"Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not." Proverbs 8:33
Isn't it funny that we will follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to the care and operation of certain objects or appliances. For example, if you have a small electrical appliance and the instructions say- "Do Not Immerse"- you will be sure that when you are cleaning it you do not put it into water. If your flashlight calls for a particular size of battle you will purchase that size to use in it, not another size. It's that way with everything that we have which comes with instructions. We follow them and do what the manufacturer suggest. So my question is this, "Why is it, when it comes to the Bible, we don't do the same?"
The Bible is our "instruction manual" for life. It tells us what we should and should not do. It tells us how to receive eternal life. It tells us what the consequences will be if we refuse to follow its instructions. Yet, many people treat it with less regard than they do the owner's manual for an appliance. They ignore its teachings. They reject its warnings. They overlook its instructions. When you try to tell them what it says, they aren't interested and act as if you are making it up or that they can "violate" its warnings and still be safe. The instructions that came with my lawn mower warned me not to stick my hands or feet under it while it is running. Why? So that I don't lose a limb. Am I going to heed that warning? You better believe it. We obey these instructions because we want to stay safe and not risk injury. But we won't listen to God's warnings and continue living a lifestyle that leads to death.
God is the author of the Bible. He wrote it in order that you might know the truth about "life"-- how to have eternal life and abundant life, and how to "maintain" and "operate/live" it. When God's word says that the soul who sins will surely die, it means just that. It doesn't matter if society says a sinful practice is all right; it doesn't matter if our culture says it is not sin; it doesn't matter if it is politically correct; if the "manual/Bible" gives a warning concerning it, you heed what is in the manual regardless of what others may try to tell you.
As with anything, if you ignore the warnings and instructions and go against them you will reap the consequences. This is true also of God's warnings that are written in the Bible. Are you ignoring them? Or are you heeding them? If you ignore them, it can cause serious injury or death- spiritually speaking. If you heed them and follow them, you will enjoy eternal and abundant life.
Have a great day. If you'll heed what the manufacturer of an appliance says, why won't you heed what God says in His word?
For further reading:
Proverbs 2:1,2; 7:1,2; 4:13,14,20; 3:1
Ezekiel 18:20a
Psalm 50:16,17
1 Corinthians 6:9,10
Galatians 5:19-25
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"Lay The Weight Aside"
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
Not everything that weighs us down is something sinful, but it encumbers us nevertheless and hinders us from running the "race that is set before us.". "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." It is so easy to get involved with so much busyness that our focus and attention is given to it instead of pursuing the things of God that tend to eternal life. We live in a world that is always vying for our attention, especially in our Western world-- there is no want for activity and there is no lack of entertainment that pulls us to itself.
Am I saying that activity and entertainment is wrong? Am I saying that we shouldn't be involved in anything? No, and, yes. Not everything that we get involved in is wrong. As the scripture told us- not everything that weighs us down is necessarily sin. But the yes of my answer is this- if it hinders you from not only running the race but staying in the race, then it is wrong. Is it worth losing the race over? Is it more important? Will you give it exchange for your soul? Is it more valuable than your relationship with your Savior Jesus?
If you have ever done any gardening- vegetable or flowers- you know that if you don't pull the weeds up but allow them to grow they will suck all the nutrients from the plants. I used to have a plant in my house that would occasionally make a very pretty bulb type of flower. I was told that the flower was not a flower at all, it was a sucker and I needed to remove it or it would stunt the growth of the plant. I was reluctant at first because it was so pretty, but for the benefit of the plant- if it was going to grow and thrive- I had to do it.
There comes a time when we all have to take inventory of our lives. We have to check and see what is necessary and what really isn't. We have to determine what is just "excess baggage" and what is essential. We have to decide whether it is aiding our spiritual growth or "sucking" the life out of it. Then we have to make the choice to either allow it to remain or "de-clutter" and remove it from our lives. What is weighing you down this morning? What is a hindrance to your walk with the Lord? What is slowing you down in the race? Is it really that important? Is it really worth it?
Have a great day. Just because it may not be "sin" doesn't mean that it still won't weigh you down and hinder you from running the race.
For further reading:
Matthew 16:26; 6:33
Luke 10:38-42; 21:34
Not everything that weighs us down is something sinful, but it encumbers us nevertheless and hinders us from running the "race that is set before us.". "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." It is so easy to get involved with so much busyness that our focus and attention is given to it instead of pursuing the things of God that tend to eternal life. We live in a world that is always vying for our attention, especially in our Western world-- there is no want for activity and there is no lack of entertainment that pulls us to itself.
Am I saying that activity and entertainment is wrong? Am I saying that we shouldn't be involved in anything? No, and, yes. Not everything that we get involved in is wrong. As the scripture told us- not everything that weighs us down is necessarily sin. But the yes of my answer is this- if it hinders you from not only running the race but staying in the race, then it is wrong. Is it worth losing the race over? Is it more important? Will you give it exchange for your soul? Is it more valuable than your relationship with your Savior Jesus?
If you have ever done any gardening- vegetable or flowers- you know that if you don't pull the weeds up but allow them to grow they will suck all the nutrients from the plants. I used to have a plant in my house that would occasionally make a very pretty bulb type of flower. I was told that the flower was not a flower at all, it was a sucker and I needed to remove it or it would stunt the growth of the plant. I was reluctant at first because it was so pretty, but for the benefit of the plant- if it was going to grow and thrive- I had to do it.
There comes a time when we all have to take inventory of our lives. We have to check and see what is necessary and what really isn't. We have to determine what is just "excess baggage" and what is essential. We have to decide whether it is aiding our spiritual growth or "sucking" the life out of it. Then we have to make the choice to either allow it to remain or "de-clutter" and remove it from our lives. What is weighing you down this morning? What is a hindrance to your walk with the Lord? What is slowing you down in the race? Is it really that important? Is it really worth it?
Have a great day. Just because it may not be "sin" doesn't mean that it still won't weigh you down and hinder you from running the race.
For further reading:
Matthew 16:26; 6:33
Luke 10:38-42; 21:34
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
"He's Coming For His Sheep"
"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." Matthew 25:32
Recently someone asked me about the beliefs of a particular denomination. They had heard that this denomination believes that they are the only ones who are going to heaven and if you are not part of their church you will not make it. I have noticed that there are several religious groups that believe this same way. They believe that they are the only ones who will be there or that Jesus is returning only for them. As our conversation progressed I told this person that when Jesus returns He isn't coming for a denomination. He isn't coming for the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Catholic, etc. He is coming for His sheep. (He is coming for His sheep regardless of what denomination that they are in.)
Jesus is the good Shepherd, and the Shepherd is coming for His sheep. He is coming for those who are following Him- like sheep follow their shepherd. (Please read on and understand what I am saying.) He isn't coming for the "religious". He isn't coming for "church goers". He isn't coming for the "church member". You can be all that- religious, church member, church worker, etc.- and still not be a follower of Jesus. The Pharisees were all that, but they didn't follow Jesus, they rejected Him and His teachings. Just because you sit in church doesn't mean that you are following Jesus any more than going to McDonald's makes you a Big Mac. Just "sitting" in church, just attending church services, just being part of a particular denomination is not what defines you as a follower of Christ. Repenting of your sins, being obedient to His commands, loving Him with all your heart, seeking to do His will and not your own, giving Him first place in your life, making Him the Lord of your life is what makes you are follower. It makes you one of His sheep.
Are you counting on your affiliation with a particular denomination to save you? Are you counting on your church attendance and adherence to that church to make you right with God? Are you putting your faith in your religion to get you to heaven? Or are you putting your faith in Jesus and living out your faith by following Him? Are you just going to church or following the Shepherd? Your denominational affiliation doesn't save you, faith in Christ does. And faith in Christ means you follow Him.
Have a great day. Are you a follower of the Good Shepherd or just a denomination?
For further reading:
John 10:11-15,27
Matthew 16:24
Ephesians 2:8,9
John 3:16
Recently someone asked me about the beliefs of a particular denomination. They had heard that this denomination believes that they are the only ones who are going to heaven and if you are not part of their church you will not make it. I have noticed that there are several religious groups that believe this same way. They believe that they are the only ones who will be there or that Jesus is returning only for them. As our conversation progressed I told this person that when Jesus returns He isn't coming for a denomination. He isn't coming for the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Catholic, etc. He is coming for His sheep. (He is coming for His sheep regardless of what denomination that they are in.)
Jesus is the good Shepherd, and the Shepherd is coming for His sheep. He is coming for those who are following Him- like sheep follow their shepherd. (Please read on and understand what I am saying.) He isn't coming for the "religious". He isn't coming for "church goers". He isn't coming for the "church member". You can be all that- religious, church member, church worker, etc.- and still not be a follower of Jesus. The Pharisees were all that, but they didn't follow Jesus, they rejected Him and His teachings. Just because you sit in church doesn't mean that you are following Jesus any more than going to McDonald's makes you a Big Mac. Just "sitting" in church, just attending church services, just being part of a particular denomination is not what defines you as a follower of Christ. Repenting of your sins, being obedient to His commands, loving Him with all your heart, seeking to do His will and not your own, giving Him first place in your life, making Him the Lord of your life is what makes you are follower. It makes you one of His sheep.
Are you counting on your affiliation with a particular denomination to save you? Are you counting on your church attendance and adherence to that church to make you right with God? Are you putting your faith in your religion to get you to heaven? Or are you putting your faith in Jesus and living out your faith by following Him? Are you just going to church or following the Shepherd? Your denominational affiliation doesn't save you, faith in Christ does. And faith in Christ means you follow Him.
Have a great day. Are you a follower of the Good Shepherd or just a denomination?
For further reading:
John 10:11-15,27
Matthew 16:24
Ephesians 2:8,9
John 3:16
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
"Room"
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7
I was thinking about an old hymn this morning- "There is Room At The Cross". The chorus goes like this: "There's room at the cross for you. There's room at the cross for you. Tho millions have come. There's still room for one. Yes, there's room at the cross for you." As this song played over and over in my mind, I thought about making room for Jesus. This earth did not make room for Him at His first coming. There was no room for Him to be born in- He was born in a stable. There was no grave for Him to be buried in- He borrowed a tomb. Even now He still doesn't find room in the lives of multiplied millions of people. And sadly, even among His own children is room seldom made for Him in their daily activities.
But I have good news this morning. Even though we seem to find no, or little, room for Him, He has made room for us. He made room for us by coming to earth-- He took the time to reach down to dying humanity in order to give us the opportunity to receive eternal life. He made room at the cross for whoever would come to Him in repentance-- the space at the foot of the cross is not limited, there is always room for one more. He has also made room for us in His house-- He couldn't find a place here on earth, but He has made sure that we find a place in heaven. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
He is preparing a room/place in heaven. This place is for those who will give Him room in their lives here on earth in return. Is that you this morning? Are you giving Him room in your life? If so, how much room does He occupy? If you aren't, why not? Or do you give Him room when it is convenient or only when you need His help? When He comes desiring to spend time with you, does He often walk away having found no room- not even a "stable"? You are the desire of His heart so He has made room for you. If He is your desire, you will make room for Him.
Have a great day. He has made room for you, are you making room for Him?
For further reading:
Matthew 6:33
Psalm 31:8
John 14:1-3,23
I was thinking about an old hymn this morning- "There is Room At The Cross". The chorus goes like this: "There's room at the cross for you. There's room at the cross for you. Tho millions have come. There's still room for one. Yes, there's room at the cross for you." As this song played over and over in my mind, I thought about making room for Jesus. This earth did not make room for Him at His first coming. There was no room for Him to be born in- He was born in a stable. There was no grave for Him to be buried in- He borrowed a tomb. Even now He still doesn't find room in the lives of multiplied millions of people. And sadly, even among His own children is room seldom made for Him in their daily activities.
But I have good news this morning. Even though we seem to find no, or little, room for Him, He has made room for us. He made room for us by coming to earth-- He took the time to reach down to dying humanity in order to give us the opportunity to receive eternal life. He made room at the cross for whoever would come to Him in repentance-- the space at the foot of the cross is not limited, there is always room for one more. He has also made room for us in His house-- He couldn't find a place here on earth, but He has made sure that we find a place in heaven. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
He is preparing a room/place in heaven. This place is for those who will give Him room in their lives here on earth in return. Is that you this morning? Are you giving Him room in your life? If so, how much room does He occupy? If you aren't, why not? Or do you give Him room when it is convenient or only when you need His help? When He comes desiring to spend time with you, does He often walk away having found no room- not even a "stable"? You are the desire of His heart so He has made room for you. If He is your desire, you will make room for Him.
Have a great day. He has made room for you, are you making room for Him?
For further reading:
Matthew 6:33
Psalm 31:8
John 14:1-3,23
Monday, May 3, 2010
"Refused"
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." Matthew 19:21,22
When I went to the mailbox the other day, I discovered two of my newsletters had been returned to me. They were both from the same person. The reason that was printed on the envelope as to why they were returned was- "refused". They were refused by the recipient. In order to be on the mailing list you have to request to be added. So why would this person request to be added then later refuse them? (I have found out since, because I know this person personally, that this was a mistake and they do want to remain on the list.)
But this incident made me think about how we are with the Lord sometimes. We say we want Him in our lives. We make a decision for Him. We invite Him to be our Lord and Savior. We say we want Him to lead and direct our lives. We make the choice for Him, He doesn't force Himself on us, yet we often "refuse" Him. We "refuse" His leading when He is leading us in a way that we do not want to go. We "refuse" His instructions when there is a sacrifice on our parts that is involved. We "refuse" His words when He tells us something we don't want to hear. We "refuse" to obey when what He requires conflicts with what we want.
The rich young ruler was the one who came seeking Jesus out. He was the one who asked what he had to do to have eternal life. He was the one who wanted an answer, yet when he got it... he "refused" it. Do you have the same testimony as this young man? Is this where you are today? Have you received Jesus as Savior and Lord, yet you are "refusing" to listen to His commands and obey them? If this is the case, then you will wind up in the same state as this young man- sorrowful and away from Jesus. Jesus made Himself available to you. You received Him by asking Him into your life. So will you choose to follow Him or refuse to follow?
Have a great day. There is no way you can choose to follow Him then refuse to obey Him and think that you are still following Him.
For further reading:
Isaiah 1:19; 29:13
James 1:22
Matthew 16:24
John 12:26
Luke 9:57-62
When I went to the mailbox the other day, I discovered two of my newsletters had been returned to me. They were both from the same person. The reason that was printed on the envelope as to why they were returned was- "refused". They were refused by the recipient. In order to be on the mailing list you have to request to be added. So why would this person request to be added then later refuse them? (I have found out since, because I know this person personally, that this was a mistake and they do want to remain on the list.)
But this incident made me think about how we are with the Lord sometimes. We say we want Him in our lives. We make a decision for Him. We invite Him to be our Lord and Savior. We say we want Him to lead and direct our lives. We make the choice for Him, He doesn't force Himself on us, yet we often "refuse" Him. We "refuse" His leading when He is leading us in a way that we do not want to go. We "refuse" His instructions when there is a sacrifice on our parts that is involved. We "refuse" His words when He tells us something we don't want to hear. We "refuse" to obey when what He requires conflicts with what we want.
The rich young ruler was the one who came seeking Jesus out. He was the one who asked what he had to do to have eternal life. He was the one who wanted an answer, yet when he got it... he "refused" it. Do you have the same testimony as this young man? Is this where you are today? Have you received Jesus as Savior and Lord, yet you are "refusing" to listen to His commands and obey them? If this is the case, then you will wind up in the same state as this young man- sorrowful and away from Jesus. Jesus made Himself available to you. You received Him by asking Him into your life. So will you choose to follow Him or refuse to follow?
Have a great day. There is no way you can choose to follow Him then refuse to obey Him and think that you are still following Him.
For further reading:
Isaiah 1:19; 29:13
James 1:22
Matthew 16:24
John 12:26
Luke 9:57-62
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