This was taken from a Keith Drury writing from 1994 -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 6-10. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
6. TV affects my vocabulary.
I haven't started saying all the things I've heard on television, but I'm far less shocked when I hear them. And I wonder, how long will it be until I start saying the words I hear? For instance, in the last decade, I have noticed a significant increase in the use of God's name in a casual way by Christians. I wonder if this is somehow connected with the frequent use of God's name on TV. I remember when I first heard this, how I reacted. It was clear to me that this was a violation of God's third commandment. In fact it is the clearest violation of that commandment you can imagine. Using God's name in a casual way. Now God's name is finding it's way into the language of Christians. How long will it be before I allow myself to say "My Lord," or "Oh God," or "For God's sake"? But it's not just God's name. Television constantly tries to adjust all of my vocabulary. I hear it every day. TV is constantly correcting, constantly teaching, constantly "discipling" me. It tries to teach me to say "partner" instead of "wife." It wants me to say "in a relationship" instead of "married," and "gay" instead of "homosexual." It is so effective at teaching me what is right and wrong in speech, that gradually the vocabulary of the world seems "politically correct." But, along with this new vocabulary come the world's values. I don't like what the TV does to my vocabulary. And what this new vocabulary does to my values. Why don't I just unplug it?
7. TV constantly models put-down humor.
It's most evident in shows like The Simpsons, Rosanne, and Married...With Children. But it's everywhere else as well. The relational modeling of TV is to deride others and criticize and put down loved ones. All this is done for the sake of humor. And it works. It is humorous. No wonder these same kinds of critical put-downs show up at home, in schools and at church. TV is a bad model for interpersonal relationships. It makes it easier for me to use put-down humor. I ought to just unplug it, I suppose.
8. TV promotes the sin of materialism.
Why would advertisers spend millions of dollars if their advertisements did not cause me to want things? TV engenders coveting, materialism and idolatry—finding joy in things. How much has this "materialistic pornography" influenced me already? What has it already persuaded me to find happiness in—besides God? What has the TV taught me to want? To want so badly that I consider it a need? I should simply unplug it, shouldn't I?
9. TV is a social evil.
It's like alcohol, or tobacco, or gambling. The net result is socially negative. TV executives argue that there is no connection whatsoever between violence on television and crime in the streets, or between TV's sexual titillation and the behavior of the individuals watching these programs. Yet, the same TV executives will collect a million dollars for a 30-second advertisement during the Super Bowl. How do they collect money for these advertisements? Who pays for them? Why would advertisers pay such sums if the medium has no affect whatsoever on behavior? C'mon. Quit kidding us! TV does change the way we act. The average child sees 8000 killings on TV by the eighth grade. Is this in no way connected with the fact that violent crime is up 560% over the last 30 years? So, even if the TV had absolutely no affect on me personally, I ought to unplug it—simply as a social protest or boycott against the evil it promotes in society.
10. TV depresses educational achievement.
The studies are decisive. The more TV that children watch, the less studying they do, the later they will stay up at night, and the more tired they will be the next day at school. The more TV that students watch, the lower they score on achievement tests. Besides these proven facts, TV works against reading and discussion, two primary ways people learn. But what if I'm an empty-nester and all the kids are gone? What does it do to my educational achievement? Does it inspire me to read more? Discuss things more? Does it define the really deep issues? What issues does television raise which will be around in 100 years? Even ten years? I'm afraid TV even depresses my own learning, not just the children's learning. If I had the guts, I'd just unplug it.
So, what should we do? I wonder what it would be like if our church went together and just unplugged our televisions. Possible? OK, maybe not. How about trying a one-week "unplugged" experiment? Just one week? Are you up to it? Think you can go off TV cold-turkey ... even for a week? Just one week? Shall we try it? If we all went off the plug-in drug together maybe we could do it?What do you think? Wannna' try?
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
15 reasons why I should unplug my TV (1-5)
This was taken from a Keith Drury writing from 1994 -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 1-5. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
1. TV is the number one secularizing influence in my life.
The Devil has a million ways to get at me, but television is his best way of "getting into my head." TV is the most effective influence to make me a less-committed Christian. If I keep watching it, I'll become even more secular in my mind-set. I should unplug my TV.
2. TV is my biggest time robber.
I waste time on other things, but TV is the biggest black hole of all. Where does TV time come from? It is time which could be spent on better things. Working in my wood shop. Working in the garden. Spending time with my kids. Having a chat with my wife. Going for a walk. In fact, the average person logs more time in front of the TV than doing anything else, except sleeping. The average American adult spends 3½ hours per day watching TV. That is 52 complete 24-hour days every year. We adults spend a full 12 years of our life span watching TV (we spend four months in Sunday school).I sometimes complain, "I don't have enough time." But the truth is, I have the same amount of time Jesus Christ had—24 hours each day. It's not how much time I "have," but how I use my time that is my problem. I watch TV far less than the average adult, but it's still my single biggest time robber. I should unplug it.
3. TV softens me toward sin.
The television is highly effective at brainwashing. It seduces me into accepting sins the Bible clearly rejects. Its story-telling and interview formats raise feelings of sympathy, compassion and understanding for behaviors I know are wrong. TV has already made me softer on divorce. Right now it is trying to convince me that marital unfaithfulness is normal—even attractive. And, increasingly, TV will persuade me that homosexual behavior is simply an alternative lifestyle of people "born this way."If I keep watching TV on a regular basis, it will surely convince me to soften, then fully accept, these sins. I have watched how this happens to me. I am at first outraged by what I see. I angrily switch to another channel or turn it off completely. But, over time, the outrage dissipates. Eventually I allow the offense to pass by with only a verbal rejection like "that's not true" or "that doesn't fit with what the Bible says." Finally, I quit making verbal comments and hardly notice. Sin has lost its shock. The more I watch TV, the more "understanding" I become toward sin. I should unplug my TV, shouldn't I?
4. TV presents a false view of marriage.
Because it is an emotional medium, TV constantly focuses on falling in love, having sex, and breaking up. This is a false view of marriage. Most of marriage is, well...boring. It's not all stimulation and excitement, with wild and wonderful trips to Acapulco. Marriage is mostly routine, based on commitment—not the romantic ideal presented on TV.And beyond this false view of marriage, TV is constantly biased against the biblical pattern of marriage. While two-thirds of US adults are married, television constantly focuses on singleness and single parenting, and brainwashes us to believe married life is neither average nor normal. And even when it does feature married couples, these couples are awful examples of regular married life, let alone a Christian marriage. Marriage is tough enough work in today's world, without the influence of television dragging me away from the biblical model. I suppose I should simply unplug my TVs—all of them.
5. TV gives me a distorted view of religion.
Secular shows are constantly portraying ministers as corrupt, greedy, greasy hypocrites. I don't like that. I don't want my kids being brainwashed against preachers and the ministry. But while preachers do poorly, religion itself does little better. The media's anti-religion bias is deep. Researchers from Duke, Northwestern, and The University of Dayton studied 100 episodes of prime-time TV shows including 1,464 speaking characters and 70 hours of programming. Ninety-five percent of the people showed no discernible religious affiliation whatsoever. And of the 5% which made some reference to religion (mostly to prayer, such as "thank God" or something similar), a full half of these presented the religious message in a negative light. This shouldn't surprise me. Only 7% of TV executives attend church regularly, while 97% are pro-abortion and 80% pro-homosexual. It shouldn't shock me that the television constantly brainwashes me toward a negative and distorted view of religion. I suppose I might argue that my mind is made up. But what does this do to children? And religious programming is no better. Religious TV portrays such a sick view of true religion that viewing secular programming might be safer. I should just unplug the thing.
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 1-5. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
1. TV is the number one secularizing influence in my life.
The Devil has a million ways to get at me, but television is his best way of "getting into my head." TV is the most effective influence to make me a less-committed Christian. If I keep watching it, I'll become even more secular in my mind-set. I should unplug my TV.
2. TV is my biggest time robber.
I waste time on other things, but TV is the biggest black hole of all. Where does TV time come from? It is time which could be spent on better things. Working in my wood shop. Working in the garden. Spending time with my kids. Having a chat with my wife. Going for a walk. In fact, the average person logs more time in front of the TV than doing anything else, except sleeping. The average American adult spends 3½ hours per day watching TV. That is 52 complete 24-hour days every year. We adults spend a full 12 years of our life span watching TV (we spend four months in Sunday school).I sometimes complain, "I don't have enough time." But the truth is, I have the same amount of time Jesus Christ had—24 hours each day. It's not how much time I "have," but how I use my time that is my problem. I watch TV far less than the average adult, but it's still my single biggest time robber. I should unplug it.
3. TV softens me toward sin.
The television is highly effective at brainwashing. It seduces me into accepting sins the Bible clearly rejects. Its story-telling and interview formats raise feelings of sympathy, compassion and understanding for behaviors I know are wrong. TV has already made me softer on divorce. Right now it is trying to convince me that marital unfaithfulness is normal—even attractive. And, increasingly, TV will persuade me that homosexual behavior is simply an alternative lifestyle of people "born this way."If I keep watching TV on a regular basis, it will surely convince me to soften, then fully accept, these sins. I have watched how this happens to me. I am at first outraged by what I see. I angrily switch to another channel or turn it off completely. But, over time, the outrage dissipates. Eventually I allow the offense to pass by with only a verbal rejection like "that's not true" or "that doesn't fit with what the Bible says." Finally, I quit making verbal comments and hardly notice. Sin has lost its shock. The more I watch TV, the more "understanding" I become toward sin. I should unplug my TV, shouldn't I?
4. TV presents a false view of marriage.
Because it is an emotional medium, TV constantly focuses on falling in love, having sex, and breaking up. This is a false view of marriage. Most of marriage is, well...boring. It's not all stimulation and excitement, with wild and wonderful trips to Acapulco. Marriage is mostly routine, based on commitment—not the romantic ideal presented on TV.And beyond this false view of marriage, TV is constantly biased against the biblical pattern of marriage. While two-thirds of US adults are married, television constantly focuses on singleness and single parenting, and brainwashes us to believe married life is neither average nor normal. And even when it does feature married couples, these couples are awful examples of regular married life, let alone a Christian marriage. Marriage is tough enough work in today's world, without the influence of television dragging me away from the biblical model. I suppose I should simply unplug my TVs—all of them.
5. TV gives me a distorted view of religion.
Secular shows are constantly portraying ministers as corrupt, greedy, greasy hypocrites. I don't like that. I don't want my kids being brainwashed against preachers and the ministry. But while preachers do poorly, religion itself does little better. The media's anti-religion bias is deep. Researchers from Duke, Northwestern, and The University of Dayton studied 100 episodes of prime-time TV shows including 1,464 speaking characters and 70 hours of programming. Ninety-five percent of the people showed no discernible religious affiliation whatsoever. And of the 5% which made some reference to religion (mostly to prayer, such as "thank God" or something similar), a full half of these presented the religious message in a negative light. This shouldn't surprise me. Only 7% of TV executives attend church regularly, while 97% are pro-abortion and 80% pro-homosexual. It shouldn't shock me that the television constantly brainwashes me toward a negative and distorted view of religion. I suppose I might argue that my mind is made up. But what does this do to children? And religious programming is no better. Religious TV portrays such a sick view of true religion that viewing secular programming might be safer. I should just unplug the thing.
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Psalm 23 Remix - the "anti-scriptural" version?
PSALM 23 REMIX - I found this at www.sendthefire.ca
The T.V. is my shepherd I shall always be in want.
It makes me to lie down on the sofa,
it leads me away from the faith,
it destroys my soul.
It leads me to the path of sex and violence for the advertiser’s sake.
Even though I walk in the shadow of Christian responsibilities,
there will be no interruption, for the T.V. is with me;
its cable and remote control, they comfort me.
It prepares a commercial for me every few minutes.
And anoints my head with secular humanism and consumerism;
My cup of ‘greed’ and ‘want’ runs over.
Surely ignorance and laziness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall loaf around in the house of wretchedness watching T.V. forever.
Questons for consideration and meditation...
- How much T.V. do you watch?
- What affect do you think T.V. has on your life?
- How is it shaping your attitudes towards things? Actions? Mind? Relationships with others?
- How do you decide what to watch and what not to?
- Have you ever switched the channel because content wasn’t appropriate?
- Compare your time watching T.V. to prayer time. Which is greater? Why is that?
- Does God get your "prime time" or your leftovers?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The T.V. is my shepherd I shall always be in want.
It makes me to lie down on the sofa,
it leads me away from the faith,
it destroys my soul.
It leads me to the path of sex and violence for the advertiser’s sake.
Even though I walk in the shadow of Christian responsibilities,
there will be no interruption, for the T.V. is with me;
its cable and remote control, they comfort me.
It prepares a commercial for me every few minutes.
And anoints my head with secular humanism and consumerism;
My cup of ‘greed’ and ‘want’ runs over.
Surely ignorance and laziness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall loaf around in the house of wretchedness watching T.V. forever.
Questons for consideration and meditation...
- How much T.V. do you watch?
- What affect do you think T.V. has on your life?
- How is it shaping your attitudes towards things? Actions? Mind? Relationships with others?
- How do you decide what to watch and what not to?
- Have you ever switched the channel because content wasn’t appropriate?
- Compare your time watching T.V. to prayer time. Which is greater? Why is that?
- Does God get your "prime time" or your leftovers?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - What Jesus left behind
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Spend some time with God, then have a rest.
I'm just getting back from the a seminar, so I admit this is a repost of my blog from Sunday, February 15, 2009. I know it still applies to me today, hopefully you will enjoy it again.
This is a reminder to spend some time in the presence of Jesus today. Make sure you take time not just to be blessed by God, but to worship in such a way that you will bless Him.
Receive the fact that God has made available everything you need for salvation, life, and godliness.
Recommit to living your life as a holy offering for the One who gave His life for you. Spend some time today keeping your repentance "up to date". Confess your every sin.
Resolve to walk in the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that you might have no "known sin".
Renew your desire to be a soldier of God, who will not be ashamed to boldly declare the Truth found in Jesus.
Rest in this word from God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah (30:15)... 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,...
In case you don't know how this verse ended for the people of Isaiah's day, he concluded God's message this way...."In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,... but you would have none of it."How about spending some time with God today, then have some rest.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This is a reminder to spend some time in the presence of Jesus today. Make sure you take time not just to be blessed by God, but to worship in such a way that you will bless Him.
Receive the fact that God has made available everything you need for salvation, life, and godliness.
Recommit to living your life as a holy offering for the One who gave His life for you. Spend some time today keeping your repentance "up to date". Confess your every sin.
Resolve to walk in the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that you might have no "known sin".
Renew your desire to be a soldier of God, who will not be ashamed to boldly declare the Truth found in Jesus.
Rest in this word from God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah (30:15)... 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,...
In case you don't know how this verse ended for the people of Isaiah's day, he concluded God's message this way...."In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,... but you would have none of it."How about spending some time with God today, then have some rest.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Leadership Training Serminar in Anchorage
Sorry for the late post today...
My automatic post didn't work today and I just got back from a good time up in Anchorage.
I'm glad to report that I drove up from Homer with 4 of our Corps (church) members to attend a leadership training seminar. God is good and we enjoyed a time with other local leaders from Kodiak, Kenai, Anchorage Korean, the ARP (the rehab center), Wasilla, and Anchorage Corps.
DHQ (Divisional Head Quarters) did a great job with additional training for youth leadership and evangelism training.
Nothing life changing to post today other than God is good, He granted safe travels to all, He inspired us all to greater service out of love for Him, and might even be spurring those that went with me to greater acts of service (and maybe even leadership) in the Corps.
God bless your Corps and church meetings tomorrow. May God enjoy your worship and may you meet Him there.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
My automatic post didn't work today and I just got back from a good time up in Anchorage.
I'm glad to report that I drove up from Homer with 4 of our Corps (church) members to attend a leadership training seminar. God is good and we enjoyed a time with other local leaders from Kodiak, Kenai, Anchorage Korean, the ARP (the rehab center), Wasilla, and Anchorage Corps.
DHQ (Divisional Head Quarters) did a great job with additional training for youth leadership and evangelism training.
Nothing life changing to post today other than God is good, He granted safe travels to all, He inspired us all to greater service out of love for Him, and might even be spurring those that went with me to greater acts of service (and maybe even leadership) in the Corps.
God bless your Corps and church meetings tomorrow. May God enjoy your worship and may you meet Him there.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Captain's meditation on evangelism & Proverbs 21:11-12
William Booth (founder of The Salvation Army)…"Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you 'go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin." Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there."
William Booth also said... “I do not want another ecclesiastical corps cumbering the earth. When The Salvation Army ceases to be a militant body of red hot men and women whose supreme business is the saving of souls, I hope it will vanish utterly.”
Charles Spurgeon said… If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned or unprayed for.
Catherine Booth... "You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!"
In Proverbs 24:11 – 12 we read... Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
William Booth also said... “I do not want another ecclesiastical corps cumbering the earth. When The Salvation Army ceases to be a militant body of red hot men and women whose supreme business is the saving of souls, I hope it will vanish utterly.”
Charles Spurgeon said… If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned or unprayed for.
Catherine Booth... "You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!"
In Proverbs 24:11 – 12 we read... Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Shanty Remodel - great thought from an email
Source: A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, in his book Wholly Sanctified. Contributor: Jim Luthy
In the upper portion of New York City, many citizens may often have noticed, especially in the past years, a great number of miserable shanties standing on the choicest sites. Though perhaps on the corner of a splendid new avenue or looking out on a magnificent prospect, the houses were utterly unworthy of their sites.
Suppose that a millionaire should want to purchase a site, and the owner should begin, before giving possession, to repair the old shanty for the new owner, putting fresh thatch on the miserable roof and a new coat of whitewash on the dirty walls. How the purchaser would laugh at him and say, "My friend, I do not want your miserable old wreck of a tenement fixed up like this. At the best, it will only be a shanty when you have done all you can to it, and I will never live in it. All I want is the ground, the site, and when I get it I will raze the old heap of rubbish to the foundations and dig deep down to the solid rock before I build my splendid mansion. I will then build from the base my own new house according to my own magnificent plan. I do not want a vestige of your house; all that I require is the location."
This is exactly what God wants of us and waits to do in us. Each of us has a splendid site for a heavenly temple. It looks out upon eternity and commands a view of all that is glorious in the possibilities of existence. The house that is built upon it now, however, is a worthless wreck; it is past improving. Our patching and repairing is worse than waste. What God wants of us is simply that we give him the possibilities of our lives and let him build upon them a temple of holiness which he will make his own abode and which he will let us dwell in with him as his happy guests in the house of the Lord forever.
------------------------
Salvationists & fellow followers of Jesus Christ - Live holy, preach Jesus!
In the upper portion of New York City, many citizens may often have noticed, especially in the past years, a great number of miserable shanties standing on the choicest sites. Though perhaps on the corner of a splendid new avenue or looking out on a magnificent prospect, the houses were utterly unworthy of their sites.
Suppose that a millionaire should want to purchase a site, and the owner should begin, before giving possession, to repair the old shanty for the new owner, putting fresh thatch on the miserable roof and a new coat of whitewash on the dirty walls. How the purchaser would laugh at him and say, "My friend, I do not want your miserable old wreck of a tenement fixed up like this. At the best, it will only be a shanty when you have done all you can to it, and I will never live in it. All I want is the ground, the site, and when I get it I will raze the old heap of rubbish to the foundations and dig deep down to the solid rock before I build my splendid mansion. I will then build from the base my own new house according to my own magnificent plan. I do not want a vestige of your house; all that I require is the location."
This is exactly what God wants of us and waits to do in us. Each of us has a splendid site for a heavenly temple. It looks out upon eternity and commands a view of all that is glorious in the possibilities of existence. The house that is built upon it now, however, is a worthless wreck; it is past improving. Our patching and repairing is worse than waste. What God wants of us is simply that we give him the possibilities of our lives and let him build upon them a temple of holiness which he will make his own abode and which he will let us dwell in with him as his happy guests in the house of the Lord forever.
------------------------
Salvationists & fellow followers of Jesus Christ - Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Lessons from my garage door?
Carrying on the thought from yesterday's post about Samson not knowing the Lord had left him...
Just a couple weeks ago our garage door motor died. Here in homer there's really only one place to get it repaired and that one man was out of town for two weeks, then another week to order parts. While I waited for the repair I kept habitually pushing the garage door button in my van only to find that the power was gone.
Can you imagine doing something habitually, that you have always done before, and not knowing the power was gone?
Unfortunately I believe that too many Salvation Army Corps, too many churches, and too many believers just slip into autopilot, just doing what we've always done, and we don't realize that God invited us to move on to new things.
Let's not be afraid to admit when God has called us to move on from old things that have served His purpose in the past, to new things, new "programs", new strategies, and a new fresh empowerment of His Spirit.
Let's not live out of habit, but daily empowered by the Lord.
To you my fellow soldiers, officers, and followers of Jesus, you are on my heart today and my prayers are with you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a couple weeks ago our garage door motor died. Here in homer there's really only one place to get it repaired and that one man was out of town for two weeks, then another week to order parts. While I waited for the repair I kept habitually pushing the garage door button in my van only to find that the power was gone.
Can you imagine doing something habitually, that you have always done before, and not knowing the power was gone?
Unfortunately I believe that too many Salvation Army Corps, too many churches, and too many believers just slip into autopilot, just doing what we've always done, and we don't realize that God invited us to move on to new things.
Let's not be afraid to admit when God has called us to move on from old things that have served His purpose in the past, to new things, new "programs", new strategies, and a new fresh empowerment of His Spirit.
Let's not live out of habit, but daily empowered by the Lord.
To you my fellow soldiers, officers, and followers of Jesus, you are on my heart today and my prayers are with you.
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!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Easter Resurrection Sunday!
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
To listen to this yesterday's Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
To listen to this yesterday's Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
It's Resurrection Sunday - He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
In Kipling’s story, The Jungle Book, Mowgli, the man cub, asks the animals what’s the most feared thing in the jungle. He’s told that when two animals meet on a narrow path that one must step aside and let the other pass. The animal that steps aside for no one would then be the most feared. Mowgli wants to know what kind of animal would that be? One tells him it’s an elephant. Another tells him it’s a lion. Finally the wise old owl exclaims, “The most feared thing in the jungle is death. It steps aside for no one.”
Death is an absolute truth for all of us. No one is exempt from death.
Heb. 9:27 – It is appointed to all men once to die and after that the judgment.
Ecc. 7:2 – …for death is the destiny of every man.
But death was not the destiny of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God in the flesh and death had to step aside for him. Like a coward steps aside for the brave, death cowered in the presence of the power of Jesus Christ.
Rom. 6:9 – For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
Today we celebrate Easter or what I prefer to call Resurrection Sunday and it’s the celebration that death could not keep Jesus down!
The resurrection is of supreme importance because it is what separates from all the other religious leaders of the world? Death stepped aside for Him and not them.
Death didn’t step aside for Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. Their religious teachings did make an impact on the world, but they died never to be seen alive again.
Jesus was more than a great teacher, more than just a man, He was God incarnate, and He proved His superiority over all religious teachers by conquering sin, death, and the grave.
The resurrection is important to our faith because it’s what guarantees the absolute validity about who Jesus was and the truth of His teachings. -If there was no resurrection of Christ, then our faith is based on the teachings of a mere man.
Dr. David Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa: “Some of his friends asked him, ‘Why did you become a Christian?’ He answered, ‘Well, It’s like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions and you didn’t know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive. Which one would you ask which way to go?’”
Today there's no greater question than where you will spend eternity. Only through faith in Jesus Christ (trusting in Jesus alone), and by repenting of your sins (remorse for your sin and a promise to now turn from them to let God lead your lfie) can you be saved.
If you want more information on how to have a personal relationship with the Risen Savior Jesus Christ, contact your local Salvation Army or call me at 907.235.2609, or email mark.thielenhaus@usw.salvationarmy.org I would love to share more with you.
Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins, and He rose again to prove He was God and that His teaching is true. Once you accept Him, GO AND TELL SOMEBODY RIGHT AWAY and don't ever stop, the free gift of eternal life is for anyone who will call on Him.
We aren't promised tomorrow, nor are those you come in contact with, let no one die in their sins, live holy, and preach Jesus.
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Death is an absolute truth for all of us. No one is exempt from death.
Heb. 9:27 – It is appointed to all men once to die and after that the judgment.
Ecc. 7:2 – …for death is the destiny of every man.
But death was not the destiny of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God in the flesh and death had to step aside for him. Like a coward steps aside for the brave, death cowered in the presence of the power of Jesus Christ.
Rom. 6:9 – For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
Today we celebrate Easter or what I prefer to call Resurrection Sunday and it’s the celebration that death could not keep Jesus down!
The resurrection is of supreme importance because it is what separates from all the other religious leaders of the world? Death stepped aside for Him and not them.
Death didn’t step aside for Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. Their religious teachings did make an impact on the world, but they died never to be seen alive again.
Jesus was more than a great teacher, more than just a man, He was God incarnate, and He proved His superiority over all religious teachers by conquering sin, death, and the grave.
The resurrection is important to our faith because it’s what guarantees the absolute validity about who Jesus was and the truth of His teachings. -If there was no resurrection of Christ, then our faith is based on the teachings of a mere man.
Dr. David Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa: “Some of his friends asked him, ‘Why did you become a Christian?’ He answered, ‘Well, It’s like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions and you didn’t know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive. Which one would you ask which way to go?’”
Today there's no greater question than where you will spend eternity. Only through faith in Jesus Christ (trusting in Jesus alone), and by repenting of your sins (remorse for your sin and a promise to now turn from them to let God lead your lfie) can you be saved.
If you want more information on how to have a personal relationship with the Risen Savior Jesus Christ, contact your local Salvation Army or call me at 907.235.2609, or email mark.thielenhaus@usw.salvationarmy.org I would love to share more with you.
Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins, and He rose again to prove He was God and that His teaching is true. Once you accept Him, GO AND TELL SOMEBODY RIGHT AWAY and don't ever stop, the free gift of eternal life is for anyone who will call on Him.
We aren't promised tomorrow, nor are those you come in contact with, let no one die in their sins, live holy, and preach Jesus.
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Walk of the Cross 2009
Our small town of about 5,000 will regularly meet on Good Friday for "The walk of the cross". During this event we have various churches come together as a united group of believers to carry a large cross through town to remind others about the point behind Good Friday and the true meaning of Resurrection Sunday.
This year we started at our Salvation Army Corps in Homer, stopped half-way through town at the 7th Day Adventist church and then ended at the Homer Assembly of God. At each location we had just a couple scriptures, prayer, and a couple songs.
It was a good time of fellowship and walking with about 60 others who claim Jesus as their Savior. Just press the "play arrow" to listen to a portion of the meeting (songs were edited out). Lord Jesus may we never forget what you did for us on the cross.
Pictures will be posted below
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This year we started at our Salvation Army Corps in Homer, stopped half-way through town at the 7th Day Adventist church and then ended at the Homer Assembly of God. At each location we had just a couple scriptures, prayer, and a couple songs.
It was a good time of fellowship and walking with about 60 others who claim Jesus as their Savior. Just press the "play arrow" to listen to a portion of the meeting (songs were edited out). Lord Jesus may we never forget what you did for us on the cross.
Pictures will be posted below
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Captain's Good Friday Meditations
1st read these powerful words of reflection on the cross of Christ and the proper response of love for a Savior who would sacrificially face the cross for us...
I walked one day along a country road (Song Book #357 Alfred Ackley)
1. I walked one day along a country road, and there a stranger journeyed too; bent low beneath the burden of his load; It was a cross, a cross I knew.
Chorus: Take up thy cross and follow me, I hear the blessed Savior call; How can I make a lesser sacrifice when Jesus gave his all?
2. I cried: Lord Jesus! and he spoke my name; I saw his hands all bruised and torn; I stooped to kiss away the marks of shame, The shame for me that he had borne.
3. O let me bear thy cross dear Lord, I cried, and lo, a cross for me appeared; the one, forgotten, I had cast aside, The one so long that I had feared.
-------------------
2nd take time to read this...
A medical doctor provides a physical description of "and they crucified Him":
The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought iron nail through the wrist deep into the wood. Quickly, he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place. The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed.
The victim is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain - the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of his feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through his muscles, knotting them deep relentless, throbbing pain.
With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen.
Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint wrenching cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against rough timber.
Then another agony begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest asthepericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart. It is now almost over. The loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level-the compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues and the tortured lungs are making frantic effort to gasp in Small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues...Finally, he can allow his body to die...
All of this the Bible records with the simple words, "and they crucified Him," (Mark 15:24).
What wondrous love is this? Many people don't know that pain and suffering our Lord, Jesus Christ went through for us...because of the brutality; crucifixion was given as sentence to only its worst offenders of the law.
Thieves, murderers, and rapists would be the types of creeps who got crucified. Yet, here Jesus is being crucified between two hardened criminals...What did Jesus do? Did he murder anyone? Did he steal anything? The answer as we all know is NO!! Jesus did nothing to deserve this type of death, yet he went willing to die, in between 2 thieves, so that we might be saved. And there, in between the sinners, was our slain savior for our sins.
----------------------
Today you can find a relationship with God the Father by accepting by faith (trust in Jesus alone) what Jesus did on the cross for you. Jesus paid the fine and penalty for your sins, so that God's justice could be served, yet you could be set free.
If you repent of your sins (feel remorse for what they cost Jesus, confess them, and turn away from them to now live for God) you can claim a new relationship as a child of God.
If you ever want more information on what it is to have a relationship with God through Jesus, don't hesitate to contact me at The Salvation Army in Homer Alaska, or your local Salvation Army.
My email is Mark.Thielenhaus@usw.salvationarmy.org
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I walked one day along a country road (Song Book #357 Alfred Ackley)
1. I walked one day along a country road, and there a stranger journeyed too; bent low beneath the burden of his load; It was a cross, a cross I knew.
Chorus: Take up thy cross and follow me, I hear the blessed Savior call; How can I make a lesser sacrifice when Jesus gave his all?
2. I cried: Lord Jesus! and he spoke my name; I saw his hands all bruised and torn; I stooped to kiss away the marks of shame, The shame for me that he had borne.
3. O let me bear thy cross dear Lord, I cried, and lo, a cross for me appeared; the one, forgotten, I had cast aside, The one so long that I had feared.
-------------------
2nd take time to read this...
A medical doctor provides a physical description of "and they crucified Him":
The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought iron nail through the wrist deep into the wood. Quickly, he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place. The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed.
The victim is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain - the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of his feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through his muscles, knotting them deep relentless, throbbing pain.
With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen.
Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint wrenching cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against rough timber.
Then another agony begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest asthepericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart. It is now almost over. The loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level-the compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues and the tortured lungs are making frantic effort to gasp in Small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues...Finally, he can allow his body to die...
All of this the Bible records with the simple words, "and they crucified Him," (Mark 15:24).
What wondrous love is this? Many people don't know that pain and suffering our Lord, Jesus Christ went through for us...because of the brutality; crucifixion was given as sentence to only its worst offenders of the law.
Thieves, murderers, and rapists would be the types of creeps who got crucified. Yet, here Jesus is being crucified between two hardened criminals...What did Jesus do? Did he murder anyone? Did he steal anything? The answer as we all know is NO!! Jesus did nothing to deserve this type of death, yet he went willing to die, in between 2 thieves, so that we might be saved. And there, in between the sinners, was our slain savior for our sins.
----------------------
Today you can find a relationship with God the Father by accepting by faith (trust in Jesus alone) what Jesus did on the cross for you. Jesus paid the fine and penalty for your sins, so that God's justice could be served, yet you could be set free.
If you repent of your sins (feel remorse for what they cost Jesus, confess them, and turn away from them to now live for God) you can claim a new relationship as a child of God.
If you ever want more information on what it is to have a relationship with God through Jesus, don't hesitate to contact me at The Salvation Army in Homer Alaska, or your local Salvation Army.
My email is Mark.Thielenhaus@usw.salvationarmy.org
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A blessed Holy Thursday to you (Maundy Thursday).
Hello Soldiers, Friends, and Family,
Today we remember Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday). We recall Jesus last supper with His disciples, His amazing example of love and servanthood as He Himself washed the disciple's feet (and yes even Judas). We then recall His prayer in the garden as He prayed "not my will by Thine be done", while those closest too Him couldn't stay awake an hour to support Him in prayer.
Luke 6:40 Jesus says... A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Let's follow Jesus' example today as we reflect on His example.
He spent time with those closest to Him telling them to remember His supreme sacrifice (that we know is in the cross and His resurrection) every time they broke bread together.
He modeled true servanthood and commanded us to do the same while washing the feet of His disciples.
He prayed for each of us, and chose to do His Father's will over His human desire to avoid the hardship that was ahead.
Salvationists, soldiers, and followers of Jesus, reflect on this Holy Thursday and recommit yourself to selfless service, prayer, whole-hearted obedience, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Today we remember Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday). We recall Jesus last supper with His disciples, His amazing example of love and servanthood as He Himself washed the disciple's feet (and yes even Judas). We then recall His prayer in the garden as He prayed "not my will by Thine be done", while those closest too Him couldn't stay awake an hour to support Him in prayer.
Luke 6:40 Jesus says... A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Let's follow Jesus' example today as we reflect on His example.
He spent time with those closest to Him telling them to remember His supreme sacrifice (that we know is in the cross and His resurrection) every time they broke bread together.
He modeled true servanthood and commanded us to do the same while washing the feet of His disciples.
He prayed for each of us, and chose to do His Father's will over His human desire to avoid the hardship that was ahead.
Salvationists, soldiers, and followers of Jesus, reflect on this Holy Thursday and recommit yourself to selfless service, prayer, whole-hearted obedience, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Can you become holy?
Over the past few weeks it has become obvious that some in my corps don't view holiness the same way I (or the Salvation Army) understand it so I thought I'd use this article to stir up some discussion.
This article was written by Chris Bounds and Keith Drury in a blog from September 2003, both professors at Indiana Wesleyan University. Please feel free to comment - I'd love your thoughts.
Can You Become a “Fully Devoted Follower of Christ?
John Wesley, like many of the early church fathers before him, preached that it is possible in this life to experience God’s power in such a way that we are actually able to live a love-filled obedient life. He taught that through God’s power we could be enabled to actually obey the two greatest commandments—loving God completely and loving neighbor as ourselves. The term for this experience has shifted through the years and has included Perfect love, the Upper Room Experience, being filled with the Spirit, baptism with the Holy Ghost, the deeper life, the higher way, Entire Sanctification, and Holiness. The current edition of this ageless notion is probably best represented in the term, “Fully devoted follower of Christ.” So what do you think? Can a person become a fully devoted follower of Christ? In this life? Is it possible? If so, how? The following are the seven answers most common in today’s church.
1. Seek now and receive by faith. Becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ is possible right now for you and you are urged to seek this life now by consecrating your all to God and receiving this second work of grace now by faith. (Historically, this has been the view of the Holiness Movement as associated with Pheobe Palmer and The Wesleyan Church.)
2. Keep seeking until you receive. a fully devoted follower of Christ is possible before death or old age, but you cannot experience it just by asking and believing—God can cleanse and fill you in His own good timing and thus you should keep on seeking until God responds with a second work of grace enabling this life of power and purity. (Although John Wesley’s teaching here is greatly debated, many scholars would contend this was Wesley’s view.)
3. Gradual growth process. While it is possible to become a fully devoted follower of Christ in this life, it can be achieved only after many years of a gradual process of spiritual growth—putting off sin and putting on deeds of righteousness through Christ’s power. By putting sins to death and moving gradually closer to Christ you can eventually—usually after many years—become a fully devoted follower of Christ. Your job now is to follow the Spirit’s leading in one area at a time. (This is the generally held position of The United Methodist Church, at least those who take seriously their Methodism, such as Thomas C. Oden.)
4. A sustainable experience with momentary lapses. Becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ can be the normative experience in a believer’s life. The Holy Spirit enables a believer to suppress the sin nature and live in sustained victory over it. However, because the root of sin remains until death, there will be moments in which sin will cloud or diminish victory. Sin or disobedience is seen as an exception, rather than the rule of Christian living. (This is the classic understanding of holiness in Keswick theology.)
5. A momentary but unsustainable experience. Becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ can be experienced in moments or short periods of life, but can’t be sustained for the long haul. There are times when a believer can truly act out of the complete love of God and the love of neighbor, untainted by selfishness and pride, but the “old man” is too strong to be completely vanquished in life. (This would represent a modern evangelical Lutheran perspective, as seen in the work of Gerhard Forde. Some scholars would argue this was Martin Luther’s position.)
6. Worthy goal but impossible dream. While it is clearly impossible in this life to ever actually become a fully devoted follower of Christ you should head that direction anyway, trusting God to deliver you increasingly from sinful thoughts, words and deeds, and gradually to empower you in love—but you will never get there: you will never become fully devoted. Holiness is a journey of devotion—not a destination you ever actually achieve. (This view represents well the position of Reformed theology and can be seen in the work of John Calvin, Reinhold Niebuhr, J. I. Packer, and Sinclair Ferguson.)
7. Holiness of Christ. All humans—including Christians—are so sinful at the core that even becoming a partially devoted follower to Christ can’t even be achieved in this life—rather true Christians should confess our sinfulness and realize that God has imputed Christ’s righteousness to us—God can’t see my sinfulness, but sees only the holiness of Christ; holiness is about Christ, not me. (While this view enjoys some degree of popularity in contemporary evangelicalism, it has not been held historically by credible and respected orthodox theologians. Some have placed Martin Luther and/or John Calvin in this camp by focusing on their understanding of imputed righteousness. It may be that because Luther, and to a much lesser degree Calvin, focused so much attention on our objective standing before God, and he was preoccupied with it, his understanding of imparted righteousness has been missed or inadvertently dismissed by his theological heirs, leading to this perspective today. Luther’s primary focus was on justification, but he does address sanctification.)
-----------------------------
Which do you believe? What you believe will affect how you live so think about.
I look forward to your comments.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This article was written by Chris Bounds and Keith Drury in a blog from September 2003, both professors at Indiana Wesleyan University. Please feel free to comment - I'd love your thoughts.
Can You Become a “Fully Devoted Follower of Christ?
John Wesley, like many of the early church fathers before him, preached that it is possible in this life to experience God’s power in such a way that we are actually able to live a love-filled obedient life. He taught that through God’s power we could be enabled to actually obey the two greatest commandments—loving God completely and loving neighbor as ourselves. The term for this experience has shifted through the years and has included Perfect love, the Upper Room Experience, being filled with the Spirit, baptism with the Holy Ghost, the deeper life, the higher way, Entire Sanctification, and Holiness. The current edition of this ageless notion is probably best represented in the term, “Fully devoted follower of Christ.” So what do you think? Can a person become a fully devoted follower of Christ? In this life? Is it possible? If so, how? The following are the seven answers most common in today’s church.
1. Seek now and receive by faith. Becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ is possible right now for you and you are urged to seek this life now by consecrating your all to God and receiving this second work of grace now by faith. (Historically, this has been the view of the Holiness Movement as associated with Pheobe Palmer and The Wesleyan Church.)
2. Keep seeking until you receive. a fully devoted follower of Christ is possible before death or old age, but you cannot experience it just by asking and believing—God can cleanse and fill you in His own good timing and thus you should keep on seeking until God responds with a second work of grace enabling this life of power and purity. (Although John Wesley’s teaching here is greatly debated, many scholars would contend this was Wesley’s view.)
3. Gradual growth process. While it is possible to become a fully devoted follower of Christ in this life, it can be achieved only after many years of a gradual process of spiritual growth—putting off sin and putting on deeds of righteousness through Christ’s power. By putting sins to death and moving gradually closer to Christ you can eventually—usually after many years—become a fully devoted follower of Christ. Your job now is to follow the Spirit’s leading in one area at a time. (This is the generally held position of The United Methodist Church, at least those who take seriously their Methodism, such as Thomas C. Oden.)
4. A sustainable experience with momentary lapses. Becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ can be the normative experience in a believer’s life. The Holy Spirit enables a believer to suppress the sin nature and live in sustained victory over it. However, because the root of sin remains until death, there will be moments in which sin will cloud or diminish victory. Sin or disobedience is seen as an exception, rather than the rule of Christian living. (This is the classic understanding of holiness in Keswick theology.)
5. A momentary but unsustainable experience. Becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ can be experienced in moments or short periods of life, but can’t be sustained for the long haul. There are times when a believer can truly act out of the complete love of God and the love of neighbor, untainted by selfishness and pride, but the “old man” is too strong to be completely vanquished in life. (This would represent a modern evangelical Lutheran perspective, as seen in the work of Gerhard Forde. Some scholars would argue this was Martin Luther’s position.)
6. Worthy goal but impossible dream. While it is clearly impossible in this life to ever actually become a fully devoted follower of Christ you should head that direction anyway, trusting God to deliver you increasingly from sinful thoughts, words and deeds, and gradually to empower you in love—but you will never get there: you will never become fully devoted. Holiness is a journey of devotion—not a destination you ever actually achieve. (This view represents well the position of Reformed theology and can be seen in the work of John Calvin, Reinhold Niebuhr, J. I. Packer, and Sinclair Ferguson.)
7. Holiness of Christ. All humans—including Christians—are so sinful at the core that even becoming a partially devoted follower to Christ can’t even be achieved in this life—rather true Christians should confess our sinfulness and realize that God has imputed Christ’s righteousness to us—God can’t see my sinfulness, but sees only the holiness of Christ; holiness is about Christ, not me. (While this view enjoys some degree of popularity in contemporary evangelicalism, it has not been held historically by credible and respected orthodox theologians. Some have placed Martin Luther and/or John Calvin in this camp by focusing on their understanding of imputed righteousness. It may be that because Luther, and to a much lesser degree Calvin, focused so much attention on our objective standing before God, and he was preoccupied with it, his understanding of imparted righteousness has been missed or inadvertently dismissed by his theological heirs, leading to this perspective today. Luther’s primary focus was on justification, but he does address sanctification.)
-----------------------------
Which do you believe? What you believe will affect how you live so think about.
I look forward to your comments.
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!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Preparing for Resurrection Sunday
Hello all & and blessed Palm Sunday to all of you in the "salvosphere",
Due to a recording error my sermon wasn't recorded. For a manuscript of the teaching and a notes page simply go to the sermonplayer at the far bottom of this blog site. Next to the sermon title you will find a button for a downloadable pdf.
I ought to have an audio of my sermon working again next week.
----
Here are just some thoughts on my heart today...
Make sure you prepare your hearts and minds for this Holy week as we remember all that Christ did on our behalf so that we might have abundant life.
One praise from the church today was a young person testifying, "I praise God I am extremely saved!" - May we who have been touched by the Holy Spirit not only testify to our salvation, but to our sanctification. We serve a God who died and rose again to save us to the uttermost.
As Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, some "religious leaders" told Jesus to have His disciples be quiet. Jesus' response was that if they were quiet, the rocks would cry out. God has designed us as the vessels by which the good news of Jesus is proclaimed, so be about your duty this week... tell someone that Jesus lived, died, and rose again as to make a way for us to be forgiven, only by faith (trusting in Jesus alone) can we know God, be acceptable for heaven, and be equipped to live Holy NOW.
Make sure you don't prepare to just see an "easter bunny bringing colored eggs and chocolate". Instead let's prepare to meet our Lord and Savior. If you really expected God Himself to show up at your Corps (or church) this next Sunday morning would it effect how you went to church? Here is the truth, God Himself does plan to meet you at church next Sunday, He is Risen, until we see Him physically we have His Holy Spirit to meet with us in a real and personal way. Prepare to meet with Jesus every day this week.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Due to a recording error my sermon wasn't recorded. For a manuscript of the teaching and a notes page simply go to the sermonplayer at the far bottom of this blog site. Next to the sermon title you will find a button for a downloadable pdf.
I ought to have an audio of my sermon working again next week.
----
Here are just some thoughts on my heart today...
Make sure you prepare your hearts and minds for this Holy week as we remember all that Christ did on our behalf so that we might have abundant life.
One praise from the church today was a young person testifying, "I praise God I am extremely saved!" - May we who have been touched by the Holy Spirit not only testify to our salvation, but to our sanctification. We serve a God who died and rose again to save us to the uttermost.
As Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, some "religious leaders" told Jesus to have His disciples be quiet. Jesus' response was that if they were quiet, the rocks would cry out. God has designed us as the vessels by which the good news of Jesus is proclaimed, so be about your duty this week... tell someone that Jesus lived, died, and rose again as to make a way for us to be forgiven, only by faith (trusting in Jesus alone) can we know God, be acceptable for heaven, and be equipped to live Holy NOW.
Make sure you don't prepare to just see an "easter bunny bringing colored eggs and chocolate". Instead let's prepare to meet our Lord and Savior. If you really expected God Himself to show up at your Corps (or church) this next Sunday morning would it effect how you went to church? Here is the truth, God Himself does plan to meet you at church next Sunday, He is Risen, until we see Him physically we have His Holy Spirit to meet with us in a real and personal way. Prepare to meet with Jesus every day this week.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Palm Sunday - If you're a donkey, Jesus makes all the difference.
Hello sodiers and friends,
Just in case you missed church today "Palm Sunday", for whatever reason from your health to the volcanic ash, here is a Palm Sunday thought from a few years back. (don't forget to check out today's sermon posted tomorrow)
Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is such an important event in the life of Jesus, and for us as believers, that it is recorded in all 4 of the Gospels, but today to look at Luke 19:28-40 (take time to read it).
Let's think about the donkey a minute.
Donkeys play an important part in Scripture. A donkey that taught Balaam a valuable lesson. A donkey carried Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. A donkey that carried the baby Jesus into Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod. Now in the last part of Jesus life we see a donkey carrying Him in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Horses are beautiful animals with coats that shine in the sun. They have flowing manes that ripple in the breeze, and long graceful legs that eat up the miles. They have soft eyes, and even their breath make a sound that radiates power & strength. They walk with a dignity and are a picture of power, but not a donkey…
A donkey’s hair looks like ours does when we get up in the morning, their tail is unkempt and the mane is nothing beautiful to behold. Donkey ears are big and floppy and his braying sound is more like laughing than a huff of power, yet on the road to Jerusalem this little donkey hears the people shouting, "Hosanna!" and sees the crowds of people spreading their cloaks on the road before him.
I read someone’s writing that said, “I wonder if the donkey thought the parade was for him.”
Donkey’s aren’t supposed to be in parades…, even today in parades we see people on horseback, not donkeys. Here though this donkey appears to be the focal point of attention. Why? Because he is carrying the King of Kings, & the Lord of Lords.
Tomorrow the donkey will be in the corral again. But today he is the head of a parade of vicotory, because of Jesus. Today he is where the horse would usually be. Today he is the prancing stallion carrying the victor to his throne. Jesus made all the difference!
Jesus does make all the difference.
Do you ever have any donkey like attributes? (yes you do) Most of us aren’t the most amazing looking symbols of power and dignity. More often than not I feel smaller, less significant, and sometimes even more stubborn than others around me. If you feel like me then you should get this point.... Jesus makes all the difference.
Just like the donkey, we don’t deserve a parade for how great we are, when you let Jesus come into your life and rule the throne of your heart, He makes all the difference.
Today as you spend some time in worship of Jesus, and as you reflect on the upcoming rememberance of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, remember that we don't live our lives to have crowds cheer for us, we must live to walk with Jesus, ever pointing others to the fact that He is our Lord and Savior.
Don't just be a donkey today, use every opportunity to show Jesus to the world.
Only Jesus saves from sin, sinning, and hell TO holiness, abundant life, and heaven. Don't be a donkey, give your life to Jesus and live every moment for His glory. Jesus makes all the difference.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just in case you missed church today "Palm Sunday", for whatever reason from your health to the volcanic ash, here is a Palm Sunday thought from a few years back. (don't forget to check out today's sermon posted tomorrow)
Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is such an important event in the life of Jesus, and for us as believers, that it is recorded in all 4 of the Gospels, but today to look at Luke 19:28-40 (take time to read it).
Let's think about the donkey a minute.
Donkeys play an important part in Scripture. A donkey that taught Balaam a valuable lesson. A donkey carried Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. A donkey that carried the baby Jesus into Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod. Now in the last part of Jesus life we see a donkey carrying Him in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Horses are beautiful animals with coats that shine in the sun. They have flowing manes that ripple in the breeze, and long graceful legs that eat up the miles. They have soft eyes, and even their breath make a sound that radiates power & strength. They walk with a dignity and are a picture of power, but not a donkey…
A donkey’s hair looks like ours does when we get up in the morning, their tail is unkempt and the mane is nothing beautiful to behold. Donkey ears are big and floppy and his braying sound is more like laughing than a huff of power, yet on the road to Jerusalem this little donkey hears the people shouting, "Hosanna!" and sees the crowds of people spreading their cloaks on the road before him.
I read someone’s writing that said, “I wonder if the donkey thought the parade was for him.”
Donkey’s aren’t supposed to be in parades…, even today in parades we see people on horseback, not donkeys. Here though this donkey appears to be the focal point of attention. Why? Because he is carrying the King of Kings, & the Lord of Lords.
Tomorrow the donkey will be in the corral again. But today he is the head of a parade of vicotory, because of Jesus. Today he is where the horse would usually be. Today he is the prancing stallion carrying the victor to his throne. Jesus made all the difference!
Jesus does make all the difference.
Do you ever have any donkey like attributes? (yes you do) Most of us aren’t the most amazing looking symbols of power and dignity. More often than not I feel smaller, less significant, and sometimes even more stubborn than others around me. If you feel like me then you should get this point.... Jesus makes all the difference.
Just like the donkey, we don’t deserve a parade for how great we are, when you let Jesus come into your life and rule the throne of your heart, He makes all the difference.
Today as you spend some time in worship of Jesus, and as you reflect on the upcoming rememberance of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, remember that we don't live our lives to have crowds cheer for us, we must live to walk with Jesus, ever pointing others to the fact that He is our Lord and Savior.
Don't just be a donkey today, use every opportunity to show Jesus to the world.
Only Jesus saves from sin, sinning, and hell TO holiness, abundant life, and heaven. Don't be a donkey, give your life to Jesus and live every moment for His glory. Jesus makes all the difference.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Volcanic Ash Warning for Homer
Hello Soldiers, friends, and family,Just an update on this morning's volcanic ash from the last erruption. We have closed the thrift store (most likely for the entire day).
As always we will have church to celebrate Palm Sunday - NO MATTER WHAT. Do remember that if you must drive you should cover your vehicles air intake with panty hose, clean your wipers with water and a cloth befor you use them or you will scratch your windshield, and if you must be out in the ash like it is, even with this small amount so far, make sure you wear your mask to keep from inhaling the particles.
For the latest official ash and weather warnings go to this link and make sure to scroll through the entire page as they are sometimes out of order.
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/volcano.php
Live holy, preach Jesus!
A “non-Salvationists” message on "silly putty & soldiership". 8 minutes
The video link is not posting right, to see the video just follow the link. Sorry for the extra step.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Teaching/Default.aspx?id=121080
Live holy, preach Jesus!
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Teaching/Default.aspx?id=121080
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Did the devil invent my video game?
Just a thought...
I just wasted a bit of time with a simple video game. A simple "breakout" style, bounce the ball with a paddle game. It was free and nothing gross or impure, but a couple thoughts bounced into my mind as I played and I thought how much the devil did some of the same tricks.
1. I wasted too much time on something that was meaningless - don't get me wrong there is a time for "down time" and rest (I think even some mindless activitiy is o.k.), but I did spend too much time when you stop and think there is a battle waging in my town with eternal consequences.
2. The game kept offering changes to catch falling coins (of course you often lost your life "the ball" while off in their pursuit not keeping your eye on the ball). What good is it to gain the whole world chasing after material things and loose your soul?
3. At times the game surprised me with multiple "balls", of course I could clear my screen faster, but the most likely result was that in my trying to juggle too many "balls in the air" I would again loose sight of all of them quickly and again loose my life in the midst of all the busyness.
Perhaps in the midst of "playing the game" I am reminded that I, like many believers, face some of the devils favorite schemes...
*living for Jesus is not a game - let's soldier up and get fighting.
*there are times to rest and refresh, but don't be lazy, or waste time on things unimportant to your Commanders orders.
*don't get caught up in the pursuit of chasing things, in the chasing after falling coins you may loose your very life.
*don't juggle too many things and loose sight of what's really important to your mission - don't get lost in the "busyness" or the "business" - our job is to live holy and preach the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to all creation.
If you have fallen into any of these areas (like I confess I have before) confess, repent and turn from them, and jump back into the fray.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I just wasted a bit of time with a simple video game. A simple "breakout" style, bounce the ball with a paddle game. It was free and nothing gross or impure, but a couple thoughts bounced into my mind as I played and I thought how much the devil did some of the same tricks.
1. I wasted too much time on something that was meaningless - don't get me wrong there is a time for "down time" and rest (I think even some mindless activitiy is o.k.), but I did spend too much time when you stop and think there is a battle waging in my town with eternal consequences.
2. The game kept offering changes to catch falling coins (of course you often lost your life "the ball" while off in their pursuit not keeping your eye on the ball). What good is it to gain the whole world chasing after material things and loose your soul?
3. At times the game surprised me with multiple "balls", of course I could clear my screen faster, but the most likely result was that in my trying to juggle too many "balls in the air" I would again loose sight of all of them quickly and again loose my life in the midst of all the busyness.
Perhaps in the midst of "playing the game" I am reminded that I, like many believers, face some of the devils favorite schemes...
*living for Jesus is not a game - let's soldier up and get fighting.
*there are times to rest and refresh, but don't be lazy, or waste time on things unimportant to your Commanders orders.
*don't get caught up in the pursuit of chasing things, in the chasing after falling coins you may loose your very life.
*don't juggle too many things and loose sight of what's really important to your mission - don't get lost in the "busyness" or the "business" - our job is to live holy and preach the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to all creation.
If you have fallen into any of these areas (like I confess I have before) confess, repent and turn from them, and jump back into the fray.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A letter from General Willaim Booth April 1, 1869
To the Brethren and Sisters Labouring for JESUS - by General William Booth
letter, published in The East London Evangelist , 1 April 1869
in connection with the Dunedin Hall Christian Mission, Edinburgh
BELOVED FRIENDS Though I have not been privileged to see you in the flesh, yet I have heard with great thankfulness from time to time of your work of faith and labour of love: and I rejoice greatly in the abundant blessing granted to your labours, and bless God for every brand plucked from the everlasting through your instrumentality. I earnestly pray that you may be made a hundredfold more useful in the future than you have been in the past. The work in which you are engaged is the most important that can engage the attention or call forth the energies of any being...
Success in soulwinning, like all other work, both human and divine, depends on certain conditions...
If you want to succeed you must be careful to comply with these conditions...
I desire to give a few brief practical hints...And, first and foremost, I commend one qualification which seems to involve all others. That is, the Pentecostal baptism of the Holy Ghost. I would have you settle it in your souls for ever this one great immutable principle in the economy of grace, that spiritual work can only be done by those who possess spiritual power. No matter what else you may lack, or what may be against you, with the Holy Ghost you will succeed; but without the Holy Spirit, no matter what else you may possess, you will utterly and eternally fail.
Many make mistakes here. Aroused by the inward urgings of the Holy Spirit, they endeavour to comply with the call which comes from the word and the necessities of their fellow men; but being destitute of this power, they fail, and instead of going to the Strong for strength, they give up in despair. Again aroused, again they resolve and venture forth, but having no more power than before, they are as impotent as ever. And fail they must, until baptised with power from on high.
This I am convinced, is the one great need of the Church. We want no new truths, agencies, means, or appliances. We only want more of the fire of the Holy Ghost. ...
O what zeal, what selfdenial, what meekness, what boldness, what holiness, what love, would there not be? And with all this, what power for your great work? The whole city would feel it. God's people in every direction would catch the fire, and sinners would fall on every side. Difficulties would vanish, devils be conquered, infidels believe, and the glory of God be displayed...
You do desire to see signs and wonders wrought in the name of Jesus. To see a great awakening among the careless crowds around you....
This baptism then, is your first great need. If you think with me, will you not tarry for it? Offer yourselves to God for the fullness. Lay aside every weight...
Hold on! Though your feelings are barren, your way dark, and your difficulties be multiplied,steadily hang on the word of God.
Expect the baptism every hour; wait if he tarry. 'This kind goeth not forth but by prayer and fasting'; and the Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come to his temple.
I have more to say to you, but must wait another opportunity. Yours in the fellowship of the Gospel. WILLIAM BOOTH
Live holy, preach Jesus!
letter, published in The East London Evangelist , 1 April 1869
in connection with the Dunedin Hall Christian Mission, Edinburgh
BELOVED FRIENDS Though I have not been privileged to see you in the flesh, yet I have heard with great thankfulness from time to time of your work of faith and labour of love: and I rejoice greatly in the abundant blessing granted to your labours, and bless God for every brand plucked from the everlasting through your instrumentality. I earnestly pray that you may be made a hundredfold more useful in the future than you have been in the past. The work in which you are engaged is the most important that can engage the attention or call forth the energies of any being...
Success in soulwinning, like all other work, both human and divine, depends on certain conditions...
If you want to succeed you must be careful to comply with these conditions...
I desire to give a few brief practical hints...And, first and foremost, I commend one qualification which seems to involve all others. That is, the Pentecostal baptism of the Holy Ghost. I would have you settle it in your souls for ever this one great immutable principle in the economy of grace, that spiritual work can only be done by those who possess spiritual power. No matter what else you may lack, or what may be against you, with the Holy Ghost you will succeed; but without the Holy Spirit, no matter what else you may possess, you will utterly and eternally fail.
Many make mistakes here. Aroused by the inward urgings of the Holy Spirit, they endeavour to comply with the call which comes from the word and the necessities of their fellow men; but being destitute of this power, they fail, and instead of going to the Strong for strength, they give up in despair. Again aroused, again they resolve and venture forth, but having no more power than before, they are as impotent as ever. And fail they must, until baptised with power from on high.
This I am convinced, is the one great need of the Church. We want no new truths, agencies, means, or appliances. We only want more of the fire of the Holy Ghost. ...
O what zeal, what selfdenial, what meekness, what boldness, what holiness, what love, would there not be? And with all this, what power for your great work? The whole city would feel it. God's people in every direction would catch the fire, and sinners would fall on every side. Difficulties would vanish, devils be conquered, infidels believe, and the glory of God be displayed...
You do desire to see signs and wonders wrought in the name of Jesus. To see a great awakening among the careless crowds around you....
This baptism then, is your first great need. If you think with me, will you not tarry for it? Offer yourselves to God for the fullness. Lay aside every weight...
Hold on! Though your feelings are barren, your way dark, and your difficulties be multiplied,steadily hang on the word of God.
Expect the baptism every hour; wait if he tarry. 'This kind goeth not forth but by prayer and fasting'; and the Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come to his temple.
I have more to say to you, but must wait another opportunity. Yours in the fellowship of the Gospel. WILLIAM BOOTH
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Captain's meditation on Joshua 5, who is on the Lord's side?
If you read Joshua chapter 5:13-15 you will read the story of Joshua just prior to the battle of Jericho. Before the famous march around the city and the victory given by God we read Joshau finding "a man" (actually an angel) with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
If you have something to face in your life for God, whether it be a holiness issue, a habit, sin, addiction, or an actual physical enemy - the question isn't is God for us or against us, the question is "are we on the Lord's side". Let's make sure before we go off to battle today, that we have met with God, bowinging in humble obedience and reverence, ready to hear the battle strategy from our Lord. It is no little matter that before hearing the word of God for a specific victory, first Joshua was told to approach in a manner of holiness.
Let's make sure in our prayers and planning today, we aren't telling God what we are doing and inviting His blessings on our plans, but rather that we have positioned ourselves for His plans.
As I mentioned in my sermon this past week - my 5 year old (soon to be 6 year old daughter) sang these words in the van on the way to school, and I pray that it is our honest proclamation today…
707 Who is on the Lord's side? Who will
1. Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers other lives to bring? Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?
By thy grand redemption, By thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side; Savior, we are thine.
3. Jesus, thou hast bought us, Not with gold or gem, But with thine own life-blood for thy diadem. With thy blessing filling each who comes to thee, Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.
4. Fierce may be the conflict, Strong may be the foe, But the King's own army none can overthrow. Round His standard ranging, victory is secure, For His truth unchanging Makes the triumph sure.
Master, thou wilt keep us, By thy grace divine. Always on the Lord's side, Savior, always thine.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
If you have something to face in your life for God, whether it be a holiness issue, a habit, sin, addiction, or an actual physical enemy - the question isn't is God for us or against us, the question is "are we on the Lord's side". Let's make sure before we go off to battle today, that we have met with God, bowinging in humble obedience and reverence, ready to hear the battle strategy from our Lord. It is no little matter that before hearing the word of God for a specific victory, first Joshua was told to approach in a manner of holiness.
Let's make sure in our prayers and planning today, we aren't telling God what we are doing and inviting His blessings on our plans, but rather that we have positioned ourselves for His plans.
As I mentioned in my sermon this past week - my 5 year old (soon to be 6 year old daughter) sang these words in the van on the way to school, and I pray that it is our honest proclamation today…
707 Who is on the Lord's side? Who will
1. Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers other lives to bring? Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?
By thy grand redemption, By thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side; Savior, we are thine.
3. Jesus, thou hast bought us, Not with gold or gem, But with thine own life-blood for thy diadem. With thy blessing filling each who comes to thee, Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.
4. Fierce may be the conflict, Strong may be the foe, But the King's own army none can overthrow. Round His standard ranging, victory is secure, For His truth unchanging Makes the triumph sure.
Master, thou wilt keep us, By thy grace divine. Always on the Lord's side, Savior, always thine.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
ArmyBarmy blog
In case you've never checked it out you can find a link on the left of my blog. Captain Stephen Court and the Salvos (Salvationists in Australia) like many places around the world, are still fired up to win the world for Jesus.
This is a partial re-post from his blog from March 28th...
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We want to win the world for Jesus.
a. That sounds really hard!
To win the world for Jesus takes evangelism and discipleship. But the thing is, it is really hard to get people saved and discipled. And it is deceitfully easier to do other things, like feeding them and clothing them. It is easier to sleep at night when you haven’t seen anyone saved for awhile and that you are not discipling anyone knowing that you have fed a family or clothed a poor beggar. And that isn’t true of individuals only. It goes for denominations, too.
b. It sounds pretty narrow-minded.
To win the world for Jesus suggests that other means aren’t don’t work. And that sounds so judgemental of other religions and other philosophies and other means of seeking God. And yet no other thing works. None of them deals with the cry that births every sincere religion: a. how to connect with God; and, b. how to deal with our problem of sin. Rituals and self-abasement, or a series of works and attempts to earn an audience with God have proved futile for centuries in various religious guises. And every attempt to deal with sin aside from Jesus is equally futile. Jesus is the only name under heaven by which we must be saved.
c. It sounds sort of arrogant.
To win the world for Jesus indicates that other things aren’t worthy. Surely there are other fantastic things to which to devote your lives. You could invest yourself in feeding hungry people. Or you could throw away your life in ending human trafficking. Or you could fight to save all of the AIDS orphans. Or you could try to find homes for homeless people. Or you could … The list goes on ad infinitum. The point is, these are all important things to do. Hungry people need food. Traffic victims need freedom. Orphans need parenting. Homeless people need homes. But if any or all of these alternatives become more important than winning the world for Jesus then the result is more than likely to be well-fed, rescued and freed, adopted and parented, and bedded people populating hell. On the other hand, if you throw your life away to win the world for Jesus then a bunch of people will get saved and go to heaven, and a bunch more people will be on the receiving end of God’s mercy as you and those converts feed and free and adopt and construct, both as a supernatural overflow of God’s love in your lives and as a means to win the world for Jesus.
d. It sounds to much.
To win the world for Jesus seems condemnatory of anything less. Some would aim for authentic Christian community. Others pine for the ‘good old days’, an era that almost inevitably has grown better by the year. And more than a few look for modest success. But who sets these as life purposes? Authentic Christian community is a means, not an end. The good old days are meant to spur us on to love and good deeds, not stall us in mission. Modest success puts limits on God by aiming subjectively at relative comparison, rather than global mandate. Don’t confuse means for ends. Don’t misuse the lessons of the past. Don’t settle for the world’s perspective on success. Win the world for Jesus.
--------
After hearing the good news of Jesus and the commands He has has given us as His followers, it sounds like our Savior deserves nothing less.
I don't recall which of the Booth's said it, but I read once the phrase, "let's win the whole world for Jesus, there is no reason He shouldn't have it"!
Live holy, Preach Jesus!
This is a partial re-post from his blog from March 28th...
--------
We want to win the world for Jesus.
a. That sounds really hard!
To win the world for Jesus takes evangelism and discipleship. But the thing is, it is really hard to get people saved and discipled. And it is deceitfully easier to do other things, like feeding them and clothing them. It is easier to sleep at night when you haven’t seen anyone saved for awhile and that you are not discipling anyone knowing that you have fed a family or clothed a poor beggar. And that isn’t true of individuals only. It goes for denominations, too.
b. It sounds pretty narrow-minded.
To win the world for Jesus suggests that other means aren’t don’t work. And that sounds so judgemental of other religions and other philosophies and other means of seeking God. And yet no other thing works. None of them deals with the cry that births every sincere religion: a. how to connect with God; and, b. how to deal with our problem of sin. Rituals and self-abasement, or a series of works and attempts to earn an audience with God have proved futile for centuries in various religious guises. And every attempt to deal with sin aside from Jesus is equally futile. Jesus is the only name under heaven by which we must be saved.
c. It sounds sort of arrogant.
To win the world for Jesus indicates that other things aren’t worthy. Surely there are other fantastic things to which to devote your lives. You could invest yourself in feeding hungry people. Or you could throw away your life in ending human trafficking. Or you could fight to save all of the AIDS orphans. Or you could try to find homes for homeless people. Or you could … The list goes on ad infinitum. The point is, these are all important things to do. Hungry people need food. Traffic victims need freedom. Orphans need parenting. Homeless people need homes. But if any or all of these alternatives become more important than winning the world for Jesus then the result is more than likely to be well-fed, rescued and freed, adopted and parented, and bedded people populating hell. On the other hand, if you throw your life away to win the world for Jesus then a bunch of people will get saved and go to heaven, and a bunch more people will be on the receiving end of God’s mercy as you and those converts feed and free and adopt and construct, both as a supernatural overflow of God’s love in your lives and as a means to win the world for Jesus.
d. It sounds to much.
To win the world for Jesus seems condemnatory of anything less. Some would aim for authentic Christian community. Others pine for the ‘good old days’, an era that almost inevitably has grown better by the year. And more than a few look for modest success. But who sets these as life purposes? Authentic Christian community is a means, not an end. The good old days are meant to spur us on to love and good deeds, not stall us in mission. Modest success puts limits on God by aiming subjectively at relative comparison, rather than global mandate. Don’t confuse means for ends. Don’t misuse the lessons of the past. Don’t settle for the world’s perspective on success. Win the world for Jesus.
--------
After hearing the good news of Jesus and the commands He has has given us as His followers, it sounds like our Savior deserves nothing less.
I don't recall which of the Booth's said it, but I read once the phrase, "let's win the whole world for Jesus, there is no reason He shouldn't have it"!
Live holy, Preach Jesus!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Father, into your hands I commit my spirit
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
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God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
10 Excuses Not to Attend Church
—InHis.com humor archive; submitted by Mike Herman, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
If you took the excuses people use for not going to church and applied them to other important areas of life, you'd realize how inconsistent we can be in our logic. For example:
10 Reasons Not to Wash
1. I was forced to as a child.
2. People who make soap are only after your money.
3. I wash on special occasions like Christmas and Easter.
4. People who wash are hypocrites—they think they are cleaner than everyone else.
5. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.
6. I used to wash. It got boring though, so I stopped.
7. None of my friends wash.
8. The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer.
9. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
10. I can't spare the time.
In all seriousness, going to church and religion will not get you saved, but once saved why wouldn't you want to coporately worship with others who are part of the Body of Christ that He has set up on this earth.
If your corps (or church) is not all it should be, or is missing a program or group you'd prefer, offer to help get it going.
Remember that you shouldn't go just to "get blessed", simply go to "bless God" and see how your expereince changes.
Whether you make it to a corps, a church, a cell group, or otherwise, spend some time with God today. Jesus, and Jesus alone, saves from sin and hell, for heaven and holiness.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
If you took the excuses people use for not going to church and applied them to other important areas of life, you'd realize how inconsistent we can be in our logic. For example:
10 Reasons Not to Wash
1. I was forced to as a child.
2. People who make soap are only after your money.
3. I wash on special occasions like Christmas and Easter.
4. People who wash are hypocrites—they think they are cleaner than everyone else.
5. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.
6. I used to wash. It got boring though, so I stopped.
7. None of my friends wash.
8. The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer.
9. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
10. I can't spare the time.
In all seriousness, going to church and religion will not get you saved, but once saved why wouldn't you want to coporately worship with others who are part of the Body of Christ that He has set up on this earth.
If your corps (or church) is not all it should be, or is missing a program or group you'd prefer, offer to help get it going.
Remember that you shouldn't go just to "get blessed", simply go to "bless God" and see how your expereince changes.
Whether you make it to a corps, a church, a cell group, or otherwise, spend some time with God today. Jesus, and Jesus alone, saves from sin and hell, for heaven and holiness.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
6 Resolutions by Willaim Booth (at age 20)
1. That I will rise every morning sufficiently early to wash, dress, and
have a few minutes, not less than 5, in private prayer.
2. That I will, as much as possible, avoid all that babbling and idle talk
in which I have lately so sinfully indulged.
3. That I will endeavor in my conduct and deportment before the
world and my fellow servants especially to conduct myself as a
humble, meek and zealous follower of Christ, and by serious
conversation and warning endeavor to lead them to think of their
immortal souls.
4. That I will read no less than four chapters in God’s Word every
day.
5. That I will strive to live closer to God, and to seek after holiness of
heart and leave providential events with God.
6. That I will read over this every day or at least twice a week.
“God help me, enable me to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and to
yield myself a prisoner of love to the redeemer of the world.”
“I feel my own weakness, and without God’s help I shall not keep
these resolutions. The Lord have mercy upon my guilty soul.”
Soldiers - live resolved to live holy, preach Jesus!
have a few minutes, not less than 5, in private prayer.
2. That I will, as much as possible, avoid all that babbling and idle talk
in which I have lately so sinfully indulged.
3. That I will endeavor in my conduct and deportment before the
world and my fellow servants especially to conduct myself as a
humble, meek and zealous follower of Christ, and by serious
conversation and warning endeavor to lead them to think of their
immortal souls.
4. That I will read no less than four chapters in God’s Word every
day.
5. That I will strive to live closer to God, and to seek after holiness of
heart and leave providential events with God.
6. That I will read over this every day or at least twice a week.
“God help me, enable me to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and to
yield myself a prisoner of love to the redeemer of the world.”
“I feel my own weakness, and without God’s help I shall not keep
these resolutions. The Lord have mercy upon my guilty soul.”
Soldiers - live resolved to live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Captain's meditation on John 11:38-44
Take a minute to read this passage of scripture...
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Some thoughts I pondered again as I read this fantastic scripture were these...
1. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but before granting this miracle of a resurrected life, He had others remove the stone.
2. After raising Lazarus from the dead He had others help Lazarus to remove the grave clothes.
3. If Jesus gives you new life (or involves you in the privilege of bringing someone to Christ) remember to take of your old dead grave clothes.
Being resurrected to new life if a blessing indeed, but don't settle for being bound by "dead stuff". Live holy and take off the old garments, sins, and dead habits that will stink up and restrict your new resurrected life!
Dearest salvationists (and follower of Jesus) let's press on to FULL-salvation, not just salvation from hell to heaven the day we die, but from hellish living to an abundant, holy, heavenly living NOW!
Jesus saves from sin and sinning. Let's through off every sin that entangles and start living a life fully devoted to God and completely abandoned to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Why not take of your grave clothes today and then remind someone today that Jesus saves to the uttermost.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Some thoughts I pondered again as I read this fantastic scripture were these...
1. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but before granting this miracle of a resurrected life, He had others remove the stone.
2. After raising Lazarus from the dead He had others help Lazarus to remove the grave clothes.
3. If Jesus gives you new life (or involves you in the privilege of bringing someone to Christ) remember to take of your old dead grave clothes.
Being resurrected to new life if a blessing indeed, but don't settle for being bound by "dead stuff". Live holy and take off the old garments, sins, and dead habits that will stink up and restrict your new resurrected life!
Dearest salvationists (and follower of Jesus) let's press on to FULL-salvation, not just salvation from hell to heaven the day we die, but from hellish living to an abundant, holy, heavenly living NOW!
Jesus saves from sin and sinning. Let's through off every sin that entangles and start living a life fully devoted to God and completely abandoned to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Why not take of your grave clothes today and then remind someone today that Jesus saves to the uttermost.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Non-threatening evangelism? John 14:27
Here is a thought for those of you trying to overcome your fear about witnessing... how about trying to share a tract or a word with your local Wal-mart employee or the waitress at your local restaurant? They are paid to be nice, they can't call you crazy, they might even be wearing a giant happy face that says "how can I help you".
We just did this again as our family got away to Anchorage this past week (where we ate at a real restaurant - which we don't do often). We have done this before with a wide range of results, but never a bad one.
We simply asked the waitress when she brought the food and said "was there anything else", we told her we always prayed before our meals and was there anything we could pray for her about. Some people have been very moved, some surprised, some have shared deep things, but never a negative response.
This waitress (obviously taken back and not a 'prayer') said "how about peace". After the meal we simply left her a gosepl tract and left a note along with the tip that said, "may you know the peace that only Jesus can give" and "here is your verse for today" John 14:27 Jesus said - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
As I said, we've never had a bad response, and most have been great. If you need to get your feet wet telling others about Jesus, why not try talking to someone who has to be nice to you.
Let me know how it goes.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
We just did this again as our family got away to Anchorage this past week (where we ate at a real restaurant - which we don't do often). We have done this before with a wide range of results, but never a bad one.
We simply asked the waitress when she brought the food and said "was there anything else", we told her we always prayed before our meals and was there anything we could pray for her about. Some people have been very moved, some surprised, some have shared deep things, but never a negative response.
This waitress (obviously taken back and not a 'prayer') said "how about peace". After the meal we simply left her a gosepl tract and left a note along with the tip that said, "may you know the peace that only Jesus can give" and "here is your verse for today" John 14:27 Jesus said - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
As I said, we've never had a bad response, and most have been great. If you need to get your feet wet telling others about Jesus, why not try talking to someone who has to be nice to you.
Let me know how it goes.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Founder William Booth speaks on First Principles and Dangers
This article first appeared in The Officer magazine in January 1893; reprinted in The Officer magazine in March/April 2003
The following is a summary of the General’s opening address at the last British Staff Council, which is likely to prove a turning point in the Army history. The notes were roughly jotted down at the time and only give a bird’s-eye view of what he said. The following are exerpts from among his introductory remarks:
‘Progress is tidal. There is a settling down tendency in human nature. If there is not a tide, we must make one.
‘In the Church there is a flowing tide of worldliness. We must stem it. Our business is not to interest or to amuse the world, but to save it.
‘There are other dangers of our own which must be looked into and remedied. By spreading out too rapidly, we have made some hard goes and have suffered losses. Again, we have weakened the Field to strengthen the Staff. There are many officers now on the Staff who should be in the Field.
‘The foundation principles of the Army’s teaching remain the same, and will do so to the end. They are in brief —
1. We can be forgiven.
2. We can be holy.
3. We must live to save others.
‘These truths can only be worked out by means of —
1. Faith in God.
2. Hard work.
3. Sacrifice.
4. Discipline.
‘The new plans I lay before you will not dispense with these essentials. There may be an easier way, but none better. These principles run through the Army like the veins through the body. ...
‘I speak to you as your father, and want to warn you faithfully as to the dangers to which I see you to be exposed — the dangers which threaten to hinder the success and progress of our Army.
‘I. The first great danger is Secularisation. We are in danger of becoming earth-worms, of being swallowed up in figures and business and returns. No hours with God, no flights of prayer, no going to Heaven over sinners saved.
‘II. The second great danger is Stagnation. We are continually exposed to this danger of formality, and of sleeping with our eyes open.
‘III. There is also the danger of Pride and Self-satisfaction. Few can stand promotion without being hurt by it, and losing the spirit of willingness to learn. A story is told of Lord Coleridge when a young man. The Master said to him, “Mr Coleridge, I have a high opinion of you, so has your tutor, so have we all; but none of us have so high an opinion of you as you have of yourself.” I fear it might be said of some of us. It is a tendency against which we must guard ourselves.
‘Dealing with root principles. I am going to deal with root principles. This has been largely the secret of my success in the past. I have laid them down and stuck to them. They are not many in number, and yet it is impossible to exaggerate their importance. There are only seven notes in music, and yet by a combination of them we are able to produce an infinite variety of exquisite harmonies. ...
‘There is not one of you in whose personal sorrows and struggles I do not feel an interest. I would like to go into them myself if I only had the time. I would like to go home to tea with each one of you, and help you mothers nurse the baby and share your troubles. I cannot bear to see you suffer, but I am unable to avoid it. I am determined to use you all to the utmost of God’s work. I am going to get out of you all I can. A general is no good for his post who is not willing to see his soldiers suffer. And however good my plans may be, they will involve not less but more hard work, sacrifice, and discipline than in the past; but they will ensure, I believe, with your hearty cooperation, an abundant harvest of success.’
The above remarks occupied the first sitting of the Council. Needless to say that the stirring words of our beloved General moved us to tears, and to a fresh consecration of ourselves to God and the war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The following is a summary of the General’s opening address at the last British Staff Council, which is likely to prove a turning point in the Army history. The notes were roughly jotted down at the time and only give a bird’s-eye view of what he said. The following are exerpts from among his introductory remarks:
‘Progress is tidal. There is a settling down tendency in human nature. If there is not a tide, we must make one.
‘In the Church there is a flowing tide of worldliness. We must stem it. Our business is not to interest or to amuse the world, but to save it.
‘There are other dangers of our own which must be looked into and remedied. By spreading out too rapidly, we have made some hard goes and have suffered losses. Again, we have weakened the Field to strengthen the Staff. There are many officers now on the Staff who should be in the Field.
‘The foundation principles of the Army’s teaching remain the same, and will do so to the end. They are in brief —
1. We can be forgiven.
2. We can be holy.
3. We must live to save others.
‘These truths can only be worked out by means of —
1. Faith in God.
2. Hard work.
3. Sacrifice.
4. Discipline.
‘The new plans I lay before you will not dispense with these essentials. There may be an easier way, but none better. These principles run through the Army like the veins through the body. ...
‘I speak to you as your father, and want to warn you faithfully as to the dangers to which I see you to be exposed — the dangers which threaten to hinder the success and progress of our Army.
‘I. The first great danger is Secularisation. We are in danger of becoming earth-worms, of being swallowed up in figures and business and returns. No hours with God, no flights of prayer, no going to Heaven over sinners saved.
‘II. The second great danger is Stagnation. We are continually exposed to this danger of formality, and of sleeping with our eyes open.
‘III. There is also the danger of Pride and Self-satisfaction. Few can stand promotion without being hurt by it, and losing the spirit of willingness to learn. A story is told of Lord Coleridge when a young man. The Master said to him, “Mr Coleridge, I have a high opinion of you, so has your tutor, so have we all; but none of us have so high an opinion of you as you have of yourself.” I fear it might be said of some of us. It is a tendency against which we must guard ourselves.
‘Dealing with root principles. I am going to deal with root principles. This has been largely the secret of my success in the past. I have laid them down and stuck to them. They are not many in number, and yet it is impossible to exaggerate their importance. There are only seven notes in music, and yet by a combination of them we are able to produce an infinite variety of exquisite harmonies. ...
‘There is not one of you in whose personal sorrows and struggles I do not feel an interest. I would like to go into them myself if I only had the time. I would like to go home to tea with each one of you, and help you mothers nurse the baby and share your troubles. I cannot bear to see you suffer, but I am unable to avoid it. I am determined to use you all to the utmost of God’s work. I am going to get out of you all I can. A general is no good for his post who is not willing to see his soldiers suffer. And however good my plans may be, they will involve not less but more hard work, sacrifice, and discipline than in the past; but they will ensure, I believe, with your hearty cooperation, an abundant harvest of success.’
The above remarks occupied the first sitting of the Council. Needless to say that the stirring words of our beloved General moved us to tears, and to a fresh consecration of ourselves to God and the war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Homer Update on the Redoubt Volcano Erruption
Just a quick FYI for friends, family, and soldiers checking in...
Here is the report from KTUU - it also has a link to the volcano observatory.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10051900
Everything in Homer is fine. We did have power outages this morning (not sure yet if they were related) and it reduced us to cell phones (no phone or internet). Just because you can't reach us doesn't mean anything is wrong. Everything is fine.
All corps programs are still a go, and if "the big one" ever hits, or even if people are concerned about the "what if's" of life, we know that God is in control. Use these opportunities to tell everyone to be prepared to meet Jesus, not just for a natural disaster.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Here is the report from KTUU - it also has a link to the volcano observatory.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10051900
Everything in Homer is fine. We did have power outages this morning (not sure yet if they were related) and it reduced us to cell phones (no phone or internet). Just because you can't reach us doesn't mean anything is wrong. Everything is fine.
All corps programs are still a go, and if "the big one" ever hits, or even if people are concerned about the "what if's" of life, we know that God is in control. Use these opportunities to tell everyone to be prepared to meet Jesus, not just for a natural disaster.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday's Sermon - Tetelestai, "It is finished"
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A devotional thought for this Sunday
May God bless your Sunday - I pray you take some time today to seek a closer relationship with Jesus. He alone saves from sin and hell, for holy living and heaven!
I was gone for the last several days on a brief vacation out of Homer to the "big city" of Anchorage. Until I'm back on track with a new meditational thought on a scripture I am currently reading, please enjoy this thought from Os Hillman in an email I received.
Receiving Bad News - Written by Os Hillman 03-17-2009
"A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the sea. . . Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD. . ." (2 Chron 20:2-3).
Have you ever had someone bring you really bad news? It was so bad that when you heard it your stomach immediately became upset. You went into a crisis mode. I once received a letter that brought such fear upon me I could hardly stand up.
This was the situation for King Jehoshaphat. He had just been informed that his country was going to be attacked by an army much larger than his. However, instead of panicking, he immediately turned to the Lord by calling for a time of a fasting and prayer. The people from every town in Judah responded.
King Jehoshaphat prayed and reminded God of His promise to Israel. Then he asked God for strategy. "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." At the end of his prayer it says they waited on God's answer. It came through the prophet, Jahaziel son of Zechariah. He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's'" (2 Chron 20:15-16).
God supernaturally wiped out their enemies that day. They didn't even have to fight. God caused the enemy to fight themselves. However, the one thing they did do that began the ambush was when they began to praise God on the battlefield. "As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated" (2 Chron 20:22-23).
Jehoshaphat immediately did four things in response to bad news. He called for prayer, he called for fasting, he asked for God's strategy, and he began his battle by praising God in the midst of the battle.
Maybe you've just gotten some bad news. If so, follow the example of Jehoshaphat. Pray. Fast. Ask. Praise.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
I was gone for the last several days on a brief vacation out of Homer to the "big city" of Anchorage. Until I'm back on track with a new meditational thought on a scripture I am currently reading, please enjoy this thought from Os Hillman in an email I received.
Receiving Bad News - Written by Os Hillman 03-17-2009
"A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the sea. . . Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD. . ." (2 Chron 20:2-3).
Have you ever had someone bring you really bad news? It was so bad that when you heard it your stomach immediately became upset. You went into a crisis mode. I once received a letter that brought such fear upon me I could hardly stand up.
This was the situation for King Jehoshaphat. He had just been informed that his country was going to be attacked by an army much larger than his. However, instead of panicking, he immediately turned to the Lord by calling for a time of a fasting and prayer. The people from every town in Judah responded.
King Jehoshaphat prayed and reminded God of His promise to Israel. Then he asked God for strategy. "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." At the end of his prayer it says they waited on God's answer. It came through the prophet, Jahaziel son of Zechariah. He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's'" (2 Chron 20:15-16).
God supernaturally wiped out their enemies that day. They didn't even have to fight. God caused the enemy to fight themselves. However, the one thing they did do that began the ambush was when they began to praise God on the battlefield. "As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated" (2 Chron 20:22-23).
Jehoshaphat immediately did four things in response to bad news. He called for prayer, he called for fasting, he asked for God's strategy, and he began his battle by praising God in the midst of the battle.
Maybe you've just gotten some bad news. If so, follow the example of Jehoshaphat. Pray. Fast. Ask. Praise.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
Saturday, March 21, 2009
12 year old speaks out, watch video
Despite facing threats of disqualification, a 12-year-old girl took first place in a speech contest when she eloquently argued for the rights of unborn children – after an offended judge quit.
"What if I told you that right now, someone was choosing if you were going to live or die?" the seventh-grader begins More..in a video recording of her speech on YouTube. "What if I told you that this choice wasn't based on what you could or couldn't do, what you'd done in the past or what you would do in the future? And what if I told you, you could do nothing about it?"
"Fellow students and teachers, thousands of children are right now in that very situation. Someone is choosing without even knowing them whether they are going to live or die.
"That someone is their mother. And that choice is abortion."
Despite Lia's enthusiasm for her topic, her teacher "strongly encouraged" her to select a different one for her class presentation or she would be considered ineligible for an upcoming speech contest.
"[S]everal teachers discouraged her from picking the topic of abortion; she was told it was 'too big,' 'too mature' and 'too controversial,'" her mother wrote. "She was also told that if she went ahead with that topic, she would not be allowed to continue on in the speech competition."
Lia's mother continued, "Initially, I tried helping her find other topics to speak on, but, in the end, she was adamant. She just felt she wanted to continue with the topic of abortion. So she forfeited her chance to compete in order to speak on something she was passionate about."
Lia's teacher was so impressed by the speech that she allowed her student to advance as the winner. Lia presented her speech to judges in front of her entire school on Feb. 10.
The school principal and teachers called Lia's presentation the "obvious winner" – but the judges suddenly disqualified her the following day "because of the topic and her position on abortion," her mother said.
Lia's father later revealed that the judges had a "big disagreement." One was offended by the speech and voluntarily stepped down while the others reversed their earlier decision – declaring her the winner.
Now Lia plans to take her message of life to a regional speech competition, and more than 100,000 visitors have viewed her presentation online.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Captain's meditation on Luke 7:1-10, What amazes Jesus?
Check out this scripture from Luke:7:1-10 - When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
The centurion was a man of position and power (at least 100 men under his leadership), was respected by his servants and elders of the jews who pleaded on his behalf, he was caring and generous (caring for his servant and helping to build the synagogue).
What amazes Jesus? What did this Roman centurion have that "amazes" Jesus? The centurion was humble and acknowledged that he wasn't "owed" anything or even "worthy" of Jesus coming into his home. He also had faith enough to understand that at the very word of Jesus he could have his prayers answered (even without Jesus there in physical form).
Do you want to amaze Jesus today? Come before Jesus today with both humility and a bold faith that says "Lord, we know we aren't owed anything, but You can do anything, so just give Your word and we know that Your will is going to be done, and as for us, we are soldiers under your command ready to obey."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The centurion was a man of position and power (at least 100 men under his leadership), was respected by his servants and elders of the jews who pleaded on his behalf, he was caring and generous (caring for his servant and helping to build the synagogue).
What amazes Jesus? What did this Roman centurion have that "amazes" Jesus? The centurion was humble and acknowledged that he wasn't "owed" anything or even "worthy" of Jesus coming into his home. He also had faith enough to understand that at the very word of Jesus he could have his prayers answered (even without Jesus there in physical form).
Do you want to amaze Jesus today? Come before Jesus today with both humility and a bold faith that says "Lord, we know we aren't owed anything, but You can do anything, so just give Your word and we know that Your will is going to be done, and as for us, we are soldiers under your command ready to obey."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Captain's meditation on Exodus 14:13-15
Listen to the loving Heavenly Father's advice to His children... Calm down, quit your whining, and move on!
The Enemy is closing in, they might kill, destroy, and enslave us, but listen to God's response in Exodus 14:13-15 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.
I don't have a new great revelation for a deeper meaning in the text, maybe God just needs to occasionally tell his children to Calm down, quit your whining, and move on!
Lord if that is us today, may we be obedient to your command.
Calm my spirit and release me from worry, knowing that you intend to deliver me completely from everything that is currently attacking me. Help me to turn my whining into prayers of praise, prayers for wisdom, prayers for protection and deliverance, and prayers that your will be done. Now Lord let me not be paralyzed by fear, but walk in Your Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Amen
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The Enemy is closing in, they might kill, destroy, and enslave us, but listen to God's response in Exodus 14:13-15 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.
I don't have a new great revelation for a deeper meaning in the text, maybe God just needs to occasionally tell his children to Calm down, quit your whining, and move on!
Lord if that is us today, may we be obedient to your command.
Calm my spirit and release me from worry, knowing that you intend to deliver me completely from everything that is currently attacking me. Help me to turn my whining into prayers of praise, prayers for wisdom, prayers for protection and deliverance, and prayers that your will be done. Now Lord let me not be paralyzed by fear, but walk in Your Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Amen
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Captain's meditation on Luke 18:9-14
Do you remember the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? Luke 18:9-14 reads this way... To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Two quotes to consider...
"God is just as concerned with self-righteousness as He is unrighteousness".
"The only man who the Lord cannot fill, is the one already full of himself".
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Two quotes to consider...
"God is just as concerned with self-righteousness as He is unrighteousness".
"The only man who the Lord cannot fill, is the one already full of himself".
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Captain's meditation on Exodus 13:17-18
Look at this scritpure - Exodus 13:17-18 - When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
God had His people take the long route because if they faced war, they might have gone back to captivity, but look at the last sentence "THE ISREALITES WENT UP OUT OF EGYPT ARMED FOR BATTLE!
God promised His people He would take them to the promised land.
God would have fought for His people.
God had already equipped His people for battle.
They could have taken the short route.
God knowing that His people would have changed their minds and settled for captivity if there was a war between them am their promised land.
If we really want to see victories for God, if we want to see new territory won, if we want to see our Corps (churches) grow, if we want to be freed from captivity, and if we want results fast, one of God's requirements is BE READY TO GO DO WAR FOR IT!
It's time to soldier up. Let's face every challenge head on with boldness, God will fight for us, He's promised us the victory, we've already been given resources and spiritual weapons and armor, we just need to resolve up front that we won't turn tale and go back to captivity at the sight of war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
God had His people take the long route because if they faced war, they might have gone back to captivity, but look at the last sentence "THE ISREALITES WENT UP OUT OF EGYPT ARMED FOR BATTLE!
God promised His people He would take them to the promised land.
God would have fought for His people.
God had already equipped His people for battle.
They could have taken the short route.
God knowing that His people would have changed their minds and settled for captivity if there was a war between them am their promised land.
If we really want to see victories for God, if we want to see new territory won, if we want to see our Corps (churches) grow, if we want to be freed from captivity, and if we want results fast, one of God's requirements is BE READY TO GO DO WAR FOR IT!
It's time to soldier up. Let's face every challenge head on with boldness, God will fight for us, He's promised us the victory, we've already been given resources and spiritual weapons and armor, we just need to resolve up front that we won't turn tale and go back to captivity at the sight of war.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - I am thirsty
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at Sermon.net
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A prayer thought for your Sunday meditation
John Burton, Jr. (1803-77) writer of songbook #588 "I often say my prayers" penned these words to consider while you pray and seek God's face today...
I often say my prayers; but do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down and worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God a prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart the Lord will never hear;
Nor will he to those lips attend whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, show me what I need, and teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask thee for thy grace, not feeling what I say.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I often say my prayers; but do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down and worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God a prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart the Lord will never hear;
Nor will he to those lips attend whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, show me what I need, and teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask thee for thy grace, not feeling what I say.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Capital Punishment of Sin
I don’t recall the source of this illustration in some old notes, but it’s good none the less…
Thinking of the analogy of execution (of sin), killing them, here are some thoughts about treating our sins to capital punishment. First, you have to pronounce them guilty. This is important. Denying that something is sin only increases its power over us and decreases our joy and usefulness to God. Call it what it is. That bad attitude, that bitterness, that griping, those thoughts… if the Bible calls it sin, so should you.
So now that you’ve declared the sins as guilty, you need to take care of them. You have to starve them. They’ll fight, they’ll be nasty, they’ll scream and holler. But you need to starve the sources. Whatever tempts you, stay away from it. Whatever leads you to argue with someone in your head, get away from it. Sin needs to be fed to be dangerous. The battle for sin is first won or lost in the mind before it’s ever acted out. Learn to control your thoughts.
Now, you have to practice corporal punishment. That is, be prepared to suffer. Some cave in at withdrawal. Some can’t picture their lives victorious, so it never happens. Sometimes living without sin hurts. Of course, living with it hurts more. Be willing to suffer. Hebrews 12: 4 says, “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” It’s a battle, but the victory is promised to us.
Next, to treat sin like a prisoner on death row, neglect your sins. Don’t dwell on them. Don’t treat them like they deserve some special place in your life. You’ve already starved them, now just pay no attention to them. Don’t remind yourself of their supposed power. Understand they are forgiven and in the past. Understand that you are forgiven. They don’t need to be in your life or in your thoughts. Let them wither away by neglect.
And lastly, replace them. It’s not enough just to be so concentrated on your sins that you forget Who forgave them. Some people are so bogged down by the thoughts of their sins. I think of Martin Luther before he was converted. He was so overwhelmed with guilt, that he continually went to his bishop for confession. The issues were things like, having too comfortable a chair or getting too good a night’s sleep. Well, the bishop grew so tired of his whinings that he said, “Look, Luther, I don’t want to hear your sins anymore until you do something worth confessing.”
Clearly, God has better things for you than to dwell on things that need forgiving, and things that don’t. Focus on Him. Set your mind on things above. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not always on yourself. Spend time with Him. Yes, ask Him about what needs to change in your life, most certainly. But replace thoughts of your sin or guilt with thoughts of the Lord.
Declare them guilty! Starve them! Make them suffer! Neglect them! Replace them. This is how to live as Christians with circumcised hearts. Yes, every person has an appointment with death. Well, so do your sins. Deal with them. Put them to death. Then you will live.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thinking of the analogy of execution (of sin), killing them, here are some thoughts about treating our sins to capital punishment. First, you have to pronounce them guilty. This is important. Denying that something is sin only increases its power over us and decreases our joy and usefulness to God. Call it what it is. That bad attitude, that bitterness, that griping, those thoughts… if the Bible calls it sin, so should you.
So now that you’ve declared the sins as guilty, you need to take care of them. You have to starve them. They’ll fight, they’ll be nasty, they’ll scream and holler. But you need to starve the sources. Whatever tempts you, stay away from it. Whatever leads you to argue with someone in your head, get away from it. Sin needs to be fed to be dangerous. The battle for sin is first won or lost in the mind before it’s ever acted out. Learn to control your thoughts.
Now, you have to practice corporal punishment. That is, be prepared to suffer. Some cave in at withdrawal. Some can’t picture their lives victorious, so it never happens. Sometimes living without sin hurts. Of course, living with it hurts more. Be willing to suffer. Hebrews 12: 4 says, “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” It’s a battle, but the victory is promised to us.
Next, to treat sin like a prisoner on death row, neglect your sins. Don’t dwell on them. Don’t treat them like they deserve some special place in your life. You’ve already starved them, now just pay no attention to them. Don’t remind yourself of their supposed power. Understand they are forgiven and in the past. Understand that you are forgiven. They don’t need to be in your life or in your thoughts. Let them wither away by neglect.
And lastly, replace them. It’s not enough just to be so concentrated on your sins that you forget Who forgave them. Some people are so bogged down by the thoughts of their sins. I think of Martin Luther before he was converted. He was so overwhelmed with guilt, that he continually went to his bishop for confession. The issues were things like, having too comfortable a chair or getting too good a night’s sleep. Well, the bishop grew so tired of his whinings that he said, “Look, Luther, I don’t want to hear your sins anymore until you do something worth confessing.”
Clearly, God has better things for you than to dwell on things that need forgiving, and things that don’t. Focus on Him. Set your mind on things above. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not always on yourself. Spend time with Him. Yes, ask Him about what needs to change in your life, most certainly. But replace thoughts of your sin or guilt with thoughts of the Lord.
Declare them guilty! Starve them! Make them suffer! Neglect them! Replace them. This is how to live as Christians with circumcised hearts. Yes, every person has an appointment with death. Well, so do your sins. Deal with them. Put them to death. Then you will live.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
3 simple rules to keep from backsliding...
When Billy Sunday (former baseball player) was converted to Christ, a Christian man put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Billy, there are three simple rules I can give you, and if you hold to them, no one will ever write BACKSLIDER after your name.
1. Take 15 minutes a day to listen to God talking to you.
2. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to God.
3. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to others about God."
Not bad advice, try it today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
1. Take 15 minutes a day to listen to God talking to you.
2. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to God.
3. Take 15 minutes each day to talk to others about God."
Not bad advice, try it today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Captain’s meditation on Exodus, Pharaoh’s offer of compromise.
Egypt and Pharaoh in the bible (although a factual place and people) are “types and references” to captivity, bondage, and the devil.
Exodus 8:25,28 & 10:11, 24-26 (go ahead and look it up…) Pharaoh is reaching the end of his rope and is ready now to obey God, but suggest a compromise so that Moses will feel he has won some victory, while not fully getting what God intends for His people.
God intends that all His children be freed from their captivity and slavery, and that they can worship the Lord, and be taken to the promised land. See if the devil has ever tried this same old offer of compromise with you.
Here are the compromises that Pharaoh offered, and the devil still offers today…
1. (8:25) Go and sacrifice but don't leave, worship God, but stay in captivity here in Egypt.
2. (8:28) Go and sacrifice in the desert, but you must not go very far, worship but don't get carried away.
3. (10:11) Go but leave your families (women and children) behind.
4. (10:24-26) Go but leave your “stuff” (your livestock or things that could be used for worshiping God.
Moses’ response was they would be going, going all the way, taking their families, and taking their “stuff” because until they get to where God is taking them who knows what God might have them use to worship Him.
Determine today to be saved, set free, living holy, and going as far with God as He can take you, but also be 100% determined to take your family with you (let’s leave no one behind), and let’s even take our “stuff”. Who knows what God might have us use to worship and glorify Him today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Exodus 8:25,28 & 10:11, 24-26 (go ahead and look it up…) Pharaoh is reaching the end of his rope and is ready now to obey God, but suggest a compromise so that Moses will feel he has won some victory, while not fully getting what God intends for His people.
God intends that all His children be freed from their captivity and slavery, and that they can worship the Lord, and be taken to the promised land. See if the devil has ever tried this same old offer of compromise with you.
Here are the compromises that Pharaoh offered, and the devil still offers today…
1. (8:25) Go and sacrifice but don't leave, worship God, but stay in captivity here in Egypt.
2. (8:28) Go and sacrifice in the desert, but you must not go very far, worship but don't get carried away.
3. (10:11) Go but leave your families (women and children) behind.
4. (10:24-26) Go but leave your “stuff” (your livestock or things that could be used for worshiping God.
Moses’ response was they would be going, going all the way, taking their families, and taking their “stuff” because until they get to where God is taking them who knows what God might have them use to worship Him.
Determine today to be saved, set free, living holy, and going as far with God as He can take you, but also be 100% determined to take your family with you (let’s leave no one behind), and let’s even take our “stuff”. Who knows what God might have us use to worship and glorify Him today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Captain's meditation on Exodus 8:20-24
IS YOUR LIFE ONE OF DISCTINTION, OR ONE OF FLIES?
Look up Exodus 8:20-24 (go ahead and take the time… a “bible gateway” link is just on the left of the screen if your Bible isn’t handy….)
Going again through Exodus in my personal Bible reading, as I read this portion I heard the question, “Is your life one of distinction or one of flies?”
Moses again tells Pharaoh God’s command to let His people go so they can worship Him or there will be a plague of flies, but God promises that although the houses will be “full” of swarms flies, God said he would deal differently with the land of Goshen (where His people lived). God declared there will be no swarms of flies in the land of His people, WHY?, “so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land.” God said he would make distinction (or one translation was God would put a deliverance) between His people.
The purpose of a people who where delivered and distinctly different from the world swarming with flies, was in order to show the fly filled world that the Lord was there in the land.
We as believers have a God given deliverance and distinction, we must stand starkly different from the fly filled world as a proclimation to the world that the Lord is in the land, and that they too can choose to leave a world of flies for one that is uncongested and uncontaminated by the swarms.
In Hebrews 12:14 God’s Word says, “make every effort to … to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
We are called to live in a state of deliverance and distinction, SO LIVE HOLY TODAY.
IS YOUR LIFE ONE OF DISCTINTION, OR ONE OF FLIES?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Look up Exodus 8:20-24 (go ahead and take the time… a “bible gateway” link is just on the left of the screen if your Bible isn’t handy….)
Going again through Exodus in my personal Bible reading, as I read this portion I heard the question, “Is your life one of distinction or one of flies?”
Moses again tells Pharaoh God’s command to let His people go so they can worship Him or there will be a plague of flies, but God promises that although the houses will be “full” of swarms flies, God said he would deal differently with the land of Goshen (where His people lived). God declared there will be no swarms of flies in the land of His people, WHY?, “so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land.” God said he would make distinction (or one translation was God would put a deliverance) between His people.
The purpose of a people who where delivered and distinctly different from the world swarming with flies, was in order to show the fly filled world that the Lord was there in the land.
We as believers have a God given deliverance and distinction, we must stand starkly different from the fly filled world as a proclimation to the world that the Lord is in the land, and that they too can choose to leave a world of flies for one that is uncongested and uncontaminated by the swarms.
In Hebrews 12:14 God’s Word says, “make every effort to … to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
We are called to live in a state of deliverance and distinction, SO LIVE HOLY TODAY.
IS YOUR LIFE ONE OF DISCTINTION, OR ONE OF FLIES?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - An Illustration of Separation
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options. For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes.
God bless your study!
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
God bless your study!
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
This is the Lord's day, don't be so busy that you miss it.
A blessed Sunday to you all, especially those of you having to miss worship at your Corps (or church) due to work or other obligations (whatever those might be).
Here is a scripture thought for you today from Exodus 5 (feel free to look it up right now). Under God's direction Moses tells Pharaoh to let His people go so they can worship Him.
Pharaoh's response was to tell the slave drivers to no longer supply straw for making bricks, make them collect their own supplies, but to keep the quota the same. Pharaoh's thought was to make the work harder for the men so they would keep working and pay no attention to the "so-called lies" that they would ever be free from slavery, and free to worship God.
There are many reasons you may have missed a time of worship today, or maybe you were at the Corps (or church) and were so busy "doing ministry", or distracted with other things, that you never really encountered God yourself. A great tool of the devil is to increase the work so there is no time for God. Don't fall into the trap!
Take time this day to worship your God, read His word for yourself, spend some time in prayer, seek His face and a new touch of His Spirit. God Himself wants you to take time to worship Him today. Who knows, you might just find that today is the day He will free you from something you're enslaved to.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Here is a scripture thought for you today from Exodus 5 (feel free to look it up right now). Under God's direction Moses tells Pharaoh to let His people go so they can worship Him.
Pharaoh's response was to tell the slave drivers to no longer supply straw for making bricks, make them collect their own supplies, but to keep the quota the same. Pharaoh's thought was to make the work harder for the men so they would keep working and pay no attention to the "so-called lies" that they would ever be free from slavery, and free to worship God.
There are many reasons you may have missed a time of worship today, or maybe you were at the Corps (or church) and were so busy "doing ministry", or distracted with other things, that you never really encountered God yourself. A great tool of the devil is to increase the work so there is no time for God. Don't fall into the trap!
Take time this day to worship your God, read His word for yourself, spend some time in prayer, seek His face and a new touch of His Spirit. God Himself wants you to take time to worship Him today. Who knows, you might just find that today is the day He will free you from something you're enslaved to.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
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