God is not finished with me yet!!

SCRIPTURE



Psalm 5 (NRSV)

Lead me in righteousness

Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.
The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house,
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in awe of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.

For there is no truth in their mouths;
their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
they flatter with their tongues.
Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.


DEVOTION

Yesterday, one of our good news readers in South America wrote to me because he was concerned that he was “bothering” God with his continual prayers for deliverance.

He said that someone had instructed him to request help only one-time in faith and then trust that God would supply all that he needed.

He shared that he was so full of anxiety, worry, and fear regarding his circumstance that he had actually made a second request to God. After so doing, his negative feelings were compounded by guilt as he wrung his hands about his “lack of faith.”

When our dear friend requested a word of wisdom and counsel from me in regard to his circumstances, my answer was, “GRACE, GRACE, GRACE! Grace Abounds!”

In an ideal world, we would all present our requests to God (only one time) and then trust that God is well able to meet all of our needs according to God’s riches in glory.

After all, today’s psalmist said, “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.”

Wouldn’t it be grand if I was so perfectly full of faith that I could just watch and pray with no anxiety at all? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I only asked God one time to heal my dying friends or deliver me from financial ruin? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if my faith was so great that I only needed to ask God one time to establish peace on earth and goodwill toward all people?

But, alas, I am human and so are you!

Jesus was aware of our humanity when he taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Sometimes, I just have to ask God for daily bread! And I am not repeating my petition because I do not trust God. On the contrary, I am very sure that God is good, trustworthy, generous, loving, and kind. It is ME that has the problem.

So, I pray things like, “God increase my faith. God magnify my joy. God grant me peace.”

Although I know that God hears and answers my prayers, I need to pray for God to decrease my fear, anxiety, and worry as I wait. I need to pray for God to perfect me in a spirit of long-suffering. I need to pray for God to enable me to trust God’s “Yes, No, Wait, or Slow.”

Psalm 5 says, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover them with favor as with a shield.”


Ain’ta that good news, dear friends?!

God has promised to cover us with favor as with a shield!

Dear one, God has loved us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life. Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected on the third day, just like He promised that he would!

Since God has not withheld this miracle from our lives, God will not withhold any other miracle that we truly need. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope.”

Aren’t you glad that God’s word to us is, “GRACE! GRACE! GRACE! Grace Abounds!”

I wish that I were perfect. I wish that I had so much faith that I could always ask God only one time about my each of my circumstances. But, sometimes I do and sometimes I confess that I do not. “Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief (Mark 9:24)!”

I am so glad that at all times, God’s grace abounds in my life. God loves me so much that God invites me to share all of my fears, anxieties, worries, and pains. God cares for me so much that God is willing to listen to my secret fears time and time again. God is patient with me because God is not finished with me yet!

Hallelujah!

Dear Friend of God, if you have petitioned God to rescue you, but you still feel anxious, fearful, or worried, won’t you please pray with me?

Dear God, I know that you love me and I know that you are good. I know that you have a good plan to rescue me out of my circumstance. While I am waiting, please help me be still. Please increase my faith. Please magnify my joy. Please grant me your peace. I do not want to be filled up with anxiety, worry, and fear. I want to be filled up with your love, joy, and peace. God forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can share good news and be good news in the lives of others! As I work with you, please teach me to trust you more and more. I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.


THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

Blood & Testimony Assure Victory!

SCRIPTURE

Michael and All Angels
Revelation 12:7-12 (NRSV)

And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world -- he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming,
"Now have come the salvation
and the power and the kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Messiah,
for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down,
who accuses them day and night before our God.
But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.
Rejoice then, you heavens
and those who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you
with great wrath,
because he knows that his time is short!"

DEVOTION

I don’t know about you, but I try to live an Advent kind of life—year round!

Scripture teaches us that we are to look forward to the second coming of Jesus and the establishment of a new heaven and earth where Jesus will reign eternally!

Before this will happen, there will be a show down between good and evil. Ultimately good will triumph; after all, who doesn't love a happily ever after story?

Whilst scripture says that Michael and the other angels have had--and will have--an important role to play in the things to come, it also says that God’s people will have a role to play as well.

I love the verse that says “they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony!”

Hallelujah!

Our victory is assured because God loves the world so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

Because of the shed blood of Jesus and his resurrection from the dead we are made eternally victorious! Additionally, scripture says that victory is assured by the word of our testimony!

Sometimes I fear that as Christians we do not understand the importance of sharing the good news with others! Many of us are fearful about sharing the love of God revealed through Christ Jesus with others! In the face of ridicule or hostility from family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or enemies, we shrink from being bold about our faith in Jesus!

Today, we are reminded that it is God’s love, gift, and salvation, in addition to our testimonies that will assure ultimate victory at the end of the age.

Won’t you please pray with me?

Holy God, thank you so much for your great love for all of us! Thank you for the shed Blood of Jesus and for the good news testimony that you have given to me to share. I pray in Jesus’ Name that you will forgive me of my sin and fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit so that I will be bold in the declaration of my testimony. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

God's Temple

SCRIPTURE



Zechariah 6:9-15 (NRSV)

Far and near led to build the temple

The word of the Lord came to me: Collect silver and gold from the exiles - from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah - who have arrived from Babylon; and go the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak; say to him: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Here is a man whose name is Branch: for he shall branch out in his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. It is he that shall build the temple of the Lord; he shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. There shall be a priest by his throne, with peaceful understanding between the two of them. And the crown shall be in the care of Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah, as a memorial in the temple of the Lord.

Those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord; and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.


DEVOTION

Isn’t it wonderful to see what honor is afforded the one who was selected to build the temple of the Lord? It is clear that God has a sweet spot for people who are willing to undertake the difficult task of helping to build a worship space for God.

Now, in this day and age, this scripture could be applied to pastors, priests and/or laypeople who receive a vision from the Lord and lead their congregation in a successful building campaign. A new building, more classrooms, and a larger worship space represent more opportunities for ministry to the community in which the church serves.

It is important to remember that it is the ministry to God’s people which is most important. If we want a larger kitchen space, it is so that we can feed more hungry people. If we want a larger sanctuary, it’s so that we can invite more of our non-Christian to worship. If we want more classroom space it is so that we can tutor neighborhood children or run NA or AA meetings.

The building is a physical representation of ministry opportunities and that is exciting! But, there is something even more exciting than the buildings in which we worship on Sunday morning.

1 Cor 3:16 states, “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

Hallelujah!

When we became Christians the Holy Spirit of God took up residence inside of us! Spirit makes us alive to the things of God and acts as a intercessor, counselor, advocate, comforter, teacher and friend! Spirit leads us to be “temples” full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faith, and self control. Spirit empowers and equips us to be bearers of the good news message that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!

When we have the Spirit of God living within us, we become eternal temples which can never be destroyed. The roof does not leak, the carpet does not need cleaning, the kitchen does not need to be updated, and the sound system does not need to be replaced.

No, no! For we know that God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

When our earthly tabernacles fade away, our souls will take flight to be with Jesus forevermore! Aren’t you happy-glad for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which makes us eternal “temples” of the Living of God?


Will you commit to care for and build up God's temple today?

If so, please pray with me:

Holy God, thank you for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the greatest honor of my life that Spirit chooses to live inside of me! Please forgive me of all of my sin and give me a fresh anointing of Spirit so that I can share good news and be good news for everyone that I meet! I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.



THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

Be At Peace With One Another

SCRIPTURE

Mark 9:38-50 (NRSV)
Warnings to those who obstruct faith


John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

"If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.

And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell.

And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

"For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."


SPECIAL NOTE

This week I offer a Sunday devotion. I took the week off from preaching in order to offer ministry and care to my children who are sick. Thanks for reading and sharing good news! God bless you!


DEVOTION

I am always so grateful for the wisdom of Jesus and for the gift of the holy scripture. So very often the simplest lessons come at the greatest price.

Today, Jesus reminds John, and us by extension, that it makes no sense to be in competition with another brother or sister in Christ!

All too often instead of seeing ourselves as collaborators, we imagine ourselves as competitors, with the church down the street.

Isn’t it amazing that we actually talk about our brothers and sisters, detailing their deficiencies to non-believers, and acting like we don’t all serve the same God?

Let’s keep it real friends. Haven’t you heard Christians saying things like, “She can’t preach. He can’t teach. Their music ministry is a joke. I wouldn’t go to that church if it was the last place on Earth. Look how they dress! Look how they act! They think they’re better than us…”

I could go on and on, but today’s Bible reading makes it really clear that Jesus does not appreciate this type of swaggering, posturing, and gossiping within the Body of Christ.

I love Ephesians 4:5-6 which states, “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

Hallelujah!

Jesus put it another way to his disciples when he said, “Whoever is not against us, is for us!”

Look, no matter what our particular denominations, liturgy, or worship preferences, we are all in this together!

Jesus gave all of us the great commission which is to go and make disciples of all people, baptizing and teaching until Jesus comes again!

There is much work to be done my friends and we must all work together whilst it is day! There are hungry people to feed, thirsty people to give drink, naked people to clothe, homeless people to house, sick and imprisoned people to visit, orphans and widows to care for, and lots and lots of people who are counting on us to share the good news that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!

Instead of competing with one another, let us work together. Instead of hoarding our resources, let us pool them and share them. Instead of denigrating each other’s ministries, let’s build each other up! Instead of gossiping about one another, let us celebrate one another!

After all, we are all related through the Blood of the Lamb. God loved all of us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life. Our belief in Jesus’ shed blood and resurrection makes all Christians brothers and sisters in Christ!

It’s never attractive to see a family fighting is it? Jesus hated it so much he said that it would be better for us to throw ourselves into the ocean with a bolder tied to our necks, cut off our hands or feet, or gouge out our eyes, rather than cause another believer to stumble.

Ha-ha! :-)

I think Jesus made his feelings about family bickering loud and clear! Now we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus' expectation of all Christians is that we will, “Be at peace with one another.”

Lord, please forgive us for the many times that we have used our words or deeds to tear down the ministry or person of a fellow Christian.

Won't you pray with me?:

Holy God, when I look around at all of your children, I notice that there is more than enough work for all of us to do to bring the good news to those in need. Please help me to use my mouth to build up, rather than tear down the work of fellow Christians. God, please help me to always be at peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.


THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html