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2.5.12 PERSEPCTIVE… Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom… 1.29.12 Passion... Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Oh, to have a heart for God like David! By following Psalm 63:1, we too can develop a passion for God.
1.22.12 Counsel… Allow me to ask you a very blunt question: Who, wiser than you, agrees with the decisions you are making? The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 15:22 that “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Our purposes in life can and will be strengthened when we seek the resources of godly counsel. Think about your purpose(s) in life- faith, family, finance, etc. Are you allowing the life experience and wisdom of others to help you accomplish them? It could be the difference between success and failure for 2012. Here are some sources of counsel every Christian should seek… 1.15.12 Hurting or Healing?... Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health... 1.8.12 Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.....Thinking about past successes and failures I've had over the years, I've decided to take a different approach when it comes to the "Big Annual Resolution-Making Time" that every New Year seems to usher in. This year, my resolution is...GROW. Yes, just one word. Honestly, I do have some specific goals, but when I get to the end of 2012, Lord willing I hope to just simply see some GROWTH in my life. By the grace and leading of God, I simply am asking Him to make me better as a Christian, husband, father, pastor, and friend in 2012. More specifically, I want to experience the GROWTH that God has planned- and will facilitate- for my life. Before determining what we want to be, why don't we ask God what He wants to make of us? Make the resolution this year to commit your way (life) to God and see what He does with you. After all, He will bring it to pass. 12.25.11 H is for History. HIS STORY. All of history revolves around the birth, the life, and death of Jesus Christ. Then Jesus rose from the dead! The next great event in history will be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. All revolves around Christ. Can we do any less than fall on our knees and worship him? The Bible is His Story from cover to cover, Christ is revealed in every chapter and every verse. R is from the Riches of Grace we have in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4 7, 8). In Christ God has manifest His grace to us. That is, his underserved favor. It is by His Grace we have forgiveness of sins. It is by grace that God sent His Son to die on the cross. I is for the great “I AM” who came that morning. Jesus Christ is the great “I Am.” Our Lord described Himself numerous times as the great “I Am.” “I am the bread of life.” He is our spiritual sustenance. “I am the light of the world.” He gives light to our path. “I am the door.”He is the only entrance to salvation. “I am the Son of God.” He is God’s only Son. “I am the good Shepherd.” He leads, guides, and directs His Sheep. “I am the way, the truth, the life.” He is the only way to God. S is for salvation from sin. Jesus came to redeem us from our sin. “Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Salvation is in Him alone: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). T is for the Tree, not the Christmas Tree, by the Tree on which Christ eventually died. It was there that our salvation, our redemption was secured. Without His death upon the Tree there would be no hope, no joy, no peace at this Christmas or any Christmas. It was not enough that Jesus born, He also had to die. M is for Mary the Mother of humanity of Jesus Christ. Mary found favor with God and was chosen to be the woman through whom would come the incarnate Deity. Mary said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46, 47). A is for the angles who announced the glorious birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. They announced the good news of salvation for all mankind. They announced the birth of the One who had come to take away all our fears. The One who came to give us everlasting peace. Who? None other than Jesus Christ the Lord. S is for the star over Bethlehem’s manger. Matthew records in His gospel (2:1, 2) that the wise men came and said: “..we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.” What wise men they were! They followed the star and the star led them to Christ. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy and when they saw the Christ child they fell down and worshipped Him. WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!12.18.11 "Emmanuel...God with us." Matthew1:23. Of the many names of Jesus, none is perhaps more treasured personally than the name Emmanuel. Apart from all of the theological implications, just the interpretation of the name should bring us comfort and peace-God with us. This is the only place in the N.T. where this name is mentioned which seems somewhat curious given the fact that the angel of the Lord proclaimed this would be one of Jesus' titles. But the context brings more meaning; this announcement of Emmanuel was given to Joseph, a man whose world was falling apart, a man who had more questions than he had answers, a man whose dreams and plans had evidently gone to ruin. But, he was to find solace in the fact that GOD WOULD BE WITH HIM! And folks, we are to find the same comfort and confidence to move on in life in spite of life because in Jesus, God is with us. He is in us (I John 4:4), He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), and His eyes are over us and His ears open to us (I Peter 3:12.) In Christ, God is with us. Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel!!!12.11.11 12.4.11 Encouragement... everyone loves an encourager. Offices, PTA's, and just about every organization usually has that one person who's personal mission in life is to lift everyone else up. As Christians, knowing what we know, each and every one of us should be an encourager. The Bible calls it exhortation and our church should be - and I believe IS - full of exhorters. In Hebrews 10:25, God's Word tells us that one of the reasons not to miss church is so that we can encourage one another. (insider's tip: if you're in need of some encouragement, find your way to God's house every time the doors are open!) The rainy days of life don't always make it easy (in fact, we have to encourage ourselves sometimes - just like King David), but we can each make it a personal mission to be a personal encourager. In the New Testament, one man (Joses) was such an encourager it actually became his name (Barnabas.) "There goes Encourager" I can hear them say. I wonder what people say when we are coming and going? Is it, "Here comes Mr. Gloom & Doom" or "Watch out for Debby Downer!" or do folks know we're coming bringing a blessing? A kind word, a simple complement, or even a short note go a long way in today's society. Jesus is our Joy and let's let people be blessed by that joy every day. You're a blessing, 11.27.11 You're probably a better Christian than you think you are... was the opening statement given during a college chapel sermon my sophomore year at Bible college. Admittedly, it caused a bit of shock as I had been dealing for some time with the feelings of inadequacy we all face in our spiritual walk. What I learned that day was that my desire to be a better Christian was not wrong but my criteria for being one was. Among the many "false feelers" we put out to gauge our spirituality is the spirituality of others. There is nothing wrong with following the example of a godly Christian, but 2 Corinthians 10:12 tells us that it is unwise to make these types of comparisons. Here's why..1) It disregards the spiritual growth of each individual 2) It disregards the working of God 3) It gives us a false sense of accomplishment - we see the outside, not the heart. The person we're emulating may be a wreck. 4) It places a low goal in growth. Christ-likeness is our goal. We may attain to the walk of others, but our Savior is One whom we are pursuing until we see Him "...as he is." Running my race (and still growing in grace), 11.20.11 Psalm 6:5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? We find here a somber reminder of how important it is to be thankful in the present. As Christians, we anticipate getting to Heaven and showering God with our praises, but the Bible is very clear that we thank Him while we still have breath. Here are some Biblical helps on being thankful:
Let's be sure that Thanksgiving isn't only a day in our lives- but a lifestyle. 11.13.11 "...I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20) We have to battle through our moods into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus, to get out of the hole-and-corner business of our experience into abandoned devotion to Him. Think Who the New Testament says that Jesus Christ is, and then think of the despicable meanness of the miserable faith we have - I haven't had this and that experience! ...Think what faith in Jesus Christ claims - that He can present us faultless before the throne of God, unutterably pure, absolutely rectified and profoundly justified. Stand in implicit adoring faith in Him, He is made unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." Our faith must be in the One from Whom our experience springs. Jesus Christ wants our absolute abandon of devotion to Himself. We never can experience Jesus Christ, nor ever hold Him within the compass of our own hearts, but our faith must be built in strong emphatic confidence in Him. ~ (taken from, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers) 10-30-11 Revival ... When you hear the term “revival” what does it mean to you? Does the image of a large tent and a throng of people gathered at the pulpit in repentant prayer come to mind? Perhaps instead it means a week-long meeting at the church with an evangelistic emphasis. Growing up, it was not uncommon to see in the paper that a revival was coming to town, and those revivals usually consisted of a large tent and meeting with a focus on salvations. Those things are wonderful and great - maybe someday PBC will participate in such - but the truth of the matter is that revival doesn't come to town through special events, revival comes to the heart of a Christian through the conviction of and submission to the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, preaching, and personal reflection we come to know the matchless holiness of God and see our coldness to and distantness from Him. The best definition of revival I have ever heard is this: a renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. I pray, as Ezra did, that God would "...give us a little reviving..." Ezra 9:810-23-11 Family ... Most of the Bible unfolds within the context of family. It is interesting to see how Satan has fought this God-ordained institution from the beginning of human history until now. One only needs to look through the pages of the Bible to see how Satan has vehemently attacked, using the ways and means of this world, what God has designed. It is evident from the first pages in the Bible and to the last, that Satan hates families. Why? It is because He knows that families make up the fabric of society. Spiritual families make strong churches, strong churches make good communities, and good communities make Great Nations! Throughout the whole theme of the Bible, God has worked through the home to bring about His will and ways. That is why Satan so aggressively fought the home, and that is why He is still fighting today. Using a quote from the Bible made by a soldier, leader and - most importantly - a father, will you agree with Joshua and say,"... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:1510-16-11 Hope ... You can find many definitions of the word hope. It can be used as a verb or a noun, but perhaps it could be best stated as "to expect something desired with confidence." I'm finding today that instead of being filled with Hope (or hopeful) many people are hopeless and filled with despair. As a Christian, because we serve the "...God of hope ..." (Romans 15:13), we should most definitely be filled with HOPE. If you want to live in Hope or if you ever find yourself in a situation where all seems lost, remember these two things ....
Our God reigns Supreme. 10-9-11
Our God reigns Supreme! 10-2-11 One of the greatest questions Christians can ask themselves is "What is the will of God for my life?" With the multitude of choices we are faced with, and the many avenues we can possibly take, it can be a daunting and overwhelming task to figure out what it what it is exactly that God wants us to do both on a daily basis and in our life's calling. Fortunately, God has made provision for us. Romans 8:26-27 tells us that the Holy Spirit is making special intercession for us to God according to the will of God. There is a wonderful unity in the God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost working and effecting the will of God in our lives. Be assured that the will of God can be known in your life even when you don't know how to ask for it. Thank God for the gift of His Spirit and His ministry in our lives! 9-11-11 2 Chron. 7:14 - "If ... then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Today, we mark the 10 year anniversary of what is now known infamously as 9/11. The very phrase stirs within us strong emotions of anger, sorrow, vengeance, and justice. For those who have stood at Ground Zero, as I have, an overwhelming sense of loss pervades - it seems - the very air. We have never truly healed as a nation from that attack, and perhaps we never will. God Jehovah once gave Israel a promise of healing in their land, but that promise was conditional. Those conditions were national humility, prayer, and repentance. Although America was humbled in those attacks, and although we nationally turned to prayer (momentarily), we never came to a point of repentance.. Our healing will be complete when we turn to the One who is our source of comfort, protection, guidance, and hope. Pray for America and those who mourn today. Psalm 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ...” 9-4-11 ".... Is it not because there is not a God in Israel ...?" This is the question posed by Elijah to King Ahaziah upon the revelation that the king was seeking guidance from a false god. In reproving Ahaziah, Elijah asks a question the king already has an answer to. Sometimes, we are like Ahaziah. Life throws us a curveball and we run everywhere but to God to find our answers. Hey, Christian, "Is there not a God in the Heaven still upon HIS throne?" He's still here. He's still available, He's still all-powerful. No one has deposed Him and no one ever will! Why would we go to any other source for help than HIM? Just like Ahaziah, we forget that God is our sufficiency and that He is THE ANSWER to all of life's issues. You've heard it said that when all else fails, pray. I say, BEFORE all else fails, pray! Let's make it a hallmark of our life to run to God first. Instead of treating Him like a last option, we have to realize that He is our ONLY option. 8-21-11 7.14.11 Proverbs 10:22: “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it …” Have you ever experienced "buyer's remorse", the feeling that what you got wasn't worth what you paid for it? That's exactly what this world has to offer. You or I may enjoy doing it our way for a little while, but anything done outside of God's design will always bring regret. On the other hand, living life God's way - even if it doesn't suit our circumstance or timetable - will always procure His blessings and bring us joy. You see, He brings the joy, but leaves the sorrow out of it. Sin takes the joy out of our lives and only adds sorrow. God's Way is the best way. A college professor of mine said it this way, "God always gives the best to those who leave the choice up to Him." 7.10.11 Initiative ....The Book of Proverbs is filled with multiple passages on such topics as finance, stewardship, and prosperity. In Chapter 6, The Bible tells us to observe the ways of the ant so that we may learn the ways of the ant and, in doing so, we, too, can have the daily Provision that God has promised and prescribed through WORK. Seeing a need for old-fashioned work ethic over the next few weeks, I want to use this space to "observe the ways of the ant." Firstly, in verse 7, we see that the ant has no guide. The ant doesn't need someone to help it get started on the tasks of the day or the task at hand. This is what we call a self-starter. The proper technical term is INITIATIVE. A person with initiative sees a need, and in seeing the need realizes that he or she is the answer for that need. Perhaps you see an area in our church that could use some help. Guess what! You just may be the answer. A self-starter is always valuable in the work place because that person is always working. A person with initiative is looking to do something - not content to just simply be looking at something. God's Work needs God's people with some godly initiative. Believe the Bible - it will benefit us here and in the hereafter. 6.26.11 I love the book of Proverbs. Its teachings are so practical, discernable, and usable that even the newest Christian can read and understand timeless truths. Over the course of my Christian life, I have made it a regular habit to read through the book of Proverbs every month - one chapter for each day. I guarantee that if you do the same you will find at least one (probably more) truth that will enrich and edify your life. Over the next several weeks, I am going to highlight the various Proverbs that have spoken to me in a special way. This week's Proverb comes from Chapter 14 and verse 4 which reads: "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox." Since reading this nearly two weeks ago, this particular verse has been forefront in my mind and heart daily. It reminds me of something I heard a mother of seven say one day when a friend jokingly stated about the condition of her very messy house. She said, "It's messy because there is a lot of life here." If we are going to have "increase" in any area of our life, there are going to have to be some unpleasantries associated with it. Hard work brings sweat - and success. Most want the success, but not the sweat. Many churches want the blessing that God gives upon a ministry, but not so much the work He prescribes to get it. God blesses work - it is for our works that we are rewarded in heaven. Clean is nice and easy but, just like that mother, I'd rather have some life. 5.29.11
I Love America and I Love our Soldiers, 5.22.11 5.15.11 5.1.11 4.17.11 Proverbs 11:11 - "By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked." I can only think of Sodom and Gomorrah when reading this verse. The Bible says God destroyed those and surrounding cities, not so much for the abundance of wicked men, but because of the lack of righteous men. I truly believe our nation and her cities experienced peace and prosperity like no other because the "blessing of the upright." Could God spare our city today, bless our nation today, based upon the same criteria? Are there enough righteous? It is high-time God's people rise up and live in such a manner that would secure the blessings and protection of our God. 4.10.11. 4.3.11 "Until Christ be formed in you ..." Wow! This is what Paul (perhaps in a semi-frustrated manner) had to say when reminding the church of Galatia of their ultimate goal, Christ-likeness. I must admit that I, too, feel that same frustration when dealing with myself. The church at Galatia had suffered some setbacks in their Christian walk and Paul questioned them as to their desire and method of living for God. I have had this same conversation, usually after setback in my spiritual walk, within the recesses of my own heart, and have come away feeling frustrated and even discouraged. Sound familiar? Thankfully, God's Word reminds us that "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thess. 5:24. Don't lose hope, He is still working on us and HE WILL DO IT! Remember, we're all works in progress. 3.27.11 "... their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord." How sad to be forever recorded in God's Word for not working for the Lord. We find this verse in Nehemiah 3:5, and it is the account of a certain group of God's people who, when given the opportunity, missed out on the privilege of doing something for the purposes of God. If God were to keep record of our labor for Him (and He is, Luke 16:2), how would the account read? Every Christian has a position of service in the Church. Ask yourself, "What doesn't get done if I don't do it?" Let us not be guilty, as these nobles were, for not getting involved in the work of God. Remember, our labor for Him is not in vain. 3.20.11 T - is it true? 3.13.11 If we can learn anything from the current economic downturn, it is this - we have put too much trust, faith, and energy into that which really returns so little. Those things which were promised to provide us security and hope have been found to be nothing more than empty and fleeting endeavors. But none of this should take Christians by surprise. In Proverbs 23:5, the Bible says, "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven." You see, we have set our eyes (placed our faith) "upon that which is not." Let us have the same mind of the Psalmist when he said, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1,2) May our security and hope be found in He who has never failed to be, He who has always been and always will be. What are your eyes upon today? 3.6.2011 INDEPENDENT - that's how we are all hardwired. There is something about the human spirit that says, "I can do this by myself." Yet, when we find ourselves overwhelmed in life, that independent streak often melts into feelings of fear and loneliness. The good news is - we aren't alone! When Jesus was making preparations to return unto heaven, He told His disciples, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;" (John 14:16). The word Comforter means "one that will come along side of." In God the Holy Spirit, we find Him to be not only an advocate and interceder, but we also find Him to be a source of strength and guidance. By indwelling us, He is with us every step of the way- every single day. Perhaps, we are not as independent as we think we are; and you know what? That's a good thing. 2.27.2011 • Everyone has been given a talent to use for the Lord - the Bible calls them gifts 2.20.11 2.06.11 The Great Commission or the Great Omission? In fulfilling the master plan of redemption for mankind, the Lord Jesus gave His disciples His final charge before returning to heaven: “Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” This familiar passage is known as the Great Commission. The disciples were to go into all of the world, preach the gospel, baptize the converts, and disciple them in doctrine and practice. It is God's plan for the perpetuity of the gospel - and in very fact, Christianity. It is in fact, the main mission of any scriptural, Bible-believing church. Sadly, the focus of many churches today is on anything but the preaching of the gospel and the discipleship of believers. We have record numbers of churches opening the doors and record lows of converts down the aisle. We are not to entertain, educate, or infiltrate the world. Christians are to be shining lights in a sin-darkened world. Let us get back on God's plan for reaching the world with the soul-saving gospel of Jesus - crucified and risen again. 1.30.11
Please take these points and ask God to brand them upon our minds and hearts, to bring them to remembrance, and to guide us into fulfilling His expectations for our life. 1.23.11 We are recognizing today at Pioneer Baptist as Vision Sunday. But the question arises, "Just what exactly do we mean by vision?" Well, thank you for asking. With some variances, all of us could probably give a pretty good working definition of the word vision. I would like to use Webster's Dictionary as a starting point, and then apply the word vision to our church:
Today, let us ask God to give us “vision” in every sense of the term – what He would have us do, what we desire to do, what we can do, and what He has done. All for His glory – all for His praise – all for Him. 1.16.11 Time is a precious commodity and in Haggai chapter 1 God spoke to the people concerning their concept and use of time. In light of that, I want to share three thoughts from last Sunday evening’s message on "Getting on God's Timetable." May God use these to spur us to a proper use of time for His 1.9.2011 2011 - Getting Better or Being Made New? 12.19.10 Dear Family and Friends of Pioneer Baptist: From our hearts to yours - Have a very, very Merry Christmas! 12.12.10
12.5.10 The earthly ministry of Jesus, when considering His mighty works and miracles, is nearly inconceivable. In fact, the disciple John supposed that all the books of the world couldn't record everything He did (John 21:25). As believers, we are called to be the ambassadors for our Lord Jesus - in essence, doing the work that Jesus would do if He were ministering today (2 Cor. 5:20). How can we live up to such an admittedly tall order? Perhaps Acts 10:38 can serve as a starting point of sorts. Peter summarized our Savior's ministry with these words- "...he went about doing good..." "Will God hear my prayers?"... Perhaps all of us have asked this question at least once. The real question, though, is not "Does He hear?" our prayers, but "Is God answering our prayers?" George Mueller had over 40,000 recorded answers of prayer during his amazing life. We read that and think that he must have been some special servant of God - and he was. Yet, George Mueller was no different than Elijah, and the Bible reveals that Elijah was no different than us. What separates these men and others like them from the everyday Christian is that their prayers avail much. God's word (James 5) gives us the ingredients for heaven-hearing, earth-answering prayer:
Let us be a people whose prayers God not only hears, but also answers - it is the great privilege and birthright of a child of God. |
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