Saint Francis is remembered for his greatness and goodness in spreading the Gospel of Christ – His Lord. His writings still inspire people today.
One day he said to a fellow “brother” who lived with him in the monastery, “Let’s go to town and preach to the people.”
As they walked the dusty road, they stopped to talk to people and play games with the children. Tired and hungry, St. Francis turned to his young companion and said, “Let’s return to the monastery.”
“But,” protested his young colleague, “when do we preach to the people?”
“Every step we took,” said St. Francis, “and every word we spoke and every smile we shared with the people and everything we did was our sermon. We have been preaching all day!”
The only sermon some people will ever hear are the words that come from our lips, and the only preaching that many will “listen” to is what they see in our lives. For many, we are what we say, and our lives demonstrate we believe.
John wrote, “Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did.” To live as Jesus did, we must obey His teachings and follow His example and do as He did – show others God’s love.
Years ago, a hymn writer asked most effectively: “Can others see Jesus in you?”
Prayer: Father, may the disturbing words of that hymn trouble our minds and hearts and force us to examine our lives and then make changes that will please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did. 1 John 2:6
Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Take Time To Preach
Saint Francis is remembered for his greatness and goodness in spreading the Gospel of Christ – His Lord. His writings still inspire people today.
One day he said to a fellow “brother” who lived with him in the monastery, “Let’s go to town and preach to the people.”
As they walked the dusty road, they stopped to talk to people and play games with the children. Tired and hungry, St. Francis turned to his young companion and said, “Let’s return to the monastery.”
“But,” protested his young colleague, “when do we preach to the people?”
“Every step we took,” said St. Francis, “and every word we spoke and every smile we shared with the people and everything we did was our sermon. We have been preaching all day!”
The only sermon some people will ever hear are the words that come from our lips, and the only preaching that many will “listen” to is what they see in our lives. For many, we are what we say, and our lives demonstrate we believe.
John wrote, “Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did.” To live as Jesus did, we must obey His teachings and follow His example and do as He did – show others God’s love.
Years ago, a hymn writer asked most effectively: “Can others see Jesus in you?”
Prayer: Father, may the disturbing words of that hymn trouble our minds and hearts and force us to examine our lives and then make changes that will please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did. 1 John 2:6
One day he said to a fellow “brother” who lived with him in the monastery, “Let’s go to town and preach to the people.”
As they walked the dusty road, they stopped to talk to people and play games with the children. Tired and hungry, St. Francis turned to his young companion and said, “Let’s return to the monastery.”
“But,” protested his young colleague, “when do we preach to the people?”
“Every step we took,” said St. Francis, “and every word we spoke and every smile we shared with the people and everything we did was our sermon. We have been preaching all day!”
The only sermon some people will ever hear are the words that come from our lips, and the only preaching that many will “listen” to is what they see in our lives. For many, we are what we say, and our lives demonstrate we believe.
John wrote, “Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did.” To live as Jesus did, we must obey His teachings and follow His example and do as He did – show others God’s love.
Years ago, a hymn writer asked most effectively: “Can others see Jesus in you?”
Prayer: Father, may the disturbing words of that hymn trouble our minds and hearts and force us to examine our lives and then make changes that will please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did. 1 John 2:6
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Contaminated Christians
My Dad’s lack faith was always a problem for me. He was hardworking and honest, thoughtful and compassionate, would do anything for his family. But church? That was an entirely different matter. He refused to go to church or have anything to do with anyone who did. That puzzled me.
Our home was always open to those who served the Lord. Missionaries and evangelists and musicians were frequent guests at our evening meal. And although “Pa” would not talk with them as we ate together, he did not interfere with our guests. He did not oppose them nor treat them unkindly. He was simply indifferent to them.
Once, during a revival, my heart was burdened for his salvation. I wanted to know if he was born again. I came home and found him sitting in his favorite chair listening to the news. Fearful of angering him I asked as politely as I could, “Pa, why don’t you come to church with me and Ma?”
Turning the radio off he looked at me and said, “I work with those people you go to church with. They do things I would never do. They lie, they cheat, and they steal. No one trusts them. Why would I want to be with them if I do not have to be with them?” He would have nothing to do with “contaminated Christians” unless work dictated it.
The Psalmist wrote, “May I wholeheartedly follow Your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.” We face that same problem today. Christians do not “walk their talk” and as a result shame themselves and their Savior.
Prayer: What a tragedy, God, that many who represent You do not do so “wholeheartedly.” Please, revive us now! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.
Contaminated Christians
My Dad’s lack faith was always a problem for me. He was hardworking and honest, thoughtful and compassionate, would do anything for his family. But church? That was an entirely different matter. He refused to go to church or have anything to do with anyone who did. That puzzled me.
Our home was always open to those who served the Lord. Missionaries and evangelists and musicians were frequent guests at our evening meal. And although “Pa” would not talk with them as we ate together, he did not interfere with our guests. He did not oppose them nor treat them unkindly. He was simply indifferent to them.
Once, during a revival, my heart was burdened for his salvation. I wanted to know if he was born again. I came home and found him sitting in his favorite chair listening to the news. Fearful of angering him I asked as politely as I could, “Pa, why don’t you come to church with me and Ma?”
Turning the radio off he looked at me and said, “I work with those people you go to church with. They do things I would never do. They lie, they cheat, and they steal. No one trusts them. Why would I want to be with them if I do not have to be with them?” He would have nothing to do with “contaminated Christians” unless work dictated it.
The Psalmist wrote, “May I wholeheartedly follow Your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.” We face that same problem today. Christians do not “walk their talk” and as a result shame themselves and their Savior.
Prayer: What a tragedy, God, that many who represent You do not do so “wholeheartedly.” Please, revive us now! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.
Monday, March 13, 2017
What's In A Name?
During an inspection of his soldiers prior to a parade, Alexander the Great said to one of them, “Your name is Alexander. My name is Alexander. Either change your name or change your way of living!”
Another leader spoke of a Name and the honor it deserved. King David wrote, “He guides me along right paths bringing honor to his name.”
Names are important for many reasons. In Scripture the word name or words that have the same meaning as name occur nearly 1,100 times. Slightly half of that number refer to the name of God or God’s Son. But the use of the word name in the Bible always carries with it one’s identity or reputation.
Luke writes, “It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called ‘Christians’” or Christ-ones – emphasizing the fact there was something very different, yet something very similar, about those who were believers in Christ. This young church in Antioch included a mixture of Jews and Gentiles whose languages were Greek and Aramaic. And though their languages were different they had one thing in common: Christ. Yet together they lived Christlike lives that reflected His unending and always obvious love. Their lives were so different because of Christ that they had to be given a new name.
Question: Do you qualify for a new name? Do you qualify to be called Christian?
Prayer: Lord, we often falter and fail in our lives that bear the name of Your Son. Forgive us for those times when our lives do not reflect Your love and Your life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Acts 11:26 …and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
What's In A Name?
During an inspection of his soldiers prior to a parade, Alexander the Great said to one of them, “Your name is Alexander. My name is Alexander. Either change your name or change your way of living!”
Another leader spoke of a Name and the honor it deserved. King David wrote, “He guides me along right paths bringing honor to his name.”
Names are important for many reasons. In Scripture the word name or words that have the same meaning as name occur nearly 1,100 times. Slightly half of that number refer to the name of God or God’s Son. But the use of the word name in the Bible always carries with it one’s identity or reputation.
Luke writes, “It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called ‘Christians’” or Christ-ones – emphasizing the fact there was something very different, yet something very similar, about those who were believers in Christ. This young church in Antioch included a mixture of Jews and Gentiles whose languages were Greek and Aramaic. And though their languages were different they had one thing in common: Christ. Yet together they lived Christlike lives that reflected His unending and always obvious love. Their lives were so different because of Christ that they had to be given a new name.
Question: Do you qualify for a new name? Do you qualify to be called Christian?
Prayer: Lord, we often falter and fail in our lives that bear the name of Your Son. Forgive us for those times when our lives do not reflect Your love and Your life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Acts 11:26 …and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
"I Knew I Would Be Asked"
A nervous witness sat before the judge and jury. Everyone could see his fear. He could not hide it. The attorney turned to him and asked, “Tell me, did you see the accident?”
“Yes sir, I did,” he answered.
“How far away were you?” asked the lawyer.
“Twenty-two feet and two inches,” he replied.
“How can you be so specific?” came the next question.
“I knew some lawyer would ask me,” he said, “so I measured it.”
The motto of the Coast Guard it “Semper Paratus” – which means “Always Prepared.”
Writing in his first letter, the Apostle Peter said, “If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”
Some Christians believe that faith is such a personal matter that it should never be discussed publicly. However, when the opportunity arises we must always be prepared to speak for our Lord. We need not be offensive or obnoxious, but gentle, sincere and able to share our message of salvation and hope.
Prayer: Help us, Lord, to realize that, ready or not, we are Your witnesses in the world. May we prepare today to speak Your truth tomorrow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Going Up?
The late Bishop Sheen was shopping in a New York department store going from one floor to the next. After he finished looking at all of the items on the fifth floor, he got on the elevator and pushed the button for the sixth.
As the door was closing, a lady rushed on to the elevator and smiled at him. When the elevator stopped and he made his way to the door, she looked at him with a frown and said, “I did not want to go up, I wanted to go down!”
“Madam,” he said with a grin, “I only take people up, not down!”
Often we are not aware of how our behavior is affecting others. We do what we do because it brings us pleasure, happiness or satisfaction. We may not realize that others may be watching what we do and then imitate our behavior – whether right or wrong. They may be looking for someone to follow.
Paul said, “So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live – for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble.” He was ever conscious of the example he set knowing others were watching. We must do the same.
Prayer: Father, may we never forget that we are a living example of what it means to be a Christian and always represent You well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
F I D O
While stopped at a traffic light, the motorist in the car waiting beside James rolled down his window and motioned for him to do the same. He did, and the driver next to him asked, "Why the license plate with F I D O on it? Is that your dog?"
"No," came the reply. "It's to remind me when a motorist is discourteous or spiteful to me that I am to Forget It -Drive On."
What a great reminder of how we Christians are to behave. Paul sent a letter to the church in Colossae saying that "whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus." This means that no matter where we are or what we are doing, day or night, we are to behave in a way that brings honor to the Lord!
Often in the rush of life and the pressures of the moment, we forget the overwhelming obligation that we have to God as our Father. We get caught up in the events of life, the tight schedules we arrange, the many requirements others make of us each day. So as the pressures mount and the demands escalate, we allow our primary responsibility to slip away from us. At all times and in all places we need to be aware of the impact our behavior has on others.
Prayer: Help us, Father, to be conscious of what we do as Your representatives, remembering that others see Your love in what we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Act Like You Believe It
Bud Grant was the legendary head football coach of the Minnesota Vikings and a member of the pro-football Hall of Fame. He was once referred to as the “toughest person on the field.”
The first event at the first practice session of every Viking camp was the same. He personally showed his players how to line up for the playing of our National Anthem. He would remind them that if the other teams slouched or looked disinterested during the playing of the anthem, he was not responsible for their behavior.
However, he said to his men, “You're special. You're winners. Look and act like winners every second you are part of this team!”
We Christians need to realize that we are “special.” We need to look and act like Christians all of the time – no matter where we are or what we are doing. The Apostle John said, “Those who say they live in God should live as Jesus did.”
This does not mean that God expects us to have disciples or perform miracles. It means that we are to walk as He walked, talk as He talked, live as He lived, obey God as He obeyed God and follow His example of loving and serving others as He did.
This does not mean that God expects us to have disciples or perform miracles. It means that we are to walk as He walked, talk as He talked, live as He lived, obey God as He obeyed God and follow His example of loving and serving others as He did.
Prayer: Our Father, may we as Your children be and act like Jesus, Your Son, and demonstrate to others that we are members of Your family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: 1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Is There Any Difference?
The citizens of Italy have a unique way of entering into a new year. Beginning with an extravagant display of fireworks, followed by noise making and dancing in the streets, they end up the celebration by getting rid of the old and embracing the new.
To get rid of the old “stuff” in their lives, they gather all of their worn out clothing, furniture, china, silverware and utensils and throw them out of their windows. It’s dangerous to be outside when the celebration begins!
Paul said that the Christian is to “throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life which is rotten through and through...(and replace it with)...a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.”
Paul said that the Christian is to “throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life which is rotten through and through...(and replace it with)...a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.”
Our behavior is an outward expression of the thoughts and attitudes that we allow to control our minds. And if people see no difference in our behavior after we say that we have become followers of Christ, there is a problem. When we are born again, we receive a new nature that enables us to become new people in Christ. We now live in and through the power of the Holy Spirit. And if we invest time in studying His Word, in meditating on His truth and talking with Him in prayer, we will be constantly changing and becoming more of who God wants to us be. Our lives will reflect the promise that in Him we can become a new creation.
God begins a process of change in our lives that flows from our heads to our hearts and from our hearts to our lives. But unless we plant new thoughts and ideas in our minds that come from His Word, we cannot expect others to see any difference in our lives. Our old way of life becomes a thing of the past.
Prayer: Convict us, Heavenly Father, of those areas in our lives that fail to reflect our new nature. And may Your Spirit work in us to be who You have called us to be in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:20-24 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
Thursday, March 31, 2016
The Value Of Commercials
R. T. Williams was surprised to realize that he was on an elevator with Lee Iacocca who was then the Chairman of Chrysler Corporation. In his excitement over the chance encounter he blurted out, “Mr. Iacocca, I really enjoy your commercials!”
“Sir,” replied Iacocca, “I couldn't care less what you think of my commercials. What I want to know is what kind of car do you drive?”
Iacocca was very aware of the fact that the commercials had no value unless people purchased and drove Chrysler cars. In like manner we need to ask ourselves a similar question. What value are the things we do for our Lord if they do not bring people to Christ as Savior and Lord?
Recall the story of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew. John tells us that they knew about Jesus since He had talked with them previously. When Jesus called them, they knew what kind of a man He was and were willing to give up everything that they had to follow Him.
Here's a question we must answer: Would the people who know us be willing to accept Christ as their Savior because of the difference He has made in our lives? Do they believe our faith matters?
Prayer: Lord, we are living examples of what it means to be Your followers. May our lives be so attractive that they will draw others to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Matthew 4:18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
Friday, March 25, 2016
When Only The Best Will Do
Josiah Wedgewood was the founder of one of the world’s finest pottery businesses. It was his practice to walk through his plant carrying a little hammer. Whenever he detected the slightest defect in any of his earthenware, he would break it and shout, “Only the best is worthy of the name of Wedgewood.” That is why his china has maintained the reputation of being among the world’s finest.
Have you ever considered what it means to be called “Christian?” It means that we are being called by the name “Christ.” What a privilege! But are we worthy?
Often individuals find fault with the way some of us who are called “Christian” behave. It is not that those in question “believe” wrong, it is simply that they do not “behave” right. It is an observation about how they live and what they do. The world finds no fault with Christ, but has difficulty understanding why those who represent Him do not live as they are expected to. Perhaps this is why many do not receive Him.
Too many of those who claim His name find it easier to “talk” as He did than to “walk” as He walked.
Prayer: Father, it is sometimes difficult for me to walk as You walked. Please give me Your strength and courage to live for You: through Christ. Amen.
Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him.
Monday, March 21, 2016
They Will Know When We Glow
Two miners had been searching for gold for months. Their efforts went unrewarded until one day when they struck it rich. They did not want anyone to know where they discovered their “fortune” until they staked their claim. But they needed supplies badly.
They decided to go into town, buy what they needed, tell no one of their discovery and return to their cabin.
In spite of their silence, when they returned to their cabin they discovered a large crowd waiting for them. Their happiness, joy and excitement gave away their discovery.
In spite of their silence, when they returned to their cabin they discovered a large crowd waiting for them. Their happiness, joy and excitement gave away their discovery.
Whatever we have on the inside always appears on the outside. When God resides within us, His glory will be reflected through us.
One day Moses met with God. When he returned to his followers, his face glowed with God’s glory, letting the people know that he had been with God.
When you and I spend time with God, reading His Word and praying, others will know that we have been with Him. It will show in us and through us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that others will see You in the things that I do, the places I go and the statements I make. Help me to spend time alone with You that I may reflect Your grace in my life: in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Scripture for Today: Exodus 34:28-30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Who's On The Lord's Side?
Years ago when Italy went to war there was a shortage of soldiers. To find recruits, one captain went through the villages calling men to fight with him. Many joined him bringing their own weapons into combat.
One elderly lady was so moved by the sight that she got her broom, placed it on her shoulder and began to march with them.
Many of the soldiers laughed at her. One looked at her and asked, “What good are you, old lady?”
“Not much,” she replied, “but I want everyone to know whose side I’m on!”
Life requires many choices. But there is no more important choice for each of us than to let the world know whose side we are on. Joshua said, “So honor the Lord and serve Him whole heartedly.” He challenged the people to declare their allegiance to God because He had proven His trustworthiness to them.
From simple to significant, we make many choices each day. Not being able to see the future or knowing which direction our lives may take, we must put our trust in the One who does. We must listen to the Lord as He speaks to us through His Word. When we do, it will be easier to make the right choices. Especially if we are on the Lord’s side and draw upon His strength.
Prayer: Lord, may we live our lives letting those around us see the depth of our commitment to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Joshua 24:15 But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Is Your Light Shining?
It was in the darkness of night that we called on a mechanic to fix a problem with our car. As he worked under the hood his helper stood by holding a flashlight so he could see what he was doing.
After a short amount of time, the helper became bored, began to watch our dog and turned the light away from the problem the mechanic was repairing.
“Shine your light here,” demanded the mechanic. “That’s why you’re here.”
Jesus said that His followers were like “a city on a mountain, glowing in the night, for all to see.” What an interesting picture for us to consider.
If you have ever flown in an airplane at night and looked out of the window, you have no doubt been fascinated to see the lights of the cities below. Those cities cannot be hidden: their “glow” can be seen for miles in every direction when the night is clear.
What is true of the lights of those cities is true of the Christian. We always have the opportunity to glow like those lights for Christ. As His witnesses in His world, we are to be known for the light we can provide to those looking through the darkness for direction. Our faith must be seen if we are to have any value to the lost who are looking for their way in the world. Jesus said, “Don’t hide your light, let it shine!”
Prayer: Help us, Jesus, to be the light You need in this world that we may lead and guide others to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
After a short amount of time, the helper became bored, began to watch our dog and turned the light away from the problem the mechanic was repairing.
“Shine your light here,” demanded the mechanic. “That’s why you’re here.”
Jesus said that His followers were like “a city on a mountain, glowing in the night, for all to see.” What an interesting picture for us to consider.
If you have ever flown in an airplane at night and looked out of the window, you have no doubt been fascinated to see the lights of the cities below. Those cities cannot be hidden: their “glow” can be seen for miles in every direction when the night is clear.
What is true of the lights of those cities is true of the Christian. We always have the opportunity to glow like those lights for Christ. As His witnesses in His world, we are to be known for the light we can provide to those looking through the darkness for direction. Our faith must be seen if we are to have any value to the lost who are looking for their way in the world. Jesus said, “Don’t hide your light, let it shine!”
Prayer: Help us, Jesus, to be the light You need in this world that we may lead and guide others to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Banner Up!
A
young boy was sitting on a bench in a park when a stranger walked by
and stopped. Looking at Will and his dog, he asked, “What kind of dog is
that, young fella?”
Thinking the man was making fun of his dog, Will responded, “He’s a genuine police dog, Sir!”
Looking at the dog once again, he said, “Police dog? He sure doesn’t look like a police dog to me.”
“Of course not,” said Will. “He’s in the secret service.”
Perhaps that can be said of many Christians: “They are in the Lord’s Secret Service.” They don’t want anyone to know whom they serve.
Strange isn’t it that the Christian life begins with a public confession of faith? A declaration that we willingly repent of our sins and choose to follow the Lord. God’s Word makes it clear that “If we tell others that Jesus Christ is our Lord, and really believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
It’s all rather simple, isn’t it? If we say it, according to God’s Word, we are to do it. On one hand it’s easy to profess Jesus in church, but it is quite different to live as He would have us to live in the work place, the gym, the Parent-Teachers meeting, lunches with business partners, customers, or whomever we don’t see in church on a regular basis. But God’s Word says, "Set up your banners!”
Confession is much more than what Christians say. It is also what a Christian is. Our words are important, but not nearly as significant as what we do - especially when we think other Christians aren’t looking.
Prayer: Lord, we only fool ourselves if we think we can fool You. May we be witnesses without walls at all times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 20:5b And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
Thinking the man was making fun of his dog, Will responded, “He’s a genuine police dog, Sir!”
Looking at the dog once again, he said, “Police dog? He sure doesn’t look like a police dog to me.”
“Of course not,” said Will. “He’s in the secret service.”
Perhaps that can be said of many Christians: “They are in the Lord’s Secret Service.” They don’t want anyone to know whom they serve.
Strange isn’t it that the Christian life begins with a public confession of faith? A declaration that we willingly repent of our sins and choose to follow the Lord. God’s Word makes it clear that “If we tell others that Jesus Christ is our Lord, and really believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
It’s all rather simple, isn’t it? If we say it, according to God’s Word, we are to do it. On one hand it’s easy to profess Jesus in church, but it is quite different to live as He would have us to live in the work place, the gym, the Parent-Teachers meeting, lunches with business partners, customers, or whomever we don’t see in church on a regular basis. But God’s Word says, "Set up your banners!”
Confession is much more than what Christians say. It is also what a Christian is. Our words are important, but not nearly as significant as what we do - especially when we think other Christians aren’t looking.
Prayer: Lord, we only fool ourselves if we think we can fool You. May we be witnesses without walls at all times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 20:5b And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Making His Message Known
\God chose many ways to make Himself known. We hear Him speaking through His prophet and writing His standards in stone. There was a bush that burst into flames and birds that brought food to starving people. There were clouds that led people in the day and pillars of fire that led them at night. Angels were sent to speak on His behalf and announce the birth of His Son. A sea was once parted and His “chosen” walked through it to safety. In many ways and on many different occasions He did what He had to do to get the attention of people to hear or see His message of love, salvation and hope.
But one method that no Christian can ignore is contained in the final words of Jesus: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” If we remove the letter “p” we have the word “reach.” Then, if we remove the letter “r” we have the word “each.” So, Jesus is commanding us to “preach” His message that we may “reach” “each” person He brings into our lives.
The Psalmist took this responsibility seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he started at the “top” of the ladder: “I will speak of Your statues before kings and will not be put to shame!” Imagine him standing before a king and saying, “Excuse me, Sir, but I need to begin our conversation with a message from the Lord. It is rather brief and will only take a few minutes.”
The limitless love of God is not limited by ones title or address. It reaches to kings and servants, family members and friends. Wherever we are, we are to preach.
Prayer: Lord, it is difficult to share Your Word. But if we take our responsibility seriously we have no choice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
But one method that no Christian can ignore is contained in the final words of Jesus: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” If we remove the letter “p” we have the word “reach.” Then, if we remove the letter “r” we have the word “each.” So, Jesus is commanding us to “preach” His message that we may “reach” “each” person He brings into our lives.
The Psalmist took this responsibility seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he started at the “top” of the ladder: “I will speak of Your statues before kings and will not be put to shame!” Imagine him standing before a king and saying, “Excuse me, Sir, but I need to begin our conversation with a message from the Lord. It is rather brief and will only take a few minutes.”
The limitless love of God is not limited by ones title or address. It reaches to kings and servants, family members and friends. Wherever we are, we are to preach.
Prayer: Lord, it is difficult to share Your Word. But if we take our responsibility seriously we have no choice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Quiet Christians
For many years two neighbors rode the same train to work in downtown Chicago. George went to church regularly and if pressed, would admit to being a Christian. But he never allowed being a Christian interfere with his life. On the other hand, Will never went to church and had no use for godly things. As they rode the train each day, they discussed business strategies, sports, politics, religion and current events. They rarely mentioned God.
One morning Will became violently ill and was rushed to the hospital. After a series of tests his physician informed his wife that he could not live longer than a few days - if that long. Frightened, his wife said, “Perhaps we’d better call George and talk about God.”
“George? Talk about God? Why George? He rarely mentioned God to me or that he knew Him. So I doubt that he would be the right person to call,” said Will. Without saying another word he passed into eternity - lost.
When George heard the news, he was stunned and filled with guilt. There was nothing he could do for Will now but go to God and ask for forgiveness and promise to become faithful. The words of the Psalmist echoed loudly in his ears: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”
Unfortunately, the Kingdom of God is filled with too many citizens like George. They know the Lord from a distance but are unwilling to speak as His ambassadors. They believe that they have “theirs” and that’s all that matters. But there is no denying that if indeed God has redeemed us, we will present Him faithfully to others!
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for our silence and refusal to be faithful in presenting Your message to the lost around us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
One morning Will became violently ill and was rushed to the hospital. After a series of tests his physician informed his wife that he could not live longer than a few days - if that long. Frightened, his wife said, “Perhaps we’d better call George and talk about God.”
“George? Talk about God? Why George? He rarely mentioned God to me or that he knew Him. So I doubt that he would be the right person to call,” said Will. Without saying another word he passed into eternity - lost.
When George heard the news, he was stunned and filled with guilt. There was nothing he could do for Will now but go to God and ask for forgiveness and promise to become faithful. The words of the Psalmist echoed loudly in his ears: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”
Unfortunately, the Kingdom of God is filled with too many citizens like George. They know the Lord from a distance but are unwilling to speak as His ambassadors. They believe that they have “theirs” and that’s all that matters. But there is no denying that if indeed God has redeemed us, we will present Him faithfully to others!
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for our silence and refusal to be faithful in presenting Your message to the lost around us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Last Words
The uncertainties of life always end with the certainty of death. We know it is there waiting for us. No one knows when their heart will stop. Yet, when the time comes, most individuals have a few last words.
Cardinal Borgia said, “I have provided in the course of my life for everything except death, and now, alas, I am to die unprepared.”
Tony Hancock, a British comedian said, “No one will even know I existed. Nothing to leave behind me. Nothing to pass on. Nobody to mourn me. That’s the bitterest blow of all.”
Elizabeth the First: “All my possessions for one moment of time.”
Phillip III, King of France: “What an account I shall have to give God. How I should like to live otherwise than I have lived.”
Voltaire, a religious skeptic said, “In twenty years Christianity will be no more. My single hand shall destroy the edifice it took twelve apostles to rear.” Some years later, Voltaire’s house was used by the Geneva Bible Society to print Bibles.
When Jesus died the words of Psalm 31:5 were on his lips, “Into Your hands, Father, I commit my spirit.” As He was ending His life’s work, hanging upon His cross and dying for our sins, He declared His faith, hope, trust and confidence in His Father. There was no fear, no regret, no questions about life or death. Only the assurance that His spirit was in His Father’s hands.
Prayer: Father, may we face life and death, as Jesus did, knowing that we are secure because we trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
Cardinal Borgia said, “I have provided in the course of my life for everything except death, and now, alas, I am to die unprepared.”
Tony Hancock, a British comedian said, “No one will even know I existed. Nothing to leave behind me. Nothing to pass on. Nobody to mourn me. That’s the bitterest blow of all.”
Elizabeth the First: “All my possessions for one moment of time.”
Phillip III, King of France: “What an account I shall have to give God. How I should like to live otherwise than I have lived.”
Voltaire, a religious skeptic said, “In twenty years Christianity will be no more. My single hand shall destroy the edifice it took twelve apostles to rear.” Some years later, Voltaire’s house was used by the Geneva Bible Society to print Bibles.
When Jesus died the words of Psalm 31:5 were on his lips, “Into Your hands, Father, I commit my spirit.” As He was ending His life’s work, hanging upon His cross and dying for our sins, He declared His faith, hope, trust and confidence in His Father. There was no fear, no regret, no questions about life or death. Only the assurance that His spirit was in His Father’s hands.
Prayer: Father, may we face life and death, as Jesus did, knowing that we are secure because we trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
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