FLAVORING SWEETNESS, CLOTHED IN GRACE
Whenever I get to hear or read God’s word, it is like flavoring sweetness unto my soul. It brings joy and puts a smile on my face, because it is the real substance that will last forever and much better than candy. Sometimes, there are moments when we do need someone’s gracious gesture to pull us up from our problems and worries. I know that God uses believers to help other believers, but there have been in my life people who don’t necessarily agree with my beliefs – yet they are very gracious towards me. I’m thankful to the Lord for putting them in my path. I’ve learned not to judge them, but to love them.
In Genesis 3:21 we read that God made coats of skins to clothe Adam and Eve even after they had sinned. God was being gracious towards sinners. He did not abandon, them, but instead he cared for them by dressing them with coats from the blood of an innocent animal. This is parallel to the innocent blood that Jesus Christ shared for sinners so that we may be clothed in Christ’s righteousness. “For he hath made home be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Cor. 5:21) We are clothed in his righteousness, because of his Grace and that is enough to make us joyful and show the world our clothing of grace.
Think about those who are kind towards you by saying something nice like “good morning”, or simply walking by and smiling at them. Let’s not hide our sweetness in the Lord, but respond back with a nice word or kind act whether it is a smile or even holding the door for someone feeble, or just sending a card of encouragement. I often remember my sister who is a special needs person, how she would always go to church with a quarter in her purse, because that was all she had to give. She would tell my mother she didn’t need anything else but twenty-five cents. In her eyes that was a lot and she would give it with joy. This was big in her mind and I’m sure the Lord saw it that way. Therefore, let us take what small act we can do and Glorify His Name!
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:37-40)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A HOUSE OF WORSHIP AND PRAYER
“My house will be called a house of prayer, ‘but you are making it a den of robbers.’”
(Matthew 21:13)
When Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem he drove out all those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those who were selling doves. (Matthew 21:12) Jesus was so indignant about the way the temple was being used that his actions led him to rebuke and drive out those using the house of God for their selfish ambitions. This display of disrespect and dishonor to our Lord in his church is sinful and has continued throughout centuries. For example, Antiochus IV (175-163 B.C.) a Syrian ruler committed to Hellenism used the temple funds for his own demise and ordered the erection of a statue of Olympian Zeus in the temple and even had a sow sacrificed on the sacred altar. The Roman Senator Caligula demanded worship of himself as deity and instructed his representative in Syria to erect his statue in the Jerusalem temple. All these were actions taken by men in favor of pleasing themselves with disregard to God’s holiness and his house of worship.
I would like to think that in the 21st century such acts would have been banned or condemned by most Christians. But seeing how complacency and self-indulgence seem to be endured in our society, I can only conclude that we are closer to the end times. Men’s heart is open to selfish ambitions then pleasing God. It says: “because of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…” Matthew 24:12
Recently I watched on television a religious annual event, that is, a numbers of animals being taken to the Catholic Church and priests performing blessings on these animals. My friend, do not be deceived. The Bible does not recognize such acts as being acceptable in God’s eyes? In the Old Testament animals were used for specific purposes such as sacrificial offerings, bartering, for substance or safekeeping. God’s house has always been a house for worship and prayer. It is never mentioned in the bible that animals were to be blessed but only people and children (Mark 3:10; 10: 14-16).
My friends, let us be girded with the truth of the word, so that when we see all manner of deceit and evil taking place, we will be full of the holy spirit to be able to discern good from wrong. God’s word says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (v.4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
(Matthew 21:13)
When Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem he drove out all those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those who were selling doves. (Matthew 21:12) Jesus was so indignant about the way the temple was being used that his actions led him to rebuke and drive out those using the house of God for their selfish ambitions. This display of disrespect and dishonor to our Lord in his church is sinful and has continued throughout centuries. For example, Antiochus IV (175-163 B.C.) a Syrian ruler committed to Hellenism used the temple funds for his own demise and ordered the erection of a statue of Olympian Zeus in the temple and even had a sow sacrificed on the sacred altar. The Roman Senator Caligula demanded worship of himself as deity and instructed his representative in Syria to erect his statue in the Jerusalem temple. All these were actions taken by men in favor of pleasing themselves with disregard to God’s holiness and his house of worship.
I would like to think that in the 21st century such acts would have been banned or condemned by most Christians. But seeing how complacency and self-indulgence seem to be endured in our society, I can only conclude that we are closer to the end times. Men’s heart is open to selfish ambitions then pleasing God. It says: “because of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…” Matthew 24:12
Recently I watched on television a religious annual event, that is, a numbers of animals being taken to the Catholic Church and priests performing blessings on these animals. My friend, do not be deceived. The Bible does not recognize such acts as being acceptable in God’s eyes? In the Old Testament animals were used for specific purposes such as sacrificial offerings, bartering, for substance or safekeeping. God’s house has always been a house for worship and prayer. It is never mentioned in the bible that animals were to be blessed but only people and children (Mark 3:10; 10: 14-16).
My friends, let us be girded with the truth of the word, so that when we see all manner of deceit and evil taking place, we will be full of the holy spirit to be able to discern good from wrong. God’s word says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (v.4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND
Have you ever experienced being under water for a brief period of time and suddenly you feel like you need to come up for air? Sometimes life’s struggles seem that way to us. You may be going through a situation where you raise your hands and say, “it’s hopeless”. But my friend, it isn’t -trust in the Lord for it is he who “will supply all of your needs. (Phil. 4:19) I know it sounds simple, but it is the truth. Even in Jesus’ time there were those who doubted Jesus and therefore weren’t able to fully understand what he was accomplishing. It says in Mark chapter three:
“Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.” (Verse 1)
These men were ready to put Jesus away in prison if he didn’t conform to their legalities. But Jesus had a different agenda. He was not concerned over what they were thinking or their threats; his concern was for the man with the shriveled hand.
He knew the physical need this man had and Jesus was willing to cure him.
“He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” (Mark 3: 5-6)
Many thought in their minds, what kind of a man is this Jesus? He was humble; he loved the poor, the sick, and sinners. He did not do things for personal interest, but instead for the sake of others. It was this attraction that brought people to him. Jesus proved to be more than just the son of a carpenter – he was the Son of God filled with power of the holy Sprit. And to show to those who had a stubborn heart the power of God – Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand “Stretch out your hand.” (Mark 3:1-6)
Have you ever experienced being under water for a brief period of time and suddenly you feel like you need to come up for air? Sometimes life’s struggles seem that way to us. You may be going through a situation where you raise your hands and say, “it’s hopeless”. But my friend, it isn’t -trust in the Lord for it is he who “will supply all of your needs. (Phil. 4:19) I know it sounds simple, but it is the truth. Even in Jesus’ time there were those who doubted Jesus and therefore weren’t able to fully understand what he was accomplishing. It says in Mark chapter three:
“Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.” (Verse 1)
These men were ready to put Jesus away in prison if he didn’t conform to their legalities. But Jesus had a different agenda. He was not concerned over what they were thinking or their threats; his concern was for the man with the shriveled hand.
He knew the physical need this man had and Jesus was willing to cure him.
“He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” (Mark 3: 5-6)
Many thought in their minds, what kind of a man is this Jesus? He was humble; he loved the poor, the sick, and sinners. He did not do things for personal interest, but instead for the sake of others. It was this attraction that brought people to him. Jesus proved to be more than just the son of a carpenter – he was the Son of God filled with power of the holy Sprit. And to show to those who had a stubborn heart the power of God – Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand “Stretch out your hand.” (Mark 3:1-6)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A LEADER’S CHARACTER
Getting ready for another presidential election has never been an easy task for me, especially trying to make a decision on the right candidate to hold the most important office in the land. But I’m thankful for the guidance the Bible gives us when it comes to examining the character of leaders running a nation. The Holy Scriptures is a great source of guide. If we look close, we see the victory of those servants who put God first and the people’s needs. I would like to use as an example to this theme King David.
Courage: David known as a warrior. He displays courage in the Valley of Elah while the other Israelites ran with great fear (1Samuel 16: 24) David is a man of action that while others ran from their enemies he did not, he confronted his enemy. (1 Samuel 17:35; 36; 17: 45, 48) He defended God’s name. (1 Samuel 17: 26)
Integrity: David led the troops in their campaigns (1 Samuel 18: 13, 14) He showed loyalty to those he serves and those who lay down their life (1 Samuel 22:14; 23; 23:5)
Kindness: David showed kindness towards his friends, enemies and those less fortunate. (1 Sam.20: 14, 15; 23; 20; 23; 24:6-7; 25:32-35; 30:11-12))
Humility: David did not make exception of persons. He shared with his friends and neighbors the plunder of his successes. (1 Sam.30: 23-31)
Faithful: David showed faithfulness to God before and after being named king of Israel and to the people. (1 Samuel 17:45-47; 18:16; 22:22, 23; 24:6, 7; 26:9, 11, 22; 30:17-20; 2 Samuel. 2: 5, 6; 5:10, 12, 17)
These qualities of courage, integrity, kindness, humility and faithfulness made King David a successful and loyal king to God and his nation of Israel. May we look to see these same qualities in those running for the presidential office this fall and may these men place God first in their lives and make decisions that are for the betterment of the people of our nation. Let us keep our leaders in prayer.
Getting ready for another presidential election has never been an easy task for me, especially trying to make a decision on the right candidate to hold the most important office in the land. But I’m thankful for the guidance the Bible gives us when it comes to examining the character of leaders running a nation. The Holy Scriptures is a great source of guide. If we look close, we see the victory of those servants who put God first and the people’s needs. I would like to use as an example to this theme King David.
Courage: David known as a warrior. He displays courage in the Valley of Elah while the other Israelites ran with great fear (1Samuel 16: 24) David is a man of action that while others ran from their enemies he did not, he confronted his enemy. (1 Samuel 17:35; 36; 17: 45, 48) He defended God’s name. (1 Samuel 17: 26)
Integrity: David led the troops in their campaigns (1 Samuel 18: 13, 14) He showed loyalty to those he serves and those who lay down their life (1 Samuel 22:14; 23; 23:5)
Kindness: David showed kindness towards his friends, enemies and those less fortunate. (1 Sam.20: 14, 15; 23; 20; 23; 24:6-7; 25:32-35; 30:11-12))
Humility: David did not make exception of persons. He shared with his friends and neighbors the plunder of his successes. (1 Sam.30: 23-31)
Faithful: David showed faithfulness to God before and after being named king of Israel and to the people. (1 Samuel 17:45-47; 18:16; 22:22, 23; 24:6, 7; 26:9, 11, 22; 30:17-20; 2 Samuel. 2: 5, 6; 5:10, 12, 17)
These qualities of courage, integrity, kindness, humility and faithfulness made King David a successful and loyal king to God and his nation of Israel. May we look to see these same qualities in those running for the presidential office this fall and may these men place God first in their lives and make decisions that are for the betterment of the people of our nation. Let us keep our leaders in prayer.
Monday, September 1, 2008
GIVING GOD THE BEST
Watching the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing was an event of impending excitement and hopeful enthusiasm for the athletes. For Christian athletes it was a lifetime opportunity not only to compete, but making an impact as believers of the gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Chinese people. I recently read in a Christian magazine about athletes like: Allyson Felix, Ryan Hall, Michael Redd and Jennifer Barringer attribute their motivation of success to their faith. Felix gives glory to God for her achievement on the track. Hall, age 25, committed his heart to Jesus as teenager. He struggled with the search for significance, but found his identity in Christ.
It is wonderful to see how God has a place in the lives of these athletes not only as achievers of the gifts they have, but as witnesses for God’s glory. A comment made by Olympian Barringer who quotes 1 Timothy 4:12 – her favorite verse-to heart: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”(NIV)
Many young Christians need to believe that they can do something that’s impossible. Like the athletes you need to do everything you physically can do to break the mental barriers of “can’t do”. Having God’s word in my mind has always helped me in hard challenges, but one of my favorite bible verses is “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength,” (Phi.4: 13) giving God my best of what he’s given me and all for his glory.
It is wonderful to see how God has a place in the lives of these athletes not only as achievers of the gifts they have, but as witnesses for God’s glory. A comment made by Olympian Barringer who quotes 1 Timothy 4:12 – her favorite verse-to heart: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”(NIV)
Many young Christians need to believe that they can do something that’s impossible. Like the athletes you need to do everything you physically can do to break the mental barriers of “can’t do”. Having God’s word in my mind has always helped me in hard challenges, but one of my favorite bible verses is “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength,” (Phi.4: 13) giving God my best of what he’s given me and all for his glory.
Friday, August 1, 2008
THE LORD’S INSTRUMENTS (PART 2)
“DOING WHAT’S RIGHT IN GOD’S EYES”
The postexilic period (538-400 B.C.) is both the end of Old Testament history and the beginning of the Intertestamental Era. During this time Hebrews were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuilt the temple. Four distinct trips to Judah are mentioned in the Bible: The first was led by Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1-8) and Seshbazzar (Ezra 5:1-16), the second by Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:1-7), and then 100 years later after the return of the first exiles Nehemiah leads the people in repairing the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:17-18). We can see how God uses different people to accomplish the task of rebuilding his place of worship. These men did not quibble nor complained as to how big this job would be or how long it would take to accomplish. Despite the opposition and threat to their lives they loved God more and wanted to do what was right in God’s eyes.
When we place ourselves in God’s hands and pray for the Lord’s guidance in what we do, things fall into place. It says “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” (Nehemiah 2:8) The work got started by Zerubbabel and Seshbazzar then halted, but God raised two more men to finish the project. Ezra and Nehemiah are these two men. These men are examples of being instruments of honor in God’s hands. Ezra provided leadership for his people. He taught the people the law and brought about reforms of their religious lifestyle. He wanted other nations to know that they were God’s chosen people. It says “Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:28) Sometimes, what God wants us to do seems in our eyes BIG, but God is there if you call upon him – He will give you strength and give you courage. (Neh.8: 10) Nehemiah was also a man of prayer, in the midst of opposition and insults thrown at him and the workers who were rebuilding, he stopped and prayed and told the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, yours sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Neh.4: 14) Both Ezra and Nehemiah remained faithful to God’s demands despite the deceptive pressures of Hellenism and the later faithlessness of the priesthood; they did what was right in God’s eyes. My prayer for us is to learn from these examples and do what is pleasing to the LORD. It says in Romans 12: 2 “Let us not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
“DOING WHAT’S RIGHT IN GOD’S EYES”
The postexilic period (538-400 B.C.) is both the end of Old Testament history and the beginning of the Intertestamental Era. During this time Hebrews were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuilt the temple. Four distinct trips to Judah are mentioned in the Bible: The first was led by Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1-8) and Seshbazzar (Ezra 5:1-16), the second by Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:1-7), and then 100 years later after the return of the first exiles Nehemiah leads the people in repairing the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:17-18). We can see how God uses different people to accomplish the task of rebuilding his place of worship. These men did not quibble nor complained as to how big this job would be or how long it would take to accomplish. Despite the opposition and threat to their lives they loved God more and wanted to do what was right in God’s eyes.
When we place ourselves in God’s hands and pray for the Lord’s guidance in what we do, things fall into place. It says “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” (Nehemiah 2:8) The work got started by Zerubbabel and Seshbazzar then halted, but God raised two more men to finish the project. Ezra and Nehemiah are these two men. These men are examples of being instruments of honor in God’s hands. Ezra provided leadership for his people. He taught the people the law and brought about reforms of their religious lifestyle. He wanted other nations to know that they were God’s chosen people. It says “Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:28) Sometimes, what God wants us to do seems in our eyes BIG, but God is there if you call upon him – He will give you strength and give you courage. (Neh.8: 10) Nehemiah was also a man of prayer, in the midst of opposition and insults thrown at him and the workers who were rebuilding, he stopped and prayed and told the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, yours sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Neh.4: 14) Both Ezra and Nehemiah remained faithful to God’s demands despite the deceptive pressures of Hellenism and the later faithlessness of the priesthood; they did what was right in God’s eyes. My prayer for us is to learn from these examples and do what is pleasing to the LORD. It says in Romans 12: 2 “Let us not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
THE LORD’S INSTRUMENTS (PART 1)
The Old Testament gives us examples of men and women God used as instruments to fulfill his promise. But one person that stands out because of his character and having the right attitude is the priest Ezra. Not many people study Ezra or even spend time learning about his accomplishments, because he didn’t do great things like Moses, Joshua or David. I give him credit for having the right attitude when it came to serving God. Here is a man that comes back with a second group of Babylonian exiles to Jerusalem and while God is using Zerubbabel to be leader on the rebuilding of God’s temple; Ezra is teaching about the Law. So here you have one person leading the rebuilding, another teaching God’s word. But just when things couldn’t get better, trouble arises. It says, “despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation…” (Ezra 3:3) Doesn’t this sound familiar, especially when we try to serve the Lord, there’s always opposition, and sometimes it comes from those closest us?
The people who lived around Jerusalem were pagan; they worshipped other God’s and did not know the God of Israel. All they knew was that these new neighbors are here and they are doing something we don’t understand, they are worshipping their God and we don’t like it! Could it be that they were acting out of fear, because they knew the power of Israel’s God? But this was not going to deter the Jews from accomplishing their goal that is, to rebuild a place of worship for their God. Ezra and the Jews were determined to get the job done. Their hearts were in the right place; they were not focused in themselves, but in giving honor to the Lord. When we have the right attitude and character, when we put God ahead and not behind, he will be gracious unto us.
Today, as we discover the ministry God has given to us, let us walk with the right attitude bringing honor and glory to what we do and accomplish, Ezra was an instrument of honor that God used to teach the Law to Israel in a time when they needed to be reminded of what their God had done for them. The times may be different, but the message is the same – let us continue to serve and worship a most gracious God who has done so much for us.
The Old Testament gives us examples of men and women God used as instruments to fulfill his promise. But one person that stands out because of his character and having the right attitude is the priest Ezra. Not many people study Ezra or even spend time learning about his accomplishments, because he didn’t do great things like Moses, Joshua or David. I give him credit for having the right attitude when it came to serving God. Here is a man that comes back with a second group of Babylonian exiles to Jerusalem and while God is using Zerubbabel to be leader on the rebuilding of God’s temple; Ezra is teaching about the Law. So here you have one person leading the rebuilding, another teaching God’s word. But just when things couldn’t get better, trouble arises. It says, “despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation…” (Ezra 3:3) Doesn’t this sound familiar, especially when we try to serve the Lord, there’s always opposition, and sometimes it comes from those closest us?
The people who lived around Jerusalem were pagan; they worshipped other God’s and did not know the God of Israel. All they knew was that these new neighbors are here and they are doing something we don’t understand, they are worshipping their God and we don’t like it! Could it be that they were acting out of fear, because they knew the power of Israel’s God? But this was not going to deter the Jews from accomplishing their goal that is, to rebuild a place of worship for their God. Ezra and the Jews were determined to get the job done. Their hearts were in the right place; they were not focused in themselves, but in giving honor to the Lord. When we have the right attitude and character, when we put God ahead and not behind, he will be gracious unto us.
Today, as we discover the ministry God has given to us, let us walk with the right attitude bringing honor and glory to what we do and accomplish, Ezra was an instrument of honor that God used to teach the Law to Israel in a time when they needed to be reminded of what their God had done for them. The times may be different, but the message is the same – let us continue to serve and worship a most gracious God who has done so much for us.
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