Wake Up Call

I was looking to see if I could find any interesting videos yesterday and I stumbled across this one of Kirk Cameron doing street evangelism. I love his approach. Well it led me to the website way of the master. There are several videos to help show you how to share the gospel there and if you go to the street witnessing videos they have more high definition videos of using the ten commandments to witness. so here is the video Wake Up Call and below it I'm going to put a KJ52 video that asks the question Do you think God is going to think you're a good person?



Okay I decided to include this one also.



Everyone who has been saved needs to try and bring other souls to heaven with them. If you are truly a christian then you love everyone and do not want to see anyone go to hell. It's hard to go up to a complete stranger and just start talking about God but when you do it God will do the talking.

Is Anyone There?

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6 NIV
It amazes me some of the things God uses to talk to us! I was at work the other day when he used something I see everyday to teach me. The machine I run has a light sensor to keep the machine from cycling when someone is in the way. It sends a laser beam to a reflector which reflects it back to the box to say all clear, or to tell it someone is there. As I’m looking at the reflector, it dawned on me that that is what we as Christians are. We are reflectors! We are supposed to reflect Christ in our life which lets a lost world know someone is there. Have you ever been driving down the road at night and saw the reflectors on a bicycle? In the dark you can’t see the bicycle or the rider, but when your lights hit the reflectors you know someone is there. The world is that darkness. A lost person going through the darkness is hopeless! Until up ahead they see the light and then they know someone is there. John 1:1-5,9 refers to Jesus as the Light. Paul tells us we should imitate Christ. (Ephesians 5:1) People should be able see Christ in us. They should see The Light that is Jesus in us reflecting off of us.We can’t generate that light ourselves, because we are flesh and therefore sinners. (Galatians 5:17) We are the darkness. Yet when we accept Jesus as our Savior He comes to live inside us through His Holy Spirit. Now look at Psalm 119:74. We should be able to recognize other Christians. We should rejoice when we see other Christians. There should be a joy and hope that reflects off them. Just as we can see it so can the lost. They will want to know what is the source of our hope and joy.(1 Peter 3:15)

As you go through the rest of the week, ask yourself “Am I reflecting Christ in my life? When someone is alone in the darkness of the world and they see me, do they know Someone is there?”
MSW

School Prayer

Another school year has begun. My children have new teachers, new friends, and new pressures. Christian parents can’t shield their children from the real world forever. Our children are going to meet children who drink, use drugs, use profane language, and many other things. Some of our own children will make choices to do these same things. Many parents today fail to teach their children that they should have respect for themselves and other people. Thanks to cable TV raising children and being the only role models many will receive, premarital sex is not only accepted, it’s expected. Alternative lifestyles are encouraged along with drugs, atheism and Satan worship. This isn’t just in the high schools and it isn’t just in the big cities. So what are Christian parents supposed to do? We can’t follow our children to class and hold their hands all day. Although it is fun to see the look on their face when you tell them you are! Private schools are expensive and eventually our children have to enter the secular world. Plus there’s no guarantee that they won’t see the same things in a private school. So what do you do? The courts did away with prayer in the schools in the 90s. So far the Supreme Court has not said that it is illegal to pray at home about school. (I hope I didn’t give them any ideas.) God wants us to pray! Jesus did say “ask and you shall receive” (John 16:24). While many Christians start their day with prayer, most pray alone. I suggest that families form a prayer circle, hold hands and pray. Pray that God will be with each of you throughout the day. Pray for God to fill you with hope and strength. Pray that God will keep evil away from your family. Pray that he will lead each of you away from temptation. Don’t stop with just your family though! Pray for the school! Pray that God will be with the principals and teachers. Lift them up in your prayers. Pray that God will protect the students. Pray that his Holy Spirit will move through the hallways and in the hearts of the children! Pray that those who don’t know Jesus will learn that he is searching for them. Even if you don’t have kids in school, take a moment in your morning prayer to ask these things for the children at school. God is not in schools because we allowed him to be taken out. If we all pray that His Holy Spirit once again moves through the halls, our children will once again be safe in school.

MSW

Why Study?

For the past couple of months, I’ve wanted to write about why we should study the bible. I started by searching the bible to see what it says. It says a lot. That’s why it took a couple of months to see what it said. There are many Christians who have never read the bible. They hear the preacher give his sermon. They go to Sunday School, but they have never sat down and let God talk to them through His Word. The first reason we should read the bible is because God actually tells us to. (Deuteronomy 31:10-11) “…at the end of seven years … you shall read this law before them in their hearing.” So right there we have the word of God saying read me. He even gives us a time frame. Why does God want us to read His Word? So His children that do not know His Word will learn to fear the Lord. (Deuteronomy 31:13) Seven years, Sixty-six books, that’s not even a book a month. Any one can do that. What else does it say about reading the bible? In Joshua 1:8 God tells Joshua to keep this book of the law on your lips; meditate on it day and night. Meditate that goes beyond just reading. That means stop and think about what I’m saying. Let’s look at some of the promises god makes if we will study His Word. He told Joshua it would make him Prosperous and Successful. (Joshua 1:8) We can find the promise of blessings. Blessed is the one who reads aloud. (Revelation 1:3) Blessed are those who delight and meditate. (Psalm 1:1-2) It will help keep your way pure. (Psalm119:9) It will be our Counselor. (Psalm 119:24) The bible will give you advice that will never fail! We will live long. (Deuteronomy 6:2). The list could go on and on.

Let’s say you’ve tried to read the bible and it is just too confusing. Let’s look at Acts 8:26-10 An Ethiopian official was sitting in his chariot trying to read Isaiah 53:7-8, when Phillip asked if he understood what he was reading. The man replied “How can I unless someone explains it to me?”(Acts 8:30-31) While Phillip might not be nearby when we are studying, the Holy Spirit is. All you have to do is pray and ask God for understanding. (John 14:26) Let’s go back to Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm 119:26-27) “…teach me your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.”

We have seen that God says we should read the bible. We see why we should study the bible. We know how to get understanding. Now let’s look at what it says about God’s word. (2 Samuel 22:31) “As for God his way is perfect; the Lord’s word is flawless…” (Psalm 33:4) “For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.” (Psalm 119:103) “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:105) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:130) “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Job 23:12) “…I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35

I want to include some links to some study aids and give a few ideas for studying. First and foremost to get anything out of the bible you must pray and ask for understanding. If you have never had God show you something in the bible it will amaze you when he unlocks a secret. Before you try a study bible or a commentary read the bible all the way through. In an average regular print bible you can do that in about 3 months reading around 10 pages a day. 2 pages a day can be done in a year. If you travel a lot get a bible on CD. I have seen several different versions with different people reading them. Find one that you will actually be able to listen to for hours at a time. I personally like the version with Johnny Cash’s voice. It's New Testament only. The Word of Promise is a New Testament NKJV done as a radio drama. It has several well known actors and actresses reading the parts plus sound effects in the background. It’s awesome.

Start looking at the cross references once you have read the bible all the way through. Many bibles have these in them. It will point you to similar verses, which will help interpret stuff. Make notes in your bible or keep a notebook with you when you listen to a sermon. Afterward read the verse and study your notes.

Bibles

. Go to the International Bible Society or Bible Gateway and compare the different translations until you find one you like and can understand. I use about five translations when I’m studying. The different translation of some words can completely change the way you see something. If you like gadgets Olive Tree bible software has downloadable bibles for most phones and Ipods.

Software

There are several bible study programs out there. I like Esword. It’s a free download. It has several bibles and commentaries available. Many of them are free and the rest are at very reasonable prices. It has a built in word processor for doing studies and a tool for making your own commentaries. I use it to do many of my studies and to prepare the lessons for my class.

Other resources

Sermons are a great way to get interpretations. Most of the well known preachers have sermons on their websites. Many small churches are starting to put sermons on their websites. Many times you can find a great pastor by just searching Churches. One Place Now has several Sermons and so does Sermon Audio. Vernon McGee’s Thru the Bible site has the five year radio program available as mp3s. In my opinion this is an excellent verse by verse bible audio commentary. John Mac Arthur on his Grace to You website has sermon transcripts these are a great helps to study the bible.

Now don’t let commentaries and sermons stop you from reading the bible. You still need to devote time to reading in addition to your study time. I also don’t recommend letting commentaries stop you from letting God help you interpret the bible.

Again do not let anything take the place of bible reading.

Slaves of Christ

A couple of months ago I picked up a Holman Christian Standard Bible. As I was reading through it I noticed the word servant was replaced with Slave. I stopped reading to think about the significance of that. I had never seen it used that way before. A short while later I was reading The Christian Journey, a blog I enjoy reading. I noticed he had a post called Servants Or Slaves talking about a sermon John Macarthur had done on the word Doulos (Greek for slave) That transcript is available here. I recommend taking the time to read it. Anyway, I got to thinking about what the word slave means. The dictionary defines a slave as someone who is subservient to a domineering force. A slave is owned by someone. A slave does everything to please his master, without the expectation of a reward. When we accept Christ, we give our life over to Him. He bought us with His Blood. Everything we do should be to please him, not for a reward! In Matthew 6:25 Jesus tells us not to worry about what to eat or what to wear. Everything will be taken care of! (Matthew 6:33) God will provide for us, just as a master would provide for his slave. Now let’s look at what a servant is. A servant is hired. He can quit if he wants. He expects payment for his service. A servant does want his master wants so he can get his reward. A slave is called upon just as God calls us. (Romans 8:30) He can’t quit. He belongs to his master, just as we belong to God and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13-14) A slave may try to run away, but his master will look for him. No one can snatch you away. (John 10:29) Once you accept Jesus as your savior he pays your debt and you become a Slave of Christ (Galatians 1:10) and that is a wonderful thing to be!
MSW

God Will Provide

Genesis 22:1-14

When Abraham was 75 years old God called him. He asked him to leave his country and his people. (Genesis 12:1-4) God made a promise to Abraham. He promised to make a great nation out of him. He promised that all people would be blessed through him. Think about that, ALL People. Not just some, but all people. Abraham was a man who put his trust in God. He packed his things, left his family, and went where God would lead him. The only family the bible says he took was his wife Sarah and nephew Lot. I’m guessing that Lot was like a son to Abraham. Sarah was sixty-five and Abraham was seventy-five and they had never had children of their own, though it was the wish of both of them. When Abraham and Lot’s herdsman started quarreling Abraham let Lot chose the land he wanted. (Genesis 13:8-9) When Lot was taken captive by the four kings it was Abraham that went after him. (Genesis 14:11-16) When God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, it was Abraham who pleaded on behalf of Lot. (Genesis 18:22-33) Abraham treated Lot as his son. He still did not have his own son with Sarah though! When the Lord came to Abraham and offered him a reward, Abraham said “You have given me no children. A servant will inherit my land.” (Genesis 15:1-3) God took Abraham outside and promised him his heirs would be as numerous as the stars. (Genesis 15:4-5) Several years later Isaac is born. At the age of one hundred Abraham gets his son. Think about this, all Abraham ever wanted was a son. He raised Lot, but Lot was not his flesh and blood. He had Ishmael, but that went badly. (Genesis 21:8-10) Now in his old age he gets his son. (Genesis 21:5) Isaac grows into a young man and then God tells Abraham take your son and sacrifice him for me! (Genesis 22:2) Now notice Abraham never questioned God. He didn’t say let me pray about this for a few days. He didn’t try talking or bargaining God out of this. He got up the very next morning and went to do as God told him. (Genesis 22:3-5) I wonder what Isaac was thinking during all this. So they been traveling along for three days, (Genesis 22:6-8) Isaac’s thinking that the old man has really lost it now. He is getting senile in his old age.

He asks “Hey Dad, you forgetting anything.” Abraham said “Nope nothing I can think of. Why you ask?”

“No reason. I was just wondering where this lamb you are going to sacrifice is at?”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that, “God will provide the lamb.””

So they get to the top of the mountain. Build an Altar and Abraham says “Hey Isaac, Why don’t you lie on this firewood and let me tie you up. Doesn’t that sound fun?” (Genesis 22:9-10)

All right I’m going to get serious now. Isaac is in his thirties he is a grown man able to carry all the firewood up the mountain by himself. If he did not want to be placed on the altar he could have stopped it. He trusted God and his father enough to allow himself to be tied up. Think about that. We have been looking at the trust and sacrifice Abraham had been willing to make for God. Isaac was going to give up his life. Now Abraham lifts his knife and prepares to plunge it into his son whom he loves. Next, God says stop. There is a lamb over there sacrifice it instead of Isaac. (Genesis 22:11-13)

Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, which he had wanted for so long. God did sacrifice his son. Look at Genesis 22:8 “God himself will provide the lamb for sacrifice.” We can’t make it to heaven without blood to atone for our sins. God provided a sacrifice for us. God loved us so much and wanted us to have eternal life with him so he provided the lamb.

John 1:29 NIV “… look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

John 3:16 NIV "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Everyday we should think about what God has done for us and thank God that he provided that Lamb in the form of His Son.

MSW

Obama & McCain

On Saturday the 16th Rick Warren held a civil forum with McCain and Obama. I'm going to link to Trevin Wax's Kingdom People Blog for the video's of the forum.The transcripts are available on Rick Warren's news site. This interview has a lot of questions in it that should be important to Christians. I believe that with an upcoming election it is our duty as Christians and American citizens to learn where the candidates stand on issues personal to each of us and get out and vote.
MSW

The Lost

My church is having revival this week and our speaker Dr. Hal Poe kicked off revival Sunday morning talking about what it means to be lost. There was something he said that jumped out at me. “Something is only lost, if someone cares about it and has right to possession.” Yeah, Wow! I’m also currently reading Dr. Thom Rainer’s book The Unchurched Next Door. It’s about the lost and how to witness to them. Dr. Rainer had 300 interviews conducted amongst unchurched people. The points he has pushed so far are that the majority of the lost are open to hearing the gospel, most are willing to go to church if invited, and many want Christians to tell them about Jesus. There was one interviewer who said that when he asked a coworker if he could interview him, the coworker was so excited. The coworker told him, he had wanted someone to tell him about Jesus but noone ever offered. God said we are to be a kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:6) yet many of the people interviewed said they felt Christians were ashamed to talk about religion. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. If this is you, it’s not okay! Peter says we should be prepared to share the hope that we have. (1 Peter 3:15)Yes sometimes it’s intimidating to talk about Jesus to someone who is not a Christian. They might get hostile or they might ask a question you don’t know the answer to. The list of excuses goes on and on. When God told Moses to go talk to pharaoh he responded that he wasn’t eloquent of speech. (Exodus 4:10-12) The thing you must realize is that if God makes an appointment for you to talk to someone, He will give you the words to say. I ask God on a daily basis for opportunities to serve him and I ask for wisdom and the words to say. I may have failed on my part of that deal but God never has! I promise it is a wonderful feeling you get when someone you’ve talked to comes to church or drops to their knees and says the prayer of salvation. It’s hard for someone who goes to church to understand how a lost person feels. Imagine feeling that Christians look down on you. How do you ask someone who looks down on you for help? Imagine feeling that God could never forgive your sin or that you are not worthy of his forgiveness. As a Christian you know all you have to do is Admit there is a God, Believe he sent His Son to die for your sins, and Confess your sins. If you have never been to church, it’s hard to believe it could be that simple. It is our duty as Christians to tell the lost about Jesus. The thought I want to leave you with is what Dr. Poe said in his sermon Sunday morning. “Something is only lost, if somebody cares about it and has right to possession.” In his sermon he referred to that somebody as God. I think it goes further than that. For us to want to see the lost saved we have to care about them. Think about that.

MSW

For Someone to be lost, Someone has to care about them!

Spiritual Awakenings

Revival is upon us once again. What is Revival though? A time when we try to reach out to the lost? Aren’t we supposed to do that all the time? A time when you have to be in church all week? Why? A Revival is a spiritual awakening. Let’s look at revivals in the bible. When Asa became king he removed all the Idols the Jews had been worshipping.(1 kings 15:8-13) He Prayed to God for help.(2 Chronicles 14:11) God sent the prophet Oded to tell him “The Lord is with you when you are with him.” (2 Chronicles 15:1-2)Asa assembled the people and held Sacrifices to the Lord. Then they entered a covenant to seek the Lord. Think about that. Imagine the whole community coming to God and making a covenant to actively seek Him. If you read all the verses that go with this story you will see they came from several tribes because they could see that God was with Judah. (2 Chronicles 15:8-15) Well Judah goes back to idol worship until Hezekiah comes along and makes a covenant with the Lord. He tells Judah to Stand before the Lord and serve Him, to minister before him. (Chronicles 29:10-11) At the age of sixteen Josiah began to seek the God. (2 Chronicles 34:1-3) As the Levites were cleaning out the temple they found the Book of the Law of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 34:14-18 ) He renewed the covenant to follow the Lord and keep his Commandments with all his heart and soul. Then he had everyone in Jerusalem pledge themselves to it. (2 Chronicles 34:31-32 ) Next we have revival after the Israelites were freed from Babylon captivity. Ezra stood at a podium in front of the water gate and read aloud from the Book of the Law. From daybreak till noon Ezra read. As he read Priest and teachers walked amongst the crowd instructing in what it meant, making it clear and giving it meaning so that the people understood what was being read.(Nehemiah 8:1-8 ) For seven days Ezra read the Law. Later that month the Israelites confessed their sins. All of these revivals involved everyone seeking God. They involved studying the word of God. Ezra prayed before revival, “O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. 7 From the days of our forefathers until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.” We have to want revival and pray for it. During revival sermons we must listen, understand and study the word of God. For a true revival we must confess our sins to God. Vow to seek Him. Then go out and minister. Imagine standing in the hot sun from daybreak till noon listening to someone read the bible. Some people can barely sit in church for an hour. This was seven days for half the day. I pray that God will use this year’s revival not only to bring in the lost, but also to awaken all Christians.
MSW
"Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

Nehemiah 9:5 NIV

Joseph's Faith

Genesis 37;39;40;41
Isn’t it wonderful to study the lives of people in the bible? To take the time to see what lessons God wants us to see in their lives. I want to look at Joseph. If anyone has ever demonstrated faith in God through trials or showed the truth in Romans 8:28, it has to be Joseph. He was born the favorite son of his father’s true love. (Genesis 37:3) We also know that God was with Joseph at a young age, because of his visions. (Genesis 37:6) Yet despite his faith Joseph always ran into problems. He went from being a favorite son to being sold into slavery by his own brothers. (Genesis 37:27-28) Next he became head over Potiphar’s house.(Genesis 39:1) Then to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. (Genesis 39:11-20)
Just imagine sitting in a damp, dark prison, the whole time you feel that you are here because you did the honorable thing. It would be easy for most of us to get angry at God. Joseph stayed close to God. When I might have asked why did you let this happen to me? Joseph continued to serve God and help others. When the cup bearer and baker showed up he helped them interpret their dreams. (Genesis40:8) Imagine how Joseph felt when finally a way out of prison. (Genesis 40:14)The cup bearer would tell the King about him. As usual more bad luck! The cup bearer forgot him! (Genesis 40:23) A few more years he keeps the faith and then God sets him free and makes him head of the pharaoh’s family. (Genesis 41:39-44) Through all his troubles Joseph kept faith, knew he was in God’s will and in the end all things worked for the good.
Oh father how I wish I had the faith of Joseph. While it would have been hard for Joseph to see the lessons in these trials, he kept faith. God knew He had to prepare a sheepherder to become head of Egypt. While serving under Potiphar he learned about government and how to be a leader. Joseph was proud. Imagine how his brothers felt when he showed off his coat. (Genesis 37:3) He needed to be humbled. I bet nothing humbles you like being sold into slavery. In his talking with Potiphar’s wife you can see that old pride slipping in again. (Genesis 39:9)How about a little time in prison to fix that? All those years in prison and Joseph still remained faithful to God. God has a plan for all of us.We might not understand why he is allowing things to happen to us; But It will all work for our good and for the glory of God.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

Peter's Love

A while back I had heard a sermon by David Jeremiah about Peter’s reinstatement. I heard another one a couple of weeks ago by Dr. Michael Youssef. At first they seemed to contradict each other. The more I thought about the sermons and who Peter was; I realized the two different views really complimented each other. First we need to look at who Peter was. Before Jesus called him he was a fisherman. He had just had a bad night where he didn’t catch any fish when Jesus showed up. Jesus told him where to put the net and he caught so many fish it almost sank the boat. Jesus told him to come He would now fish for men. (Luke 5:4-11) From that point on Peter was gung ho head first in his love for Jesus. When Jesus walked across the water, it was Peter who stepped out of the boat and went to Jesus. (Matthew 14:22-33) When Jesus meets Elijah and Moses on the mountain, it was Peter who offered to build them shelter. (Matthew 17:4)When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, it was Peter who said “No, you shall never wash my feet.” When Jesus explained “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”, Peter said “Then, Lord, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” (John 13:5-10) When Jesus told the disciples “This very night you will all fall away on account of me”, guess what, Peter was the first to speak “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” (Matthew 26:31-35) When the soldiers came to take Jesus away, it was Peter that drew a sword and cut off Malchus’ ear (John 18:10)
Peter was always there. He was always out front. Yet Peter denied Jesus when the time came. Imagine how Peter felt. Put yourself in his place. He had given his life to Jesus. He had been Zealous in his pursuit to please Him. Now here he is. He just blew his chance to stand for his beliefs. He just denied Jesus for the third time. On hearing the third denial Jesus lift’s His head and looks Peter in the eyes. Put yourself there. Jesus has already been beaten. You’ve already denied him twice. You’re scared they will take you and beat you too. Then the third person says you’re one of them I recognize your accent. You curse the man and say “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Then Jesus raises his head and looks you in the eye! You see the bruises on His face! The blood dripping off of Him! The sad, hurt look in his eyes! The pain he feels just screams at you through his eyes! You’ve failed! You go outside and weep. (Luke 22:54-62)
You go back to your old job. Oh how the days drag by! The guilt you feel! The emptiness! You can’t seem to catch any fish. Then as you head in for the night a man on the bank tells you to drop your net on the right side of the boat. You can’t even lift the net it’s so full of fish! In your excitement you dive in the water and swim to the shore. Now you’re looking into His eyes again. The look of hurt that was in His eyes the last time you saw Him flashes in your head. What does Jesus ask you “Peter, do you love me?” How do you answer that? Of course you love him, but how can you say I love you. You failed Him! You denied Him! Wow! What can you say?

Now let’s step back and look at what happens.(John 21:15-19) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

To properly understand what is said we have to look at the Greek Words. When Jesus says “Do you love me?” He uses the word agapaō(pronounce agape). It is a deep devoted love. It is the strongest of the four Greek words for love. When Peter responds he uses the word phileō. It means have affection for. Now picture again that this is you. You know the love you feel in your heart, but you have failed Jesus. Again he asks and both of you use the two different words. What could hurt worse than this? A third time Jesus asks “Do you love me?” This time he uses phileō. The bible says Peter was hurt. I imagine hurt does not even begin to describe what Peter was feeling. Then Jesus prophecies of your service and death. With two simple words you are redeemed. All is forgiven. Follow Me!
This is a beautiful picture of our coming to Christ. Especially if we have made mistakes after we have come to know Jesus. Did you notice when Jesus came to call Peter the second time. It was identical to the first calling. This was a new beginning for Peter. (John 21:1-10;Luke 5:1-9) Why did Jesus ask “Do you love me?” three times? So Peter would have complete forgiveness for the three denials. What a great and Marvelous Lord we have!
MSW

Hurt

One of the bands I enjoy listening to is Thousand Foot Krutch. Their music is a little heavier than most of the stuff I listen to. They stick a Christian message in their songs. The one I want to talk about here is called Hurt. I like listening to this song when I'm depressed or sad. The Chorus is God's viewpoint.

Help me help you they wont be there

Help me help you they won't see

It hurts when you need me

And I can't break your fall

It hurts when you can't see

And it hurts

It hurts when you need me

And I can't break your fall

It hurts when you can't see

And it hurts And it hurts when you're lonely

And I'm standing right beside you there

And it hurt when you told me

That you told me that you tried this on your own

God wants us to allow Him to help us He is the only one who is always there and always sees what we are going through.Why can He not help us? Why can He not break our fall.First we have to ask Him. When life is being hard and when we can't understand what's going on all we have to do is Pray and ask for His help. God Loves all of his children and just as it hurts me when one of my children are sick, hurt or sad. It Hurts God to see us hurt. When we are lonely, He is there. We just have to look. I hate watching my kids struggle with something they can't do, when if they would allow me help we could stop the hurt together.Read the chorus again and picture God speaking these words to you.

Thousand Foot Krutch Lyrics
Hurt Lyrics

4th Of July

It's the Fourth of July and I have some web pages and videos I found I'd like to share. The Ministry Moments Email from Love Worth Finding had an interesting website in it. How to Pray for America has several articles and while I haven't had time to check all of it out I enjoyed reading Adrian Roger's message and David Jeremiah's. Both are beautifully stated and should be on the minds of every American Christian.

My favorite country music song is God, Family, Country by Craig Morgan. It makes me long for a time when America had it's priorities where they need to be now. This is a video someone made and posted on youtube for it.

And another video that fits well with today: Diamond Rio, In God We Still Trust

Declaration of Dependence

This July 4th we will be celebrating our 232nd Independence Day. Many of us will celebrate with cookouts and fireworks. Some of us might take time to think about what it means. Some of us will brag about family members who had a part in our fight for independence. My Great great great great grandfather Robert McCreight fought with Francis Marion's Guerrillas. Sorry couldn't resist. A very small number of the population will understand how this day should be celebrated for Christians. In our politically correct society, it is improper to be a Christian. It is even worse to claim we were a nation formed as a Christian nation. We as Christian parents and grandparents need to educate our children on the truth. We need to stop letting TV and public schools be the only education our children get. Just because a teacher or the History channel said it; doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Or, as Paul Harvey says, “The rest of the story.”
On July 4th 1776 our nation declared independence from Brittan. In the first sentence of our Declaration of Independence God is mentioned. In the second sentence Man’s Creator is mentioned. In the last sentence it mentions “with a firm Reliance on the Protection of DIVINE PROVIDENCE”. Our founding fathers did not have a problem asking God for protection. After the Revolutionary War in 1789, both Houses of Congress at the urging of Elias Boudinot, asked our first president to make a recommendation to the people of the United States “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness." Our Christian congress even used biblical precedents to make this decision. The Virginia assembly went so far as to have a chaplain preach a sermon in the Capitol before the General Assembly. In George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation he stated “Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be--That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war…” I recommend every American read and encourage their children to read George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation. Also I encourage reading George Washington’s Farewell Address where he said “Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.” Also the often quoted “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.” is a paraphrase of "And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. .., reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."which is in the Farewell Address.
It sure looks like our first president saw us as a Christian nation. Let’s jump ahead a hundred years to 1892. The church of the Holy Trinity vs. United States, 143 U.S. 457 (1892) Justice David Josiah Brewer gave the opinion of the court and said “no purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour…” (start reading around U.S 465) Mr. Brewer then goes on to give examples all the way from the day of Columbus up to the Day of this decision. “If we examine the constitutions of the various states, we find in them a constant recognition of religious obligations. Every Constitution of every one of the forty-four states contains language which, either directly or by clear implication, recognizes a profound reverence for religion, and an assumption that its influence in all human affairs is essential to the wellbeing of the community.” It is not a coincidence that we have In God We Trust on our money or one nation under God in our pledge. Let us once again become a nation that is proud of our Christian Heritage. Let us return to God so that our nation may once again become a nation blessed.
MSW

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD

Psalm 33:12

I would like to point out some of these state constitutions.

• Illinois - We, the People of the State of Illinois - grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors
• Maryland - Art. 36. That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, ...nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in the existence of God, ...Nothing shall prohibit or require the making reference to belief in, reliance upon, or invoking the aid of God or a Supreme Being in any governmental or public document, proceeding, activity, ceremony, school, institution, or place.
• Massachusetts - Article II. It is the right as well as the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons to worship the Supreme Being, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe....Article III. [As the happiness of a people, and the good order and preservation of civil government, essentially depend upon piety, religion and morality; and as these cannot be generally diffused through a community, but by the institution of the public worship of God,...

Here is a link to where you can read any of these constitutions.

Guilt

Before I start writing I want to talk about 2 Corinthians chapter 12. Paul’s thorn is such an interesting chapter. It tells us so much about God’s relationship with man. Yet there is so much mystery behind what Paul’s thorn was. I believe God intentionally kept what it was from us so that it could be something to fit everyone’s situation. There are so many ways this chapter can be preached and talked about. When I write, God gives me the verses to use. During one essay he gave me Paul’s thorn. I always study any verse I use to make sure the theology is correct. Well the bible does not explain what Paul’s thorn was. So I started studying commentaries and books about Paul. If you ever have lots of time on your hands and want to study some fascinating theories. I recommend Paul’s thorn. Every theory has verses that will support it. All of them have some wonderful lessons that can apply to this verse. Again I say, I believe God did this intentionally so that when we read this verse it will apply to our own personal needs and situation. Some possible suggestions are that Paul suffered from chronic malaria, migraines, poor eyesight, anger, temptation, and guilt. Keep in mind that when the word thorn is used in the bible it is either a barb on a vine or a stumbling block to keep us away from God.
Guilt
We all feel guilty at some time. We insulted a coworker or got rude with a clerk in a store. Maybe we said something hateful to a loved one. This guilt passes. Sometimes we may have to apologize to someone, but after we’ve thought about what we've done it passes. Sometimes there is something in our past. Some horrible secret Satan keeps bringing up to torment us and keep us from believing we deserve forgiveness. If you have confessed to God and asked for forgiveness. You should never worry about your past. You should never let guilt keep you from worshipping God. If someone points a finger at you and brings up your past. Look at them and say, “Yeah, me and God talked about that.” Acts 7:54-Acts 8:1 The first time we meet Paul he is a young man named Saul. He is holding the coats of the witnesses that are stoning another young man named Stephen. I can just picture him standing over Stephen’s bloody body and thinking “that’s what you deserve.” Saul went to the high priest and asked permission to go after all Christians. Next Jesus strikes him blind and he is converted Acts 9:1-19. He becomes one of the most passionate preachers around. Now imagine the guilt he felt when he realized the God he thought he was serving by persecuting Christians was the same God he was persecuting. (1 Corinthians 15:9-10) For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Imagine preaching to a crowd knowing that you had beaten and thrown in jail some that may be in this same crowd. God granted Paul grace and forgiveness. He grants us that same grace and forgiveness. While he might not take away the memory that leads to our guilt, He has forgiven us.

MSW

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.2 Corinthians 12:9

Spiritual Zombies

A few Sunday’s ago our pastor was preaching from Revelations chapter 3 about the church at Sardis. One line in the first verse jumped out at me. You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Dr Huggins referred to these as spiritual zombies. Unfortunately I believe there are many spiritual zombies in the churches today. Jesus tells us in verse two; Wake up! Strengthen what is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. There are so many Christians who go through the week without God. As Christians we are to be like God (Ephesians 4:24). We are to live as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8) As we go through our daily lives those around us should see Christ in us. We should have that fire in our eyes and joy in our heart that makes others want to know what makes us so alive. Instead many Christians are lukewarm. Revelations 3:16 “You are neither cold nor hot.” Jesus says “I wish you were either one or the other!” Why would Jesus prefer us to be cold rather than lukewarm? If we were cold our fire could be lit if we are lukewarm we have let the fire of the Spirit go out (I Thessalonians 5:19) When people who are not Christians look at us and see someone who is a Christian but do nothing to outwardly show it. They ask themselves “why should I become a Christian? They are living just as I do." When they look at us and we are on fire with the spirit, they want to know what we have. Solomon tells us to be Zealous for the fear of our Lord. Peter tells us Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Let us not become spiritual zombies

(Ephesians 5:14) Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
MSW

Jesus Lover of My Soul

My Daughter sang this morning. I thought I'd share it here.

Including God

Many times we have to make decisions that will change our lives. Some of these deal with our personal lives some deal with our church and spiritual lives. How often do we really consult and wait on God to tell us what to do. I heard a joke about a preacher who was offered a great job as pastor of a church. When he went home and told his wife he was going to go in his room and pray to find out what God wanted him to do. His wife asked if he wanted her to come and pray to. He told her she probably should start packing their bags. Many times we are like that preacher; our minds are made up long before we ask God what He wants us to do.
Nehemiah was cup bearer to the king. He held a position that allowed him daily contact with the king. When he found out his people were in trouble and disgrace, the first thing he did was pray. Before he made any decision, he talked it over with God. After “some” days” he asked God for success. When the king asked “What is it you want?” Nehemiah stopped and prayed before answering. Again before Nehemiah said anything he discussed it with God. God granted Nehemiah success that day and in the days to come as he led the rebuilding of the walls. God will grant us that same success. All we have to do is ask.

MSW

Praise Through Silence

It’s funny how I’ll have an idea. I’ll have the verses in my head. Then I sit down with my pen and pad, bow my head and ask God to use me to get His message out and the next thing I know I’m writing something completely different from what I’ve intended. Luckily I’ve learned that that is God telling me He wants me to say something different and I should listen. So while I was going to write how we should be more alive with Christ. He wanted me to be silent. And while I do realize that we pray before a meal to give thanks, sometimes God uses our prayers to serve His purpose.

Praise Through Silence
There are some people who make great witnesses for Christ. They can start up a conversation with anyone and talk about anything. They also know exactly the right moment and right way to bring Jesus into the conversation. The Lord uses these people in such a wonderful way. Then there are the rest of us. Some people are not comfortable striking up a conversation with a stranger. I know I never know what to say. Then to start talking about Jesus to a stranger is just about enough to send me running for the hills. Yes I’ve learned prayer helps stifle that fear. Yet I worry what if they get angry (Yes, I’ve seen people get downright hostile because they hear the word Jesus). What if they think I’m some kind of Jesus freak (I believe they referred to me as a NeoChristian Zealot, by the way is that an insult)? Believe it or not one of the easiest ways I’ve seen to witness is through silent devotion. When I was going through my tough time several years back the thing that softened my heart the most was a woman who silently prayed before she would eat at work. The most moving display of getting the word of God out that I’ve seen was while out having dinner. A family sat down to eat. They all bowed their heads together and silently they prayed. When everyone in the family finished praying and looked up they started to eat. No big display. No one drew attention to themselves they just took a silent moment to worship and thank God. You never know when you take a moment to privately show your love for the Lord. Someone could be watching you. They could be struggling with something, and your silent display of faith could show them that there is someone who wants to help them.

MSW

Blessed are those

Psalms 1 TNIV
Blessed are those who do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but who delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on His law day and night. They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will be destroyed.

When I slow down and think about what this wonderful Psalm is saying and what it means to me, I see so many wonderful things in it. The obvious things are the promises of blessings. Our blessings are that our leaf will never wither, we will prosper in everything we do, and the Lord watches over our path. I want to look at just one part of this Psalm. Blessed are those …who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on his law day and night. To me The true blessing is the delight I find in studying the word of God. When I read a bible story and then go back and study it, I find so much hidden meaning. So many of the stories in the Old Testament point to Jesus as our salvation. Just last night my wife and I were discussing Daniel 3 and how Jesus rescued Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the Fiery furnace; just as Jesus rescues us from the fiery furnace of Hell. I believe so many Christians miss out on blessings because they don’t take time to study the word of God. The Lord stills talks to us today through the Holy Bible. The next time you feel down. Pick up your bible and ask the lord to give you understanding and guidance. Open it up and see what He has to say. All you need are eyes to see and ears to hear.

MSW