"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men."
Years ago I read about a man who got tired of getting so much junkmail that he began mailing it back. He would use his postge paid envelope from the "Pre-Approved Discover Card" offer and mail them a "Have you seen me" postcard. All of his efforts, designed to stop the junkmail, were fruitless. Like all other houses in America, the junkmail appeared.
God's grace shares one characteristic with junkmail. Everyone gets some. Here God promises that His grace will appear to all men. Please understand that God is not sexist and that "men" in the bible refers to both men and women. So Ladies, you are not left out either.
Many companies make their best pitch to solve your problems. When it comes to mail, the reality is you are someone I owe money or someone who wants me to owe them money. Either way I am not excited to get the mail. God's grace is better than mail or junkmail because He really delivers what He promises. Even better, there is no fine print that negates everything that has been written boldly on the outside of the envelope! His grace will bring you to salvation if you will just open up an accept the offer.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Psalms 5:11
“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.”
This promise reminds me of a childhood memory where I kind of did a good thing. Well, it wasn’t that good but I did start with good intentions. During the hot Arizona summers, my friends and I would play hide-&-go seek inside of the grocery stores. One particular day, my fun was interrupted by 3 bullies picking on a scrawny kid leaving the store.
The single boy being harassed tried to quietly and quickly go home. The three other boys followed him behind the store where they really began to torment him. Enclosed in a small area, isolated, with no friends, no adult protection, and with no apparent means of escape the boy began to cry. His pleas of mercy were drowned out by the sneers and laughter of the three bullies. Can you imagine the little boys fear and desperation?
Unbeknownst to him, I took note of what was going on and purposed to do something about it. So I took my friends and followed the bullies in order to tilt the odds in favor of the boy being picked on. The unexpected arrival of my older cousin further established this boy’s defense. When it was all said and done, I sent those boys running home, and one of them with a broken nose.
Do you ever feel outnumbered, overmatched, or isolated in a desperate situation with no hope of escape? Does it feel like no one cares or is paying attention? God is. He is promising that He will be your defense, even when you don’t see it coming. He is promising to send your enemies away with a broken nose. Do you trust Him to be your defender or will you continue to fail doing it yourself?
This promise reminds me of a childhood memory where I kind of did a good thing. Well, it wasn’t that good but I did start with good intentions. During the hot Arizona summers, my friends and I would play hide-&-go seek inside of the grocery stores. One particular day, my fun was interrupted by 3 bullies picking on a scrawny kid leaving the store.
The single boy being harassed tried to quietly and quickly go home. The three other boys followed him behind the store where they really began to torment him. Enclosed in a small area, isolated, with no friends, no adult protection, and with no apparent means of escape the boy began to cry. His pleas of mercy were drowned out by the sneers and laughter of the three bullies. Can you imagine the little boys fear and desperation?
Unbeknownst to him, I took note of what was going on and purposed to do something about it. So I took my friends and followed the bullies in order to tilt the odds in favor of the boy being picked on. The unexpected arrival of my older cousin further established this boy’s defense. When it was all said and done, I sent those boys running home, and one of them with a broken nose.
Do you ever feel outnumbered, overmatched, or isolated in a desperate situation with no hope of escape? Does it feel like no one cares or is paying attention? God is. He is promising that He will be your defense, even when you don’t see it coming. He is promising to send your enemies away with a broken nose. Do you trust Him to be your defender or will you continue to fail doing it yourself?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
II Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
As a kid I used to play games. When I messed up or was not happy with the result, I would call a “Do over.” Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “Do over!” God has promised you just that. No matter what mess you have made of your life God can make it new. To receive this promise only requires that you be in Christ; that is to say you ask him to be your savior.
I am not much of an artist and I am even worse at pottery. I recall making a clay vase in 8th grade that more closely resembled a hard blob of clay. I did not have the patience or skill to make it a work of art. Did you know God is a much better artist?
In the 18th chapter of Jeremiah God explains how he made a vessel that marred in his hands. The same chapter also tells how God, without anger or complaint, simply made another vessel that pleased him. God formed you in the womb and knew you before you were born. If you have “marred” your life, God has promised to make you new. Even more comforting is to know he does it without regret, hard feelings, or frustration.
The pot I made in 8th grade could not be re-worked because it had gone through the furnace to make it set. God has spared you from the fires of hell thus far so that your clay (life) would be workable. Once you pass from this life into eternity it will be too late to make a change because the fire of hell will set you. Take hold of God’s promise to make your life new. All the mistakes of your life can be changed by one prayer if you will believe in his promise.
As a kid I used to play games. When I messed up or was not happy with the result, I would call a “Do over.” Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “Do over!” God has promised you just that. No matter what mess you have made of your life God can make it new. To receive this promise only requires that you be in Christ; that is to say you ask him to be your savior.
I am not much of an artist and I am even worse at pottery. I recall making a clay vase in 8th grade that more closely resembled a hard blob of clay. I did not have the patience or skill to make it a work of art. Did you know God is a much better artist?
In the 18th chapter of Jeremiah God explains how he made a vessel that marred in his hands. The same chapter also tells how God, without anger or complaint, simply made another vessel that pleased him. God formed you in the womb and knew you before you were born. If you have “marred” your life, God has promised to make you new. Even more comforting is to know he does it without regret, hard feelings, or frustration.
The pot I made in 8th grade could not be re-worked because it had gone through the furnace to make it set. God has spared you from the fires of hell thus far so that your clay (life) would be workable. Once you pass from this life into eternity it will be too late to make a change because the fire of hell will set you. Take hold of God’s promise to make your life new. All the mistakes of your life can be changed by one prayer if you will believe in his promise.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I Corinthians 2:9
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
I’d like to credit this devotional thought to my Uncle Steve. In a recent sermon he shared an awesome exposition of this promise.
Have you ever been to a fireworks show more than once? Fort Vancouver, in southwest Washington, puts on one of the best 4th of July celebrations I have ever seen. As a veteran of the show I am intimately familiar with the grand finale. Many times I have experienced this show with people who are new to the experience. Often they are impressed with the dazzling colors and share their excitement, to which I reply, “You aint seen nothin yet!”
I am able to confidently express this because I know what the end will be like and how much greater it will impress and satisfy. Similarly, God is telling you, “You aint seen nothing yet!” God knows the grand finale and what He has in store for you. As you travel down your life and enjoy God, you will be impressed. God is promising you here, that what will come in the end is really going to blow your mind.
I’d like to credit this devotional thought to my Uncle Steve. In a recent sermon he shared an awesome exposition of this promise.
Have you ever been to a fireworks show more than once? Fort Vancouver, in southwest Washington, puts on one of the best 4th of July celebrations I have ever seen. As a veteran of the show I am intimately familiar with the grand finale. Many times I have experienced this show with people who are new to the experience. Often they are impressed with the dazzling colors and share their excitement, to which I reply, “You aint seen nothin yet!”
I am able to confidently express this because I know what the end will be like and how much greater it will impress and satisfy. Similarly, God is telling you, “You aint seen nothing yet!” God knows the grand finale and what He has in store for you. As you travel down your life and enjoy God, you will be impressed. God is promising you here, that what will come in the end is really going to blow your mind.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Heartfelt Welcome
I just wanted to take a moment and welcome both Lila and Scott. I noticed both of you signed up as followers of the blog. Thanks for your support and I pray God will richly bless you from what He shares with me.
I also heard that both of you are living your lives for God. I can't tell you how much that thrills my soul. May God continue to be real to you.
I also heard that both of you are living your lives for God. I can't tell you how much that thrills my soul. May God continue to be real to you.
Joshua 1:5
“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Do you remember the goofy folktale about the genie in the lamp? According to the tale, a person who finds the lamp will be granted 3 wishes in exchange for releasing the genie. The interesting thing was that the genie was loyal to whoever found the lamp. Moreover, the power the genie exercised on behalf of the one making a wish, was the same no matter who made the wish.
One particular cartoon brought that home to me as a kid. In the story a lamp had been found and used by a man. Caught up in his greed he lost the lamp. Many years, possibly centuries, passed before the lamp was discovered by another person. The new owner now had access to the same genie. Any wish could be granted just as it was for the previous finder of the lamp.
God is not saying He is a genie, but He is promising you no lack of power. Have you ever thought of Godly people and marveled at their walk with God? Have you ever seen God’s power demonstrated in their life and wondered, “What would it be like to _____ like brother or sister________?”
That is exactly what God is promising here. He was telling Joshua not to freak out. “The man you always looked up to. The man who just died and left you out here alone. Don’t worry about that. The power I gave Him I will give to you.” Did you know that is what God is promising you also? Just as God blessed your most godly examples, so to, will He bless you. Are you willing to accept it?
Do you remember the goofy folktale about the genie in the lamp? According to the tale, a person who finds the lamp will be granted 3 wishes in exchange for releasing the genie. The interesting thing was that the genie was loyal to whoever found the lamp. Moreover, the power the genie exercised on behalf of the one making a wish, was the same no matter who made the wish.
One particular cartoon brought that home to me as a kid. In the story a lamp had been found and used by a man. Caught up in his greed he lost the lamp. Many years, possibly centuries, passed before the lamp was discovered by another person. The new owner now had access to the same genie. Any wish could be granted just as it was for the previous finder of the lamp.
God is not saying He is a genie, but He is promising you no lack of power. Have you ever thought of Godly people and marveled at their walk with God? Have you ever seen God’s power demonstrated in their life and wondered, “What would it be like to _____ like brother or sister________?”
That is exactly what God is promising here. He was telling Joshua not to freak out. “The man you always looked up to. The man who just died and left you out here alone. Don’t worry about that. The power I gave Him I will give to you.” Did you know that is what God is promising you also? Just as God blessed your most godly examples, so to, will He bless you. Are you willing to accept it?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Deuteronomy 7:10
“And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face”
First reading of this would speak to God’s vengence and the fact it is the real deal. I want to take a look at this promise and come at it from a different angle than how it appears on the surface. Picture for a moment your life in 7th – 10th grade. Do you remember all the drama? How many tears did you cry? Did you ever want to fight because of something you heard said about you behind your back?
Words spoken behind your back hurt deep and often elicit radical emotional responses. That is why God is promising not to “trash” your reputation. If He has an issue with you or if you have failed Him, He promises to deal with you face to face. There will be no middle man and definitely no opportunity for a misunderstanding.
Don’t be fearful. God will bring the issue directly to you because He desires to grant you an opportunity to repent and make it right. Unlike that middle school bully, God will talk it out with you. Have you been “hating” God? You can expect His visit because He loves you to much to let you continue down that path.
First reading of this would speak to God’s vengence and the fact it is the real deal. I want to take a look at this promise and come at it from a different angle than how it appears on the surface. Picture for a moment your life in 7th – 10th grade. Do you remember all the drama? How many tears did you cry? Did you ever want to fight because of something you heard said about you behind your back?
Words spoken behind your back hurt deep and often elicit radical emotional responses. That is why God is promising not to “trash” your reputation. If He has an issue with you or if you have failed Him, He promises to deal with you face to face. There will be no middle man and definitely no opportunity for a misunderstanding.
Don’t be fearful. God will bring the issue directly to you because He desires to grant you an opportunity to repent and make it right. Unlike that middle school bully, God will talk it out with you. Have you been “hating” God? You can expect His visit because He loves you to much to let you continue down that path.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Numbers 14:31
“ But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.”
This promise is taken out of a discourse the Lord was having with the Hebrews as they wandered in the wilderness refusing to go into the “Promise Land” because of their fear. One of their excuses was, that children would be killed by their enemies, hence they despised the land. In this verse, God indirectly promises His ability to take care of the helpless (children).
Several years ago I heard a legend about Alfred Nobel and his peace prize which is given out yearly. The story claims that Mr. Nobel did not consider mathematics a field worthy of being eligible for the prize because he had animosity towards a mathematician who had an affair with his mistress. So, for centuries to follow all mathematicians would be punished for this action. I am not arguing the validity of this legend but I do want to point out its lesson on how humans can hold grudges that last beyond their own life.
Here, God is stating that He doesn’t hold grudges. Despite the apparent failures of the parents, God was not going to punish their children as well, but rather, He promised to be their “parents” and lead them in the right way. Did your parents fail to trust God? God is telling you that that doesn’t prohibit you from His blessings for your life. Have you ever failed as a parent and allowed the devil to beat you up with thoughts of how bad you messed your kids’ lives? God is telling you, “I’ll fix it.”
This promise is taken out of a discourse the Lord was having with the Hebrews as they wandered in the wilderness refusing to go into the “Promise Land” because of their fear. One of their excuses was, that children would be killed by their enemies, hence they despised the land. In this verse, God indirectly promises His ability to take care of the helpless (children).
Several years ago I heard a legend about Alfred Nobel and his peace prize which is given out yearly. The story claims that Mr. Nobel did not consider mathematics a field worthy of being eligible for the prize because he had animosity towards a mathematician who had an affair with his mistress. So, for centuries to follow all mathematicians would be punished for this action. I am not arguing the validity of this legend but I do want to point out its lesson on how humans can hold grudges that last beyond their own life.
Here, God is stating that He doesn’t hold grudges. Despite the apparent failures of the parents, God was not going to punish their children as well, but rather, He promised to be their “parents” and lead them in the right way. Did your parents fail to trust God? God is telling you that that doesn’t prohibit you from His blessings for your life. Have you ever failed as a parent and allowed the devil to beat you up with thoughts of how bad you messed your kids’ lives? God is telling you, “I’ll fix it.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)