EDC Christian

Come See the Place

Come See the Place

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6

I enjoy reading each Gospel account of the resurrection of Jesus. The details and perspective of each Gospel book add insight to this amazing and eternity changing event. The greatest event in world history is the resurrection of Christ. People may debate about the greatest occurrence, the birth of Christ, or His resurrection. One without the other would be meaningless. Both are required and are of utmost importance for the true story of Christ to be told. Jesus was born to die.

As the women walked to the tomb early that morning, they were prepared to see His dead body. They brought spices to anoint His body after the traditional custom of the Hebrews. In the quickness of the mock trials and the riot-like execution of Christ, there was no time for a “proper” burial with spices and anointing. We are familiar with the embalming process and use it even today. These ladies were not sure they would even be allowed to perform this process. The Romans soldiers were supposed to be guarding the tomb so that no-one would steal the body of Christ. Would they let them anoint His body? They loved Jesus so much; they were willing to try to anoint His body in a proper way.

When they get to the garden of Joseph of Arimathea, the place is eerily quiet. I wonder if they had felt the earthquake that had occurred earlier in the morning. As they get close to the tomb, they see the stone was already rolled away. What was going on here? Soldiers were lying on the ground as “dead men.” They had fainted at the events from just a few moments earlier. An angel of Heaven rolled the stone away after the earthquake shook the ground. As the troops felt, and saw these things happened they fell down, fainting from shock. Jesus then walks out of the tomb.

As the women gaze in, they here these words from the angel, “He is not here, come see the place where the Lord lay.”

There are at least two investigative type questions we must ask today about the resurrection.

Was the body of Jesus stolen? John 20:6-7 tells us, “Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.”

When Peter ducked into the empty tomb, he saw the linin wrapping that was wrapped around the dead body of Christ before He was buried. Would someone stealing a body take all the clothes off the body and then carry the body away? Would a thief un-wrap the body of a crucified person that was mutilated beyond recognition, and then touch the body with all the fluids, open wounds, and blood all about? That does not make any sense.

Jesus rose again, left the wrapping in its place, and was clothed with fresh, clean garments. His wounds were healed, yet His hands, feet, and side still showed the scars of the Cross. (John 20:27)

Did Jesus really die on the Cross? This is known as the swoon theory. The idea is that Jesus did not really die, but “appeared” to be dead. There is great evidence contrary to this notion. In John 19:34 we discover that, “one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” The pericardium sack around the heart fills with fluid when a man’s body is under intense pressure. The grief and trauma of Jesus taking the sins of the whole world and paying the death penalty for them was a weight too intense for us to even comprehend. All the past, present, and future sins were paid for on the Cross. This payment is effective for you, only if you place your faith in Christ (His work on the Cross and Resurrection), repenting of sin, and asking Christ to save you. Jesus died because of our sin.

As the blood and water gushed from His side, it was clear that He was dead. The idea that a man “near death” could move a 2000 pound stone is ridiculous. Have you or a loved one ever had a surgery in your midsection, belly area or chest? People who have intense wounds or surgery to the middle part of their body are incapacitated for some time. They are not weightlifting within 3 days or even a few weeks. Jesus was totally dead.

Recently, I was blessed to “come see the place” where Jesus was laid in the Garden Tomb. His body was not there. The tomb was empty! Even if I did not see the place with my own two eyes, I can look at the Bible and believe what the eyewitness accounts say. I can believe God the Father who gave us the Bible. I can believe the Holy Spirit who inspired these Truths to be written down.

Have you been able to “see the place” with eyes of faith, believing in the resurrection? Each Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do you know Him as your Risen Lord and Savior today?

What Kind of King Will You Be?

What Kind of King Will You Be?

And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. 2 Kings 9:6

The meaning of life is a consideration that many throughout time have pondered. Countless hours of thought and meditation have been invested into the deep questions of life such as:

“What is the purpose of my life?” or
“Why am I here?”

After being born again, you may ask a similar question: “Now that I am a Christian, is there something I am called of God to do or to be?”

We can learn something about our purpose from a man named Jehu.

Jehu is a man who was a captain in the Israeli Army in the Northern Kingdom. Judah is to the South of the land and comprises the Southern Kingdom. The Northern Tribes and Southern Tribes are divided, having separate capitols and different kings. Jehu is a military leader of men.

We also know that Jehu liked fast chariots. 2 Kings 9:20: informs us of Jehu’s reputation, “…the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.” Jehu was known as a fast and daring chariot driver.

In 2 Kings 9:1-7, we find that God tells Elisha to send a messenger to anoint Jehu to be King over The Northern Kingdom. Ahab’s son, Jehoram is on the throne, but God tells Jehu that he is to become the next king.

The messenger goes to a place called Ramoth Giliad to accomplish this anointing. Ramoth Giliad “is a famous city in the mountains of Gilead; often called Ramoth-Gilead, and sometimes Ramath-Mizpeh, or the Watchtower, Jos 13:26. It belonged to Gad, was assigned to the Levites, and became one of the cities of refuge beyond Jordan, De 4:43; Jos 20:8; 21:38. It was famous during the reigns of the later kings of Israel, and was the occasion of several wars between these princes and the kings of Damascus, who had conquered it, and from whom the kings of Israel endeavored to regain it. Here Ahad died, Joram was wounded, and Jehu was anointed king of Israel, 1Ki 22:1-53; 2Ki 8:28,29; 9:1-14; 2Ch 22:5,6.” (American Tract Society Dictionary)

Jehu is anointed to be the next king. Anointing is the Hebrew word “mashach,” and it means to rub with oil, to anoint; to consecrate; and also to paint. (Strongs)

We must understand that God anoints His children for certain callings and tasks. He then sets us apart and equips us for fulfilling His calling.

The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament paints this word “anointing” with 4 insightful colors:

“First, to anoint an individual or an object indicated an authorized separation for God’s service. Moses anointed Aaron “to sanctify him”
Secondly, though the agent might be the priest or prophet, writers speak of anointed ones as those whom the Lord anointed (e.g. 1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Samuel 12:7). Such language underscores that it is God who is the authorizing agent; that the anointed is inviolable (1 Samuel 24:8ff.); and that the anointed one is to be held in special regard (cf. 1 Samuel 26:9ff.).
Thirdly, one may infer that divine enablement was understood as accompanying māshaḥ. Of both Saul and David it is said in connection with their anointing that “the Spirit of God came mightily upon him” (1 Samuel 10:6ff; 1 Samuel 16:13ff.).
Finally, in the form māshîaḥ, māshaḥ was associated with the coming promised deliverer, Jesus. Though this association with the term māshaḥ is not as prevalent in the OT as often supposed, the prospect of a righteous, Spirit-filled ruler is increasingly discernible in the OT (cf. Isaiah 9:1-7; Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 61:1).”

The questions: “What is your purpose of my life?” and “Why am I here?” take on new meaning for the Christian. We have an anointing of God like Jehu. We have a new purpose and mission to fulfill.

Many people today are looking for value and purpose in all the wrong places.

Drinking alcohol and taking drugs are not a good motivation for living.
Having a boyfriend or girlfriend is not something to live life for.
Getting a new car (chariot for Jehu) is not a goal to be consumed with.
Setting the DVR and recording your favorite TV program is not the purpose for your life.

Consider God’s anointing of Jehu and see how much better it is to follow the call of God in your life.

God has a greater purpose for your life! 2 Kings 9:6

Jehu could be more than a chariot driver. Anyone can grow up and drive a car. A car is not a good aspiration.

Jehu could be more than a captain in the army. Thank the Lord for the Captains in the US Army today. We are blessed for leaders of men who can lead others to victory, even when under fire. Men and women are called to certain vocations and positions, but arriving at a position is not the same as fulfilling it. God had more in plans for Jehu than merely filling a title or holding down a job.

Jehu could do more than simply have a family. A person who is not saved can have a family just as much as a Christian can have a family. Anyone who wants a family can have one today. Some people are called to be single, and others are called to marriage. At any rate, the Lord wanted more from Jehu.

Jehu was called of God to do something that no other person was called to do. Jehu was called to be the next king. Anyone can get a car, work a job, or start a family. Only people seeing their anointing can do more.

God has a greater plan for your life! 2 Kings 9:7

Jehu had the opportunity to fulfill the Will of God. Ahab’s family was to be executed because of Ahab’s and Jezebel’s intense sin. God said in Deuteronomy 32:35 “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.” Judgment belongs to God.

Ahab had killed many innocent people. 1 Kings 18 reveals that prophets of Jehovah were persecuted. There verse 4 says, “For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.” While Obadiah was trying to help God’s men, Ahab allowed his wife Jezebel to “cut off” or kill many.

Jezebel was a wicked woman. 1 Kings 21:15 says, “And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” An innocent man is dead because a queen wanted her cowardly husband to have a piece of land that belonged to a man who refused to sell.

Jehu was able to fulfill the plan of God replacing Ahab’s descendants on the throne of the Northern Kingdom. You and I are able to fulfill the will of God as we yield our lives to Him each day.

Jehu was able to fulfill the Word of God. God had promised that none of Ahab’s decedents would be king in 1 Kings 21:29, “Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house.”

Please note: We are not to kill people who hate God. God calls us to serve Him with love and to show love to those around us. People who harm others in the name of their faith are tragically mistaken. We fulfill God’s Word in a different way in the civil society today. Sometimes soldiers carry out God’s plan, even today. Sometimes God uses other nations to judge others in battle, etc.

For us everyday citizens, we are to be consecrated to be used of God where we live. We can seek to fulfill the Word of God in our lives today with prayer, witnessing, and church participation. We can go beyond merely living a conventional life, we can live a life consecrated and set apart to the Lord.

God has a greater promise for your life! 2 Kings 10:30

The promises of God are better than the promises of the world, our flesh, or the devil. If Jehu refused the anointing of God on his life, we would only know he liked fast chariots. That is not much to be known for. Sometimes when at funeral services it is sad to hear of the lifetime achievements of a person that only lived for temporal things. The Lord has more for us than the here and now. You can do better than being known for a nice car.

If Jehu refused God’s anointing, he would not have become King. None of his children would have been kings. He would have had a job in the army, a chariot, and a family, but he would not have gone on to find the promises of God. God promised Jehu that his family would have a king on the throne for the next 4 generations. That was God’s promise to Jehu. God will not give you a kingdom today, but the Lord sees you as a king with great potential.

We must understand that God anoints His children for certain callings and tasks. He then sets us apart and equips us for fulfilling His calling.

In Revelation 1:6 we discover how the Lord looks at Christians today: “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” God sees you as a king!

What kind of king will you be today? If you study Jehu’s life, he goes on to remove all the Baal worship in the Land. He removes all of Ahab’s descendants from succession to the throne, and also executes wicked Jezebel as part of God’s judgment on Ahab and Jezebel for their extreme wickedness.

However, King Jehu does not regard God’s Word in his reign. He does not obey the Law that the Lord had given to Moses. Jehu allows other false gods to be worshipped and he became known as an “ungodly” king. What a sad testimony for a man who was set apart and anointed to serve the Lord.

In light of Jehu’s life, 1 Peter 2:9-10 may take on new meaning to you: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

What kind of king will you be today? Be a king who fulfills the Will and Word of God. Anyone can accomplish the temporal things of life. You have been anointed a king. Be more. Be a king for the Lord.

Free Range Bear

Bear and Cub

Free Range Bear

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. Proverbs 28:15

Years ago, we had the privilege of living in a small city in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. We enjoyed living there and were always blessed to see the “Wild and Wonderful” wildlife of West Virginia. We had many black bear in our area. It was not uncommon to see a mother bear and her cubs playing, or a bear running up a hill. Even though the cubs look like teddy bears, they grow up fast and when hungry can be dangerous to humans.

I understand that black bear are territorial and have a certain “circuit” they travel in their search for food. Berries and nuts are their primary food source. Many times a bear will defend its area so as to not run out of food. During times of drought, or when for some reason food is scarce, a bear may expand its area to find more food. These “free ranging” bear will come into cities and areas where people live in seasons like this. Our dog was really excited one morning when a bear showed up in our back yard!

One day, we were at another church family’s house on the mountain when we noticed a bear near our truck. This bear was lying down in the driveway. He looked hungry as his body was not plump, but very skinny, almost emaciated. Some corn from feeding the chickens was in the driveway and this bear was laying there licking it off the ground. The other man banged pots and pans together and we rushed at the bear, trying to appear bigger in an attempt to chase him away from the truck so we could leave. The bear was ranging, but expanding his territorial range. He was in an area that he was not supposed to be in because he was hungry.

Ranging in this verse has to do with a “running a course, and eating greedily.” This verse indicates that a governmental leader that is roaring like a lion and ranging like a bear is a wicked leader. Speaking many words, but saying very little is a common tactic of governmental leaders, especially when involved in political campaigns.

Consider then the ranging bear. Just as a bear gets into areas that it should not be in, the government can also get into areas that it should not be in. Wicked leaders can be like the bear. When the “wicked ruler” of this verse is too involved in the life of his citizens, he is in reality interfering with their lives. When the ranging bear goes out of his territory it is because he is hungry and wanting more. When governmental leaders want more control they are acting the same. Greed, lust, power, and manipulation of the poor people is the result. An ever hungry government is like the hungry bear, looking for more food to devour. It is the poor among us who are affected the most.

This application can be seen throughout history in nations with Kings, Parliaments, Congress and Presidents. We should pray for our leaders no matter which party they may be a part of. I suppose the solution to this growing problem would be to elect leaders who do not extend themselves beyond the range of their office.

Streaming and Singing

Streaming and Singing

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:19

From the earliest chapters of the Book of Genesis, we discover that music has been around for a long time. In Genesis 4, Jubal is listed as the creator of the organ and harp. Many musical instruments are listed in the Psalms. Perhaps the pinnacle instrument for music is the human voice. The Lord desires to hear His people praise Him. Music and singing are important to the Lord. Psalms 108:1, A Song or Psalm of David, says: “O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.” Perhaps you enjoy singing. With a terrific voice, or even an unsteady voice, we can offer praise to the Lord in song. Godly music can set your life on a good note for rest of your day.

I hope that you pick up the hymnal or follow the congregational song leader and participate in the congregational singing at your church. There is nothing like a body of believers collectively lifting their voices to the Lord in a church service. That is what the passage in Ephesians 5 is speaking about. The music portions of the church service are refreshing to our souls.

Could we bottle up the music at church and enjoy it at other places? Yes. You can sing along with good music CDs. In fact, with the internet, there are now many good radio stations that offer conservative, Bible based music that you can listen to and sing along with. We can stream on the internet good songs today. Mobile devices offer many of these same options.

Free internet radio you may enjoy, depending on your preferences, could be found at:

http://btmradio.org/

http://www.fbnradio.com/

http://www.rejoice.org/

http://knvbc.com/

http://www.bbnradio.org/

As with any resource; while recommended, not everything may be endorsed. The point is, there are many good options in which you can continue to be edified with spiritual, helpful, God-honoring music. Be encouraged – sing to the Lord. Sing along with your favorite songs wherever you are today.

For the Minus 25 Days

For the Minus 25 Days

Today as we prepared for this work / school day, the temperature outside was well below 0. In fact the “feel” temperature, factoring in the wind, was a brutal minus 25. The Lord sends the seasons, and cold is included. Some schools close because they do not want their students waiting outside for the school bus. Going to school or work is not the issue; it is waiting outside that can be harmful. No matter where you live, it is good to have a plan for dealing with the sub-zero temperatures. At minus 25, exposed skin can become frostbitten in 20 to 30 minutes. We must still go to work or school; and do not want to miss worshiping the Lord at church.

Peter was warming himself by a fire of coals in John 18:18 which says: “And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.” He was trailing Jesus and following the Lord as He was being “tried” just before going to the cross. Coals and building spontaneous fires may not work in our society today, but there are a few ways we can ensure warmth. Even though Peter is about to deny Christ, he is following the Lord on a cold night. We want to follow Jesus too. Cold weather does not have to stop us.

Here are some ideas to help stay warm and safe on minus 25 days:

Bundle up. 3 layers (tops and bottoms) can really help a person stay warm. This is clothing that can remain on you, even while in the building at school or work. The extra warm socks are great on days like this.
Dry your hair. Allow to “air dry” or use a hair dryer. No one should go out with wet or even damp hair.
Wear a winter coat.
Wear gloves. There are many different levels of insulation available in gloves today.
Wear a scarf. Scars are helpful for children too. On days like this, we cover our faces(mouth and nose) with scarfs.
Wear a hat. Much heat escapes through the top of the head. A hat is a great way to keep the body temperature up.
Wear earmuffs. Sometimes the ears need extra protection. Scarfs can also be used for the ears.
Plan ahead. Putting all of the above clothing on, and wearing the extra layers will take additional time in preparation, and even assimilation after you arrive at your destination.
Warm up the car. Give at least 10 minutes head start to your car to warm before you venture out.
Have “HotHands” hand warmers in your car. These are handy warmers in a small package that can really help. We carry these in the event that our car is in an accident or will not start.
Have blankets in the car. These would come in handy in the event of an accident or the car not starting while out.
Stay hydrated. Be sure to have taken in plenty of fluids before venturing outdoors. Keeping the “insides” of your body functioning can help you stay warm.
Walk fast. Moving from the vehicle to the building you are entering should not take a lot of time. Move fast, but safely, considering the possibility of ice or snow on the ground.
Use lotion. Our hands can use the extra protection hand lotion provides. Even face creams can help our faces and necks against the coldness. If going to be out for an extended time (not recommended) use sunscreen.

Perhaps you know of other ways to plan for the bitterly cold days. Always take into account your current state of health and the doctors’ orders if you are sick. If you know your car will not start or is having battery issues, correct those issues before traveling. In a normal circumstance, we should plan ahead and continue to serve the Lord in spite of the cold. We can still follow Jesus.

Fresh Starts

Fresh Starts

Recently, I was playing basketball in a community men’s league. These men get together for about 2 hours each Monday during the winter months to play on the hardwood. The games lasted 8 minutes each. At the end of each game the scoreboard was cleared of the points and another game started with 8 minutes on the clock. It was a fresh start. That was good for some of the teams playing to have a chance of winning! It also gave some of us time to catch our breath. New games are good.

Something new is not always good. For example in Exodus 1:8 the Bible says: “Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.” This was not good for Joseph’s family. Joseph had already passed away leaving his people, by that time a nation, within a nation in the land of Goshen. This new Pharaoh did not know the history about Joseph and how he was such a help to the Egyptian people during his lifetime. The new king then put the Israelites into slavery. Something or someone new is not always good.

The Bible uses the term “new” in 138 verses. The Lord has much to say about this subject. Perhaps there is something new that He would like in your life in this coming New Year. Here are few good examples of “new.”

New songs are good. Psalm 33:3 encourages: “Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.” And again in Psalm 40:3, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” Fresh, encouraging music should fill our homes and minds with reminders of God’s love, grace and mercy. The songs, hymns, and spiritual songs that you listen or sing should remind you of the new creature and the fresh work of Christ in your life.

Something that is new to you may have been around a while. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 observes: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.” On this point, it is good to note that we should not pour water on the fire of enthusiasm of a young person leaning something that is new to them. If it is old to you, avoid discouraging the excitement in another. We took our entire family to a basketball game for the first time. It was a new experience for each of our young children. They loved it! Basketball has been around for a while – but this college game setting was new to them. There is always a good time and place for edifying others.

A new you is here. In the most personal letter to the Corinthian church, Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” These believers had some trouble in their church of which Paul addressed in the Book of 1 Corinthians. By the time the second letter is sent, he is very encouraging and gives them, and us, this insightful verse. We are new creatures in Christ! They were sinning in the past in the church, in their families, and in their thinking, but they changed. This is one of the greatest truths Christianity offers – Christ can change our lives, from lives of sin to lives of sanctification and service to the Lord. You can be a “New You!” Many believers simply do not live in the Spirit and effectively do not live a new life. The Lord identifies them as “carnal” or worldly” Christians.” Instead of loving Jesus like they should, they are still in love with the world.

Salvation is more than “tuning over a new leaf.” Being saved is more than a fresh start. However, a believer who has backslidden or lived in sin for a while needs to embrace the new life that God makes available to him. This truth is for a Christian today – don’t live like the old you (lost in sin) live like the new you, a new creature in Jesus! Romans 8:2 describes this in saying: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” You have a new life “in” Jesus.

Perhaps a sin, addiction, or evil way of thinking dominated your life last year – it does not need to dominate your life in the New Year. If you are a Christian – old things are passed away. You are a new person. Don’t let a past defeat define you today. Ask forgiveness, repent of the sin, and by Gods’ grace – be the new you in the new year!

Decide today: Listen to good music. Encourage others. Be the new you in Jesus. Reset the game clock. Get a fresh start from God for daily living.

Sunrises & Sunsets

Sunrises & Sunsets

They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Psalm 65:8

We love the mountains; from the Appalachian mountain range, and the Catskills in New York, to the Rockies in the West, the mountains God gave the USA are majestic. Other nations have majestic mountain ranges as well with terrific scenes such as the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains of Australia.

We also love the waves of the ocean. Have you ever fought with a wave while on a boat? Has a wave ever tipped your boat over? Waves are powerful. During storms along the coast, many people would testify to the great power of the waves. “It is said that from about 500 BC to 1967, there were 286 instances of devastating tsunami or tidal waves. The highest recorded tsunami was off Valdez, Alaska, after the great Prince William Sound earthquake of 1964. That giant went up to 200 feet high.” (Signs of the Times) Waves can be devastatingly powerful. The largest wave ever recorded was on July 9, 1958 in Alaska’s Lituya Bay. The wave reached elevations as high as 1720 feet! (geology.com)

As David is inspired of the Lord to pen Psalm 65, he begins by declaring that he wants to “pay his vows” to the Lord. David is a man of his word and he wants to praise the Lord with his faithful actions. He goes on to describe how the Lord will deliver him from evil people. He states that blessing comes from the Lord and that salvation is from God. He portrays the Lord as the one Who formed all the large mountains and Who is in charge of all the seas, the massive waves, and even the people of the earth. The Lord is worthy to be praised in our daily lives! In the rest of the passage, David, tells of the Lord’s work in the fields of agriculture, meteorology, and geology. All the while, the people are to shout and sing for joy!

In verse 8, David speaks about the people of the earth fearing the Lord because of His “tokens.” This word “token” has to do with evidence and signs. As David was looking around him, he saw the evidence of the God who loves, cares, and created the earth. This is Who the God of the Bible is. We must recognize the Lord for Who His is, His power, and His might. The Lord is to be respected and we should stand in “awe” of Him. His majesty is evident in the mountains and His power is clear as we see the waves of the sea. Both are too great for us as humans, but very small to the Lord.

David then describes the outgoings of the morning and the outgoings of the evening. He says that they are caused to rejoice by the Lord. The Sunset and the Sunrise are an expression of the rejoicing of the Lord in His creation and His world. What a wonderful Lord we have! Every time you see the sun go up or the sun go down – be reminded to rejoice in the Lord. Praise His name.

This offers us an opportunity to praise the Lord every day. No matter what is happening in your life or mine, we can praise the Lord in the morning and in the evening. Get near a window or go outside for a while in the morning or the evening. Look up and see the “heavens” declaring the glory of God in the sunrise and sunset.

Could we make it a practice to meet with the Lord in both AM and PM to pause and praise Him for something He has done or is doing in our lives? In the next several weeks our church is conducting what we are calling “20 Days of Praise.” Each day, we are starting the morning with the Lord and His Word. We are considering something that the Lord can be praised for from Scripture then writing it down on paper. This will set a tone of praising the Lord for the rest of our day. Then, as the day rounds out and the sun goes down, we are meeting with the Lord again and giving thanks for something that He did in our lives throughout that day.

You can join us in the “20 Days of Praise” campaign. If we are consistent with this, it will become a lifestyle pattern of being thankful, having proper respect, and praising the Lord in each and every day He gives.

A Costly Excuse

A Costly Excuse

Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Years ago, I served alongside a Godly deacon who would frequently say: “Everyone has an excuse – what’s yours?” Many times we can offer up weak reasons for not doing the right thing. Excuses have cost men their families, workers, their jobs, and Christians their faithful service to the Lord. In fact, some people are not in Heaven today because they offered an excuse as to why not accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

In Acts 24, we find Paul under a type of house arrest. He is permitted visitors and is able to move around in his home. A guard is with him at all times. We know Paul became a great witness to those who were given the task of guarding this “prisoner of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!” Felix is the Roman Governor of Judea. In the verse above, He brings Paul to his governmental hall and allows for him to plead his case. He lets Paul expound on the faith in Christ that Paul is so willing to be persecuted for.

As the story unfolds we find that Felix really wants to let Paul go – only if he receives a large sum of money in the form of a bribe. That of course does not happen. Was Felix only interested in the money he thought he could possibly get – or was he moved by the message of Paul? Many times we read over the verse above and look at how Felix wants a bribe in verse 26, but verse 25 makes it clear – the message Paul spoke was working in Felix’s life! Notice: “as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Felix trembled. What Paul was saying was the truth and the truth started to convict Felix of his need of salvation! Wow – what a moment – Paul may have thought that Felix was about to be saved and then….

Then Felix offers an excuse. Any excuse is costly when we reject God’s truth. Felix was rejecting God’s Word, Jesus the Savior, and the Servant of the Lord. He suddenly says, “it is not convenient for me to listen to you anymore.” What happened? When Felix was confronted with the truth, he was convicted and made a choice to “Excuse” himself from the facts of the message that Paul was proclaiming.

If you are not sure about your eternity – STOP – consider, listen to the message of the Lord. God loves you so much, He gave His Son to die on the cross for your sins. You can be forgiven because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. The blood of Jesus was shed so we could be forgiven and given a home in Heaven. Don’t make an excuse – trust the Lord Jesus to forgive and save your soul. Place your faith in Jesus alone for your salvation. Any excuse will be a sorry and sad excuse in eternity.

Christians, let’s not make excuses – when we hear the Lord speaking to our hearts – let’s respond the right way. Let’s not obey the Lord only when it is “convenient” to do so. Any excuse for obeying the Lord is a costly excuse when we stand before him one day!

Getting Back on Track

Getting Back on Track

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Psalm 119:67

Every day it occurs; a vehicle or some form of transportation leaves its intended course. The result is a crash, with many of these wrecks being deadly to the human passengers. A car goes off the road, a train derails off the tracks, a ship or airplane goes off course. Whenever the vehicle goes off of its intended path and direction there is damage, and trouble. The loss of life, cleanup, and expenses are enormous. The same is true concerning the path we take in our lives. When we get off the path, we need help getting back on! Going off God’s intended path for us is damaging, costly, and hurtful for us as well. The Lord has given us clear directions for right and wrong, for Christian living as opposed to worldly living.

In the verse above you will notice the Psalm writer went astray and then affliction came along that got his attention. In fact, after the affliction, he was better able to obey God’s Word. Affliction has to do with distress, and difficult events that severely affect a person. It would seem like all affliction is bad, but sometimes affliction can work out for the good! Later on in the Psalm 119:71 he says: It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The Lord allowed or sent the affliction to His servant so that the person wondering astray could get back on track. What a wonderful God we have, Who is willing to help us get back on the right path. May the Lord help us to learn from the moments of life we are given, (those abounding moments and those affliction moments), and grow closer to the Lord and to get back on or continue on the path that He would have us to go.

The Night Will Come

The Night Will Come

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4

The perfect example of Jesus Christ can be applied to our lives. Here He is teaching His followers that He is doing the work of God, the very moments in which they were witnessing and living together. In His earthly ministry, the Lord used His time to fulfill the Father’s will!

We are encouraged to do the same as Christ. He admonishes the disciples that a time will come when they will no longer be able to do God’s work. A time will come when no work will be able to be accomplished. The night will come.

In 2008, I came across this disturbing article with bad news that could eventually affect us.

“Several dozen Muslim nations are signed onto a Defamation of Religions resolution at the United Nations. The resolution proposes to establish an international law that makes it a criminal act ‘to defame another religion.’”

This is aimed directly at Christians. Anyone who is spreading the Gospel of Christ would, under this provision, be guilty of a crime against Islam. The American Center for Law and Justice reports that the only religion named as ‘another religion’ is Islam. Let there be no doubt what is happening. There is a full court press on all fronts to create the tyranny in America that already exists in these Muslim nations. “Christians, indeed all people who love freedom, should be standing up to oppose the forward movement of Islam.”

What Can I Do??? Serve Jesus today. Give the Gospel today. Talk to others about Jesus and His gift of salvation. Go to church each service. Encourage other Christians. Help send missionaries around the world. Serve in your local church this week. Pray. Give. Go. For Christ and with His Gospel.

The night on earth will come some day. Now is the time that we serve the Lord, for the time will come, when Christians are gone and can no longer share the Good News of salvation!