Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Tune In


Today let’s look at God’s response to a prayer that pleased Him in 1 Kings 3:10-14.
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 
Remember back in the days when we had knobs to tune the radio? To hear the station clearly it had to be just right on the channel we wanted. We have to be “right” with the Lord in order to hear His voice clearly.  Solomon position himself in prayer, worship, and his heart to hear from God. His mind was in tune with God’s. The Lord granted his request for knowledge and wisdom, and so much more. I think we would all like to be blessed like that! Amen?

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Watch Me


Jesus refers to people coming to Him "as little children". Today's verse tells us why. We must look to Him for guidance, instruction, and direction. The great news is that He will never leave us or ignore us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. - Psalm 32:8


I was recently blessed to spend some vacation time with my grandchildren. Kids are great, they love showing you their "new" skills, and then you tell them how big they are getting. As they grow, they will start to venture further away, and stretch the boundaries. But even when they get a little far away they will turn around and make sure you are watching them. It gives them a sense of safety and encouragement.


Today remember God's watching you. Put a smile on His face as you serve Him. Say , “Watch me God!”

Monday, May 29, 2017

I Remember

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or the start of summer. It exists so we can set aside time to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. My family has fought in every war since the American Revolution. Some will be remembered today for their sacrifice. It does not matter is you have not lost someone directly to war - it matters because we are a free country. Thousands of men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Today we honor their lives and pray for their families.

I have read the following at many funerals. Look at the words and allow them to minister to a loss that you have had. It's called, With Hope

You left us with the memory of your smile,
And nothing we can do, And nothing we can say,
Can take away the pain, The pain of losing you,
But we can cry with hope,
Cause we believe with hope,
 There’s a place by God’s grace,
 There’s a place where we’ll see your face again.
Through the cloud of tears,
I see the Father’s smile and say well done,
 And I imagine you,
 Where you most wanted to be,
Seeing all your dreams come true,
 Because now you’re home, and now you’re free,
And we have this anchor because we believe,
That everything God promised us is true,
So, we wait with hope, and we ache with hope,
We hold on with hope, we let go with hope. - Steven Curtis Chapman

Thank you Jesus for the blessing of hope. May America bless God on this day and always.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Get Out of the Way


A song we learned as children told us of Jesus' love and we can find His strength in our weaknesses. Yes Jesus loves me (and you). The Bible tells me so! As adults the world will tell us we must be strong. The truth is God loves to use weak people. “I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 A weakness is any limitation that you inherited or have no power to change. Everyone has weaknesses. In fact, we have a bundle of flaws and imperfections: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Usually we deny our weaknesses, defend them, excuse them, hide them, and resent them. This prevents God from using them the way he desires.



When you think of the limitation in your life, you may be tempted to conclude, “God could never use me.” But God is never limited by our limitations. Sometimes, however, God turns strength into a weakness in order to use us even more. Jacob was a manipulator who spent his life scheming and then running from the consequences. One night he wrestled with God and said, “I’m not letting go until you bless me.” God said, “All right,” but then he grabbed Jacob’s thigh and dislocated his hip.



What is the significance of that? God touched Jacob’s strength and turned it into a weakness. From that day forward, Jacob walked with a limp so he could never run away again. It forced him to lean on God whether he liked it or not. In crisis we need to do the same.



If you want God to bless you and use you greatly, you must be willing to walk with a limp the rest of your life, because God uses weak people. In your weakness you will find God's strength. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! Amen?

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Accept and Share


Anyone who has played sports knows that it is preparation and execution is what wins games. The team that prepares the best and uses that preparation on the field will know they have given their best. The Bible says we are to be prepared to share our faith at any time. So why does it seem like we're losing?

I believe it's because we don't prepare or even get in the game of life. We're to busy to allow God to change our heart or outlook on eternity. We find a hundred reasons why we don't want to share what faith we have.

One thing I appreciate about God's plan for humanity is that it is straight forward, and not complicated. “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. - John 3:16-18 The Message



Accept and share it – it is that easy. Amen?

Friday, May 26, 2017

Real God


God is real, no matter how you feel. “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the Earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” Job 19:25-27



It is easy to worship God when things are going great in your life – when he has provided food, friends, family, health, and happy situations. But circumstances are not always pleasant. How do you worship God then? What do you do when God seems a million miles away?



The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant. How do you praise God when you don’t understand what’s happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they’re full of tears?



You do what Job did: “Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’” Job 1:20-21





And remember what God has already done for you. Jesus gave up everything so you could have everything. He died so you could live forever. That alone is worthy of your continual thanks and praise. Amen?

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Pleasing God


God wants all of you! “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” Mark 12:30 God doesn't want a part of your life. God is not interested in halfhearted commitment, partial obedience, and the leftovers of your time and money. He desires your full devotion, not little bits of your life.



A Samaritan woman once tried to debate Jesus on the best time, place, and style for worship. Jesus replied that these external issues are irrelevant. Where you worship is not as important as why you worship and how much of yourself you offer to God when you worship.



The kind of worship that pleases God has four characteristics:

- God is pleased when our worship is accurate.

- God is pleased when our worship is authentic.

- God is pleased when our worship is thoughtful.

- And God is pleased when our worship is practical.





When Jesus said, “Love God with all your strength,” he was saying that worship takes effort and energy. It’s not always convenient or comfortable, and sometimes worship is a sheer act of the will – a willing sacrifice. When you praise God even when you don’t feel like it, when you get out of bed to worship when you’re tired, or when you help others when you are worn out, you’re offering a sacrifice of worship to God. And that pleases God.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Be Jesus


We should desire to give God nothing short of our absolute best. Remember you work for God everyday - where God has planted you (home, work, school, anywhere you are). He can use you in a mighty way. I was recently reminded about these three Principles for Christians to work by:


Principle #1: Concentrate on the eternal and you won’t need to worry about how much you can get or keep in this life.
God warns us of the peril of wealth. I Timothy 6:6-10 . But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs

Realization (of the eternal) can lead to Revelation (in the present)!



Principle #2: Don’t be greedy. You can be much happier if you don’t have to own everything you see, and know people are more important than property. Who are our neighbors?... but remember

It starts with Jesus! Nothing in the world is worthy of the love we should have for Jesus Christ. I John 2:15. "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
 

Principle #3: - Love one another. People are so important, it is vital we treat them right. Jesus in Matthew 7:12: "do to others what you would have them do to you"
Does the world see Jesus when they look at us?



To the extent we carry our Christian principles into the work world, and social world it becomes a Christian ministry. This gives work and life new meaning and dignity. Not just on Sunday, but all week long.


Be Jesus in your workplace, community, schools, and everywhere you are!

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Think About


The Webster's definition of anxiety is: 

1. painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill 

2. an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it.



We live in an anxious world filled with stressed out people. That's not God's plan, look at what His Word has teaches on the topic.



4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.



God's way is always the best way. Accept His peace and give Him your worries. That is a pretty nice trade.

Thank you Jesus!

Monday, May 22, 2017

No Noise


Years ago when I was a kid my parents took my brother and I to Niagara Falls. It is a magnificent example of the Creator's majesty and power. The raw power of the Falls and the millions of gallons flowing over it is awesome. I was shocked to hear that a boy (my age at the time) had survived going over the Falls. How is that possible? At the bottom lay boulders and jagged shards of rocks. 



The Lord on High is mightier than the noise of many waters”. – Psalm 93:4



The truth is it would be impossible without God. The same God who created it's might is powerful enough to catapult a child beyond the base and in to a pool of water to be rescued.

Maybe today you feel like you are headed over a falls in your life. Maybe you think that there is no humanly way to escape. Then cry out to Jesus! He is an expert of making a way where none exists - all things are possible for Christ our Lord. 



He is mightier than all the noise in your life. He can bring peace in to your world.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

God Alone

Sunday and going to church used to be synonymous in American culture. Communities kept the Sabbath separate from the busyness of the week's activities. We made our commitment to go to church a priority. Priorities guide your day - things that are most important are what we do. What place has God had in your day so far?

All the nations you have made
    will come and worship before you, Lord;
    they will bring glory to your name.
10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds,  you alone are God. - Psalm 86:9-10

The Bible tells us that everyone eventually will worship and give God glory. When we make our "to do" lists let's make sure our focus stays on Him. Amen?

Saturday, May 20, 2017

One Idea


Nahum’s message has been called the “prophecy of one idea” – the fearful idea that God is angry against sin. The idea of divine retribution is still an essential part – and it’s one the prophet presents very effectively.  It’s also found in the New Testament in a letter that Paul writes to the church in Rome. 



Read Romans 1:16-20 We are all exposed to God’s wrath! He is angry when we suppress the truth about Him – in the case of those who deny the very existence of God; they’re suppressing the evidence that this marvelous universe bears all the hallmarks of having been designed by a supernatural designer. Judgment has already begun.



 Romans 1:26-31 reads like a modern list of the ills in our society. People sinning and turning away from God is not a new concept even though it appears to be getting worse.

Nahum’s reminder to all of us is that the judgment of God for each of us is well deserved. Amazingly enough it is escapable! God offers each of us a way to salvation – the one and only way through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Remember what Paul said in Romans 1:16-17: “The gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”



Or as Nahum put it: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.” (Nahum 1:7 NASB) 

Have you found this refuge?

Friday, May 19, 2017

Oh Me


Yesterday we looked at Nahum's prediction about the fall of Nineveh and the Assyrian empire. The rest of the book describes how it happens. Former allies become enemies. They surround Nineveh and dam the canal that flows through the city. When a great reservoir was established they broke the dams and the city was flooded. Wall and buildings made of sand and mud melted and the town was destroyed. Let's take a more detailed look at the scripture.


Nahum’s Description of Nineveh’s Fall 

A.  The sources of her destruction (1:8; 2:3-4) Waters will overflow and warriors will invade.


B. The severity of her destruction (2:1-2, 6-11, 13; 3:2-3, 11-19) The city will stagger like a drunkard, it’s fortresses fall, soldiers are helpless, and Nineveh will be sacked and burned.



C.  The strength of God’s judgment (2:1-2, 6-11, 13; 3:2-3, 16-19) The Ninevites struggle to defend but to no avail and the city is completely obliterated.


The people had trust in what they built with their own hands and the army they created.In the end it was their downfall. I think we can learn a great lesson from this. 


Amen or Oh-me?

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Go Straight


The name Nahum means Comforter. God is bringing "comfort" to Israel by the prophet predicting Nineveh’s fall. The Assyrians were mortal enemies of Israel. God had spared them 100 years ago during Jonah's time time, but would not withold His judgment now. We can learn through Nahum's prophecy: 



The purpose of the destruction. (1:1-2, 7, 9-15; 2:12; 3:1, 4-10) God will accomplish this for two reasons:



1. To protect Judah (1:1-2, 13, and 15) God is jealous over those He loves and takes vengeance on all who would harm them. The people will soon rejoice over the destruction of the cruel Assyrian Empire.

2.  To punish Nineveh (1:9-12, 14; 2:12; 3:1, 4-10) Her wickedness: Defiance of God, Idolatry, terrible bloodshed, and involvement with the occult.





We also have no doubt about the power behind the destruction (1:3-6) When sinful men exhaust God’s patience, they face the terrible power of God’s wrath which is like a raging storm and consuming fire!



The Assyrians trusted in their own power and strength. They forgot how the Lord had spared them when they repented under Jonah's warning.Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to always,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Amen?

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Power Keys


For the next four days we will be studying the book of Nahum under the theme God fulfills His promises. The over-riding theme of the Minor Prophets is to get right with God and stay faithful. From the New Testament we receive a beautiful promise, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. - Hebrews 4:16  God's love, mercy, forgiveness, and great grace are available if we repent and focus on living our lives in a Christ honoring way. 



The lessons I have learned from this study is to "be careful". From the time we are young we are given warnings about being careful, so harm would not come to us. God's Word also offers us wise counsel on the subject. Through the prophet Nahum we can learn:

Be careful what you trust in. (keep looking up)

Be careful what you pray for.(you might get something you didn't expect)

Be careful in what you choose.(there are eternal consequences)



Read the book of Nahum by tomorrow (it’s short), and we will start the discussion on who and what we should trust in.

Those who are far from you will perish;

    you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

    I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

    I will tell of all your deeds. - Psalm 73:27-28
Be "careful" to tell others about Jesus. Amen?

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Energy

Do you need a nap? Probably we could all benefit from some extra rest. Instead of following God's plan we drink more coffee, soda, "energy drinks", and get jacked up on sugar. Then we wonder why we feel burned out! Jesus makes us the best offer! 

Give to Him your burdens and cares. He is faithful and lives up to His promises.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Jesus
Don't forget to pray everyday, and when possible take a nap!

Monday, May 15, 2017

On the Rock

Throughout God's Word we take comfort from the words about not being afraid and being strong - God is always with us. This is true but God enables us courage to be ready to take a (firm) stand about matters of faith. More simplistically, always be ready to think, speak, and share the truth of God. 


When you are prepared to take action you will always be more successful. There is nothing more important than your life in Christ.

What does the world hear when you speak?

Practice today putting God's Word in to practice. You will be glad you did.
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Jesus in Matthew 7

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Mother's Dream


Happy Mother's Day! Godly Mothers want their children to know God’s plan and purposes for their lives. “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Joel 2:28
Do you have a vision for your life?

Life is way too short and you are way too important to God and the plans He has for your life for you to not have a vision for your life.

4 things to help develop a vision for your life:
1. Know yourself.
2. Develop your strengths
3. Learn from other people
4. Benefit others

What vision does God have for you?

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Respond


Every person must make a response to whom Jesus is. C. S. Lewis was right, in his classic book Mere Christianity, when he wrote, Either [Jesus] was, and is, the Son of God: or else a mad man or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

God sent his Son, born of a woman … —Galatians 4:4

… yet was without sin. —Hebrews 4:15

… bore our sins in his body on the [cross] … —1 Peter 2:24

… to bring you to God. —1 Peter 3:18

These [accounts] are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. —John 20:31

Every skeptic or seeker has a choice ... God leaves it up to you. There is one question that may confirm your choice. You know Him as Lord—you call Him Lord, but are you doing the things He says?

Friday, May 12, 2017

If


If Jesus really died and rose again two thousand years ago, there was a purpose to it. We see a response to this in Romans 10:9 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Do you believe in Jesus? Have you personally invited him to take away you sin and change your life? Knowledge of God is not good enough. The chief priests knew more about the Bible and what it taught of God, yet their hearts were hardened to the truth. We celebrate a risen Christ, a returning King who will one day soon come back to rule this earth. Have you received his forgiveness and gone on to serve him?

Are you accepting him as Savior, or choosing your own way in life?

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Confession Cleansed


The Bible tells us that if we confess our sins we will be forgiven of our sin and cleansed from all unrighteousness. This is the state of cleansing that God desires for us to be in. That's what Zechariah 1:3-6 is talking about - God’s people will be cleansed by their confession.

Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.  Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord.  Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever?  But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors?

“Then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’”



We see two things here:

1. Repent (Don’t be like your ancestors) - Don't repeat the history of turning from God like we've studied in the Minor Prophets! Turn to God instead!

2. Remember God’s Word is forever (apply it, Joshua 1:7-9) Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
Do life God's way not your own way. Realize who is the true power source. 
So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." Zechariah 4:6

Amen?

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

A Day of Glory


The third special day in Zephaniah is called the Glorious Day – A proclamation of justice. God gives us perfect instruction on how we are to live…turn to Zephaniah 3:9-13 and let’s look at His directions.

To the Gentiles (3:9) – their many languages will be unified and purified allowing them to worship God together with one voice. Then to the Jews (3:10-20) – Their re-gathering, restoring, refining, and rejoicing (3:14-17)

We see a call to Godliness here. Purify your heart and your speech will follow. Verses 3:9-17 (call it restoration) invite us to review our lives and the purifying work God desires to continue within us. Read God’s directions for us to have:

A pure language (9) Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

Offerings (10), 10 From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings

Humility (11), 11 On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.

Trust (12), 12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the Lord.

Righteousness (13), 13 They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies.

 Truth (13). A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.”

 God will join in their happy song.





Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away your punishment,  he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;  never again will you fear any harm. 16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,  but will rejoice over you with singing.”



When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

Amen?

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Be Ready Always


We learn from the Minor Prophets and throughout the Bible that God gives perfect direction. One of these prophet’s is Zephaniah whose name means, God has concealed or hidden. This is good news for Judah because there are hard times coming. The prophet describes three special “days” two of which are grievous, while the third is glorious.



1. The first grievous day: Historical in scope, it includes Judah and her surrounding neighbors and is fulfilled by the Babylonians.

A. For Judah (1:1-13; 2:1-3; 3:1-5) We see her sins.. But Zephaniah tells  Judah to repent and escape God’s wrath. 



Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. (2:1-3)



B. The Gentiles (2:4-15) This is a list of Judah’s enemies who will also face Babylonian destruction.



2. The second grievous day: Prophecy that will include all nations and is yet to be fulfilled by the King of heaven. The day of the Lord probably refers to the Great (1:14) Tribulation. Divine wrath will occur to all the earth (1:15-18; 3:6-8)



That’s why we all must be ready for the Lord’s return. Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:6-11

Monday, May 8, 2017

The Question

I love the conservation that takes place at the beginning of the “Lazarus” story. We usually miss it because we want to get to the part where a man who had been dead four days hops out of his tomb! Okay that’s pretty spectacular, but the truth found earlier in Jesus’ discussion with Martha is life-changing for all of us. Jesus said in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." Then He asks her if she believes.
Every person is asked that same question. Do you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Your answer chooses your eternal destiny.
The choice is yours. To be born once and die twice, or be born twice die once.
Just give me Jesus. Amen?

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Be a Friend

Today is Bring a Friend to Church Sunday. Thousands of churches across the United States will be welcoming visitors. Many people like their churches just the way they are. Why would someone want to invite another to church? In order to be obedient to the Great Commission we must. We are told that we should share the love of God even with our enemies and those in sin.

Let’s look at John 1:12–13, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

 People who have been touched by God are so moved by him that they want to introduce everyone to him, including their enemies. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Let's remember that when we are considering who to ask to church - not just today but every Sunday.

Amen?