Luke 11:27-28 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." 28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Just a quick thought as we enter the Holy Season of Christmas...
What an amazing thing for God to choose Mary herself to be so privileged as to give birth to God incarnate - Immanuel. But Jesus Himself says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Would you like to be as blessed as Mary???? Read God's Word... Hear God's Word.... and do what it says.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Showing posts with label meditation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meditation. Show all posts
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Captain's meditation on Luke 10:38-42
Luke 10:38-42 At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Jesus Himself was in their home. That is an amazing thought by itself. Make sure you realize that God Himself through His Holy Spirit is with you everywhere you go today (your home included). It's also important to realize that they opened their home to him. He is always wanting to come close to you, but you must be open to receive Him. During this busy season, it is right to serve the Lord by serving the "least of these". Touch others in His name, do "intakes", make food boxes, prep the chapel, prepare bible studies, plan services, plan holiday meals, do street ministry, etc., etc., etc., but make sure that you don't leave Him sitting there while you run around busy. Make sure you have opened yourself to be beside Him throughout your day, and also be sure you spend some time alone .... ... still... ... sitting at the feet of Jesus.
I leave you with these words from the song by John Wesley...
LO! I come with joy to do The Master's blessed will;
Him in outward works pursue, And serve his pleasure still;
Faithful to my Lord's commands, I still would choose the better part,
Serve with careful Martha's hands, And loving Mary's heart.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Jesus Himself was in their home. That is an amazing thought by itself. Make sure you realize that God Himself through His Holy Spirit is with you everywhere you go today (your home included). It's also important to realize that they opened their home to him. He is always wanting to come close to you, but you must be open to receive Him. During this busy season, it is right to serve the Lord by serving the "least of these". Touch others in His name, do "intakes", make food boxes, prep the chapel, prepare bible studies, plan services, plan holiday meals, do street ministry, etc., etc., etc., but make sure that you don't leave Him sitting there while you run around busy. Make sure you have opened yourself to be beside Him throughout your day, and also be sure you spend some time alone .... ... still... ... sitting at the feet of Jesus.
I leave you with these words from the song by John Wesley...
LO! I come with joy to do The Master's blessed will;
Him in outward works pursue, And serve his pleasure still;
Faithful to my Lord's commands, I still would choose the better part,
Serve with careful Martha's hands, And loving Mary's heart.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The power of positive thinking and affirmations?
I was recently sent a comment (I didn't post it) from someone who found this site by "googling - meditation", of course my posts were meditation on scripture, but this was not. The web site I was directed to was all about "the power of positive thinking and positive affirmations". In short your mindset will determine how you think, it will create a "positive vibe around you" it will bring what you regularly think about to happen.
Here is a quote from that letter, "Track your thoughts and take an active role in what you think... When you come across a negative thought, change it and replace it with a thought that allows you to achieve what you want or makes your life more pleasant. Visualize your success, see yourself living the life you want. ... you are in charge of your life ..."
Why do I mention this at all - Captain Michelle will continue our study in Philippians 4:7-8 this week and talk about our thought life, only it's not just "the power of positive thinking" that allows You to change Your life and get what You want, instead, taking the whole of scripture and the context of Philippians, Paul would say he counts every thought (aside from knowing Jesus) as rubbish, and would give up all things that he might know Christ, and in Him find contentment no matter what his circumstances.
Here are some affirmations and Scriptures I am positive about...
I am positive I have no good thing in me that earns me salvation.
I am positive my righteousness is like filthy rags (let alone the "vileness" of my sin).
I am positive apart from God I can do nothing.
I am positive it is by grace I am saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
I am positive with God all things are possible.
I am positive nothing is impossible with God.
I am positive if God is for me who can be against me.
I am positive all people die someday, and the only way to the Father is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I am positive there is a place called hell and a place called heaven.
I am positive that the Lord Jesus Christ, has by his suffering and death, made atonement for the whole world, so that whosoever will repent of their sin and live for Him, will be saved.
I am positive God has commanded us to live holy and spread His gospel to the world.
I am positive that God wants no one to perish but all to come to everlasting life.
I am positive - I could go on all day long claiming the promises and affirmations in God's Word, SO what is my point... simply this, I agree we should take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. We must positively proclaim Jesus is Lord and His Word only constitutes the divine rule of Christian faith and practice. SO... Read your Word, claim it's truths, hide it in your heart, and don't just think about it.... DO WHAT IT SAYS!
I'm positive your life will be better than trying to convince yourself you can control your own life just by thinking positive thoughts.
Philippians 4:4-9 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 everything, 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, 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.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Here is a quote from that letter, "Track your thoughts and take an active role in what you think... When you come across a negative thought, change it and replace it with a thought that allows you to achieve what you want or makes your life more pleasant. Visualize your success, see yourself living the life you want. ... you are in charge of your life ..."
Why do I mention this at all - Captain Michelle will continue our study in Philippians 4:7-8 this week and talk about our thought life, only it's not just "the power of positive thinking" that allows You to change Your life and get what You want, instead, taking the whole of scripture and the context of Philippians, Paul would say he counts every thought (aside from knowing Jesus) as rubbish, and would give up all things that he might know Christ, and in Him find contentment no matter what his circumstances.
Here are some affirmations and Scriptures I am positive about...
I am positive I have no good thing in me that earns me salvation.
I am positive my righteousness is like filthy rags (let alone the "vileness" of my sin).
I am positive apart from God I can do nothing.
I am positive it is by grace I am saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
I am positive with God all things are possible.
I am positive nothing is impossible with God.
I am positive if God is for me who can be against me.
I am positive all people die someday, and the only way to the Father is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I am positive there is a place called hell and a place called heaven.
I am positive that the Lord Jesus Christ, has by his suffering and death, made atonement for the whole world, so that whosoever will repent of their sin and live for Him, will be saved.
I am positive God has commanded us to live holy and spread His gospel to the world.
I am positive that God wants no one to perish but all to come to everlasting life.
I am positive - I could go on all day long claiming the promises and affirmations in God's Word, SO what is my point... simply this, I agree we should take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. We must positively proclaim Jesus is Lord and His Word only constitutes the divine rule of Christian faith and practice. SO... Read your Word, claim it's truths, hide it in your heart, and don't just think about it.... DO WHAT IT SAYS!
I'm positive your life will be better than trying to convince yourself you can control your own life just by thinking positive thoughts.
Philippians 4:4-9 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 everything, 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, 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.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Captain's meditation on John 6:25-40
This wasn't in my daily rations (my daily scripture reading) but I was led hear while studying other things... so today for the blog - just a quick look at this scripture and my notes to meditate on while I go about my day today...
John 6... After feeding the 5,000 and walking an the water, the crowd shows us for another meal and what Jesus can do for them we read... 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" 26 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (What are you working for and working on today - what is "eating up" your time. Are you focused on things that will spoil or will have eternal consequences, like saving souls and striving for holiness, and things that will glorify God). On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." 28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (It's not "works" that gets you saved, the work is believing is believing on Jesus alone for our salvation - so I remember it's not really "my faith" that saves me - it is Jesus that saves me - but I claim it and seek Him and call on Him and give my life to Him by faith) 30 So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? (don't seek God for what He can do for me today, but for who He is - the bread of heaven) 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" 32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. (don't look to men or things by which the blessing comes, but look to God alone who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, everything is from His hand.) 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 "Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread." 35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (Am I relying only on Jesus to satisfy me) 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (If I have a need today, God has placed everything I need in Jesus, but my requirement is that I must come to Him) 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. (My example is to put the will of God above all things) 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (For those who put their trust in Jesus for their salvation - we have assurance of heaven - I know today that the fate of everyone else, is eternal damnation forever separated from the presence of God in hell. How can I be so selfish and uncaring as to not proclaim to the world that the most expensive gift in the world - salvation purchased by the perfect blood of God's only son for our salvation - is now offered to us freely if we will just accept it by faith, repent of our sins, and now live under His perfect guidance out of gratitude for what He has done for us).
God thank you for your Holy Word today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
John 6... After feeding the 5,000 and walking an the water, the crowd shows us for another meal and what Jesus can do for them we read... 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" 26 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (What are you working for and working on today - what is "eating up" your time. Are you focused on things that will spoil or will have eternal consequences, like saving souls and striving for holiness, and things that will glorify God). On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." 28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (It's not "works" that gets you saved, the work is believing is believing on Jesus alone for our salvation - so I remember it's not really "my faith" that saves me - it is Jesus that saves me - but I claim it and seek Him and call on Him and give my life to Him by faith) 30 So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? (don't seek God for what He can do for me today, but for who He is - the bread of heaven) 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" 32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. (don't look to men or things by which the blessing comes, but look to God alone who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, everything is from His hand.) 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 "Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread." 35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (Am I relying only on Jesus to satisfy me) 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (If I have a need today, God has placed everything I need in Jesus, but my requirement is that I must come to Him) 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. (My example is to put the will of God above all things) 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (For those who put their trust in Jesus for their salvation - we have assurance of heaven - I know today that the fate of everyone else, is eternal damnation forever separated from the presence of God in hell. How can I be so selfish and uncaring as to not proclaim to the world that the most expensive gift in the world - salvation purchased by the perfect blood of God's only son for our salvation - is now offered to us freely if we will just accept it by faith, repent of our sins, and now live under His perfect guidance out of gratitude for what He has done for us).
God thank you for your Holy Word today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Dinner table talk? Feasting on the Word - Captain's meditation on verses in Timothy
I was just moved to ask what you talk about around your dinner table?
I admit I haven't always done all I could or should have in bringing up my children, but as the chaos of the varying schedule of summer is now gone, and the routine of the school year settles in, make sure you set aside time around the dinner table, and then claim that time for Jesus.
Our children are bombarded by the world all day long (yes at school, not counting TV, Internet, music, and on and on). If you, like me, have your child in public school, please remember you are their primary teacher (if not in math and reading) definitely in The Word. God bless sunday school teachers, clubs programs, youth directors and pastors, but you are responsible to train your children up in the faith, so use your table time.
Make sure you set a time and place to discuss God's Word, Heaven, Hell, and Salvation only available through a relationship with Jesus. Please discuss the things of sin, judgment, deliverance and holiness. Certainly talk about preaching and persecution.
We have done things like memorize scriptures and pick a bible book to read through, a chapter a night after the meal, and discuss what we've read. If you are faithful to systematically go through God's Holy Word, every topic under the sun will come up.
Just so you can glace at our table time from last night, we read from some of our upcoming Sunday School lesson in 2 Timothy 3 & 4 and saw these words....
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,...
2 Timothy 4:1-3 1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
In just a few quick verses we were reminded and talk with our girls (6 & 10 years old) about being persecuted for faith in Jesus, the only 2 times we need to preach the word (Both in and out of season - all the time), and what it is to have "itching ears".
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Why not feast on God's Word at your dinner table tonight.
PS. To all the young people out there, if your parent's don't bring it up, you can certainly read your bible and bring up what you read at the table too.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I admit I haven't always done all I could or should have in bringing up my children, but as the chaos of the varying schedule of summer is now gone, and the routine of the school year settles in, make sure you set aside time around the dinner table, and then claim that time for Jesus.
Our children are bombarded by the world all day long (yes at school, not counting TV, Internet, music, and on and on). If you, like me, have your child in public school, please remember you are their primary teacher (if not in math and reading) definitely in The Word. God bless sunday school teachers, clubs programs, youth directors and pastors, but you are responsible to train your children up in the faith, so use your table time.
Make sure you set a time and place to discuss God's Word, Heaven, Hell, and Salvation only available through a relationship with Jesus. Please discuss the things of sin, judgment, deliverance and holiness. Certainly talk about preaching and persecution.
We have done things like memorize scriptures and pick a bible book to read through, a chapter a night after the meal, and discuss what we've read. If you are faithful to systematically go through God's Holy Word, every topic under the sun will come up.
Just so you can glace at our table time from last night, we read from some of our upcoming Sunday School lesson in 2 Timothy 3 & 4 and saw these words....
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,...
2 Timothy 4:1-3 1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
In just a few quick verses we were reminded and talk with our girls (6 & 10 years old) about being persecuted for faith in Jesus, the only 2 times we need to preach the word (Both in and out of season - all the time), and what it is to have "itching ears".
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Why not feast on God's Word at your dinner table tonight.
PS. To all the young people out there, if your parent's don't bring it up, you can certainly read your bible and bring up what you read at the table too.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A prayer thought for meditation this Sunday
I know I posted this once before, but it is still true today....
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!
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!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Great song for meditation today.
Here's another great hymn we sang at WYI (with a contemporary beat!)
William Booth said, "why should the devil have all the good music"! - He doesn't... AMEN!
This song was written by Elvina Hall and appeared in a hymnal for the first time back in 1868, but the words are still as powerful and true today...
Jesus Paid It All
I hear the Savior say
Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness....watch and pray
Find in me....thine all in all
Chorus:
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin hath left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calvary's Lamb
And when before thy throne
I stand in Him complete
Jesus died my soul to save
My lips shall still repeat
Live holy, preach Jesus!
William Booth said, "why should the devil have all the good music"! - He doesn't... AMEN!
This song was written by Elvina Hall and appeared in a hymnal for the first time back in 1868, but the words are still as powerful and true today...
Jesus Paid It All
I hear the Savior say
Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness....watch and pray
Find in me....thine all in all
Chorus:
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin hath left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calvary's Lamb
And when before thy throne
I stand in Him complete
Jesus died my soul to save
My lips shall still repeat
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Captain's meditation on Jeremiah 1:4-10
This scripture passage is the call of God to Jeremiah to be His prophet.
Jeremiah 1:4-10 says... 4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Just a couple of thoughts... (not original to me, but profound to me)....
The first is proclaim God's Word - the gospel - that salvation is only through trust in Jesus alone who lived, died for our sins, and rose from the dead. Do not be afraid of anyone or anything because He will deliver if necessary - but most of the time it just costs us discomfort and not our lives - so share the message of Jesus.
Listen to Catherine Booths comment on this passage... "I am tired of hearing the words 'I can't'. Jeremiah said, 'I am a child'; but the Lord didn't pat him on the back and say, Jeremiah, that is very good, I like that in you; your humility is beautiful.' Oh no! God didn't want any such mock humility. He reproved and rebuked it. I do not like the humility that is too humble to do as it is bid. When my children are too humble to do as they are bid, I pretty soon find a way to make them. I say, 'Go and do it!' The Lord wants us to 'go and do it'." - Catherine Booth
The second thought is that God will put His Word into our mouths - so when we speak God's Word (although it is with our voice and "sounds" like us - it is actually Him). God has given us His Word, His gospel, and our voices for the furtherment of His Kingdom - get out there and share with the world.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Jeremiah 1:4-10 says... 4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Just a couple of thoughts... (not original to me, but profound to me)....
The first is proclaim God's Word - the gospel - that salvation is only through trust in Jesus alone who lived, died for our sins, and rose from the dead. Do not be afraid of anyone or anything because He will deliver if necessary - but most of the time it just costs us discomfort and not our lives - so share the message of Jesus.
Listen to Catherine Booths comment on this passage... "I am tired of hearing the words 'I can't'. Jeremiah said, 'I am a child'; but the Lord didn't pat him on the back and say, Jeremiah, that is very good, I like that in you; your humility is beautiful.' Oh no! God didn't want any such mock humility. He reproved and rebuked it. I do not like the humility that is too humble to do as it is bid. When my children are too humble to do as they are bid, I pretty soon find a way to make them. I say, 'Go and do it!' The Lord wants us to 'go and do it'." - Catherine Booth
The second thought is that God will put His Word into our mouths - so when we speak God's Word (although it is with our voice and "sounds" like us - it is actually Him). God has given us His Word, His gospel, and our voices for the furtherment of His Kingdom - get out there and share with the world.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Captain's meditation on Revelation 3:14-22
I have preached on, and heard many sermons and studies on the Laodicean church, but a comment in a sermon called "lukewarm no more" by Mark Cahill really touched me yesterday.
Go ahead and look up Revelation 3:14-22 and read God's Word for yourself.
After mentioning the words of Jesus, that because He knows their deeds and that they are neither hot nor cold he is going to spit (or vomit) them out of His mouth, we are reminded that this rebuke is because Jesus says I LOVE YOU.
I won't preach the whole passage now - but you really should read it.
After mentioning to this lukewarm church about how they make Jesus sick we read these lines...
verse 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Even when I make Christ sick with my "lukewarm" living - He still loves me. I know this through and through, but as I considered the aspects of my life that are lukewarm and was convicted that He deserves so much more (and hotter) from my life - again I hear the reassuring words of God's love to me.
Today, if you are truly saved by trusting alone in Christ as your Savior, and have proof of your salvation seen in a life change and words and deeds to reflect what He has done for you,... and if you know you are lukewarm (perhaps in personal out-loud hot evangelism - or on fire holy living seeking only His glory in all things)... and if you feel conviction for it - know this - God's conviction, even rebuke, is a call from a Loving God who is calling you back to higher and "hotter" living.
Receive the loving call of Christ to return to being "fired up" for Him.
Let's live on fire for Christ today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Go ahead and look up Revelation 3:14-22 and read God's Word for yourself.
After mentioning the words of Jesus, that because He knows their deeds and that they are neither hot nor cold he is going to spit (or vomit) them out of His mouth, we are reminded that this rebuke is because Jesus says I LOVE YOU.
I won't preach the whole passage now - but you really should read it.
After mentioning to this lukewarm church about how they make Jesus sick we read these lines...
verse 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Even when I make Christ sick with my "lukewarm" living - He still loves me. I know this through and through, but as I considered the aspects of my life that are lukewarm and was convicted that He deserves so much more (and hotter) from my life - again I hear the reassuring words of God's love to me.
Today, if you are truly saved by trusting alone in Christ as your Savior, and have proof of your salvation seen in a life change and words and deeds to reflect what He has done for you,... and if you know you are lukewarm (perhaps in personal out-loud hot evangelism - or on fire holy living seeking only His glory in all things)... and if you feel conviction for it - know this - God's conviction, even rebuke, is a call from a Loving God who is calling you back to higher and "hotter" living.
Receive the loving call of Christ to return to being "fired up" for Him.
Let's live on fire for Christ today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Captain Mark gone at camp
While I'm out, here are some verses I was meditating on recently.
Isaiah 8:9-13
9 Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! 10 Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Fear God 11 The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said: 12 "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. 13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, ...
Raise the war cry, God is with us, do not fear, The Lord Almighty is holy...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Isaiah 8:9-13
9 Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! 10 Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Fear God 11 The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said: 12 "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. 13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, ...
Raise the war cry, God is with us, do not fear, The Lord Almighty is holy...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Captain Mark gone to camp
While I'm out here are some verses I was meditating on recently.
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge- 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge- 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Captain Mark gone to camp
While I'm out - here are some verses I've meditated on recently.
Psalm 84
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. 8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah 9 Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Live holy, Preach Jesus!
Psalm 84
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. 8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah 9 Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Live holy, Preach Jesus!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Captain Mark gone to camp
While I'm out - here are some verses I've meditated on recently.
Isaiah 30 Woe to the Obstinate Nation
1 "Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; 2 who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh's protection, to Egypt's shade for refuge. 3 But Pharaoh's protection will be to your shame, Egypt's shade will bring you disgrace. 4 Though they have officials in Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, 5 everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them, who bring neither help nor advantage, but only shame and disgrace." 6 An oracle concerning the animals of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lions and lionesses, of adders and darting snakes, the envoys carry their riches on donkeys' backs, their treasures on the humps of camels, to that unprofitable nation, 7 to Egypt, whose help is utterly useless. Therefore I call her Rahab the Do-Nothing. 8 Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness. 9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction. 10 They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11 Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" 12 Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: "Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, 13 this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. 14 It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern." 15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. 16 You said, 'No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, 'We will ride off on swift horses.' Therefore your pursuers will be swift! 17 A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill." 18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! 19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 22 Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!" 23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Isaiah 30 Woe to the Obstinate Nation
1 "Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; 2 who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh's protection, to Egypt's shade for refuge. 3 But Pharaoh's protection will be to your shame, Egypt's shade will bring you disgrace. 4 Though they have officials in Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, 5 everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them, who bring neither help nor advantage, but only shame and disgrace." 6 An oracle concerning the animals of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lions and lionesses, of adders and darting snakes, the envoys carry their riches on donkeys' backs, their treasures on the humps of camels, to that unprofitable nation, 7 to Egypt, whose help is utterly useless. Therefore I call her Rahab the Do-Nothing. 8 Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness. 9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction. 10 They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11 Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" 12 Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: "Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, 13 this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. 14 It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern." 15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. 16 You said, 'No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, 'We will ride off on swift horses.' Therefore your pursuers will be swift! 17 A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill." 18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! 19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 22 Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!" 23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Captain's meditation on Nehemiah 13:23-24
Here is a thought from my last sermon...
Listen to the setting in Nehemiah’s day.
Nehemiah 13:23-24 Moreover, in those days I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, and did not know how to speak the language of Judah.
Here we read Jewish men were making poor choices as it related to women and it was affecting their speech. These men, for the sake of women, were no longer raising their kids by God’s standards, and more than that the children could no longer speak the language of Judah, and now only spoke the language of Ashdod.
Now this isn’t about being bilingual, or speaking another language. The problem was that the lifestyle these children were being raised in was affecting their purity of speech. I don’t mean simply that they were foul mouthed, although a foul mouth is a vile offense to God too, but to make the spiritual application here – the children could no longer speak the language of sound doctrine about God.
The children were raised as many children have been today, where young people no longer call Bible things by Bible names, instead we have corrupted them with cultural relativisms. Instead of calling things sins, they call things alternative lifestyles. Instead of saying Lord and Savior we now mention higher powers, instead of heaven and hell there may be at best a here-after, and instead of moral absolutes of right and wrong we have trained them to speak the “so-called” language of tolerance and political correctness.
Lord help me raise my kids to know that there is only one way to heaven, may I teach them the Deity of Jesus Christ, and words like sin, hell, judgment, holiness, and so on. Enable me to train my children in God's Word and sound doctrine.
What language are your kids learning from you?........
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Listen to the setting in Nehemiah’s day.
Nehemiah 13:23-24 Moreover, in those days I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, and did not know how to speak the language of Judah.
Here we read Jewish men were making poor choices as it related to women and it was affecting their speech. These men, for the sake of women, were no longer raising their kids by God’s standards, and more than that the children could no longer speak the language of Judah, and now only spoke the language of Ashdod.
Now this isn’t about being bilingual, or speaking another language. The problem was that the lifestyle these children were being raised in was affecting their purity of speech. I don’t mean simply that they were foul mouthed, although a foul mouth is a vile offense to God too, but to make the spiritual application here – the children could no longer speak the language of sound doctrine about God.
The children were raised as many children have been today, where young people no longer call Bible things by Bible names, instead we have corrupted them with cultural relativisms. Instead of calling things sins, they call things alternative lifestyles. Instead of saying Lord and Savior we now mention higher powers, instead of heaven and hell there may be at best a here-after, and instead of moral absolutes of right and wrong we have trained them to speak the “so-called” language of tolerance and political correctness.
Lord help me raise my kids to know that there is only one way to heaven, may I teach them the Deity of Jesus Christ, and words like sin, hell, judgment, holiness, and so on. Enable me to train my children in God's Word and sound doctrine.
What language are your kids learning from you?........
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
This is the Lord's day, don't be so busy 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!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Captains meditation on Numbers 14
Read again Numbers 14 - what an amazing piece of scripture. I was just meditating on the fact again that "the tongue has the power of life and death". What we profess and claim (in Jesus Name) greatly impacts what we receive.
Just some points again as I read through Numbers 14...
1. The people grumbled against God's leaders saying if only we had died in Egypt or the desert, we should choose a leader and return. - How often do we forget all we have been delivered from and we are willing to go back to old ways as opposed to claiming new ground for God.
2. The profession of men who trust God enough to say, "If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
3. The Lord's anger at lack of faith, disbelief, and testing God, by refusal to obey Him and take Him at His Word - to do that is to treat God with contempt.
4. The example of godly men standing in the gap for others.
5. God notices men who follow Him with a "different spirit and follows him wholeheartedly".
6. The Israelites were not willing to go when God said "go", but where willing (in their presumption) to attack the enemy after God had spoken "don't".
For prayerful meditation...
Just some points again as I read through Numbers 14...
1. The people grumbled against God's leaders saying if only we had died in Egypt or the desert, we should choose a leader and return. - How often do we forget all we have been delivered from and we are willing to go back to old ways as opposed to claiming new ground for God.
2. The profession of men who trust God enough to say, "If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
3. The Lord's anger at lack of faith, disbelief, and testing God, by refusal to obey Him and take Him at His Word - to do that is to treat God with contempt.
4. The example of godly men standing in the gap for others.
5. God notices men who follow Him with a "different spirit and follows him wholeheartedly".
6. The Israelites were not willing to go when God said "go", but where willing (in their presumption) to attack the enemy after God had spoken "don't".
For prayerful meditation...
- Lord keep my mouth and heart from grumbling against You and your leaders.
- Help me never desire anything that you have delivered me from before.
- Grant me the continual desire to claim to ground your Word says I can surely have.
- Help me daily profess, "If the Lord is please with me, he will lead me into the land and promises He has prepared for me.
- May I never fear any enemy when You are for me.
- Help me to walk by faith and simply take you at your Word.
- Continue to develop me into a man that consistently stands in the gap for others and who has a different spirit that will follow you wholeheartedly.
- May I always go when you say go, but never run into a battle either in presumption (not first seeking your will) or worse - running into a fight when you have said "be still".
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Captain's meditation on "the look of Jesus"
This thought is not complete in my heart and mind yet, but I have had the thought of "being watched by Christ" on my mind while pondering these scriptures.
As soon as the disciple Andrew met Jesus he took his brother Simon to meet Jesus also and we read... John 1:42 And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon) to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).
After Jesus arrest Peter followed at a distance and we read these words in Luke 22:54-62 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Jesus loves us so much that He constantly has His eye on us, not as a mean and condemning God, but as one who loves us so much that whether we are accepting a call to follow, or denying Him in public, He is watching over us. Of course our actions will invite a blessing or a curse, and we will choose life and death, by our conduct - no matter what Jesus is watching and with love wants to see us choose to Honor Him.
Today you will choose to follow closely after Him and proclaim His message, or you will follow at a distance, as one of the crowd, and deny Him with your words or actions.
Choose this day if you will bring Glory to Him or grieve His heart. Either way He is watching.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
As soon as the disciple Andrew met Jesus he took his brother Simon to meet Jesus also and we read... John 1:42 And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon) to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).
After Jesus arrest Peter followed at a distance and we read these words in Luke 22:54-62 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Jesus loves us so much that He constantly has His eye on us, not as a mean and condemning God, but as one who loves us so much that whether we are accepting a call to follow, or denying Him in public, He is watching over us. Of course our actions will invite a blessing or a curse, and we will choose life and death, by our conduct - no matter what Jesus is watching and with love wants to see us choose to Honor Him.
Today you will choose to follow closely after Him and proclaim His message, or you will follow at a distance, as one of the crowd, and deny Him with your words or actions.
Choose this day if you will bring Glory to Him or grieve His heart. Either way He is watching.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Captain's meditation on Judges 16:20
In case you haven't read it lately, Judges chapter 16 has one of the most "famous" stories in the bible and also what may be among the most painful verses in God's Word.
Judges 16:20 after "toying" with giving away the secret to his strength, Samson eventually tells Delilah about his hair (of course his strength was from God, but Samson was under a vow to live a certain way, set apart, to be in a position to receive the power).
When Samson gave away the secret and allowed himself to be in a position to be compromised, his hair was cut, the enemy burst in, Delilah called out, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" and then these words.... Judges 16:20 Samson - He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
How often do we miss out on the power from on high because we "toy with sin" and fail to live set apart for God.
Today is a new day - renew your vows to the Lord - flee from sin - live set apart, and find God's power sufficient for every task He has for you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Judges 16:20 after "toying" with giving away the secret to his strength, Samson eventually tells Delilah about his hair (of course his strength was from God, but Samson was under a vow to live a certain way, set apart, to be in a position to receive the power).
When Samson gave away the secret and allowed himself to be in a position to be compromised, his hair was cut, the enemy burst in, Delilah called out, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" and then these words.... Judges 16:20 Samson - He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
How often do we miss out on the power from on high because we "toy with sin" and fail to live set apart for God.
Today is a new day - renew your vows to the Lord - flee from sin - live set apart, and find God's power sufficient for every task He has for you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Straight talk from Proverbs 21:3
Hello soldiers & friends,
Mark Twain said something like, "it's not the parts of the bible I don't understand that I have a problem with... it's the parts I do"
So here is just a quick word from Proverbs 21:3 which reads, "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
More than all the "stuff" you could give God (like He needs our stuff?), God would most appreciate you simply doing what is right, just, and obedient to His Word.
Have you done everything you know God has asked you to? If not, give God the gift of your obedience today.
Live holy, Preach Jesus!
Mark Twain said something like, "it's not the parts of the bible I don't understand that I have a problem with... it's the parts I do"
So here is just a quick word from Proverbs 21:3 which reads, "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
More than all the "stuff" you could give God (like He needs our stuff?), God would most appreciate you simply doing what is right, just, and obedient to His Word.
Have you done everything you know God has asked you to? If not, give God the gift of your obedience today.
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!
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