Psalm 16:1-2 “Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;”
During the turbulent years when David was fleeing from King Saul, there were few times in which his life was not in constant danger. His life had come near death time and time again. Even during the time when the King had curtailed the hunt for David, he was still cut off from his family, land and religious life. It was probably during one of those times of "so called peace" that David sat down and penned this psalm.
What was it that helped David cope during the times of loneliness, conflict and uncertainties? Can we glean something that will help us in these same kinds of times? I think David was able to cope because he dwelt in the presence of God. I’m certain the reason we have fears and failures during hard times is because we do not constantly dwell in the precence of our God. Let’s look at what David said about God.
He uses three words to describe God. Let’s see what David says:
1. David Viewed God As His Maker
David used the word “God.” This is the word, “EL” and is an abbreviated form of the great name “Elohim.” This is God the Creator. “EL” is God as the Omnipotent, the all-powerful One. “EL” stands for God in all His strength and might. David is living his life in light of the Omnipotent One.
As David sat on the hillside and looked up into the sky at night, he knew His God had flung those stars into orbit. When he sat in the opening of that cave and looked out at the beautiful valley below, he was reminded that God had spoken all this into existence. His God, with all His Omnipotent power had done all this and was able to protect him and even change the heart of the King at any time he desired.
Do we not serve the same God today. Isn’t our God all-powerful and can change any circumstance in which we find ourself? You and I need to live our life in light of God our Maker.
2. David Viewed God As His Mediator
In verse 2 David uses the word, “LORD.” This is the word, “JEHOVAH,” the God of Covenant. David is living his life in light of this truth. He knows and understands that JEHOVAH has a covenant with Israel and with him. Therefore David does not fear his enemy or what his enemy might do to him. JEHOVAH is his Mediator.
You and I also have a Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ. Adam Clark put it this way: “The old covenant and its mediator, Moses, are passed away. See Heb 8:13. The new covenant, i.e. the Gospel, is now in force, and will be to the end of the world;”
I’m glad my salvation is bought and secured by our Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are eternally secure and should live in light of that fact.
3. David Viewed God As His Master
David also uses the word, “Lord.” This is the title of “ADONAI.” This is the “Sovereign Lord” or as we would say, the “king.” David is living his life in the light of this truth. He knows that God is in control. He goes back in his mind to when he was anointed as the next king. God is in control and the “Sovereign Lord” will bring it to pass in His timing.
David is living in the presence of the Lord so no fear can harn him and no foe can daunt him. Oh, that we could live in the same way and we can if we are living in the presence of our God.
How do we do that? How do we living in the presence of our God?
(1) Listen To God’s Word
Psalm 119:11-12 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.”
Read, Memorize and Meditate upon His Word daily. It has to be more than a Sunday and Wednesday thing. Church attendance is very important. This is one way of being in His presence, but it’s not sufficient. We must be in His Word daily. Start the day right and continue through the day by meditating on His Word as we face the day’s responsibilities.
(2) Live By God’s Word
Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”
Too many Christians face life in their own wisdom and power. And that’s also the reason too many Christians fail in their life. They lose their direction. You and I are nt smart enough to make perfect decisions. We are not powerful enough to overcome temptations and trials. We need to depend upon the wisdom and strength we get through God’s Word.
(3) Look For God’s Will
Psalm 119:10, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.”
Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
God has a perfect will for each of us. It’s contained in His Blessed Book. If we follow it, our lives will be prosperous.
Who is Master of our life? Who controls what we do? The right answer will help us cope with life! When we live in God’s presence, realizing He’s our Maker, Mediator and Master, we can COPE WITH LIFE.
That’s my view; how about you?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
LOVING GOD FOR WHO HE IS
I don’t know about you but for too many years when I prayed it was like a shopping list- latest fashion, newest electronic gadget, or more of my favorite color (money green). Oh, I also was a man who thanked God in my praying. I thanked Him for my salvation, parents, wife, children and all the other blessings He bestowed upon me. I’m not saying there was anything wrong with thanking God for what He did in my life, or to even come before Him with my needs and maybe even some wants along the way. There’s nothing wrong with any of this. But somewhere along the way the Holy Spirit convicted me of thanking God so much for what He did, that I had forgotten to thank and praise Him for who He is. In fact, He does what He does because of who He is; because of His character and nature.
There are two verses I want you to consider in Deuteronomy 10:17-18 “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”
These words were given by Moses in the fortieth year of the wandering of the nation of Israel prior to them entering the land that God had promised years before. And don’t forget, this would also be close to the death of this great leader. They had come so close to marching victoriously into the land once before, but had failed in their faith. Now Moses is challenging them, and he draws their attention to their God and gives descriptions of him. Notice the words “God of gods,” Lord of lords,” “great,” “mighty,” and “terrible.” Moses also pointed out that He was “no respector of persons” nor “takes bribes.” He also takes care of the “orphans” and “widows,” and “loves” the stranger. This is their God. His actions are because of Who He is.
Then two verses later, Deuteronomy 10:20-21 we read “Thou shalt fear (revere) the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.”
All of these actions, “fear,” “serve,” “cleave,” “swear by,” and “praise,” are all because of love. You don’t revere a person you don’t love. Neither do you serve and praise a person you are not in love with. What Moses is trying to get them to understand is that they must truly love their God if they ever trust Him for their future.
Remember when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, He told them it was to love the Lord with all that they were; their entire being. And in light of our subject matter here, they were to love God for who He was and not what He had done, because who He was and is dictates what He does.
We are to do the same. We’re to love God for who He is, not just what He does. We’re to thank and praise Him for His character; His nature. The Psalmist said in Psalm 37:4 “Delight thyself also in the LORD;. . .” It didn’t say delight in Him for what He does. We also read in Psalm 100:2 “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Again, not just for what He does but for who He is.
What is God’s nature? What is His character? Who is He? We know of His Omnipotence, Omniscience and His Omni-Presence. This is God’s nature. But He’s also Love – I John 4:8 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” God is also Righteous – Ezra 9:15 “O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous:” Psalm 7:9 “. . . for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.” God is Holy - I Peter 1:16 “Because it is written Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
There is so much more that describes who God is but I think that’s enough to get across my point. God’s nature, character or who God is determines His action. And because His actions are always in harmony with who He is, we can trust Him in everything He does. And so you and I should always thank Him for who He is. When was the last time you told God you loved Him for who He is?
I had a dear friend that many of you know. His name was Gordon Carpenter. He was one of the most godly men I have ever known. He’s now enjoying this reward with His Saviour, whom he loved and served so many years. I had the privilege of serving on a church staff with this man and also had the privilege of having him speak both in my military church in Germany and in Lakeland, Florida. I remember a mission trip I took with him, his dear wife, my wife, Dick and Charlotte Acock and a group of young people to Nassau. One day He, Missionary Pastor Jack Harvey and I were going to pray. Bro. Carpenter’s prayer was filled with Scripture. I remember vividly how He thanked and praised God for who He was. Bro. Harvey and I both marveled at how much He loved God for who He was and not just for what God had done. That made such an impact upon me that I began to search my heart to see if I loved God just because of what He had done or for who He is. It made a difference in my prayer life.
Let me challenge you to search your own heart. Be honest about why you love God. The next time you pray, start with telling God that you love Him for who is He – “Thank You God that You are Holy. I love You God because You are Righteous, etc.”
That’s my view; how about you?
There are two verses I want you to consider in Deuteronomy 10:17-18 “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”
These words were given by Moses in the fortieth year of the wandering of the nation of Israel prior to them entering the land that God had promised years before. And don’t forget, this would also be close to the death of this great leader. They had come so close to marching victoriously into the land once before, but had failed in their faith. Now Moses is challenging them, and he draws their attention to their God and gives descriptions of him. Notice the words “God of gods,” Lord of lords,” “great,” “mighty,” and “terrible.” Moses also pointed out that He was “no respector of persons” nor “takes bribes.” He also takes care of the “orphans” and “widows,” and “loves” the stranger. This is their God. His actions are because of Who He is.
Then two verses later, Deuteronomy 10:20-21 we read “Thou shalt fear (revere) the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.”
All of these actions, “fear,” “serve,” “cleave,” “swear by,” and “praise,” are all because of love. You don’t revere a person you don’t love. Neither do you serve and praise a person you are not in love with. What Moses is trying to get them to understand is that they must truly love their God if they ever trust Him for their future.
Remember when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, He told them it was to love the Lord with all that they were; their entire being. And in light of our subject matter here, they were to love God for who He was and not what He had done, because who He was and is dictates what He does.
We are to do the same. We’re to love God for who He is, not just what He does. We’re to thank and praise Him for His character; His nature. The Psalmist said in Psalm 37:4 “Delight thyself also in the LORD;. . .” It didn’t say delight in Him for what He does. We also read in Psalm 100:2 “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Again, not just for what He does but for who He is.
What is God’s nature? What is His character? Who is He? We know of His Omnipotence, Omniscience and His Omni-Presence. This is God’s nature. But He’s also Love – I John 4:8 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” God is also Righteous – Ezra 9:15 “O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous:” Psalm 7:9 “. . . for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.” God is Holy - I Peter 1:16 “Because it is written Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
There is so much more that describes who God is but I think that’s enough to get across my point. God’s nature, character or who God is determines His action. And because His actions are always in harmony with who He is, we can trust Him in everything He does. And so you and I should always thank Him for who He is. When was the last time you told God you loved Him for who He is?
I had a dear friend that many of you know. His name was Gordon Carpenter. He was one of the most godly men I have ever known. He’s now enjoying this reward with His Saviour, whom he loved and served so many years. I had the privilege of serving on a church staff with this man and also had the privilege of having him speak both in my military church in Germany and in Lakeland, Florida. I remember a mission trip I took with him, his dear wife, my wife, Dick and Charlotte Acock and a group of young people to Nassau. One day He, Missionary Pastor Jack Harvey and I were going to pray. Bro. Carpenter’s prayer was filled with Scripture. I remember vividly how He thanked and praised God for who He was. Bro. Harvey and I both marveled at how much He loved God for who He was and not just for what God had done. That made such an impact upon me that I began to search my heart to see if I loved God just because of what He had done or for who He is. It made a difference in my prayer life.
Let me challenge you to search your own heart. Be honest about why you love God. The next time you pray, start with telling God that you love Him for who is He – “Thank You God that You are Holy. I love You God because You are Righteous, etc.”
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, May 3, 2010
INCREASED FAITH
In my many years as a Youth Pastor, I’m sure the teens heard me quote Romans 12:1-2 many, many times. It was one of the exhortations I used to challenge them to serve the Lord with all their hearts. Young people, and most others for that matter, deal with pressure to conform to the world. Paul here is charging them to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, and he reminds them of the mercies that had been dealt with in the first eleven chapters. And because of all those mercies, Paul said that a total dedication to God was the norm for the child of God.
In verse 2 Paul gives the key to not conforming to the world. The renewing of the mind is the formula to the transformation (metamorphosis). This helps us understand the process that is spoken of in II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away (are in the process of) behold all things are become (are in the process of) new.” The change takes place as the Word of God is applied in the life of the child of God. He does not conform to the world but is changed into the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now we come to our text verse, Romans 12:3 “For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Paul now warns against pride and reminds the believer that his thinking should be “soberly” or “sane or with right judgment.” Then the Apostle goes on to mention what I want to emphasize in this week’s “Challenging Concept.” Notice the last part of verse 3 “. . . according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Notice the word “measure.” The implication here is that we are given a limited amount of faith.
Paul says that faith comes from God and is given in a varied degree. We are even given the faith to receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior (Phil 1:29). But Paul is not saying that since God is the One who gives faith, we have no responsibility, or that if God wanted us to have more faith He would have given us more faith. That’s not what he’s saying at all. In fact in II Corinthians 10:15 he hoped their faith would “increase.” He also said in II Thessalonians 1:3 that their faith had “grown abundantly.” That’s God desire for all of us.
Years ago I had faith sufficient for the need of that hour. In fact, I’ve even said, “If I had known then all that I would face in life, I might have thrown up my hands in defeat.” What I didn’t know then was that God gives faith equal to the circumstance we face. Notice I Corinthians 10:13 “. . . God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tested) above that ye are able but will with the temptation (provocation) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
It’s very clear that God wants our faith to grow or increase. Faith sufficient for yesterday is not God’s level of faith for today. His will for you tomorrow may necessitate you have a deeper level of faith than you had yesterday. So our faith must grow and increase.
Let me remind you that faith comes from God. On your own you can not receive more faith by working harder or even through more positive thinking. No, faith comes from God, but that does not mean we sit back and do nothing. We can’t lay back on the couch of “do nothing” and say since God works, that gets me off the hook.
I know of no one who had more faith than Paul but he believed in working. He said in I Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Did you notice the word “labored?” Paul is saying in this situation that the fruit of Grace was hard work. God works and we work. In other words, God gives us faith and we take the next step. God gives us faith and we step out into deeper waters. We trust Him more in harder situations than we did years ago.
Our faith grows as we read and study the Word of God (Rom 10:17) and submit to the work the Holy Spirit is doing in our life (Gal 5:22).
A young married couple makes a commitment to put Christ in the center of their home. They have a time each day to read the Word of God and pray. They attend their local church every service and try to witness of their faith. They learn that they should give God the first fruits of their labor. They really have some insecurities about this but decide to step out in faith. God blesses then in their finances and they now start giving to missions also. Then in one mission conference God really begins to deal with them about quitting their jobs and moving to another town to prepare themselves to take the gospel to the country of Africa. They again step out by faith. Could they have done this when they were first married? Probably not! But now they are at a higher level of opportunity and this level requires a higher level of faith.
God still is the giver of faith, but it also still takes response on our part. God help us to grow in our faith. May our faith increase.
That’s my view: how about you?
In verse 2 Paul gives the key to not conforming to the world. The renewing of the mind is the formula to the transformation (metamorphosis). This helps us understand the process that is spoken of in II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away (are in the process of) behold all things are become (are in the process of) new.” The change takes place as the Word of God is applied in the life of the child of God. He does not conform to the world but is changed into the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now we come to our text verse, Romans 12:3 “For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Paul now warns against pride and reminds the believer that his thinking should be “soberly” or “sane or with right judgment.” Then the Apostle goes on to mention what I want to emphasize in this week’s “Challenging Concept.” Notice the last part of verse 3 “. . . according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Notice the word “measure.” The implication here is that we are given a limited amount of faith.
Paul says that faith comes from God and is given in a varied degree. We are even given the faith to receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior (Phil 1:29). But Paul is not saying that since God is the One who gives faith, we have no responsibility, or that if God wanted us to have more faith He would have given us more faith. That’s not what he’s saying at all. In fact in II Corinthians 10:15 he hoped their faith would “increase.” He also said in II Thessalonians 1:3 that their faith had “grown abundantly.” That’s God desire for all of us.
Years ago I had faith sufficient for the need of that hour. In fact, I’ve even said, “If I had known then all that I would face in life, I might have thrown up my hands in defeat.” What I didn’t know then was that God gives faith equal to the circumstance we face. Notice I Corinthians 10:13 “. . . God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tested) above that ye are able but will with the temptation (provocation) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
It’s very clear that God wants our faith to grow or increase. Faith sufficient for yesterday is not God’s level of faith for today. His will for you tomorrow may necessitate you have a deeper level of faith than you had yesterday. So our faith must grow and increase.
Let me remind you that faith comes from God. On your own you can not receive more faith by working harder or even through more positive thinking. No, faith comes from God, but that does not mean we sit back and do nothing. We can’t lay back on the couch of “do nothing” and say since God works, that gets me off the hook.
I know of no one who had more faith than Paul but he believed in working. He said in I Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Did you notice the word “labored?” Paul is saying in this situation that the fruit of Grace was hard work. God works and we work. In other words, God gives us faith and we take the next step. God gives us faith and we step out into deeper waters. We trust Him more in harder situations than we did years ago.
Our faith grows as we read and study the Word of God (Rom 10:17) and submit to the work the Holy Spirit is doing in our life (Gal 5:22).
A young married couple makes a commitment to put Christ in the center of their home. They have a time each day to read the Word of God and pray. They attend their local church every service and try to witness of their faith. They learn that they should give God the first fruits of their labor. They really have some insecurities about this but decide to step out in faith. God blesses then in their finances and they now start giving to missions also. Then in one mission conference God really begins to deal with them about quitting their jobs and moving to another town to prepare themselves to take the gospel to the country of Africa. They again step out by faith. Could they have done this when they were first married? Probably not! But now they are at a higher level of opportunity and this level requires a higher level of faith.
God still is the giver of faith, but it also still takes response on our part. God help us to grow in our faith. May our faith increase.
That’s my view: how about you?
Monday, April 26, 2010
WHAT IS TRUTH ANYWAY?
We are living in a day in which things are perverted in the eyes of the masses of people. If you stand for something, you will get falsely accused. If you speak out against President Obam’s agendas, you are called unpatriotic or even as Glenn Beck was accused of seditionist. Since when is stating your belief unconstitutional?
If you speak out against illegal immigrants you are called a racist. Since when is trying to stop drugs or terrorist from entering our great nation a racial issue?
If you speak out in a public forum you are using hate speech. Since when is voicing your beliefs hate? Speaking out against sin and injustice is an issue. There’s a difference in hating sin and hating the sinner.
If you believe in less government, less taxes, and term limits for people in Congress, you are out of touch with modern day needs. The truth is that less government and less taxes is what our founding fathers had in mind.
If a preacher cries out against sin he’s preaching a negative, legalistic, non-inclusive gospel. If he preaches a biblical based message on child rearing, he’s accused of hating children. If he preaches what the Bible says about the husband being the head of the home, he hates women. Too many today do not want the truth.
My wife and I were at a funeral home one evening for visitation and met someone who was part of the family. There was a woman with the individual and we asked if it was his wife. He said “No, it’s one of those ‘90’s thing.” The truth of the matter was, they were living in sin. They were committing adultery. We’re living in a day in which adultery is winked at, but God doesn’t wink at adultery. Winking at sin is false. God’s Word is truth. We read in John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
You know the problem? The problem is a lack of truth in the life of the average American today. We sometimes talk about how bad it is that the Word of God was taken out of our public school system. That is true. But the Word of God has also been taken out of our homes and even our own lives. The unbeliever is not the only one who has a draught of the Living Water in their life. Let’s not lay all the problem at the doorstep of the unbeliever.
Too many today live with the attitude that you just have to accept the fact that times and issues are different. No! We don’t have to live that way. We need to remember what God thinks about people who call evil good. We read in Proverbs 17:15 “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Do we now have any doubt as to where God stands in this issue? Do we think that God wants us to excuse ourselves because we live in this generation? No!
Notice also what we read about this truth in Malachi 2:17 “Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; . . .”
People seem to not know what falsehood or lying is? They don’t know truth. The sad thing is that people don’t even know the truth about how to spend eternity with God. In every funeral today the person is preached or eulogized into heaven. The truth is that unless a person is saved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, they cannot see heaven. THE TRUTH says in John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” The TRUTH is clearly stated in the Word of God.
There’s only one way to get to heaven and that’s not through the church, the ten commandments, the golden rule, good works or even baptism. There’s only one way to heaven and God made it so all of us can go to heaven. That’s how much He loved you and me. We read that in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
So, what should we do? In the world we should speak the truth boldly, even if it goes against the grain in our community, school, work place or even the home. Speak the truth with boldness.
In our church we need to teach and preach the Word of God and not social issues. It’s good to remember the actions of the good Samaritan, but meeting the needs of those who are wounded and hurting is an open door to sharing with them the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s the only thing that will change their life permanently.
In our homes we should be teaching and practicing the Word of God with our family members. Parents should be using daily activities to show and teach the children how God’s Word relates to that circumstance.
In our individual lives we should be reading, studying, memorizing, meditating upon and demonstrating scriptural principles. The TRUTH is so important in our life. We read in John 8:32
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
That’s my view: how about you?
If you speak out against illegal immigrants you are called a racist. Since when is trying to stop drugs or terrorist from entering our great nation a racial issue?
If you speak out in a public forum you are using hate speech. Since when is voicing your beliefs hate? Speaking out against sin and injustice is an issue. There’s a difference in hating sin and hating the sinner.
If you believe in less government, less taxes, and term limits for people in Congress, you are out of touch with modern day needs. The truth is that less government and less taxes is what our founding fathers had in mind.
If a preacher cries out against sin he’s preaching a negative, legalistic, non-inclusive gospel. If he preaches a biblical based message on child rearing, he’s accused of hating children. If he preaches what the Bible says about the husband being the head of the home, he hates women. Too many today do not want the truth.
My wife and I were at a funeral home one evening for visitation and met someone who was part of the family. There was a woman with the individual and we asked if it was his wife. He said “No, it’s one of those ‘90’s thing.” The truth of the matter was, they were living in sin. They were committing adultery. We’re living in a day in which adultery is winked at, but God doesn’t wink at adultery. Winking at sin is false. God’s Word is truth. We read in John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
You know the problem? The problem is a lack of truth in the life of the average American today. We sometimes talk about how bad it is that the Word of God was taken out of our public school system. That is true. But the Word of God has also been taken out of our homes and even our own lives. The unbeliever is not the only one who has a draught of the Living Water in their life. Let’s not lay all the problem at the doorstep of the unbeliever.
Too many today live with the attitude that you just have to accept the fact that times and issues are different. No! We don’t have to live that way. We need to remember what God thinks about people who call evil good. We read in Proverbs 17:15 “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Do we now have any doubt as to where God stands in this issue? Do we think that God wants us to excuse ourselves because we live in this generation? No!
Notice also what we read about this truth in Malachi 2:17 “Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; . . .”
People seem to not know what falsehood or lying is? They don’t know truth. The sad thing is that people don’t even know the truth about how to spend eternity with God. In every funeral today the person is preached or eulogized into heaven. The truth is that unless a person is saved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, they cannot see heaven. THE TRUTH says in John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” The TRUTH is clearly stated in the Word of God.
There’s only one way to get to heaven and that’s not through the church, the ten commandments, the golden rule, good works or even baptism. There’s only one way to heaven and God made it so all of us can go to heaven. That’s how much He loved you and me. We read that in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
So, what should we do? In the world we should speak the truth boldly, even if it goes against the grain in our community, school, work place or even the home. Speak the truth with boldness.
In our church we need to teach and preach the Word of God and not social issues. It’s good to remember the actions of the good Samaritan, but meeting the needs of those who are wounded and hurting is an open door to sharing with them the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s the only thing that will change their life permanently.
In our homes we should be teaching and practicing the Word of God with our family members. Parents should be using daily activities to show and teach the children how God’s Word relates to that circumstance.
In our individual lives we should be reading, studying, memorizing, meditating upon and demonstrating scriptural principles. The TRUTH is so important in our life. We read in John 8:32
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
That’s my view: how about you?
Monday, April 19, 2010
GOVERNMENT IN CONTROL??
Daily we hear on the news, internet and at the barber shops, beauty shops and from our friends that our government is trying to control more and more of our personal lives. People are alarmed that more and more of our freedoms are being taken away. One of the latest issues is that of the College Student Loan Program, that is now a part of the Obama Health Care takeover. Much has been said of late about the wording in part of this student loan program.
In an article entitled,"Obama To Take Over Control Of College Textbooks?"http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/21533 Warner Todd Houston, said, “Of course, we all know that once government gets its tendrils into your business it takes all power away from you and reassigns it to government. So, once this act is implemented, any federal money involved will give government the opening to begin controlling everything in the process of creating and distributing college textbooks.”
Is he right? I don’t know! But I am concerned about the government getting more and more involved in everything we do day by day. So what should we as Christian do? (1) Pray (2) Pray (3) Pray. This is where we start but that’s not where we stop. According to the Constitution we have the right of free speech so we should speak up. Speak up to our elected officials, friends and even those who disagree with us. This should be done biblically, of course, but we should not be afraid to let our voices be heard. We need to write, call and e-mail to those who are in a position to do something about the issue.
The next things we should do are to inform ourselves about the issues and vote in November for those who stand for the same things we do. This is very important. And we need to also have our eyes on 2012 and do the same thing in regard to who’s going to be the leader of this great nation that is so precious to us, The United States of America. We cannot stand by idly. We must do our part in being a good citizen of our nation.
But, Is President Obama in control? Are Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in control? What about the Democrats or Republicans? No! No! No!
In our daily devotion one day last week we looked at the deceitfulness of Rebecca and Jacob, the plan of the authority to get Judas to betray Jesus, the wickedness of Haman to get rid of the Jews, and the fact that Paul appealed to Caesar did not get him acquitted but sent him to Rome where he was able to preach the gospel. In all of these situations it seemed that evil was in control, but behind the scene God’s will was moving forward. The authority, or people for that matter, were not in control, God was. And that’s something we need to keep in mind all the time. It’s not the hand of human authority, but the hand of Almighty God that sets up and takes down, moves nations back and forth. As believers we need to remember the sovereignty of God when we read the newspapers or listen to the TV News.
D. A. Carson in his book, For The Love Of God, wrote: “Providence is mysterious. It must never be used to justify wrong actions or to mitigate sin: Isaac and his family are more than a little sleazy, Judas is a deceitful wretch, Haman is vile, and the Roman court trying Paul is more than a little corrupt. Yet God sovereignly rules, behind the scenes, bringing glory out of gore and honor out of shame.”
The German tax system (IRS) came to my office at Eifel Baptist Church and wanted to look at our financial books. To make a very, very long story short, we were told that we owed over $100, 000 for back taxes involving everyone who had ever worked at the church (all pastors, secretaries, school teachers, maintenance, etc.). You can imagine what was going on in our minds – leave the country, change our names, hide in Hitler’s bunker, etc. But of course, we did what was right. That’s what you’re supposed to do, isn’t it? Easy preaching; hard practicing.
Through a German Lawyer and the help of German Missionary-Pastor, Michael Landoll, we were able to negotiate the amount down to $57,000, which was still way over our ability. We then made pleas to members, former members, churches and anybody we could (dead or alive). We did receive a little over $20,000 but this still left us about $37,000 short. “God, You promised to meet our needs. God, we’re doing your work, You know. God, we need You badly, and we don’t want to put any pressure on You, but we could use it right now.”
One day a man from the German electrical company came by the church to read the electrical meter. He came back to my office and said, “Why do you have two meters.” I said, “I don’t know. You’re the electrical company, you tell me why I have two meters.” He said he didn’t know but it looked to him as if they had been charging us double for electricity since Pastor Wring had moved the church into the Hotel many years before.
Again, to make a long story short, they had indeed charged us double for electricity and it amounted to enough to pay the back taxes, with thousands of dollars left over to do some very badly needed repairs to the old hotel. I’ve said many times that God said, “Oh me! These dumb Americans, especially that Southern Hick from Alabama, are going to get themselves into financial trouble. I better start them a saving account.” And He did.
Who was in control; the German government? Electric Company? German IRS? Satan? No, to all of the above! God was in control!
We might not have seen His hand at work. We might have even wondered if God had forgotten us. But He knew what was going on with the German government and He was in control. We read in Proverbs 21:1 “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” He was working things out according to His plans. And, His plans are always right and pure. We read in Psalm 145:17 “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.”
Proverbs 5:21 “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.”
I don’t know what you are going through. I don’t know what you are facing. I do know that God is aware of everything in your life and He has a plan for your life and He’s still on the throne. I also know that He is faithful to accomplish that which is good for you and will bring glory to Himself. You can count on that! He is faithful - I Peter 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Trust Him. He’ll never let you down.
It may seem as if our nation is under the control of Satan. But don’t let circumstances fool you. Satan is not in control. Obama is not in control. Neither are the Dems or the G.O.P. God is in control.
That’s my view: how about you?
In an article entitled,"Obama To Take Over Control Of College Textbooks?"http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/21533 Warner Todd Houston, said, “Of course, we all know that once government gets its tendrils into your business it takes all power away from you and reassigns it to government. So, once this act is implemented, any federal money involved will give government the opening to begin controlling everything in the process of creating and distributing college textbooks.”
Is he right? I don’t know! But I am concerned about the government getting more and more involved in everything we do day by day. So what should we as Christian do? (1) Pray (2) Pray (3) Pray. This is where we start but that’s not where we stop. According to the Constitution we have the right of free speech so we should speak up. Speak up to our elected officials, friends and even those who disagree with us. This should be done biblically, of course, but we should not be afraid to let our voices be heard. We need to write, call and e-mail to those who are in a position to do something about the issue.
The next things we should do are to inform ourselves about the issues and vote in November for those who stand for the same things we do. This is very important. And we need to also have our eyes on 2012 and do the same thing in regard to who’s going to be the leader of this great nation that is so precious to us, The United States of America. We cannot stand by idly. We must do our part in being a good citizen of our nation.
But, Is President Obama in control? Are Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in control? What about the Democrats or Republicans? No! No! No!
In our daily devotion one day last week we looked at the deceitfulness of Rebecca and Jacob, the plan of the authority to get Judas to betray Jesus, the wickedness of Haman to get rid of the Jews, and the fact that Paul appealed to Caesar did not get him acquitted but sent him to Rome where he was able to preach the gospel. In all of these situations it seemed that evil was in control, but behind the scene God’s will was moving forward. The authority, or people for that matter, were not in control, God was. And that’s something we need to keep in mind all the time. It’s not the hand of human authority, but the hand of Almighty God that sets up and takes down, moves nations back and forth. As believers we need to remember the sovereignty of God when we read the newspapers or listen to the TV News.
D. A. Carson in his book, For The Love Of God, wrote: “Providence is mysterious. It must never be used to justify wrong actions or to mitigate sin: Isaac and his family are more than a little sleazy, Judas is a deceitful wretch, Haman is vile, and the Roman court trying Paul is more than a little corrupt. Yet God sovereignly rules, behind the scenes, bringing glory out of gore and honor out of shame.”
The German tax system (IRS) came to my office at Eifel Baptist Church and wanted to look at our financial books. To make a very, very long story short, we were told that we owed over $100, 000 for back taxes involving everyone who had ever worked at the church (all pastors, secretaries, school teachers, maintenance, etc.). You can imagine what was going on in our minds – leave the country, change our names, hide in Hitler’s bunker, etc. But of course, we did what was right. That’s what you’re supposed to do, isn’t it? Easy preaching; hard practicing.
Through a German Lawyer and the help of German Missionary-Pastor, Michael Landoll, we were able to negotiate the amount down to $57,000, which was still way over our ability. We then made pleas to members, former members, churches and anybody we could (dead or alive). We did receive a little over $20,000 but this still left us about $37,000 short. “God, You promised to meet our needs. God, we’re doing your work, You know. God, we need You badly, and we don’t want to put any pressure on You, but we could use it right now.”
One day a man from the German electrical company came by the church to read the electrical meter. He came back to my office and said, “Why do you have two meters.” I said, “I don’t know. You’re the electrical company, you tell me why I have two meters.” He said he didn’t know but it looked to him as if they had been charging us double for electricity since Pastor Wring had moved the church into the Hotel many years before.
Again, to make a long story short, they had indeed charged us double for electricity and it amounted to enough to pay the back taxes, with thousands of dollars left over to do some very badly needed repairs to the old hotel. I’ve said many times that God said, “Oh me! These dumb Americans, especially that Southern Hick from Alabama, are going to get themselves into financial trouble. I better start them a saving account.” And He did.
Who was in control; the German government? Electric Company? German IRS? Satan? No, to all of the above! God was in control!
We might not have seen His hand at work. We might have even wondered if God had forgotten us. But He knew what was going on with the German government and He was in control. We read in Proverbs 21:1 “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” He was working things out according to His plans. And, His plans are always right and pure. We read in Psalm 145:17 “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.”
Proverbs 5:21 “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.”
I don’t know what you are going through. I don’t know what you are facing. I do know that God is aware of everything in your life and He has a plan for your life and He’s still on the throne. I also know that He is faithful to accomplish that which is good for you and will bring glory to Himself. You can count on that! He is faithful - I Peter 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Trust Him. He’ll never let you down.
It may seem as if our nation is under the control of Satan. But don’t let circumstances fool you. Satan is not in control. Obama is not in control. Neither are the Dems or the G.O.P. God is in control.
That’s my view: how about you?
Monday, April 12, 2010
OUR FREEDOM
Here in America we take our freedom for granted. I read a quote from George Otis: “In America the most important thing is that people have freedom. In restricted countries the most important thing is what people do with freedom.”
I think there’s a question we have to answer. What are we going to do with this freedom which has been passed down to us and for which many have given their lives? Are we going to pass it on to our children and grandchildren? Are we going to lose it or let it be taken away? I think that’s a very important subject to consider.
When I lived in Germany I found out that there were restrictions we did not even know about. One day one of our singles decided to cut the grass in the backyard of the church at 1:00 p.m. We found out that Germany had a “quiet” law for two hours after lunch. We also started to cut down a tree on our property and found out that you have to have permission from the government to do that. Those are only two that I’ll mention at this time.
You say, Preacher, that would never happen in America! Oh, no! Just think back to freedoms you have lost in your life time. Think about how big government has gotten in the last 25 years. Schools can’t give your child an aspirin without your permission, but they can give them condoms and even recommend abortions in some cases. Public education is funded with government money so government dictates the policies and educational materials, without your permission.
We are losing more and more control over our children, our businesses and just about everything else in life. America had better wake up!
But there’s another freedom we have to consider, and that’s the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Before we were saved we were in bondage. We were in bondage to sin. We read in Romans 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” We were in bondage but Christ has made us free. We read also in verse 21 of that same 8th chapter “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
I’m thankful for the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. We’re no longer under sin, the law or Satan. We have been set free. Through the work of Christ on the cross, the demand of God has been met. The work of Grace has made us a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17). But what is our responsibility now? What are we going to do with that freedom or liberty that we have in Christ Jesus?
Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” There would be some who would put us back under some kind of law. It might be some list of do’s and don’ts that they say demonstrate spiritual maturity. It could be the bondage of our conscience because they mock some personal standards we might have in our own life. Whatever it might be, Paul is saying don’t get back under some kind of bondage. You have been set free. Praise the Lord!
But there is a contrasting thought here. We also have a responsibility to a weaker brother. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.” I’m not talking about a Pharisee who sits off to the side making judgments on your actions. If you’ll remember, Christ never cut the Pharisees any slack whatsoever. No, I’m talking a weaker brother who has not come to the place of resting in the Grace we have in Christ Jesus. If our liberty would lead him to violate his conscience and cause him to stumble in his Christian life, then it would be better if we limit our liberty for his sake.
There are some things that my wife and I practice or could practice because we have determined through study of the Word of God that we have liberty to do so. Some may differ with us on those practices and we know it. Therefore, we limit our practices for the moment, or all together. We have liberty, but we do not want to cause anyone to stumble because of our actions. Our concern for others is more important than our freedom. Paul wrote in Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” We want to help others grow, not cause a stumbling block.
Our responsibility doesn’t stop with us not being entangled again in bondage or not causing someone to stumble. You are I are called to be a witness to the lost world around us. How does witnessing and freedom and liberty fit together? I believe there are two ways to witness: Life Style & Lip Service. Our life style is demonstrated by the two things we have just talked about. Of course there is much more involved in our life style, but for this discussion let’s limit it to the two. Remember though, no one ever gets saved by watching your life style. Your life style only opens up the opportunity for you to be a verbal witness of the freedom and liberty that comes through Jesus Christ. You and I must be faithful to this responsibility to tell people why we have this freedom and liberty and how they can experience the same in their life by repenting of their sin and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
That’s my view; what about you?
I think there’s a question we have to answer. What are we going to do with this freedom which has been passed down to us and for which many have given their lives? Are we going to pass it on to our children and grandchildren? Are we going to lose it or let it be taken away? I think that’s a very important subject to consider.
When I lived in Germany I found out that there were restrictions we did not even know about. One day one of our singles decided to cut the grass in the backyard of the church at 1:00 p.m. We found out that Germany had a “quiet” law for two hours after lunch. We also started to cut down a tree on our property and found out that you have to have permission from the government to do that. Those are only two that I’ll mention at this time.
You say, Preacher, that would never happen in America! Oh, no! Just think back to freedoms you have lost in your life time. Think about how big government has gotten in the last 25 years. Schools can’t give your child an aspirin without your permission, but they can give them condoms and even recommend abortions in some cases. Public education is funded with government money so government dictates the policies and educational materials, without your permission.
We are losing more and more control over our children, our businesses and just about everything else in life. America had better wake up!
But there’s another freedom we have to consider, and that’s the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Before we were saved we were in bondage. We were in bondage to sin. We read in Romans 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” We were in bondage but Christ has made us free. We read also in verse 21 of that same 8th chapter “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
I’m thankful for the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. We’re no longer under sin, the law or Satan. We have been set free. Through the work of Christ on the cross, the demand of God has been met. The work of Grace has made us a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17). But what is our responsibility now? What are we going to do with that freedom or liberty that we have in Christ Jesus?
Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” There would be some who would put us back under some kind of law. It might be some list of do’s and don’ts that they say demonstrate spiritual maturity. It could be the bondage of our conscience because they mock some personal standards we might have in our own life. Whatever it might be, Paul is saying don’t get back under some kind of bondage. You have been set free. Praise the Lord!
But there is a contrasting thought here. We also have a responsibility to a weaker brother. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.” I’m not talking about a Pharisee who sits off to the side making judgments on your actions. If you’ll remember, Christ never cut the Pharisees any slack whatsoever. No, I’m talking a weaker brother who has not come to the place of resting in the Grace we have in Christ Jesus. If our liberty would lead him to violate his conscience and cause him to stumble in his Christian life, then it would be better if we limit our liberty for his sake.
There are some things that my wife and I practice or could practice because we have determined through study of the Word of God that we have liberty to do so. Some may differ with us on those practices and we know it. Therefore, we limit our practices for the moment, or all together. We have liberty, but we do not want to cause anyone to stumble because of our actions. Our concern for others is more important than our freedom. Paul wrote in Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” We want to help others grow, not cause a stumbling block.
Our responsibility doesn’t stop with us not being entangled again in bondage or not causing someone to stumble. You are I are called to be a witness to the lost world around us. How does witnessing and freedom and liberty fit together? I believe there are two ways to witness: Life Style & Lip Service. Our life style is demonstrated by the two things we have just talked about. Of course there is much more involved in our life style, but for this discussion let’s limit it to the two. Remember though, no one ever gets saved by watching your life style. Your life style only opens up the opportunity for you to be a verbal witness of the freedom and liberty that comes through Jesus Christ. You and I must be faithful to this responsibility to tell people why we have this freedom and liberty and how they can experience the same in their life by repenting of their sin and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
That’s my view; what about you?
Monday, April 5, 2010
TEMPTING GOD
Psalm 78:54-56 “And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:”
The nation of Israel is brought to “the border of his sanctuary”, or the land which was the promised land. It is also called “this mountain” because it was mountainous compared to the almost level land of Egypt from which God had brought them. God had delivered, had given them the land and gave them a dwelling place. But what did they do? They tempted and provoked God.
How did they tempt and provoke God? Notice verses 56-57 “. . . and kept not his testimonies: But turned back and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: . . .” Along with disobedience, they looked back and practiced the same shameful actions as did their fathers. A horse produces a horse; a sheep produces a sheep; enough said. They looked back in their mind and disobeyed God after all He had done for them.
There are times in which the child of God should look backward. If we don’t look back ever so often, we forget what God has done in our lives. I was talking to one of the men who had been in the American Military Church I had pastored in Germany and we were talking about what had happened in his life. We were looking back. It was a joy to look back and remember how he had gotten saved and started his journey of growth. He was so excited about what God had done for him and every Sunday he would share some new experiences. I’m glad today he has that same excitement. It was good to look back.
In the early part of the Bible, God had to exhort the nation of Israel to “remember” and “not forget” what He had done for them in their history. Israel, like us, was very quick to forget the many blessings God had poured out on them. So, it’s good for us to take a moment and reflect upon the goodness of Almighty God in our life. As I approach my 70th birthday (May 19 in case you want to know), I find myself looking back and being amazed at all that has happened in my life. I remember when I got saved at the age of 8 and was baptized by Dr. Lee Roberson at the great Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I remember the great people who impacted my life for the glory of God. I remember how God worked in a wonderful way and brought my beautiful wife into my life. I remember the great days of training at Tennessee Temple Schools. I remember the great ministries God allowed me to be a part of. I rejoice over the many people in those great works who have made an impact upon my life. It’s good to look back lest I forget how God has worked in my life and blessed me beyond measure.
There is nothing wrong with looking back but there is only one direction for the child of God, and that is forward. There is no reverse in the transmission of the believer and there is no reason for the child of God to be satisfied with the status quo.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
We also read in Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
The Christian should always be moving forward (onward and upward) studying, applying, growing more like the Lord in your life. We’re commanded to do so. II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 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.” Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, . . .”
When we know what we’re supposed to do and don’t, that’s sin. James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
This is serious. Warren Wiersbe writes, “How do you tempt God? When you deliberately disobey Him and dare Him to do something. You are not walking in ignorance - you know what you are doing. To tempt God means to sin with your eyes wide open. This provokes Him.”
God wants us to move forward in our Christian journey. On this week after we have just celebrated the resurrection of our Lord, this is a good time for us to look back momentarily, and then recommit to follow Him and go forward for the glory of God.
That’s my view; what about you!
The nation of Israel is brought to “the border of his sanctuary”, or the land which was the promised land. It is also called “this mountain” because it was mountainous compared to the almost level land of Egypt from which God had brought them. God had delivered, had given them the land and gave them a dwelling place. But what did they do? They tempted and provoked God.
How did they tempt and provoke God? Notice verses 56-57 “. . . and kept not his testimonies: But turned back and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: . . .” Along with disobedience, they looked back and practiced the same shameful actions as did their fathers. A horse produces a horse; a sheep produces a sheep; enough said. They looked back in their mind and disobeyed God after all He had done for them.
There are times in which the child of God should look backward. If we don’t look back ever so often, we forget what God has done in our lives. I was talking to one of the men who had been in the American Military Church I had pastored in Germany and we were talking about what had happened in his life. We were looking back. It was a joy to look back and remember how he had gotten saved and started his journey of growth. He was so excited about what God had done for him and every Sunday he would share some new experiences. I’m glad today he has that same excitement. It was good to look back.
In the early part of the Bible, God had to exhort the nation of Israel to “remember” and “not forget” what He had done for them in their history. Israel, like us, was very quick to forget the many blessings God had poured out on them. So, it’s good for us to take a moment and reflect upon the goodness of Almighty God in our life. As I approach my 70th birthday (May 19 in case you want to know), I find myself looking back and being amazed at all that has happened in my life. I remember when I got saved at the age of 8 and was baptized by Dr. Lee Roberson at the great Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I remember the great people who impacted my life for the glory of God. I remember how God worked in a wonderful way and brought my beautiful wife into my life. I remember the great days of training at Tennessee Temple Schools. I remember the great ministries God allowed me to be a part of. I rejoice over the many people in those great works who have made an impact upon my life. It’s good to look back lest I forget how God has worked in my life and blessed me beyond measure.
There is nothing wrong with looking back but there is only one direction for the child of God, and that is forward. There is no reverse in the transmission of the believer and there is no reason for the child of God to be satisfied with the status quo.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
We also read in Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
The Christian should always be moving forward (onward and upward) studying, applying, growing more like the Lord in your life. We’re commanded to do so. II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 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.” Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, . . .”
When we know what we’re supposed to do and don’t, that’s sin. James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
This is serious. Warren Wiersbe writes, “How do you tempt God? When you deliberately disobey Him and dare Him to do something. You are not walking in ignorance - you know what you are doing. To tempt God means to sin with your eyes wide open. This provokes Him.”
God wants us to move forward in our Christian journey. On this week after we have just celebrated the resurrection of our Lord, this is a good time for us to look back momentarily, and then recommit to follow Him and go forward for the glory of God.
That’s my view; what about you!
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