In case you've never checked it out you can find a link on the left of my blog. Captain Stephen Court and the Salvos (Salvationists in Australia) like many places around the world, are still fired up to win the world for Jesus.
This is a partial re-post from his blog from March 28th...
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We want to win the world for Jesus.
a. That sounds really hard!
To win the world for Jesus takes evangelism and discipleship. But the thing is, it is really hard to get people saved and discipled. And it is deceitfully easier to do other things, like feeding them and clothing them. It is easier to sleep at night when you haven’t seen anyone saved for awhile and that you are not discipling anyone knowing that you have fed a family or clothed a poor beggar. And that isn’t true of individuals only. It goes for denominations, too.
b. It sounds pretty narrow-minded.
To win the world for Jesus suggests that other means aren’t don’t work. And that sounds so judgemental of other religions and other philosophies and other means of seeking God. And yet no other thing works. None of them deals with the cry that births every sincere religion: a. how to connect with God; and, b. how to deal with our problem of sin. Rituals and self-abasement, or a series of works and attempts to earn an audience with God have proved futile for centuries in various religious guises. And every attempt to deal with sin aside from Jesus is equally futile. Jesus is the only name under heaven by which we must be saved.
c. It sounds sort of arrogant.
To win the world for Jesus indicates that other things aren’t worthy. Surely there are other fantastic things to which to devote your lives. You could invest yourself in feeding hungry people. Or you could throw away your life in ending human trafficking. Or you could fight to save all of the AIDS orphans. Or you could try to find homes for homeless people. Or you could … The list goes on ad infinitum. The point is, these are all important things to do. Hungry people need food. Traffic victims need freedom. Orphans need parenting. Homeless people need homes. But if any or all of these alternatives become more important than winning the world for Jesus then the result is more than likely to be well-fed, rescued and freed, adopted and parented, and bedded people populating hell. On the other hand, if you throw your life away to win the world for Jesus then a bunch of people will get saved and go to heaven, and a bunch more people will be on the receiving end of God’s mercy as you and those converts feed and free and adopt and construct, both as a supernatural overflow of God’s love in your lives and as a means to win the world for Jesus.
d. It sounds to much.
To win the world for Jesus seems condemnatory of anything less. Some would aim for authentic Christian community. Others pine for the ‘good old days’, an era that almost inevitably has grown better by the year. And more than a few look for modest success. But who sets these as life purposes? Authentic Christian community is a means, not an end. The good old days are meant to spur us on to love and good deeds, not stall us in mission. Modest success puts limits on God by aiming subjectively at relative comparison, rather than global mandate. Don’t confuse means for ends. Don’t misuse the lessons of the past. Don’t settle for the world’s perspective on success. Win the world for Jesus.
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After hearing the good news of Jesus and the commands He has has given us as His followers, it sounds like our Savior deserves nothing less.
I don't recall which of the Booth's said it, but I read once the phrase, "let's win the whole world for Jesus, there is no reason He shouldn't have it"!
Live holy, Preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Father, into your hands I commit my spirit
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
10 Excuses Not to Attend Church
—InHis.com humor archive; submitted by Mike Herman, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
If you took the excuses people use for not going to church and applied them to other important areas of life, you'd realize how inconsistent we can be in our logic. For example:
10 Reasons Not to Wash
1. I was forced to as a child.
2. People who make soap are only after your money.
3. I wash on special occasions like Christmas and Easter.
4. People who wash are hypocrites—they think they are cleaner than everyone else.
5. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.
6. I used to wash. It got boring though, so I stopped.
7. None of my friends wash.
8. The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer.
9. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
10. I can't spare the time.
In all seriousness, going to church and religion will not get you saved, but once saved why wouldn't you want to coporately worship with others who are part of the Body of Christ that He has set up on this earth.
If your corps (or church) is not all it should be, or is missing a program or group you'd prefer, offer to help get it going.
Remember that you shouldn't go just to "get blessed", simply go to "bless God" and see how your expereince changes.
Whether you make it to a corps, a church, a cell group, or otherwise, spend some time with God today. Jesus, and Jesus alone, saves from sin and hell, for heaven and holiness.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
If you took the excuses people use for not going to church and applied them to other important areas of life, you'd realize how inconsistent we can be in our logic. For example:
10 Reasons Not to Wash
1. I was forced to as a child.
2. People who make soap are only after your money.
3. I wash on special occasions like Christmas and Easter.
4. People who wash are hypocrites—they think they are cleaner than everyone else.
5. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.
6. I used to wash. It got boring though, so I stopped.
7. None of my friends wash.
8. The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer.
9. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
10. I can't spare the time.
In all seriousness, going to church and religion will not get you saved, but once saved why wouldn't you want to coporately worship with others who are part of the Body of Christ that He has set up on this earth.
If your corps (or church) is not all it should be, or is missing a program or group you'd prefer, offer to help get it going.
Remember that you shouldn't go just to "get blessed", simply go to "bless God" and see how your expereince changes.
Whether you make it to a corps, a church, a cell group, or otherwise, spend some time with God today. Jesus, and Jesus alone, saves from sin and hell, for heaven and holiness.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
6 Resolutions by Willaim Booth (at age 20)
1. That I will rise every morning sufficiently early to wash, dress, and
have a few minutes, not less than 5, in private prayer.
2. That I will, as much as possible, avoid all that babbling and idle talk
in which I have lately so sinfully indulged.
3. That I will endeavor in my conduct and deportment before the
world and my fellow servants especially to conduct myself as a
humble, meek and zealous follower of Christ, and by serious
conversation and warning endeavor to lead them to think of their
immortal souls.
4. That I will read no less than four chapters in God’s Word every
day.
5. That I will strive to live closer to God, and to seek after holiness of
heart and leave providential events with God.
6. That I will read over this every day or at least twice a week.
“God help me, enable me to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and to
yield myself a prisoner of love to the redeemer of the world.”
“I feel my own weakness, and without God’s help I shall not keep
these resolutions. The Lord have mercy upon my guilty soul.”
Soldiers - live resolved to live holy, preach Jesus!
have a few minutes, not less than 5, in private prayer.
2. That I will, as much as possible, avoid all that babbling and idle talk
in which I have lately so sinfully indulged.
3. That I will endeavor in my conduct and deportment before the
world and my fellow servants especially to conduct myself as a
humble, meek and zealous follower of Christ, and by serious
conversation and warning endeavor to lead them to think of their
immortal souls.
4. That I will read no less than four chapters in God’s Word every
day.
5. That I will strive to live closer to God, and to seek after holiness of
heart and leave providential events with God.
6. That I will read over this every day or at least twice a week.
“God help me, enable me to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and to
yield myself a prisoner of love to the redeemer of the world.”
“I feel my own weakness, and without God’s help I shall not keep
these resolutions. The Lord have mercy upon my guilty soul.”
Soldiers - live resolved to live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Captain's meditation on John 11:38-44
Take a minute to read this passage of scripture...
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Some thoughts I pondered again as I read this fantastic scripture were these...
1. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but before granting this miracle of a resurrected life, He had others remove the stone.
2. After raising Lazarus from the dead He had others help Lazarus to remove the grave clothes.
3. If Jesus gives you new life (or involves you in the privilege of bringing someone to Christ) remember to take of your old dead grave clothes.
Being resurrected to new life if a blessing indeed, but don't settle for being bound by "dead stuff". Live holy and take off the old garments, sins, and dead habits that will stink up and restrict your new resurrected life!
Dearest salvationists (and follower of Jesus) let's press on to FULL-salvation, not just salvation from hell to heaven the day we die, but from hellish living to an abundant, holy, heavenly living NOW!
Jesus saves from sin and sinning. Let's through off every sin that entangles and start living a life fully devoted to God and completely abandoned to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Why not take of your grave clothes today and then remind someone today that Jesus saves to the uttermost.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Some thoughts I pondered again as I read this fantastic scripture were these...
1. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but before granting this miracle of a resurrected life, He had others remove the stone.
2. After raising Lazarus from the dead He had others help Lazarus to remove the grave clothes.
3. If Jesus gives you new life (or involves you in the privilege of bringing someone to Christ) remember to take of your old dead grave clothes.
Being resurrected to new life if a blessing indeed, but don't settle for being bound by "dead stuff". Live holy and take off the old garments, sins, and dead habits that will stink up and restrict your new resurrected life!
Dearest salvationists (and follower of Jesus) let's press on to FULL-salvation, not just salvation from hell to heaven the day we die, but from hellish living to an abundant, holy, heavenly living NOW!
Jesus saves from sin and sinning. Let's through off every sin that entangles and start living a life fully devoted to God and completely abandoned to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Why not take of your grave clothes today and then remind someone today that Jesus saves to the uttermost.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Non-threatening evangelism? John 14:27
Here is a thought for those of you trying to overcome your fear about witnessing... how about trying to share a tract or a word with your local Wal-mart employee or the waitress at your local restaurant? They are paid to be nice, they can't call you crazy, they might even be wearing a giant happy face that says "how can I help you".
We just did this again as our family got away to Anchorage this past week (where we ate at a real restaurant - which we don't do often). We have done this before with a wide range of results, but never a bad one.
We simply asked the waitress when she brought the food and said "was there anything else", we told her we always prayed before our meals and was there anything we could pray for her about. Some people have been very moved, some surprised, some have shared deep things, but never a negative response.
This waitress (obviously taken back and not a 'prayer') said "how about peace". After the meal we simply left her a gosepl tract and left a note along with the tip that said, "may you know the peace that only Jesus can give" and "here is your verse for today" John 14:27 Jesus said - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
As I said, we've never had a bad response, and most have been great. If you need to get your feet wet telling others about Jesus, why not try talking to someone who has to be nice to you.
Let me know how it goes.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
We just did this again as our family got away to Anchorage this past week (where we ate at a real restaurant - which we don't do often). We have done this before with a wide range of results, but never a bad one.
We simply asked the waitress when she brought the food and said "was there anything else", we told her we always prayed before our meals and was there anything we could pray for her about. Some people have been very moved, some surprised, some have shared deep things, but never a negative response.
This waitress (obviously taken back and not a 'prayer') said "how about peace". After the meal we simply left her a gosepl tract and left a note along with the tip that said, "may you know the peace that only Jesus can give" and "here is your verse for today" John 14:27 Jesus said - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
As I said, we've never had a bad response, and most have been great. If you need to get your feet wet telling others about Jesus, why not try talking to someone who has to be nice to you.
Let me know how it goes.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Founder William Booth speaks on First Principles and Dangers
This article first appeared in The Officer magazine in January 1893; reprinted in The Officer magazine in March/April 2003
The following is a summary of the General’s opening address at the last British Staff Council, which is likely to prove a turning point in the Army history. The notes were roughly jotted down at the time and only give a bird’s-eye view of what he said. The following are exerpts from among his introductory remarks:
‘Progress is tidal. There is a settling down tendency in human nature. If there is not a tide, we must make one.
‘In the Church there is a flowing tide of worldliness. We must stem it. Our business is not to interest or to amuse the world, but to save it.
‘There are other dangers of our own which must be looked into and remedied. By spreading out too rapidly, we have made some hard goes and have suffered losses. Again, we have weakened the Field to strengthen the Staff. There are many officers now on the Staff who should be in the Field.
‘The foundation principles of the Army’s teaching remain the same, and will do so to the end. They are in brief —
1. We can be forgiven.
2. We can be holy.
3. We must live to save others.
‘These truths can only be worked out by means of —
1. Faith in God.
2. Hard work.
3. Sacrifice.
4. Discipline.
‘The new plans I lay before you will not dispense with these essentials. There may be an easier way, but none better. These principles run through the Army like the veins through the body. ...
‘I speak to you as your father, and want to warn you faithfully as to the dangers to which I see you to be exposed — the dangers which threaten to hinder the success and progress of our Army.
‘I. The first great danger is Secularisation. We are in danger of becoming earth-worms, of being swallowed up in figures and business and returns. No hours with God, no flights of prayer, no going to Heaven over sinners saved.
‘II. The second great danger is Stagnation. We are continually exposed to this danger of formality, and of sleeping with our eyes open.
‘III. There is also the danger of Pride and Self-satisfaction. Few can stand promotion without being hurt by it, and losing the spirit of willingness to learn. A story is told of Lord Coleridge when a young man. The Master said to him, “Mr Coleridge, I have a high opinion of you, so has your tutor, so have we all; but none of us have so high an opinion of you as you have of yourself.” I fear it might be said of some of us. It is a tendency against which we must guard ourselves.
‘Dealing with root principles. I am going to deal with root principles. This has been largely the secret of my success in the past. I have laid them down and stuck to them. They are not many in number, and yet it is impossible to exaggerate their importance. There are only seven notes in music, and yet by a combination of them we are able to produce an infinite variety of exquisite harmonies. ...
‘There is not one of you in whose personal sorrows and struggles I do not feel an interest. I would like to go into them myself if I only had the time. I would like to go home to tea with each one of you, and help you mothers nurse the baby and share your troubles. I cannot bear to see you suffer, but I am unable to avoid it. I am determined to use you all to the utmost of God’s work. I am going to get out of you all I can. A general is no good for his post who is not willing to see his soldiers suffer. And however good my plans may be, they will involve not less but more hard work, sacrifice, and discipline than in the past; but they will ensure, I believe, with your hearty cooperation, an abundant harvest of success.’
The above remarks occupied the first sitting of the Council. Needless to say that the stirring words of our beloved General moved us to tears, and to a fresh consecration of ourselves to God and the war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The following is a summary of the General’s opening address at the last British Staff Council, which is likely to prove a turning point in the Army history. The notes were roughly jotted down at the time and only give a bird’s-eye view of what he said. The following are exerpts from among his introductory remarks:
‘Progress is tidal. There is a settling down tendency in human nature. If there is not a tide, we must make one.
‘In the Church there is a flowing tide of worldliness. We must stem it. Our business is not to interest or to amuse the world, but to save it.
‘There are other dangers of our own which must be looked into and remedied. By spreading out too rapidly, we have made some hard goes and have suffered losses. Again, we have weakened the Field to strengthen the Staff. There are many officers now on the Staff who should be in the Field.
‘The foundation principles of the Army’s teaching remain the same, and will do so to the end. They are in brief —
1. We can be forgiven.
2. We can be holy.
3. We must live to save others.
‘These truths can only be worked out by means of —
1. Faith in God.
2. Hard work.
3. Sacrifice.
4. Discipline.
‘The new plans I lay before you will not dispense with these essentials. There may be an easier way, but none better. These principles run through the Army like the veins through the body. ...
‘I speak to you as your father, and want to warn you faithfully as to the dangers to which I see you to be exposed — the dangers which threaten to hinder the success and progress of our Army.
‘I. The first great danger is Secularisation. We are in danger of becoming earth-worms, of being swallowed up in figures and business and returns. No hours with God, no flights of prayer, no going to Heaven over sinners saved.
‘II. The second great danger is Stagnation. We are continually exposed to this danger of formality, and of sleeping with our eyes open.
‘III. There is also the danger of Pride and Self-satisfaction. Few can stand promotion without being hurt by it, and losing the spirit of willingness to learn. A story is told of Lord Coleridge when a young man. The Master said to him, “Mr Coleridge, I have a high opinion of you, so has your tutor, so have we all; but none of us have so high an opinion of you as you have of yourself.” I fear it might be said of some of us. It is a tendency against which we must guard ourselves.
‘Dealing with root principles. I am going to deal with root principles. This has been largely the secret of my success in the past. I have laid them down and stuck to them. They are not many in number, and yet it is impossible to exaggerate their importance. There are only seven notes in music, and yet by a combination of them we are able to produce an infinite variety of exquisite harmonies. ...
‘There is not one of you in whose personal sorrows and struggles I do not feel an interest. I would like to go into them myself if I only had the time. I would like to go home to tea with each one of you, and help you mothers nurse the baby and share your troubles. I cannot bear to see you suffer, but I am unable to avoid it. I am determined to use you all to the utmost of God’s work. I am going to get out of you all I can. A general is no good for his post who is not willing to see his soldiers suffer. And however good my plans may be, they will involve not less but more hard work, sacrifice, and discipline than in the past; but they will ensure, I believe, with your hearty cooperation, an abundant harvest of success.’
The above remarks occupied the first sitting of the Council. Needless to say that the stirring words of our beloved General moved us to tears, and to a fresh consecration of ourselves to God and the war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Homer Update on the Redoubt Volcano Erruption
Just a quick FYI for friends, family, and soldiers checking in...
Here is the report from KTUU - it also has a link to the volcano observatory.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10051900
Everything in Homer is fine. We did have power outages this morning (not sure yet if they were related) and it reduced us to cell phones (no phone or internet). Just because you can't reach us doesn't mean anything is wrong. Everything is fine.
All corps programs are still a go, and if "the big one" ever hits, or even if people are concerned about the "what if's" of life, we know that God is in control. Use these opportunities to tell everyone to be prepared to meet Jesus, not just for a natural disaster.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Here is the report from KTUU - it also has a link to the volcano observatory.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10051900
Everything in Homer is fine. We did have power outages this morning (not sure yet if they were related) and it reduced us to cell phones (no phone or internet). Just because you can't reach us doesn't mean anything is wrong. Everything is fine.
All corps programs are still a go, and if "the big one" ever hits, or even if people are concerned about the "what if's" of life, we know that God is in control. Use these opportunities to tell everyone to be prepared to meet Jesus, not just for a natural disaster.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday's Sermon - Tetelestai, "It is finished"
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A devotional thought for this Sunday
May God bless your Sunday - I pray you take some time today to seek a closer relationship with Jesus. He alone saves from sin and hell, for holy living and heaven!
I was gone for the last several days on a brief vacation out of Homer to the "big city" of Anchorage. Until I'm back on track with a new meditational thought on a scripture I am currently reading, please enjoy this thought from Os Hillman in an email I received.
Receiving Bad News - Written by Os Hillman 03-17-2009
"A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the sea. . . Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD. . ." (2 Chron 20:2-3).
Have you ever had someone bring you really bad news? It was so bad that when you heard it your stomach immediately became upset. You went into a crisis mode. I once received a letter that brought such fear upon me I could hardly stand up.
This was the situation for King Jehoshaphat. He had just been informed that his country was going to be attacked by an army much larger than his. However, instead of panicking, he immediately turned to the Lord by calling for a time of a fasting and prayer. The people from every town in Judah responded.
King Jehoshaphat prayed and reminded God of His promise to Israel. Then he asked God for strategy. "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." At the end of his prayer it says they waited on God's answer. It came through the prophet, Jahaziel son of Zechariah. He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's'" (2 Chron 20:15-16).
God supernaturally wiped out their enemies that day. They didn't even have to fight. God caused the enemy to fight themselves. However, the one thing they did do that began the ambush was when they began to praise God on the battlefield. "As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated" (2 Chron 20:22-23).
Jehoshaphat immediately did four things in response to bad news. He called for prayer, he called for fasting, he asked for God's strategy, and he began his battle by praising God in the midst of the battle.
Maybe you've just gotten some bad news. If so, follow the example of Jehoshaphat. Pray. Fast. Ask. Praise.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
I was gone for the last several days on a brief vacation out of Homer to the "big city" of Anchorage. Until I'm back on track with a new meditational thought on a scripture I am currently reading, please enjoy this thought from Os Hillman in an email I received.
Receiving Bad News - Written by Os Hillman 03-17-2009
"A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the sea. . . Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD. . ." (2 Chron 20:2-3).
Have you ever had someone bring you really bad news? It was so bad that when you heard it your stomach immediately became upset. You went into a crisis mode. I once received a letter that brought such fear upon me I could hardly stand up.
This was the situation for King Jehoshaphat. He had just been informed that his country was going to be attacked by an army much larger than his. However, instead of panicking, he immediately turned to the Lord by calling for a time of a fasting and prayer. The people from every town in Judah responded.
King Jehoshaphat prayed and reminded God of His promise to Israel. Then he asked God for strategy. "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." At the end of his prayer it says they waited on God's answer. It came through the prophet, Jahaziel son of Zechariah. He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's'" (2 Chron 20:15-16).
God supernaturally wiped out their enemies that day. They didn't even have to fight. God caused the enemy to fight themselves. However, the one thing they did do that began the ambush was when they began to praise God on the battlefield. "As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated" (2 Chron 20:22-23).
Jehoshaphat immediately did four things in response to bad news. He called for prayer, he called for fasting, he asked for God's strategy, and he began his battle by praising God in the midst of the battle.
Maybe you've just gotten some bad news. If so, follow the example of Jehoshaphat. Pray. Fast. Ask. Praise.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
Saturday, March 21, 2009
12 year old speaks out, watch video
Despite facing threats of disqualification, a 12-year-old girl took first place in a speech contest when she eloquently argued for the rights of unborn children – after an offended judge quit.
"What if I told you that right now, someone was choosing if you were going to live or die?" the seventh-grader begins More..in a video recording of her speech on YouTube. "What if I told you that this choice wasn't based on what you could or couldn't do, what you'd done in the past or what you would do in the future? And what if I told you, you could do nothing about it?"
"Fellow students and teachers, thousands of children are right now in that very situation. Someone is choosing without even knowing them whether they are going to live or die.
"That someone is their mother. And that choice is abortion."
Despite Lia's enthusiasm for her topic, her teacher "strongly encouraged" her to select a different one for her class presentation or she would be considered ineligible for an upcoming speech contest.
"[S]everal teachers discouraged her from picking the topic of abortion; she was told it was 'too big,' 'too mature' and 'too controversial,'" her mother wrote. "She was also told that if she went ahead with that topic, she would not be allowed to continue on in the speech competition."
Lia's mother continued, "Initially, I tried helping her find other topics to speak on, but, in the end, she was adamant. She just felt she wanted to continue with the topic of abortion. So she forfeited her chance to compete in order to speak on something she was passionate about."
Lia's teacher was so impressed by the speech that she allowed her student to advance as the winner. Lia presented her speech to judges in front of her entire school on Feb. 10.
The school principal and teachers called Lia's presentation the "obvious winner" – but the judges suddenly disqualified her the following day "because of the topic and her position on abortion," her mother said.
Lia's father later revealed that the judges had a "big disagreement." One was offended by the speech and voluntarily stepped down while the others reversed their earlier decision – declaring her the winner.
Now Lia plans to take her message of life to a regional speech competition, and more than 100,000 visitors have viewed her presentation online.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Captain's meditation on Luke 7:1-10, What amazes Jesus?
Check out this scripture from Luke:7:1-10 - When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
The centurion was a man of position and power (at least 100 men under his leadership), was respected by his servants and elders of the jews who pleaded on his behalf, he was caring and generous (caring for his servant and helping to build the synagogue).
What amazes Jesus? What did this Roman centurion have that "amazes" Jesus? The centurion was humble and acknowledged that he wasn't "owed" anything or even "worthy" of Jesus coming into his home. He also had faith enough to understand that at the very word of Jesus he could have his prayers answered (even without Jesus there in physical form).
Do you want to amaze Jesus today? Come before Jesus today with both humility and a bold faith that says "Lord, we know we aren't owed anything, but You can do anything, so just give Your word and we know that Your will is going to be done, and as for us, we are soldiers under your command ready to obey."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The centurion was a man of position and power (at least 100 men under his leadership), was respected by his servants and elders of the jews who pleaded on his behalf, he was caring and generous (caring for his servant and helping to build the synagogue).
What amazes Jesus? What did this Roman centurion have that "amazes" Jesus? The centurion was humble and acknowledged that he wasn't "owed" anything or even "worthy" of Jesus coming into his home. He also had faith enough to understand that at the very word of Jesus he could have his prayers answered (even without Jesus there in physical form).
Do you want to amaze Jesus today? Come before Jesus today with both humility and a bold faith that says "Lord, we know we aren't owed anything, but You can do anything, so just give Your word and we know that Your will is going to be done, and as for us, we are soldiers under your command ready to obey."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Captain's meditation on Exodus 14:13-15
Listen to the loving Heavenly Father's advice to His children... Calm down, quit your whining, and move on!
The Enemy is closing in, they might kill, destroy, and enslave us, but listen to God's response in Exodus 14:13-15 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.
I don't have a new great revelation for a deeper meaning in the text, maybe God just needs to occasionally tell his children to Calm down, quit your whining, and move on!
Lord if that is us today, may we be obedient to your command.
Calm my spirit and release me from worry, knowing that you intend to deliver me completely from everything that is currently attacking me. Help me to turn my whining into prayers of praise, prayers for wisdom, prayers for protection and deliverance, and prayers that your will be done. Now Lord let me not be paralyzed by fear, but walk in Your Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Amen
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The Enemy is closing in, they might kill, destroy, and enslave us, but listen to God's response in Exodus 14:13-15 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.
I don't have a new great revelation for a deeper meaning in the text, maybe God just needs to occasionally tell his children to Calm down, quit your whining, and move on!
Lord if that is us today, may we be obedient to your command.
Calm my spirit and release me from worry, knowing that you intend to deliver me completely from everything that is currently attacking me. Help me to turn my whining into prayers of praise, prayers for wisdom, prayers for protection and deliverance, and prayers that your will be done. Now Lord let me not be paralyzed by fear, but walk in Your Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Amen
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Captain's meditation on Luke 18:9-14
Do you remember the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? Luke 18:9-14 reads this way... To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Two quotes to consider...
"God is just as concerned with self-righteousness as He is unrighteousness".
"The only man who the Lord cannot fill, is the one already full of himself".
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Two quotes to consider...
"God is just as concerned with self-righteousness as He is unrighteousness".
"The only man who the Lord cannot fill, is the one already full of himself".
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Captain's meditation on Exodus 13:17-18
Look at this scritpure - Exodus 13:17-18 - When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
God had His people take the long route because if they faced war, they might have gone back to captivity, but look at the last sentence "THE ISREALITES WENT UP OUT OF EGYPT ARMED FOR BATTLE!
God promised His people He would take them to the promised land.
God would have fought for His people.
God had already equipped His people for battle.
They could have taken the short route.
God knowing that His people would have changed their minds and settled for captivity if there was a war between them am their promised land.
If we really want to see victories for God, if we want to see new territory won, if we want to see our Corps (churches) grow, if we want to be freed from captivity, and if we want results fast, one of God's requirements is BE READY TO GO DO WAR FOR IT!
It's time to soldier up. Let's face every challenge head on with boldness, God will fight for us, He's promised us the victory, we've already been given resources and spiritual weapons and armor, we just need to resolve up front that we won't turn tale and go back to captivity at the sight of war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
God had His people take the long route because if they faced war, they might have gone back to captivity, but look at the last sentence "THE ISREALITES WENT UP OUT OF EGYPT ARMED FOR BATTLE!
God promised His people He would take them to the promised land.
God would have fought for His people.
God had already equipped His people for battle.
They could have taken the short route.
God knowing that His people would have changed their minds and settled for captivity if there was a war between them am their promised land.
If we really want to see victories for God, if we want to see new territory won, if we want to see our Corps (churches) grow, if we want to be freed from captivity, and if we want results fast, one of God's requirements is BE READY TO GO DO WAR FOR IT!
It's time to soldier up. Let's face every challenge head on with boldness, God will fight for us, He's promised us the victory, we've already been given resources and spiritual weapons and armor, we just need to resolve up front that we won't turn tale and go back to captivity at the sight of war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - I am thirsty
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A prayer thought for your Sunday meditation
John Burton, Jr. (1803-77) writer of songbook #588 "I often say my prayers" penned these words to consider while you pray and seek God's face today...
I often say my prayers; but do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down and worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God a prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart the Lord will never hear;
Nor will he to those lips attend whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, show me what I need, and teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask thee for thy grace, not feeling what I say.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I often say my prayers; but do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down and worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God a prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart the Lord will never hear;
Nor will he to those lips attend whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, show me what I need, and teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask thee for thy grace, not feeling what I say.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Capital Punishment of Sin
I don’t recall the source of this illustration in some old notes, but it’s good none the less…
Thinking of the analogy of execution (of sin), killing them, here are some thoughts about treating our sins to capital punishment. First, you have to pronounce them guilty. This is important. Denying that something is sin only increases its power over us and decreases our joy and usefulness to God. Call it what it is. That bad attitude, that bitterness, that griping, those thoughts… if the Bible calls it sin, so should you.
So now that you’ve declared the sins as guilty, you need to take care of them. You have to starve them. They’ll fight, they’ll be nasty, they’ll scream and holler. But you need to starve the sources. Whatever tempts you, stay away from it. Whatever leads you to argue with someone in your head, get away from it. Sin needs to be fed to be dangerous. The battle for sin is first won or lost in the mind before it’s ever acted out. Learn to control your thoughts.
Now, you have to practice corporal punishment. That is, be prepared to suffer. Some cave in at withdrawal. Some can’t picture their lives victorious, so it never happens. Sometimes living without sin hurts. Of course, living with it hurts more. Be willing to suffer. Hebrews 12: 4 says, “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” It’s a battle, but the victory is promised to us.
Next, to treat sin like a prisoner on death row, neglect your sins. Don’t dwell on them. Don’t treat them like they deserve some special place in your life. You’ve already starved them, now just pay no attention to them. Don’t remind yourself of their supposed power. Understand they are forgiven and in the past. Understand that you are forgiven. They don’t need to be in your life or in your thoughts. Let them wither away by neglect.
And lastly, replace them. It’s not enough just to be so concentrated on your sins that you forget Who forgave them. Some people are so bogged down by the thoughts of their sins. I think of Martin Luther before he was converted. He was so overwhelmed with guilt, that he continually went to his bishop for confession. The issues were things like, having too comfortable a chair or getting too good a night’s sleep. Well, the bishop grew so tired of his whinings that he said, “Look, Luther, I don’t want to hear your sins anymore until you do something worth confessing.”
Clearly, God has better things for you than to dwell on things that need forgiving, and things that don’t. Focus on Him. Set your mind on things above. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not always on yourself. Spend time with Him. Yes, ask Him about what needs to change in your life, most certainly. But replace thoughts of your sin or guilt with thoughts of the Lord.
Declare them guilty! Starve them! Make them suffer! Neglect them! Replace them. This is how to live as Christians with circumcised hearts. Yes, every person has an appointment with death. Well, so do your sins. Deal with them. Put them to death. Then you will live.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thinking of the analogy of execution (of sin), killing them, here are some thoughts about treating our sins to capital punishment. First, you have to pronounce them guilty. This is important. Denying that something is sin only increases its power over us and decreases our joy and usefulness to God. Call it what it is. That bad attitude, that bitterness, that griping, those thoughts… if the Bible calls it sin, so should you.
So now that you’ve declared the sins as guilty, you need to take care of them. You have to starve them. They’ll fight, they’ll be nasty, they’ll scream and holler. But you need to starve the sources. Whatever tempts you, stay away from it. Whatever leads you to argue with someone in your head, get away from it. Sin needs to be fed to be dangerous. The battle for sin is first won or lost in the mind before it’s ever acted out. Learn to control your thoughts.
Now, you have to practice corporal punishment. That is, be prepared to suffer. Some cave in at withdrawal. Some can’t picture their lives victorious, so it never happens. Sometimes living without sin hurts. Of course, living with it hurts more. Be willing to suffer. Hebrews 12: 4 says, “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” It’s a battle, but the victory is promised to us.
Next, to treat sin like a prisoner on death row, neglect your sins. Don’t dwell on them. Don’t treat them like they deserve some special place in your life. You’ve already starved them, now just pay no attention to them. Don’t remind yourself of their supposed power. Understand they are forgiven and in the past. Understand that you are forgiven. They don’t need to be in your life or in your thoughts. Let them wither away by neglect.
And lastly, replace them. It’s not enough just to be so concentrated on your sins that you forget Who forgave them. Some people are so bogged down by the thoughts of their sins. I think of Martin Luther before he was converted. He was so overwhelmed with guilt, that he continually went to his bishop for confession. The issues were things like, having too comfortable a chair or getting too good a night’s sleep. Well, the bishop grew so tired of his whinings that he said, “Look, Luther, I don’t want to hear your sins anymore until you do something worth confessing.”
Clearly, God has better things for you than to dwell on things that need forgiving, and things that don’t. Focus on Him. Set your mind on things above. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not always on yourself. Spend time with Him. Yes, ask Him about what needs to change in your life, most certainly. But replace thoughts of your sin or guilt with thoughts of the Lord.
Declare them guilty! Starve them! Make them suffer! Neglect them! Replace them. This is how to live as Christians with circumcised hearts. Yes, every person has an appointment with death. Well, so do your sins. Deal with them. Put them to death. Then you will live.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
3 simple rules to keep from backsliding...
When Billy Sunday (former baseball player) was converted to Christ, a Christian man put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Billy, there are three simple rules I can give you, and if you hold to them, no one will ever write BACKSLIDER after your name.
1. Take 15 minutes a day to listen to God talking to you.
2. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to God.
3. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to others about God."
Not bad advice, try it today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
1. Take 15 minutes a day to listen to God talking to you.
2. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to God.
3. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to others about God."
Not bad advice, try it today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Captain’s meditation on Exodus, Pharaoh’s offer of compromise.
Egypt and Pharaoh in the bible (although a factual place and people) are “types and references” to captivity, bondage, and the devil.
Exodus 8:25,28 & 10:11, 24-26 (go ahead and look it up…) Pharaoh is reaching the end of his rope and is ready now to obey God, but suggest a compromise so that Moses will feel he has won some victory, while not fully getting what God intends for His people.
God intends that all His children be freed from their captivity and slavery, and that they can worship the Lord, and be taken to the promised land. See if the devil has ever tried this same old offer of compromise with you.
Here are the compromises that Pharaoh offered, and the devil still offers today…
1. (8:25) Go and sacrifice but don't leave, worship God, but stay in captivity here in Egypt.
2. (8:28) Go and sacrifice in the desert, but you must not go very far, worship but don't get carried away.
3. (10:11) Go but leave your families (women and children) behind.
4. (10:24-26) Go but leave your “stuff” (your livestock or things that could be used for worshiping God.
Moses’ response was they would be going, going all the way, taking their families, and taking their “stuff” because until they get to where God is taking them who knows what God might have them use to worship Him.
Determine today to be saved, set free, living holy, and going as far with God as He can take you, but also be 100% determined to take your family with you (let’s leave no one behind), and let’s even take our “stuff”. Who knows what God might have us use to worship and glorify Him today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Exodus 8:25,28 & 10:11, 24-26 (go ahead and look it up…) Pharaoh is reaching the end of his rope and is ready now to obey God, but suggest a compromise so that Moses will feel he has won some victory, while not fully getting what God intends for His people.
God intends that all His children be freed from their captivity and slavery, and that they can worship the Lord, and be taken to the promised land. See if the devil has ever tried this same old offer of compromise with you.
Here are the compromises that Pharaoh offered, and the devil still offers today…
1. (8:25) Go and sacrifice but don't leave, worship God, but stay in captivity here in Egypt.
2. (8:28) Go and sacrifice in the desert, but you must not go very far, worship but don't get carried away.
3. (10:11) Go but leave your families (women and children) behind.
4. (10:24-26) Go but leave your “stuff” (your livestock or things that could be used for worshiping God.
Moses’ response was they would be going, going all the way, taking their families, and taking their “stuff” because until they get to where God is taking them who knows what God might have them use to worship Him.
Determine today to be saved, set free, living holy, and going as far with God as He can take you, but also be 100% determined to take your family with you (let’s leave no one behind), and let’s even take our “stuff”. Who knows what God might have us use to worship and glorify Him today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Captain's meditation on Exodus 8:20-24
IS YOUR LIFE ONE OF DISCTINTION, OR ONE OF FLIES?
Look up Exodus 8:20-24 (go ahead and take the time… a “bible gateway” link is just on the left of the screen if your Bible isn’t handy….)
Going again through Exodus in my personal Bible reading, as I read this portion I heard the question, “Is your life one of distinction or one of flies?”
Moses again tells Pharaoh God’s command to let His people go so they can worship Him or there will be a plague of flies, but God promises that although the houses will be “full” of swarms flies, God said he would deal differently with the land of Goshen (where His people lived). God declared there will be no swarms of flies in the land of His people, WHY?, “so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land.” God said he would make distinction (or one translation was God would put a deliverance) between His people.
The purpose of a people who where delivered and distinctly different from the world swarming with flies, was in order to show the fly filled world that the Lord was there in the land.
We as believers have a God given deliverance and distinction, we must stand starkly different from the fly filled world as a proclimation to the world that the Lord is in the land, and that they too can choose to leave a world of flies for one that is uncongested and uncontaminated by the swarms.
In Hebrews 12:14 God’s Word says, “make every effort to … to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
We are called to live in a state of deliverance and distinction, SO LIVE HOLY TODAY.
IS YOUR LIFE ONE OF DISCTINTION, OR ONE OF FLIES?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Look up Exodus 8:20-24 (go ahead and take the time… a “bible gateway” link is just on the left of the screen if your Bible isn’t handy….)
Going again through Exodus in my personal Bible reading, as I read this portion I heard the question, “Is your life one of distinction or one of flies?”
Moses again tells Pharaoh God’s command to let His people go so they can worship Him or there will be a plague of flies, but God promises that although the houses will be “full” of swarms flies, God said he would deal differently with the land of Goshen (where His people lived). God declared there will be no swarms of flies in the land of His people, WHY?, “so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land.” God said he would make distinction (or one translation was God would put a deliverance) between His people.
The purpose of a people who where delivered and distinctly different from the world swarming with flies, was in order to show the fly filled world that the Lord was there in the land.
We as believers have a God given deliverance and distinction, we must stand starkly different from the fly filled world as a proclimation to the world that the Lord is in the land, and that they too can choose to leave a world of flies for one that is uncongested and uncontaminated by the swarms.
In Hebrews 12:14 God’s Word says, “make every effort to … to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
We are called to live in a state of deliverance and distinction, SO LIVE HOLY TODAY.
IS YOUR LIFE ONE OF DISCTINTION, OR ONE OF FLIES?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - An Illustration of Separation
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options. For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
God bless your study!
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
God bless your study!
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
This is the Lord's day, don't be so busy that you miss it.
A blessed Sunday to you all, especially those of you having to miss worship at your Corps (or church) due to work or other obligations (whatever those might be).
Here is a scripture thought for you today from Exodus 5 (feel free to look it up right now). Under God's direction Moses tells Pharaoh to let His people go so they can worship Him.
Pharaoh's response was to tell the slave drivers to no longer supply straw for making bricks, make them collect their own supplies, but to keep the quota the same. Pharaoh's thought was to make the work harder for the men so they would keep working and pay no attention to the "so-called lies" that they would ever be free from slavery, and free to worship God.
There are many reasons you may have missed a time of worship today, or maybe you were at the Corps (or church) and were so busy "doing ministry", or distracted with other things, that you never really encountered God yourself. A great tool of the devil is to increase the work so there is no time for God. Don't fall into the trap!
Take time this day to worship your God, read His word for yourself, spend some time in prayer, seek His face and a new touch of His Spirit. God Himself wants you to take time to worship Him today. Who knows, you might just find that today is the day He will free you from something you're enslaved to.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Here is a scripture thought for you today from Exodus 5 (feel free to look it up right now). Under God's direction Moses tells Pharaoh to let His people go so they can worship Him.
Pharaoh's response was to tell the slave drivers to no longer supply straw for making bricks, make them collect their own supplies, but to keep the quota the same. Pharaoh's thought was to make the work harder for the men so they would keep working and pay no attention to the "so-called lies" that they would ever be free from slavery, and free to worship God.
There are many reasons you may have missed a time of worship today, or maybe you were at the Corps (or church) and were so busy "doing ministry", or distracted with other things, that you never really encountered God yourself. A great tool of the devil is to increase the work so there is no time for God. Don't fall into the trap!
Take time this day to worship your God, read His word for yourself, spend some time in prayer, seek His face and a new touch of His Spirit. God Himself wants you to take time to worship Him today. Who knows, you might just find that today is the day He will free you from something you're enslaved to.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Orders and Regulations for Soldiers
From the Soldiers O and R's Chapter 11 - Section 2. Saved to Save
1. Just as the central word of the name of his Movement is salvation, so the salvation soldier will recollect that his Soldier's Covenant begins with a declaration about having personally received it and concludes with a dedication to personal work for the salvation of the whole world. The love of Christ requires him to make an unreserved commitment to His service.
2. Behind the unreserved dedication to the salvation war is the assurance 'that the sure and only way to remedy all the evils in the world is by bringing men to submit themselves to the government of the Lord Jesus Christ' (The Soldier's Covenant).
3. The salvation soldier must not therefore comfort himself with the knowledge that he is taking part in the collective endeavors of an association of people. He is also an individual agent of the Lord Jesus and has to show personal enterprise in the endeavors to win people one by one. He will be surprised how the numbers will grow if every soldier wins one person each year.
4. The salvation soldier must not be satisfied with a corps, however flourishing and attractive and strong, which is not above all striving to win new people for Christ. Soldiers who are truly saved must pray and work earnestly to save others.
5. While the soldier will be gripped by the assurance that 'all have need of God's salvation', he will generally be well advised to give special attention to those with whom he has much in common and whose problems and situation in life resemble his own. An adolescent is likely to be the best ambassador of Christ to another young person, a housewife to another, a converted alcoholic to one who is seeking deliverance from the same addiction and so forth. But the most important thing is to be led by the Holy Spirit and to act with tender love, assured that the motto, 'Every soldier a soul-winner', is pleasing to God.
Now soldier up! We are an Army of Salvation - Share the message of Jesus today. Only Jesus Saves!
Live Holy, Preach Jesus!
1. Just as the central word of the name of his Movement is salvation, so the salvation soldier will recollect that his Soldier's Covenant begins with a declaration about having personally received it and concludes with a dedication to personal work for the salvation of the whole world. The love of Christ requires him to make an unreserved commitment to His service.
2. Behind the unreserved dedication to the salvation war is the assurance 'that the sure and only way to remedy all the evils in the world is by bringing men to submit themselves to the government of the Lord Jesus Christ' (The Soldier's Covenant).
3. The salvation soldier must not therefore comfort himself with the knowledge that he is taking part in the collective endeavors of an association of people. He is also an individual agent of the Lord Jesus and has to show personal enterprise in the endeavors to win people one by one. He will be surprised how the numbers will grow if every soldier wins one person each year.
4. The salvation soldier must not be satisfied with a corps, however flourishing and attractive and strong, which is not above all striving to win new people for Christ. Soldiers who are truly saved must pray and work earnestly to save others.
5. While the soldier will be gripped by the assurance that 'all have need of God's salvation', he will generally be well advised to give special attention to those with whom he has much in common and whose problems and situation in life resemble his own. An adolescent is likely to be the best ambassador of Christ to another young person, a housewife to another, a converted alcoholic to one who is seeking deliverance from the same addiction and so forth. But the most important thing is to be led by the Holy Spirit and to act with tender love, assured that the motto, 'Every soldier a soul-winner', is pleasing to God.
Now soldier up! We are an Army of Salvation - Share the message of Jesus today. Only Jesus Saves!
Live Holy, Preach Jesus!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Captain's meditation on Exodus 4:3-14
Look up the scripture (go ahead look at it - here is the recap)...
Moses was called by God, but he wasn't sure anyone would believe it. God said to him, "What is that in your hand?", "a staff" Moses replies. The Lord said, "throw it on the ground" and it became a snake and Moses RAN FROM IT. Then the Lord instructed Moses to "TAKE IT BY THE TAIL" and it again became a staff.
After the promise of yet two more signs Moses responds with, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." To which the Lord said, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
What is Moses' response now??? Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." We then read that prior to sending Moses a helper, verse 14 says "then the Lord's anger burned against Moses."
How many times has God asked me to do something for Him, only to be met with a list of signs I want to see, or excuses I have. Isn't it enough to know that God Almighty has spoken. He will provide you with whatever resources you need. He knows your talents and short-comings (He made you) and is ready to use you anyway.
It angers me to tell my kids something over and over again without hearing, "yes daddy". Certainly God Almighty, our Heavenly Father, is worth the same response from His children, "Yes Father, Your will be done."
No matter what you have to do today, or what task is set before you, no matter how inadequate you feel, or how simple the tool in your hand, God can and will use it - all you need to do is QUIT RUNNING FROM GOD'S DIRECTION AND GRAB HIS GRACE BY THE TAIL!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Moses was called by God, but he wasn't sure anyone would believe it. God said to him, "What is that in your hand?", "a staff" Moses replies. The Lord said, "throw it on the ground" and it became a snake and Moses RAN FROM IT. Then the Lord instructed Moses to "TAKE IT BY THE TAIL" and it again became a staff.
After the promise of yet two more signs Moses responds with, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." To which the Lord said, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
What is Moses' response now??? Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." We then read that prior to sending Moses a helper, verse 14 says "then the Lord's anger burned against Moses."
How many times has God asked me to do something for Him, only to be met with a list of signs I want to see, or excuses I have. Isn't it enough to know that God Almighty has spoken. He will provide you with whatever resources you need. He knows your talents and short-comings (He made you) and is ready to use you anyway.
It angers me to tell my kids something over and over again without hearing, "yes daddy". Certainly God Almighty, our Heavenly Father, is worth the same response from His children, "Yes Father, Your will be done."
No matter what you have to do today, or what task is set before you, no matter how inadequate you feel, or how simple the tool in your hand, God can and will use it - all you need to do is QUIT RUNNING FROM GOD'S DIRECTION AND GRAB HIS GRACE BY THE TAIL!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A section from the Orders and Regulations for Officers
Lord help me always keep first things first, and may every soldier and officer alike be ever mindful of our "orders" to preach the good news to all creation.
(This is from the "O & R's" pages 15 and 18, Part 2 – The officer's principal responsibility – soul-winning)
As The Salvation Army was raised up by God to bring men and women to experience the saving power of God, an officer’s first duty is to further this purpose. Every officer should personally seek to bring the sinner to God and, by example as well as precept, to train his people in their divine task. It hardly needs to be said that like officer, like soldier. Where an officer is zealous in soul-winning, so will his people be. Where he is indifferent, his spirit can affect the entire corps. Other duties – such as planning meetings, caring for his people, attending to fund-raising – are all essential, but nothing should take priority over this primary duty for which he has been specially trained. This applies to all officers, whatever their specific appointment may be.
The officer will not be content if the work of the Army is better understood, or if his youth sections flourish, or if he secures more time on the mass media for the Army’s message, unless these become the means whereby young and old alike personally commit themselves to Jesus as Savior and Lord. To this end he will not only make use of the Army’s time honored methods of evangelism, adapting them in the most effective way possible to the needs of the hour, but he will courageously experiment with new ways of making Jesus known as Savior of men. In other words, he will be willing to be dedicated to failure. In the divine economy this could be the way to God-glorifying success.
Officers, Soldiers, & Followers of Christ, tell someone today that Jesus is the only way to escape hell and be saved for heaven. Remind the "believers" that we are "saved to saved" and remind a "saint" that we are "saved from sin and from sinning".
Live Holy and preach Jesus today!
(This is from the "O & R's" pages 15 and 18, Part 2 – The officer's principal responsibility – soul-winning)
As The Salvation Army was raised up by God to bring men and women to experience the saving power of God, an officer’s first duty is to further this purpose. Every officer should personally seek to bring the sinner to God and, by example as well as precept, to train his people in their divine task. It hardly needs to be said that like officer, like soldier. Where an officer is zealous in soul-winning, so will his people be. Where he is indifferent, his spirit can affect the entire corps. Other duties – such as planning meetings, caring for his people, attending to fund-raising – are all essential, but nothing should take priority over this primary duty for which he has been specially trained. This applies to all officers, whatever their specific appointment may be.
The officer will not be content if the work of the Army is better understood, or if his youth sections flourish, or if he secures more time on the mass media for the Army’s message, unless these become the means whereby young and old alike personally commit themselves to Jesus as Savior and Lord. To this end he will not only make use of the Army’s time honored methods of evangelism, adapting them in the most effective way possible to the needs of the hour, but he will courageously experiment with new ways of making Jesus known as Savior of men. In other words, he will be willing to be dedicated to failure. In the divine economy this could be the way to God-glorifying success.
Officers, Soldiers, & Followers of Christ, tell someone today that Jesus is the only way to escape hell and be saved for heaven. Remind the "believers" that we are "saved to saved" and remind a "saint" that we are "saved from sin and from sinning".
Live Holy and preach Jesus today!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Captain's meditation on Mark 7:36
Mark 7 verses 31-37. People brought a man to Jesus who was deaf and could hardly talk. Jesus took the man aside and healed him. Afterwards Jesus healed the man he could hear and speak plainly.
Verse 36-37 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement, (and they said) He has done everything well...
Why is it that Jesus commanded people not to tell anyone and they kept talking about it, and He commands us to preach the good news to all creation and we remain silent?
Perhaps we just aren't overwhelmed with amazement?.... If we are - how could we keep from talking about it.
SOLDIERS OF JESUS - Let's start proclaiming that our Jesus saves and has done everything well?
Verse 36-37 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement, (and they said) He has done everything well...
Why is it that Jesus commanded people not to tell anyone and they kept talking about it, and He commands us to preach the good news to all creation and we remain silent?
Perhaps we just aren't overwhelmed with amazement?.... If we are - how could we keep from talking about it.
SOLDIERS OF JESUS - Let's start proclaiming that our Jesus saves and has done everything well?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Standing near the cross
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options. For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
God bless your study!
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
God bless your study!
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A day for prayer and rest
A blessed Sunday to you.
In between "doing ministry" and "doing ministry" Mark 1:35-36 tells us...Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
Maybe you are tired from being busy about the Lord's work, or maybe you are just tired of everyone on the planet needing your attention, phone, cell phone, instant message, text, email, on, and on... everyone is looking for you.
Jesus knew that the only way to stay properly connected to The Father, and empowered by His Spirit, was to intentionally be alone with God in prayer.
The world can survive without you for a while, get yourself to a solitary place and spend some time in prayer today.
By the way, after you have allowed God to recharge you, remember that there is a world that needs you, go to tell them of the Savior.
Recharge in private, then be spent doing the work of telling the world about Jesus.
Note
As always if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, who lived, sacrificially died in your place, and rose from the dead, then repent of your sins (confess and turn from them), have faith in Jesus alone (faith is simply placing your full trust solely in Him), and receive Him by faith today.
In between "doing ministry" and "doing ministry" Mark 1:35-36 tells us...Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
Maybe you are tired from being busy about the Lord's work, or maybe you are just tired of everyone on the planet needing your attention, phone, cell phone, instant message, text, email, on, and on... everyone is looking for you.
Jesus knew that the only way to stay properly connected to The Father, and empowered by His Spirit, was to intentionally be alone with God in prayer.
The world can survive without you for a while, get yourself to a solitary place and spend some time in prayer today.
By the way, after you have allowed God to recharge you, remember that there is a world that needs you, go to tell them of the Savior.
Recharge in private, then be spent doing the work of telling the world about Jesus.
Note
As always if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, who lived, sacrificially died in your place, and rose from the dead, then repent of your sins (confess and turn from them), have faith in Jesus alone (faith is simply placing your full trust solely in Him), and receive Him by faith today.
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