Smells are Free -- 04.08.13
We had about an hour before our plane left, so my wife and I wandered around the airport looking into the various shops along the concourse. All of a sudden our attention was arrested by a wonderful aroma coming from somewhere. We quickly discovered that the bakery-like aroma came from a little shop that sold kolaches. As I understand, these delicious pastries originate somewhere in Eastern Europe; perhaps Hungary or Poland. My wife and I just had to try one of these delicious looking delicacies. We decided on the sausage and jalapeño kolache. The smell was so inviting and the taste was so good. Promising ourselves that we would definitely return sometime soon, we turned to leave the little airport kolache shop. Just then I noticed a sign posted near the menu. It read simply: “smells are free”.
Paul told the believers in Corinth that they were to spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ (2 Cor. 2:14). In verse 15 he exhorts:“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing”. Our lives should have such an aroma of Christlikeness that those around us would have a desire to taste for themselves the goodness of Christ.
I wonder what kind of aroma is coming from our lives. Is it delightful and delicious or is it stale or even a little spoiled? Do others pick up the inviting smell of kindness, love, and godliness wafting up from our character? Do they inhale deeply that wonderful fragrance that we have picked up by spending time in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Smells truly are free. And you and I have a delightful duty to freely share everywhere we go, the fragrance of Christ.
Paul told the believers in Corinth that they were to spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ (2 Cor. 2:14). In verse 15 he exhorts:“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing”. Our lives should have such an aroma of Christlikeness that those around us would have a desire to taste for themselves the goodness of Christ.
I wonder what kind of aroma is coming from our lives. Is it delightful and delicious or is it stale or even a little spoiled? Do others pick up the inviting smell of kindness, love, and godliness wafting up from our character? Do they inhale deeply that wonderful fragrance that we have picked up by spending time in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Smells truly are free. And you and I have a delightful duty to freely share everywhere we go, the fragrance of Christ.
Warriors and Lamps -- 02.04.13
King David led the Israelites to many victories. This warrior king inspired confidence and courage by his presence on the battlefield. Yet there came a time when David’s physical abilities began to wane. One time when he was advanced in years he attempted to defeat a giant by the name of Ishbi-Benob. During the battle David grew faint. Thanks to the aid of Abishai, the giant was defeated. David’s faithful men then got together and counseled David not to come to the front lines of the battlefield any more. Their reason is given in 2 Samuel 21:17: “Then the men of David swore to him, saying, "You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel”. Once David’s military prowess was sung about in the streets, now his value as a lamp was considered indispensable.
The cause of Christ needs young warriors with their energy, enthusiasm, and strength. The church needs those who are willing to go out to battle. But I feel that we need the lamps of Israel just as much. We desperately need the advice, counsel, and encouragement of those who have loved the Lord and lived for Him. We dare not quench the lamps of those who have been on the narrow road for a long time. We need their wisdom and insight to guide us through the fog of doctrinal compromise and passing religious fads. A healthy church will recognize the value of both the warriors and the lamps. Younger believers should seek out the counsel and advice of the senior saints, and the elders in the congregation should appreciate the energy and vision of youth.
David, the old soldier did go home. But he did not go to sulk away his later years. In his sunset years he grew in his relationship with God. He prepared for the building of the temple, and he trained musicians and arranged psalms for the worship of God.
Perhaps the warrior in you is growing a little faint, but your value to the cause of Christ does not have to diminish. Ask God to help you to become a “lamp in Israel”.
The cause of Christ needs young warriors with their energy, enthusiasm, and strength. The church needs those who are willing to go out to battle. But I feel that we need the lamps of Israel just as much. We desperately need the advice, counsel, and encouragement of those who have loved the Lord and lived for Him. We dare not quench the lamps of those who have been on the narrow road for a long time. We need their wisdom and insight to guide us through the fog of doctrinal compromise and passing religious fads. A healthy church will recognize the value of both the warriors and the lamps. Younger believers should seek out the counsel and advice of the senior saints, and the elders in the congregation should appreciate the energy and vision of youth.
David, the old soldier did go home. But he did not go to sulk away his later years. In his sunset years he grew in his relationship with God. He prepared for the building of the temple, and he trained musicians and arranged psalms for the worship of God.
Perhaps the warrior in you is growing a little faint, but your value to the cause of Christ does not have to diminish. Ask God to help you to become a “lamp in Israel”.
Grace and Peace -- 01.14.13
It was a perfect day as I sat on the beach viewing the Gulf of Mexico. Children were playing and the gulls were scouting for bits of leftovers. It was the first day of the new year and I was enjoying the beauty of God’s creation and the delight of God’s Word. The verse in 1 Thessalonians seemed to jump out at me as if I were reading it for the very first time. The last part of 1 Thessalonians 1:1 spoke to my heart: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ”. That verse of scripture seemed to be like a personal message to me as I began a new year in walking with the Lord. God the Father, and Christ my Savior was giving me two valuable gifts: grace and peace. I’m sure God knew that I would need them. The year ahead would contain its share of extreme difficulties and mind-stretching tasks. And God was reminding me that no matter how difficult the situation and how hard the trial I was assured that He would be right there with plenty of His grace to get me through it. My Lord knew that the year would also contain some pretty rough storms. I may have some physical problems or some family struggles, or financial difficulties. I was glad to find that along with plenteous grace my Father promised to supply His wonderful peace in the midst of those storms.
I rejoiced with those two gifts my Lord gave me on the first day of the year. He also gave me two physical reminders of His gifts. The warm sun I felt on my skin spoke to me of the warmth of His grace. And the gentle cooling breeze just seemed to whisper of His peace. Grace and peace are precious gifts that every believer needs, and every believer can enjoy. God not only gave them to me that day on the beach, He extends the same gifts to all of His dear children.
I rejoiced with those two gifts my Lord gave me on the first day of the year. He also gave me two physical reminders of His gifts. The warm sun I felt on my skin spoke to me of the warmth of His grace. And the gentle cooling breeze just seemed to whisper of His peace. Grace and peace are precious gifts that every believer needs, and every believer can enjoy. God not only gave them to me that day on the beach, He extends the same gifts to all of His dear children.
Are You Awake Yet? -- 01.07.13
In 2003 a man from Arkansas who had been in a coma for nineteen years suddenly woke up. Terry Wallis had been in an accident in 1984 when the car he was traveling in plunged into a creek. The driver of the car died and Mr. Wallis was found the next day comatose. On that wonderful day he regained consciousness, His first words were “Mom” and then he said “Pepsi” and then “milk”. Mr. Wallis still thought that Ronald Reagan was the president and Bill Clinton was governor of Arkansas. What a miracle, but also what a tragedy. He missed out on nineteen years of information and history, nineteen years of time away from family. But now that he is awake, Mr. Wallis is catching up on life.
What Terry Wallis endured through an accident, I’m afraid many of God’s people are experiencing because of negligence. They are living in a self-induced coma of spiritual inactivity. They are asleep to the things of God. They are unresponsive to the commands of Jesus upon their lives. Those who are in this spiritual coma are numb to the responsibilities of studying God’s Word and following the Lord closely. They are insensitive to the call to witness to those who do not know Christ. They also are asleep to joy of passionately worshiping Christ, and they are careless to the any moment return of the Savior.
Paul issues a challenge to all of God’s people who may have fallen into this coma-like sleep. He tells us in Romans 13:11:“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed”. It is high time for all of God’s people who have fallen asleep in their love for Christ to wake up. It is time for those who have stopped praying to wake up. And it is high time for those who are carelessly living in sin to wake up.
My fellow believer, Jesus is coming soon; don’t you think it is high time for you to wake up?
What Terry Wallis endured through an accident, I’m afraid many of God’s people are experiencing because of negligence. They are living in a self-induced coma of spiritual inactivity. They are asleep to the things of God. They are unresponsive to the commands of Jesus upon their lives. Those who are in this spiritual coma are numb to the responsibilities of studying God’s Word and following the Lord closely. They are insensitive to the call to witness to those who do not know Christ. They also are asleep to joy of passionately worshiping Christ, and they are careless to the any moment return of the Savior.
Paul issues a challenge to all of God’s people who may have fallen into this coma-like sleep. He tells us in Romans 13:11:“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed”. It is high time for all of God’s people who have fallen asleep in their love for Christ to wake up. It is time for those who have stopped praying to wake up. And it is high time for those who are carelessly living in sin to wake up.
My fellow believer, Jesus is coming soon; don’t you think it is high time for you to wake up?
It Is Time To Wake Up -- 12.31.12
I remember when I was a young child living at home. Every morning my mom would come into my room and shake me awake saying: “Jim, it’s time to wake up, time to get up and get ready for school”. What wakes you up in the morning? Is it an alarm clock or a radio station? Is it a beeping noise from your watch or cell phone? Perhaps it may be the sun shining through your bedroom window or an old school alarm clock called a rooster. All of us have to get up. We have work to do, places to go and obligations to fulfill.
Just as I remember mom shaking my foot, I feel that the firm grip of our Savior is on His followers and on His churches. He is shaking us trying to wake us up. I can’t help but feel that God is allowing some of the tragic events in our nation and our world to occur to call His people to awake from their sleep of carelessness and moral indifference. Economic crises are upon us, perhaps God is saying, my church it is time to wake up, look to me not to government. Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy should shake us to cry out to our creator for mercy and deliverance. Violent atrocities like the school shooting in Newtown should awaken us to the depravity and hopelessness of man without God. America’s moral climate and slide into depravity should alert the church of what the Apostle Paul called for in Rom 13:11,12: “…knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”
Do you feel the Savior’s firm hand on you shaking you awake from sleep? As we begin a new year may we as His church awake to our need to reach a lost world for Christ. May we wake up to our need of holy living, prayer, and revival. Jesus is shaking His church; saying, it is time to wake up.
Just as I remember mom shaking my foot, I feel that the firm grip of our Savior is on His followers and on His churches. He is shaking us trying to wake us up. I can’t help but feel that God is allowing some of the tragic events in our nation and our world to occur to call His people to awake from their sleep of carelessness and moral indifference. Economic crises are upon us, perhaps God is saying, my church it is time to wake up, look to me not to government. Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy should shake us to cry out to our creator for mercy and deliverance. Violent atrocities like the school shooting in Newtown should awaken us to the depravity and hopelessness of man without God. America’s moral climate and slide into depravity should alert the church of what the Apostle Paul called for in Rom 13:11,12: “…knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”
Do you feel the Savior’s firm hand on you shaking you awake from sleep? As we begin a new year may we as His church awake to our need to reach a lost world for Christ. May we wake up to our need of holy living, prayer, and revival. Jesus is shaking His church; saying, it is time to wake up.
"The Stump Grinder" -- 12.21.12
The noise was so loud outside that I just had to go see what it was. As I walked across our church parking lot I saw a crew operating a strange machine. Our church purchased some adjoining property and it contained many trees that needed to be cut down. Cutting the trees were not a problem but we also contracted with them to grind the stumps. The machine set to work on grinding down a huge stump from a banyan tree. I watched as the stump grinder chewed into the tough wood. Chips flew, the machine roared, and the men struggled as the work to destroy the remnant of this massive tree progressed. Finally, the stump grinder did the work and the stump of that invasive tree was turned to sawdust and chips.
I wonder if you and I have any invasive sins that are growing in the tender soil of our heart. Invasives tend to take over and crowd out the growth of the native species. The invasive sins of addictions, anger, bitterness, pride and sexual sins need to be rooted out. God desires for our lives to produce the fruit of the Spirit, and the beautiful graces of Christlikeness. I am so glad that we have a heavenly stump grinder. His name is the Holy Spirit and He is more than qualified to root out and grind up those growth-choking sins in our lives. His job according to scripture is to: “convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). The Spirit convicts us of the work that needs to be done. However, He is a gentleman and if you want Him to grind out those invasive sins you must invite Him onto your property to do the necessary work.
Our church property is looking much better these days. And we will be able to put that cleared land to good use now that some of those invasives are gone. Just think of the use that God can make of us if we allow the Holy Spirit stump grinder to do a work in our lives.
I wonder if you and I have any invasive sins that are growing in the tender soil of our heart. Invasives tend to take over and crowd out the growth of the native species. The invasive sins of addictions, anger, bitterness, pride and sexual sins need to be rooted out. God desires for our lives to produce the fruit of the Spirit, and the beautiful graces of Christlikeness. I am so glad that we have a heavenly stump grinder. His name is the Holy Spirit and He is more than qualified to root out and grind up those growth-choking sins in our lives. His job according to scripture is to: “convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). The Spirit convicts us of the work that needs to be done. However, He is a gentleman and if you want Him to grind out those invasive sins you must invite Him onto your property to do the necessary work.
Our church property is looking much better these days. And we will be able to put that cleared land to good use now that some of those invasives are gone. Just think of the use that God can make of us if we allow the Holy Spirit stump grinder to do a work in our lives.
"Over The Cliff" -- 12.11.12
It seems that in the last few months, the story that is dominating the news and the fear that is gripping Americans the most has been described as going over “the fiscal cliff”. If congress fails to act, automatic budgets cuts and tax increases are to go into effect at the end of the year. This will have a powerful effect on most Americans. I truly hope that a solution is brought forth very quickly.
The possibility of America going over a fiscal cliff could cause us a lot of difficulties in our daily lives. However, there is another cliff that I am far more concerned that we as a nation are in danger of going over. It is the moral cliff, and I believe we are quickly approaching the point of no return. I see evidence on every hand that we have rejected the moral principles that have made us a great nation. Part of the new health care law provides for abortion as birth control. This goes against the moral consciences of those who believe God’s Word. When people and Christian businesses object they are told they will have to comply or pay heavy fines. New state laws that legalize gay marriage and marijuana use are further evidence that America’s canoe is approaching the waterfall. Families are deteriorating and morality is disintegrating on every hand. Those who sound a warning are dismissed as haters.
A Scottish lawyer by the name of Alexander Fraser wrote something called the Fatal Sequence. It says: “from bondage to spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to selfishness; from selfishness to apathy; from apathy to dependency; from dependency back to bondage once more”. No nation can afford to ignore the warnings of scripture. The Bible tells us in Prov. 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”. Because our nation is abandoning righteous living we are becoming a reproach to God and are in danger of His judgment. We are moving very quickly down a fast flowing river of moral abandonment. Let us pray that we will turn our hearts back to the Lord soon before we go over the cliff.
The possibility of America going over a fiscal cliff could cause us a lot of difficulties in our daily lives. However, there is another cliff that I am far more concerned that we as a nation are in danger of going over. It is the moral cliff, and I believe we are quickly approaching the point of no return. I see evidence on every hand that we have rejected the moral principles that have made us a great nation. Part of the new health care law provides for abortion as birth control. This goes against the moral consciences of those who believe God’s Word. When people and Christian businesses object they are told they will have to comply or pay heavy fines. New state laws that legalize gay marriage and marijuana use are further evidence that America’s canoe is approaching the waterfall. Families are deteriorating and morality is disintegrating on every hand. Those who sound a warning are dismissed as haters.
A Scottish lawyer by the name of Alexander Fraser wrote something called the Fatal Sequence. It says: “from bondage to spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to selfishness; from selfishness to apathy; from apathy to dependency; from dependency back to bondage once more”. No nation can afford to ignore the warnings of scripture. The Bible tells us in Prov. 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”. Because our nation is abandoning righteous living we are becoming a reproach to God and are in danger of His judgment. We are moving very quickly down a fast flowing river of moral abandonment. Let us pray that we will turn our hearts back to the Lord soon before we go over the cliff.
"The Christmas Hush" -- 12.3.12
The Christmas rush is in full swing. Those who haven’t put up a tree are sorting through the remnants at the Christmas tree lots. Buyers who haven’t had time to get out and do some shopping are now feeling the pinch. Family and church activities are kicking into high gear with programs, concerts, and traveling. Parking lots are jammed, schedules are crammed and the unwary are scammed as the Christmas rush reaches full steam. It is easy to be so busy celebrating Christmas that we lose sight of what it really means. Perhaps instead of being caught up in the Christmas rush we should determine to have a Christmas hush. We should take time to ponder the awesome significance of Jesus’ birth.
Have you thought about the miracle of His birth? He was born of a virgin (Matt. 1:23). He was born as a fulfillment of prophecy (Matt. 1:22). He was not just a mere human baby but He was God in flesh (Jn. 1:14). God interrupted the natural course of events to send us His Son. The real miracle is the magnitude of God’s love for us to give us His only Son.
Have you thought about the message of His birth? Matt. 1:21 says: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins”. Luke 2:11 also says: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”. The message of Christmas is clear; a Savior is born! Yes that tiny babe in the manger became the Savior on the cross. We can be saved from our sins and have eternal life through simple faith in the message of Christmas.
Have you taken time for a Christmas hush? Have you thought of the miracle and the message of his birth? Have you paused to ponder the significance of our celebrations? Why not stop right now and thank God for that first Christmas when He sent His Son to be our Savior.
Have you thought about the miracle of His birth? He was born of a virgin (Matt. 1:23). He was born as a fulfillment of prophecy (Matt. 1:22). He was not just a mere human baby but He was God in flesh (Jn. 1:14). God interrupted the natural course of events to send us His Son. The real miracle is the magnitude of God’s love for us to give us His only Son.
Have you thought about the message of His birth? Matt. 1:21 says: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins”. Luke 2:11 also says: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”. The message of Christmas is clear; a Savior is born! Yes that tiny babe in the manger became the Savior on the cross. We can be saved from our sins and have eternal life through simple faith in the message of Christmas.
Have you taken time for a Christmas hush? Have you thought of the miracle and the message of his birth? Have you paused to ponder the significance of our celebrations? Why not stop right now and thank God for that first Christmas when He sent His Son to be our Savior.
"Leftovers" -- 11.27.12
Much of our holiday celebrations have to do with food, lots of food. We enjoy getting together with our families and putting on a feast. The table is loaded with turkey and ham, mashed potatoes and noodles, stuffing and sweet potatoes plus all kinds of pies and other desserts. When we can’t eat another bite we put the food away and for the next few days we have what is called “leftovers”. Enjoying what is left over from our original feast is economically a wise thing to do. Eventually however, we get a little tired of those leftovers and begin to crave something that is fresh.
Leftovers are not only something we serve our family after a holiday feast, I’m afraid it is also something we offer our Heavenly Father as well. It seems that we reserve the feast for ourselves and give the leftovers to God. Our Almighty God and provider deserves much better. He deserves the first of our finances not simply what we have left after everything else. He deserves our worship on the first day of the week. We should be honoring Him in praise and not use the excuse that Sunday is my only day of rest. He deserves a first priority in prayer. How many times do you collapse in bed after a long weary day and realize you haven’t even talked to God? He also deserves first place in our love and affection. We tend to give our place of employment, our families and our recreation more love than our wonderful God. Jesus said in Matt. 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”. He is instructing us to give God first place in our lives and then He will take care of our daily needs. The principle of putting God first is a key to really enjoying the Christian life.
Have you been giving God what you have left over; your leftover time, your leftover energy, your leftover devotion? Don’t you think our great God deserves so much more? Determine now to give Him your feast and not your leftovers?
Leftovers are not only something we serve our family after a holiday feast, I’m afraid it is also something we offer our Heavenly Father as well. It seems that we reserve the feast for ourselves and give the leftovers to God. Our Almighty God and provider deserves much better. He deserves the first of our finances not simply what we have left after everything else. He deserves our worship on the first day of the week. We should be honoring Him in praise and not use the excuse that Sunday is my only day of rest. He deserves a first priority in prayer. How many times do you collapse in bed after a long weary day and realize you haven’t even talked to God? He also deserves first place in our love and affection. We tend to give our place of employment, our families and our recreation more love than our wonderful God. Jesus said in Matt. 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”. He is instructing us to give God first place in our lives and then He will take care of our daily needs. The principle of putting God first is a key to really enjoying the Christian life.
Have you been giving God what you have left over; your leftover time, your leftover energy, your leftover devotion? Don’t you think our great God deserves so much more? Determine now to give Him your feast and not your leftovers?
