emperor moth struggling to emerge through a small hole in its cocoon so he decided to assist it. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the cocoon. The moth emerged easily, but it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. Later the man learned the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.” – Fresh

Sometimes allowing a child to suffer consequences is the best thing for them to develop proper character going forward. Parenting is such a demanding calling and requires much patience and personal discipline to properly train and develop a child. Parenting is a challenge!

Colossians 3:21 teaches, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”

Parents who take serious the Bible admonitions about parenting will want to know what this verse means in their daily life. Parents must be parenting with purpose. There must be an end goal, a hopeful desire that you want to see achieved before your child leaves your home. Besides the physical and academic growth, we should strive for our children to be more like Jesus, exhibiting real Christ-likeness and not simply outer conformity. It is a terrific goal. Consistent and specific development objectives should be worked towards.

Part of the goals you have should include – not discouraging your child.

Discouraged is defined as “to be spiritless, i.e. disheartened: –to be dismayed.”

Have you ever watched a child wondering through life and it seems his eyes are glazed over? Perhaps you have seen a teenager seem totally in a fog. Sometimes this is attributed to illegal drugs, or it may be a child who has been abused or neglected. Sometimes it is caused by overused behavioral medications. At any rate, we have all seen children that seem to have no drive, desire, or motivation. They are emotionless, going through the motions of life.

A child living with a lot of anger eventually becomes a child who has been discouraged to the extreme. He may look as if he has no reason to live. According to Colossians 3:21, a parent could provoke his child to this extreme form of discouragement.

Provoke is a Bible term that means to “to stimulate (especially to anger).” In the context of this verse, the word “anger” is connected to this word “provoke.”

Angry words, lifting of the voice, a lack of attention, a perception of not loving or caring could each be ways a child is stimulated to anger.

Anger left unchanged will become consistent discouragement. Disillusionment can set in early in life. So many children today are cynical about life.

There are many other areas we could consider that could provoke a child to anger: making fun of a child, making a big deal about small things, not giving a purpose in the home (such as responsibilities which give meaning and purpose), embarrassing a child on purpose, and even not giving good council and clear direction for choices (“What do you want to do?” Is not good parenting. “What does God want you to do?” Or, “What does the Bible say you should do?” Is much better.). You get the idea. Here are three areas we must avoid or we may provoke our children to anger and if left unchecked, disillusionment with life could develop:

Allowing Arguing is not proper parenting. When a parent comes down to peer level and allows arguing, it creates insecurity in the child and feeds the natural man’s desire for rebellion. A child allowed to argue will become good at manipulation to get his or her own way. Big and sweeping changes happen in a family when a child becomes boss. Even the least bit of argument can create a spirit of anger. Constant battles, raised voices, angry words, flashes of facial hatred should not be tolerated. Be firm and be loving. Be the parent. Be the boss.

Accepting Un-Thankfulness ill prepares a child for life. Not developing an attitude of appreciation is a fast way to provoke to anger. A child left to be un-thankful will find nothing to be “good enough in life.” An un-thankful heart is a rebellious heart for the Lord said: “In everything give thanks.”

This is generally seen in complaining. For example: “School is not good enough – I need to transfer. Church programs are not good enough. Friends are not good enough. The food is terrible. A Birthday gift was not big enough. I wish I had more_______.”

A parent determined to not see their child angry and discouraged will not seek to constantly please the child but will do everything possible develop an attitude that does not complain. “Attitude Adjustments” are needed in some children more than others.

A child left to complain will grow into young adulthood and never find contentment and satisfaction unless the Lord dramatically changes their life. A college class will be “no good.” A married spouse will “not satisfy me.” The workplace will be “boring” and “I hate my job” will become the norm. Just “getting by” will become common place. A person like this also becomes real adept at skipping around from church to church.

Removing Anticipation. Kids should have something to look forward to with each new school year, and with each age they arrive at. Becoming a teenager should be mysterious and include new things to look forward to. Becoming a college student and young adult should be exciting. Saving sex for marriage is part of the mystery and awe for newlyweds. Anticipation is needed in life.

In our family, our children are taught to look forward to the next step. For example: A full size bicycle at age 11, youth group starting in grade 7, summer Bible camp in grade 8, for the girls – earrings after age 11, a driver license at 16, the chance to play on a High School sports team in High School. You get the picture. However you choose to develop your child – it must include anticipation for something special about the future.

When kids are given everything – they will develop a sense of emptiness and shallowness. Some have so much given so early in life – they have nothing to look forward to and start searching and longing for a reason to live. This is one reason so many turns to vapes, tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs and illicit sexual activity; it is sometimes because they have nothing good to look forward to.

Take this parental challenge: Don’t allow arguing, change the bad attitude of un-appreciation, and make every year something to look forward to with great anticipation.

The Better Question

The Better Question

“…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” Ephesians 5:25

Joe was blessed when he truly understood the Bible for the first time. “Imagine the love of God for a sinful person like me?” he thought. Following accepting Jesus for salvation, Joe began to study the Bible with another church member. Soon after he was baptized and was excited to be part of a loving church where he could hear the Bible taught each service. He attended both services Sunday and even got up early for the Bible study in Sunday School.

Joe was busy just like everyone else. His job required late nights and the shift hours were tough at times. He was trying to advance his career and was taking classes to earn another degree. His son played in the local baseball league, and his daughter was busy with music lessons and performances. Yet he still prioritized giving Sunday to the Lord. His life was changing.

Then one day, he was sick, and unable to take the family to church. His wife and kids went without him. He next week he needed to be out of town for completing a certification for his job and he did not make it back in time for Sunday church. The following week a family reunion was to start at 1:00 PM and it took about 2 hours to drive to the location, so he and the family had to miss church again. That fourth Sunday, Joe was simply tired. He had been up all night working on a house project “We have to have heat,” he grumbled. He was not a plumber, but he was working on the heating system to make sure his family was warm. “I’m tired, leave me alone,” was now rubbing off on the whole family. Each one was now discouraged. No-one in Joe’s family went to church that Sunday. After several months, Joe’s family were not heard of again in the church.

A story like this happens in every church. Much. Too. Often.

Why is it that some Christians “give up” on faithful church attendance? The consistent attendance and participation in church worship services is an integral part of the Christian life. After all – the Lord Jesus gave His life for the church. What an example of love for church Jesus demonstrated for us? Could we give ourselves to faithful church attendance? The world, our flesh, and Satan are enemies of this godly routine of setting a day aside to worship the Lord.

Some believers get out of the church attendance habit. They do not decide to, but it just happens. One service here, one sickness in the family, a vacation or trip, a snow day or an inconvenient change in the work schedule. After missing 3-4 services, some Christians begin to lose their resolve to go back to church. With a sense of defeat they think: “I missed this much, what is one more?”

After several months of no church attendance some Christians ask: “What will the church members think of me if I show up this Sunday?” The reasoning is that the other Christians will be judgmental or harsh for the lack of attendance. I have found that this reasoning is faulty. The regular church members are happy for the “backslidden believer” coming back to church. The faithful church members have been praying and have missed the wayward brother or sister in Christ. Instead of commendation – the others congratulate the friend for coming back to church.

A better question to ask than “What do the church members think?” Is this question – “What does Jesus think?” In our misplaced pride, we can speculate the response of other people. We should live to please Jesus, not others. Avoid letting pride about what others think to prevent you from getting back into the church attendance and worship participation habit.

Jesus wants you to come back to church. Even though the church is not perfect – yet, you make it a better form of the image of Jesus when you show up and participate in worship and service to the Lord. Go back to church this Sunday. The people will congratulate and welcome you.

Readers Are Leaders

“Readers are Leaders”

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13

“Readers are Leaders” It is a thoughtful statement. As learned as Paul was, he continued to read the Bible (Parchments) and books. This is a good example for us today. The Bible teaches us to continually grow spiritually, personally, relationally, and professionally. Reading is a good way to accomplish this. Make sure you are “especially” reading the Bible. In addition, here are several suggestions for your library. In a day of disclosures, please note: While recommended, not everything may be endorsed.

General:

The Calvary Road, Hession

I Am a Church Member, Rainer

Church Still Works, Chappell & Reed

The Pastor in Prayer, Spurgeon

Be Committed, Weirsbe

The Power of His Presence, Rogers

How God Answers Prayers, Towns

Key Words in the Christian Life, Wiersbe

Understanding the Times, Ham

The Plan B Prayer, Zacharias

Marriage:

A Firm Foundation, Chappell

A Faith Full Marriage, Chappell

The Right Romance in Marriage, Rice

The Love Dare, Kendrick

How to Save Your Marriage Alone, Wheat

Christian Living in the Home, Adams

The Five Love Languages, Chapman

The Christian Home, Sexton

Making Home Work, Chappell

Live Lighter, Love Better, Schmidt

The Love Dare Day by Day, Kendrick

Retirees:

Fourth Quarter, Sisk

How Do You Feel Today, Harness

Parenting:

Basics of Biblical Parenting, Chappell

Do You Mind If Your Kids Don’t, Rice

Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Tripp

Ladies:

The Choice is Yours, Chappell

A Joyful Heart, Gibbs

Wisdom from Women in the Bible, Maxwell

Men:

The Steps of a Good Man, Sisk

Lest You Fall, Hummell

Turn Away Wrath, Hummell

One Being a Servant of God, Wiersbe

Living Beyond Your Capacity, Chappell

Learning From The Giants, Maxwell

Great Hunting Stories, Chapman

Teens:

Discover Your Destiny, Schmidt

Just Friends, Mike Ray & Cary Schmidt

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn for Teens, Maxwell

Money Matters for Teens, Burkett & Wooding

Boyhood and Beyond: Practical Steps to Becoming a Man, Schultz

Young Adults:

Boundaries in Dating, Cloud & Townshend

Before the Ring, Coleman

Starting Out Right, Burkett

Finances:

How to Manage Your Money, Larry Burkett

Giving & Tithing, Larry Burkett

Never Enough?, Blue & Guess

What book are you currently reading?

What book has helped you in your Christian life the most that you read in the last year?

Please leave your encouraging comments.

When God’s Word Grows

When God’s Word Grows

“But the word of God grew and multiplied.” Acts 12:24

People were being saved. Lives were changed. The church was overcoming intense persecution. More people were saved. Many were added to the church. Church leaders were imprisoned. The Lord led several jail breaks. In Acts chapter 12, Peter is released from jail by the Lord and walks to a church prayer meeting in the upper room at Mark’s mothers house. Rhoda answered the door and did not believe it – Peter was supposed to be in jail. The Lord did a miracle in this escape. So many miracles are accounted for in the Book of Acts.

When the Bible says: “The Word of God Grew” it does not mean that their “Bible” was getting bigger. While the entire Bible was not yet committed to parchment, it does not mean new books of the Bible were being written. It means two things: The number of Christians increased and the level of discipleship increased in each believer. Consider how we as Christians are responsible to put ourselves in a place where we see the Word of God growing in our lives.

More People. Many churches and individual Christians settle on the idea that spiritual growth is exclusive of numerical growth, but that is not correct thinking. When the Word grew in the book of Acts, more people were saved and numbers of more people were added to the local church. Avoid spiritualizing the lack of visitors at church, or the lack of people being saved as a “sign of the times” or a lack of spiritual interest on the part of others. It could be we do not see the church grow because we do not care that it grows, do not think that it can grow or in selfishness do not want it to grow. May the Lord grow His word in our hearts so that we in response live it and give in and the yield can be an increase in the numbers of people attending church.

Greater Maturity. Spirit growth is a goal in each Christians life. Becoming more like Jesus is what the Christian life is all about. Philippians 2:5 says imperatively: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Developing the mind of Christ happens when we not only read through the Bible, but let the Bible get through us. To think, speak, and act like Jesus is a natural progression for a spiritualy focused person. Each day we are striving to be more like Him. This can only happen as we read the Word, hear the Word preached, and practice living the Word.

Bible reading and Bible study can change your life. There was a man named William McPherson who read through the Bible faithfully. The American Bible Society reports: “He was the superintendent for a stone quarry when a blast severely injured him. He lost his eyesight and both hands in the explosion. He was determined to read the Bible, and learned to read raised letters with the tip of his tongue. It is said that he read through the Bible four times in this manner.” The Word grew in his life.

For some of us when God’s Word grows in us, we will go to church more often. Others will read the Bible more frequently. Some will step up to a teaching or support role in the church. There are many needs in a local church for Christians who are continuing their spiritual growth. If you have arrived spiritually, please do not apply for a position. Churches need people who are consistently allowing God’s Word to grow in their lives.

No matter what may happen to you in the coming days, you can rely on God’s Word to help you. Persecution, trouble, health issues, job loss, loved ones hurting – no matter what – the Bible will help you get through it. The miracle for us today is the same as it was back then. We will not see jail doors open or the laying on of hands for healing, but we can see the miracle of people being saved, lives and families being changed, and new people coming to church. We can see the Word of God multiplied in our lives and in the lives of those around us as we decide to be more like Jesus each day.

When God’s Word grows, it includes more people developing greater maturity in allowing the Word to shape their mind to be like Christ.

Developing Character at Christmas

Developing Character at Christmas

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

In a day of extreme excess and people forgetting the true meaning of Christmas, Christian people must purpose in their mind and be deliberate in their actions to accurately portray Christmas to the family and to others.

The American Research Group reports: “Shoppers around the country say they are planning to spend an average of $929 for gifts this holiday season, up from $882 last year according to the 32d annual survey on holiday spending from the American Research Group, Inc. Planned gift spending for 2016 is $47 above spending in 2015 and it is the first time planned gift spending exceeds $900 since 2006.”

Black Friday, and Cyber Monday were again record breaking days in the number of sales and dollars transacted.

I like the choir song: “Much to do no time to do it, I can’t get it all done at Christmastime…”

With our schedules and minds being pulled in so many different directions, sometimes we forget the real purpose and meaning of Christmas!

Here are some ideas to help build character in yourself and your family members.

Emphasize Giving, Not Getting. In Acts 20:35 Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Encourage kids to give outgrown cloths.
Encourage the family to give unused toys (Even the tools and toys the men may have).
Exemplify giving to others in more need. Find someone to give food or essential items. Give things that you enjoy that others may enjoy them too.
Enjoy sharing a meal with others.
No matter our age, occupation, or financial status, each of us are in a position where we can give something to someone else.

Encourage Moderation, Not Excess. Philippians 4:5 declares: “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”

Moderation means appropriate and mild. When the wise men celebrated Jesus, they did so with three meaningful gifts: “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

The gold was worthy of a King, the frankincense demonstrating His purity, and the myrrh represented His purpose for coming, to die on the cross. Most of the time a few quality gifts mean more.

Joseph was able to take baby Jesus to Egypt and escape the murderous plot of King Herod to kill all the baby boys age 2 and under. Joseph left his job and had the ability to move because of these meaningful gifts.

With our children we have purpose behind each gift. We give…

An item they were hoping for. An item that would be on a “Wish list.”
An item they share with others in watching or listening to. An old TV show or movie that does not take away but contributes to godly character.
An item they can play with others. A board game, basketball, or even a video game would work here.

Cloths are a necessity so we do not include them as an item. Three gifts are all we plan for. Be purposeful with your gifts. You may have some priorities that are like the above suggestions. Whatever you do – have a purpose of some kind behind each one. Be generous – with purpose and meaning.

Enable Simplicity, Not Busyness.

The church at Ephesus in Revelation chapter 2 “left their first love.” How can that happen? Because of the excess, commercials, and lustful society we live in – it is easy to get caught up with material things and business too.

Proverbs 4:23 instructs: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” In order to keep safe our heart – we must have a greater purpose and plan.

Sometimes we are so busy we do get anything done. Many of us do not accomplish anything that is worthwhile even though they have stress, work, and all the other symptoms of being productive.

SELAH – Stop and Think – is a needed practice at Christmas time. Here are some suggestions to help you not be so busy that you forget what Christmas is really all about.

Read the Christmas Story in Matthew 2 and Luke 2.
Go to and participate in special church programs, but lesson your overall commitments of time and energy to things that have less than spiritual purposes.
Turn off the tv during the days off school. Our kids should not sit in front of a tv from 8 am to 3 pm.
Tune up beautiful Christmas Music. There are many wonderful Christian radio websites that will encourage you. Please see the other postings for their addresses.
Go Christmas Caroling.
If you do watch a Christmas Movie, do so together as a family.

Be Purposeful – to Develop Character at Christmas. Since Jesus Himself is the gift of Christmas, the things we do and give should reflect Him. After all – It is His birthday we are supposed to be celebrating.

The Trees of Christmas

The Trees of Christmas

Do you enjoy decorating the Christmas tree? Many people love them. I like seeing the big ones in parks. Our children have fun decorating our tree each year in our home.

We have a “Thanksgiving Tree” in our house as soon as November rolls around. Then we re-decorate to make it our Christmas tree in December. Use the same tree for nearly 2 months of the year.

Having family customs and traditions will make your home a place of special memories. Your kids will love it and remember it. Even if it is inconvenient for you, the memories will be worth it later.

The Christmas Story begins and ends with a tree.

There are Several Trees in the Bible as we think about the Christmas Tree.

Our First Tree is in the Garden of Eden.

The Garden of Eden was full of Trees: Fur, Cedars, Chesnut, etc… : Ezekiel message to Pharaoh included trees. The King of Assyria was compared to these trees and Pharaoh was told he would become greater than these trees: Ezekiel 31:8-9 says, The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. 9 I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him. Pharaoh would also fall in his pride: Ezekiel 31:18 To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

The “Tree of Life” is mentioned in Genesis 2:9, And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

“The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” is also spoken of in Genesis 2:16-17. God told Adam and Adam told Eve to not eat the fruit of this tree. They could eat all the other tree fruit, except this one.

Eve was tempted by the Serpent and Adam chose to disobey the Lord. They fell to the Temptation of the Tree: Genesis 3:17 says, And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

This resulted in SEPARATION from God: Genesis 3:2 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Much SORROW came about including being kicked out of the Garden of Eden: Genesis 3:24, So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Apparently, before sin, Adam could eat the fruit of the “Tree of Life.” After sin – God removed Adam and Eve from the Garden so they could no longer eat the tree of life.

The Next Tree is in The Garden of Gethsemane.

While not mentioned specifically, the Lord Jesus was praying to God the Father in the midst of a grove of Olive trees. This location is the Mount of Olives. There are many of the same trees alive today that were there when Jesus met with God the Father in prayer. The photo above is of one of those trees.

Matthew 26:36-39 tells us, Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

From Olive Oil to Olive Branches, much is symbolized in the Olive Tree.

A Symbol of Preservation. Genesis 8:11 declares, And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. The Lord preserved the human race and the olive branch was a sign of hope that they survived the global flood and a new life was emerging following the flood.
A Symbol of Prosperity. Olive Oil; we cook with it. It is used in Old Testament ceremonies. Even Candles (or lamps) were lit with it in the Old and New Testaments.
A Symbol of Peace. Olive Branch. Think United Nations logo. There is an Olive Branch.

In the middle of the Olive Grove Jesus was making Preservation Possible, giving us the Prosperity of Heaven, and Praying for believers to have Peace with God. Peace is possible only because of His blood that was shed on the third tree we will look at – the Golgotha Tree. Because of the sin surrounding the first tree – an our own sin, Jesus came to earth to die on a tree.

Because of sin – we are at enmity against God. In other words we are enemies towards God. That is not a good place to be! Observe the following:

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The Third Tree is The Golgotha Tree; Otherwise known as “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
John 12:32-33 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

WE GO FULL CIRCLE. We Begin with a Tree in the Garden of Eden, We walked up the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed on His way to the Cross, and then– it was on that Old Rugged Tree – Jesus died for your sin.

The First tree was fashioned by God and sinfully visited by man.
The Last Tree was Fashioned by Man and selflessly visited by God.
The First Tree was Perfect and wonderful to see.
The Last Tree was splintered, ugly, and bloody – hard to look at.
The First tree opened mankind’s eyes to sin.
The Last Tree covers God’s eyes to our sin.
The first Tree was Adams Downfall.
The Last Tree was Jesus’s Death.
It was because of the First Tree That Jesus had to come to earth.
It is because of the Last Tree that we can go to Heaven.

After spending 3 entire days dead – Jesus rose again. After dying on the cross, and paying the price for our sin – Jesus came out of the tomb. Just as Jesus came the first time – He is coming again, a second time.

Believe in the First Coming of Jesus. He came to die on the cross taking your sin. Christmas time is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus who came to earth to make a way for you to be united with God. Without Jesus we have no relationship or fellowship with God the Father. While the first tree became the ruin of man, the last tree became the place of our salvation.

Why not accept Jesus by faith today? Receive the free gift of eternal life. It is free to us; yet paid for with the high price of the life of Jesus.

Don’t look at the Christmas Tree in your home the same way today. Let it remind you of the first and last tree. The Christmas Story begins and ends with a tree.

How to Know You Are Not Thankful

How to Know You Are Not Thankful

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 106:1

For this posting, you may want to open your Bible to Psalm 106 to follow along in the text.

“A man writing at a post-office desk was approached by an elderly fellow who asked, “Sir, could I get you to address this postcard for me?”

The man did so gladly, and then agreed to another request, which was to write a message on the card, and to sign it. He then asked, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

The old fellow thought a moment, then said, “Yes. Add this at the end: ‘P.S. Please excuse the handwriting.”

All of us should be challenged with the idea of thankfulness. You can Become a thankful person today. Early Israel is our example to learn from in Psalm 106.

Eight marks of thanklessness to the Lord include:

Forgetting the Mercy of God. 1-7
Lusting for More Stuff. 8-15
Envying Others’ Power. 16-23
Murmuring Behind Closed Doors. 25-26.
Making Idle Inventions. 28-29, 39

Please note that Inventions = deeds. We can be very creative at evil action. Our imagination can be dangerous. Imagination = “Framing of the Mind.” When we think of it – then our actions will follow: See how these verses inform this truth: Genesis 6:5, And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And in Psalm 81:12, So I gave them up unto their own hearts (“Imagination”) lust: and they walked in their own counsels.

Too Much Time on Our Hands could be the result of blessing or even the result of hard work. When we abuse the time with evil, it is the product of an un-thankful heart.

“Idle Hands are the devils workshop.” It is a true idea rooted in Bible truth. Voids of good activity are always filled with evil activity. Fill your day with good actions. Fill your heart with Bible Intention. Stage the platform of your life so that free time is used for good, not evil.

It could be that being with other people prevents sin.
It may be that reading the Bible prevents sin.
It is possible that having routines and expectations could prevent sin.
It is true that being thankful, daily, could prevent sin. “An Attitude of Gratitude” goes a long way.
Idle inactivity often leads to idol activity!

Provoking Anger in Others. 29, 40, 32-33
Mixing Up Relationships. 34-36
Disregarding Human Life. 37-39

Check your life against this list of eight marks of thanklessness. How did you do? You could get this right with God right now and have a fresh perspective on life.

WHAT should I DO about Un-thankfulness? Good question. Here are 3 helps:

Stand for Right. 30-31
1. Think Right. Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind (“Imagination” in Hebrew) is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
2. Do Right. Phinehas was thinking right and therefore he did right. As a result we know him even today as being a righteous man. He was thankful to God so he was willing to stand for God and right.
Seek Mercy. 44-46. May the Lord not give us what we really deserve. Remind yourself of His mercies each morning to help with your days perspectives.
Say “Thank You.” 47-48. In prayer – be purposefully thankful to God.

May the Lord help us to be a thankful people. Not only in November – but in each day that He gives to us. Be encouraged and challenged to live thankfully each day.

You can Become a thankful person today.

After Election Thoughts

After Election Thoughts

No matter if your candidate won or not, life goes on. Congratulations to both candidates for their effort. Kudos to Mr Trump. Consider this short list of things to continue or to begin doing in the coming days.

Read the Bible. Psalm 119:105 teachers: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” We need God’s wisdom to properly process what is happening in our world. Seek His guidance in the Bible.

Pray. Psalm 55:17 says, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Take your concerns, care, troubles, and problems to the Lord. Spend some time worshiping Him and thanking Him that He will always be God and that there is no one like Him.

Go to Church. Speaking to the day we live in Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Isolationists and “holier than thou” people who are avoiding others cannot glorify God. Actively evangelizing, and edifying believers can only take place through the local church. Exalting Jesus includes reaching the lost and encouraging other saints. One cannot happen without the others. A thoughtful illustration one pastor printed in his bulletin looks like this:

“This___is___the____way__the___church__sometimes____looks__to__the_______pastor____when____he___goes__into______the____pulpit.”

“Wouldlooklikethisifeverybodybroughtsomebodyelsetochurch.”

Witness. Acts 1:8 declares, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” With the same passion for politics you have or saw others have in the recent election – take the Gospel to others. Talk about Jesus in your home, neighborhood, coffee houses, and at family gatherings.

Rest. Rest in the will of God. Peace is found in Christ. Let Him handle the issues of the day. Sure, do your part, but leave it all with Him. Psalm 118:4 says, “Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.” And Psalm 118:29 declares: “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Thank the Lord for the peace that is found while resting in His mercy.

Life goes on following every election. Things change, but life goes on. Jesus sees the bigger picture. Politics and government is not the solution to the greatest needs – Jesus is. A revival of loving God can only begin in an individual heart. These are not items “Good Christians” have in their lives. These are things that “Growing Christians” strive to nurture in their lives. Be more or become more like Jesus today.