NEWSPAPER DEVOTIONAL ARTICLES
July - December, 2003

    These weekly articles were written by Rev Mike Jones for South Carolina Newspapers on a busy Pastor's schedule. Space was limited to around 300 words so in depth exposition is not possible.
    To receive Devotional articles like this each week via E-mail simply request them by clicking on the envelope at the right- To receive printed copies of the devotional messages in booklet form send your name and address to
        Rev Mike Jones, Minister Ministry
        2434 Allen Road, Effingham, S C 29541
[The Material is free and no follow up solicitation will follow]

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 1, 2003

    Traveling down the road recently I came around a corner and there sat a car parked in the road! I was able to quickly pull over into the other lane and miss it. The car behind me had a much more difficult time because when he pulled over he came face to face with another car coming in the opposite direction. He was just able to pass the parked car and jerk back into the proper lane.
    After I caught my breath I was able to figure out what was happening. The car parked in the road was either picking someone up or letting someone off at a church. Rather that pull into the parking lot they had decided to park in the road. This was definitely not a wise decision.
    Sometimes people realize they need something in their lives that the Church has to offer but they don’t want to get too close to the Church because they fear that will bring about a need for commitment. So they "park in the road" by sitting on the back seat of the church where they can slip in and slip out with little chance of being "caught". Or they make sure everyone knows they have come to church as spectators instead of participators. They want to enjoy the good singing or maybe get splashed with some goose bumps when a shower of blessing comes down but they don’t want to become a vital working member of the church body.
    This "parking in the road" can put people in a dangerous position. Over and over Jesus faced people like this and demanded that they make a definite commitment- either be for me or against me because if you are lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth. Jesus made it very plain that to decide not to decide was to decide.
    Come into the church parking lot and stop parking in the road. It is a lot safer place to park and it will be a lot more satisfying to your soul.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 2, 2003

    (Acts 17:22-23) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
    America today would remind Paul of his visit to Athens’ Mars’ hill. America talks a lot about God but He is a relative unknown to many people. To them God is someone you blame for a catastrophe but call on in a crisis. God’s name is a byword you use to curse other people but he is always described as a god of love.
    The Unknown God of America is a personal private god who must be excluded from all public functions but is a god who will take everyone to heaven for eternal fellowship when they die. America’s Unknown God would much rather you refresh your self at the beach each week end than worship him in a church.
    This god is really neat because he does not seem to mind how you live, how you dress, or how you talk as long as you wear a cross in your ear or around your neck. And he expects to remain unknown because no one really has time to read a bible about him or spend time in prayer talking to him.
    The problem I find with America’s Unknown God is that one day when they face him he will look at them and say, "Depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you!"

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 8, 2003

DISCIPLE DEDICATION

    Jesus did not make discipleship easy. He culled would be disciples very stringently. He knew that the most important decision in a person’s life was not something to be made lightly or flippantly. He erected barriers for would be disciples to cross in order for them to show that they really meant business about the decision they were making Instead of begging people over and over to come while the congregation sang 16 verses of "Amazing Grace" Jesus would tell would be disciples to make a sacrifice or take a stand that declared they really meant business about following Him.
    Don’t get me wrong. Jesus loved lost people and wept over them. His purpose in coming to the earth was to die for lost men. He was not against lost people getting saved; He just wanted them to make a real commitment instead of simply turning over a new leaf and hoping everything would be better in the future.
    Many people today believe that since Salvation is freely given then it is also cheaply accepted and requires no real life changing commitment. These people believe there was a man named Jesus who died to pay their sin debt and they gladly acknowledge this fact because they want the assurance of God’s presences in their problems and the peace of knowing they are going to Heaven one day. They assume, however, that this does not involve any radical life style change on their part. They don’t mind being better as long as it does not hurt their fun or inconvenience them in any way.
    Jesus called men to discipleship. He did not wash people in His blood in order for them to go right back to wallowing in the mud. A new heart was supposed to lead to a new creature in Christ. A decision was supposed to lead to dedication. Have you made that kind of decision?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 9, 2003

    De 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
    Moses, the great man of God, and the leader God had chosen to bring Israel out of bondage and into the promised land was making his farewell speech. He warned the people about the penalty for disobedience in the beginning of his speech but he ends on a high note of encouragement and confidence.
    He exhorts the people to "be strong and of good courage" and to "fear not". Good advice but how do you put it into practice in real world circumstances? The answer was very plain; "for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee". You need not fear when you walk with God!
    It all sounded good but what if God couldn’t, or wouldn’t, live up to His part of the bargain? What if they started into the battles ahead of them and suddenly found themselves without God’s help or guidance? They would be in a really bad situation.
    Many times unsaved people will tell me they want to have their sins forgiven and become a child of God but they are afraid that they will not be able to win the battles after they begin the journey. My answer to them is the same answer that Moses gave the Children of Israel, God "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee"!
    You can depend on God; and rest in His care- Glory!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 15, 2003

    I have averaged just over 1000 miles of travel per week for the past few weeks. The good news is that this week looks like it will be only 700 miles. If I am at home at all it is normally to leave early in the morning and arrive back late at night. My old fat body aches and my yard is overgrown with weeds because I have not had time to cut my grass.
    Do you know my greatest concern about all of this? My greatest fear is that not only will my yard get grassy but that my quiet time with the Lord will also get "grassy". I learned early in my Christian walk that my relationship with the Lord takes constant nourishment and upkeep or it will soon become weed infested. And the most important thing in my life now, and a million years from now, is my relationship with the Lord.
    The only thing it took for my yard to become grassy was for me to be so busy until I did not have time to cut my grass. In the same way, neglect is the great enemy of my continued close relationship with the Lord. It begins with a morning so busy until I don’t have time for prayer and Bible study and ends with a night so tired until I either fall asleep in the middle of the Bible reading or force my way through the chapter without the ability to tell you a single thing I have just read.
    The Lord willing, I will find time this week to cut my grass. And with God’s help and grace, I have been able to put my early morning appointment with God in a place of top priority. If your busy summer has allowed "grass" to spring up in your relationship with the Lord then let me encourage you to get things back in order quickly. After all, thick grass is where the snakes like to live; and that can be dangerous for you and for those around you.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 16, 2003

    It started out innocently enough. A Pastor was not feeling well so he went to his regular doctor. This doctor thought the problem may be related to something in the heart so he scheduled a visit to a heart specialist. Time and date were set and the Pastor went back to his normal duties until his scheduled appointment.
    The day of the appointment the Pastor arrived at the Heart Doctor’s office a few minutes early for his morning appointment only to find that there had been a mix up and the Doctor would not even be in the office until that afternoon. If the Pastor drove all the way back home he would arrive home just in time to turn around and start the trip back so his whole day is now shot as he has to "waste" the morning waiting for an afternoon appointment.
    He came by my office to kill some of that time. In the course of our conversation he mentioned he needed to go to a local building supply place in order to get something for his wife. For the past 3 years I have occupied an office that is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter because the only vent in the room pours it’s air out of the door without getting into the rest of the room. He noticed that so he purchased a vent that would direct the air into the back of the room. What a difference!
    Maybe life will throw you a curve today. Just remember that God can take bad things and turn them into good events if we just listen to His voice and follow His directions.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 22, 2003

    Sadly, today there are some people who "have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof" (2 Tim 3:5). They follow the "Christian" religion but they know very little about the Christ whom it is established upon. To them, the standards of society as exemplified in American culture and preferences are the basis of their "Christian" values. For example, regardless of what the Bible declares about sexual and homosexual conduct, they believe it is right or wrong based upon news reports and the way it is presented in tv shows and movies. To them, if it is accepted by American Society then it is "Christian".
    Real Christianity, however, has Christ at it’s heart. Christians are people who have come to Christ realizing that there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved except the name of Christ (Acts 4:12). Christ is not a way that may be as good or better than some other way; He is THE WAY and there is no other way that will lead to Heaven.
    Having come to Christ these Christians now call on Christ for help. We make our prayers in the name of Jesus knowing this means more than just adding "in Jesus name" on the end of our prayers. We believe that Christ is in Heaven on our behalf and we can face anything that life sends our ways because He is providing the help and support we need.
    Finally, real Christianity is about conforming to the image of Christ. You come to Him for salvation, you call on Him for help and strength, and you conform to Him by letting the mind of Christ drive your thinking and the heart of Christ drive your actions.
    Christlike Christianity is one of the most marvelous marvels in the universe. Don’t get trapped into accepting a pale imitation that just makes you miserable. Real Christianity promises abundant life and everlasting life; and it surely will change your life!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 23, 2003

    Sharing your faith is one of the most important parts of the Christian life yet many Christians live with a constant guilty feeling of failure in this area. They want to tell others about the joy and peace they have found in Christ but their fear of saying the wrong thing or of not being able to answer questions causes them to shy away from sharing their faith.
    Here are three "Heaven Questions" that are easy to remember and yet they deal with some of the most important areas of concern.
    1) [Are you a Christian?]- "If you died today and the guard at the gate of Heaven asked you what gives you the right to think you can enter into Heaven, what would you answer him?" Every answer except faith in Christ is, of course, wrong so you can show them the importance of trusting Christ for Salvation.
    2) [Do you have Assurance?]- "Do you ever wonder if you will really go to Heaven when you die?" Many people allow their feelings or emotions to dictate their salvation assurance. They need to clearly understand that "the Just shall live by faith". Christ paid the price and we rest in that fact.
    3) [Do you witness to others?]- "When you get to Heaven do you expect to see others there that you have invited?" You cannot be Christlike without caring about the lost.
    Heaven is a wonderful place and I’m glad I’m going. Are you? Are you inviting others?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 29, 2003

    America claims to be a Christian nation but it is known throughout the world as "the great Satan" because of the moral values we exemplify and export. There is something wrong with that picture!
    On my first tour of duty in Viet Nam I was one of the first people to go into Sidney, Australia for Rest and Relaxation. The town accepted us like heroes. Everyone greeted us with a friendly smile and I was often invited into homes for meals and conversation. Nearly a year later, on my second tour of duty in Viet Nam, I really looked forward to going to Sidney again for "R and R". When I arrived I found that People would spit on you in the street and treat you like you had the plague. Over a million soldiers had passed through Sidney since my first visit and their actions and attitudes had tremendously changed the way the people of Sidney looked at Americans.
    If America is to be a light on a hill to show the world the way to avoid the rocks of ungodly living then we must get our own house in order. Christians must start living like Christians so that the purity of their lives, the prayers from their heart, and the pennies from their pocketbook will make a difference in their community; and eventually make a difference in the movies and TV shows coming from America.
    It hurts my heart that people all over the world whom we are trying to help call America, "the Great Satan". It hurts me even more to realize that in many ways that is exactly what we portray to them. America has great people with big hearts but if all the world sees of us are fast cars, nude women, money hungry business men, and arrogant "bad dudes" then we will never lead them to believe that Christ is the answer to their need. And that will be America’s greatest failure ever.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 30, 2003

    Isn’t it funny how a man will go into a dark, dirty, smoke filled bar where he will pluck down his entire pay check buying beer and alcohol all the while exclaiming to all who will listen that the Church is nothing but a racket filled with money hungry preachers trying to get his money? And isn’t it funny that the same man will come home to a desperately sick wife and instead of calling all his drinking buddies he will get on the phone and call the local preacher asking for financial and prayer help?
    Isn’t it funny how liberal politicians will wax eloquent in speeches and pass law after law to separate everything in America from any contact with, or mention of, God and yet these same politicians will be the first to call for prayer and divine intervention when the nation is faced with a crisis? They don’t want God until they need God.
    Isn’t it funny how some Church Members sing about being ready for the rapture and how they can’t wait to get to Heaven where they will be with God forever and yet they look for any excuse to miss being in God’s house on Sunday? Eternity with God would be nice but if Sunday worship goes five minutes past twelve then anger replaces exaltation!
    Isn’t it funny that there is nothing funny about all of the things we have talked about? It is simply heartbreaking to realize that God is as near as a whispered prayer but He is so far from many people until they will miss His calling voice forever.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 5, 2003

    It had been a good time of fellowship. Two Pastors met exiting the hospital and decided to get a cup of coffee together. The closest place for a sit down cup of coffee and some fellowship was a nearby mall so they decided to ride together in the first Pastor’s new truck. The coffee was good and the fellowship was great.
    When they exited the mall and walked to the truck they found that the key did not want to work. Thinking because it was a new truck that he might have the wrong key he tried the other key on the ring. Sure enough it worked. When they got into the truck they found that neither key would work in the ignition. The Pastor was really aggravated that his new truck was already causing him problems. Just then the other Pastor looked around and began asking about some packages located in this truck. That was when they finally realized they were in someone else’s truck!
    The truck was the right color and in almost the same place they have left their truck. One of the keys had even opened the door. But it was not where they needed to be. The wrong key had worked but it was not the right key!
    Many people are looking for the right way to get to God. Sometimes they try a key (socially accepted works, sacrificial giving, turning over new leaves, etc.) and it seems to work at first but when they try to start the power that will carry them forward they find they have the wrong key. They can sit there and keep trying keys or they can realize they are in the wrong place and move to the right vehicle. And wouldn’t it be awful if God came back and found you sitting in the wrong vehicle instead of working for Him!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 6, 2003

    Several years ago, before air conditioners were common in churches, a pastor and his family were driving to Church. Heat and humidity had already begun to cause perspiration to pour with every movement. Just as he got ready to leave the car the Pastor reached over into the seat, grabbed his wadded up handkerchief, put it into his coat pocket, and proceeded into church.
    During the announcements and early preliminaries he noticed people looking at him in an unusual way but he couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Soon after his sermon began he felt the need to wipe the perspiration from his brow. He reached into his pocket for his handkerchief and began to wipe his face. As soon as he did he realized something was wrong. He looked at his handkerchief and found that instead of stuffing a handkerchief into his pocket he had accidentally picked up his wife’s panty hose! Now he knew why people looked so strange at him as he walked around with a pair of women’s hose hanging from his pocket!
    Most of us face some hot situations in life. Make sure that what you pick up to help your situation does not make a hot situation even hotter! Don’t allow the advice of television personalities or flash in the pan counselor books to cause you to pick up "hosiery" that will make your situation worst and embarrass you instead of heeding the eternal unchanging word of God.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 12, 2003

    I missed going to Prayer Meeting at Church recently. I was not mad with the preacher or with anyone else at the Church. I didn’t decide to miss simply because I was lazy or tired. There was nothing on TV that I thought was more important than meeting with God’s people and sharing a time of prayer and Bible Study. In fact, none of the usual excuses that people use would apply to this situation.
    I missed going to Prayer Meeting because I loved the people of God so much until I put their welfare ahead of my own desire for fellowship and spiritual nourishment. You see, I had a really bad cold on Prayer Meeting night. My fever would have spread the cold and my coughing would have greatly disturbed the services so I gave up my enjoyment of the services for the benefit of the rest of the congregation; but I surely did miss being in service!
    Sometimes we show our love for God and His people by what we do not do instead of by what we do. Paul said that he really enjoyed eating meat and saw nothing wrong in eating the good meat available to him but he gave up eating meat in order to help the weaker brethren. In the same way, we must realize there are some things we need to give up for the good of others.
    Let’s apply this principle. Some clothing worn to church may be comfortable for the person wearing it but it proves distracting and a hindrance to many others in the service. Sometimes we hear some really juicy gossip about a Church Member. The flesh cries out for us to tell others about this person’s failures but if our talk is not part of the solution then we are only adding to the problem. Do you begin to see the picture?
    Sometimes you show your love for God and His Church by what you do not do as much as by what you do.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 13, 2003

    Eternal Matters matter. Society is increasingly focusing on what feels good at the moment instead of what is important for eternity. And this narrow view of life has begun to impact even the children of God and the work of the Church.
    When the 2500 Free Will Baptists Churches in American met in July for our annual convention we did not have a prolonged agonizing debate about ordaining homosexual men into the ministry. We simply looked at the eternal word of God and saw where God said that such behavior was sinful and needed to be condemned and we acted accordingly. We did not try to assess the feelings of the people involved in this sinful activity and try to find a way to tell them it was right for them at the moment. Telling them their sinful activity was all right might bring them "comfort" at the moment but it would be of no value when they stood before the condemnation of God. Eternal Matters matter.
    It is amazing to see how many people are zealous to defend wrong acts between people by saying that "love" at the moment is more important than past denouncements and future judgments. Yet the God of Love the Apostle John writes about brings the Bible to an end by devoting an entire book to the revelation of God’s coming judgment upon men who will not repent of their sinful behavior and give priority to eternal matters. God declares that Eternal Matters matter. Do they matter to you?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 19, 2003

    One of the most horrible descriptions given for the final punishment of those who rebel against God and fail to accept the mercy and grace He so freely offers is the term "Lake of Fire". It is found only 4 times in the Bible; all toward the end of Revelation:
    Re 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
    Re 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
    Re 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
    Re 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
    These verses show us the occupants of the Lake of Fire: The beast (Antichrist), the false prophet, the devil, the occupants of "death and hell" (Those previously assigned to a place of punishment who are now place in a permanent punishment), and whosoever was not found written in the book of life (those who refused to accept God’s pardon for their sins paid for by the shed blood of Christ).
    They also show us the horror of the Lake of Fire: Cast alive into the lake (a living death), tormented day and night for ever and ever (never ending pain and vexation), and the second death (the first death is when the spirit leaves the body, the second death is when the soul is eternally separated from God).
    Is this "lake of fire" of any concern to YOU today? Does it mean anything to your future and should you make preparation to avoid it? Up to you. Just remember, "whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire".

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 20, 2003

    Some people believe that Hell is Figurative (Just a way to say God will punish those who do not obey Him). Some people believe that Hell is False (To them, death ends it all for those who disobey God). But those of us who read the Bible know that Hell is Fire and it is real because Jesus talked about Hell almost twice as much as He did about Heaven.
    For a Christian, the Horror of Hell burdens us about a lost and dying world and the Hopelessness of anyone getting out of Hell once they get there motivates us to tell everyone about God’s provided way out of Hell, faith in Jesus Christ. But the battle is difficult because Hell has its helpers also.
    One of the best Helpers in Hell’s army is Pride. Pride in their ability causes men to seek to work their way out of Hell while failing to realize that all their good works are as filthy rags before God. Pride in their social standing causes men to resist admitting they are sinners that need God’s mercy and grace.
    Another Helper for Hell is Pharisees. Self righteous church people who are more concerned with their program than they are with people end up driving people away from the very God who holds out loving arms to receive them.
    But the greatest Helper Hell has is called "Putting Off making a decision". The highway to Hell is paved with good intentions; none of which will make a difference in your destination!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 26, 2003

    Several times in Scripture God talks about "blotting" a person's name out of the book of life- "And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Exo 32:33). "Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they." (Deu 9:14). "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels" (Rev 3:5). In both the Hebrew and the Greek, the word "Blot" means to "Rub out" or to "erase". That means that God's pencil has an eraser on it!
    What would bring God to the place of saying He would erase your name from the book of Life? In the Old Testament cases, it was the continued rebellion against God’s laws and the rejection of God’s leadership that caused Him to look at His eraser. In the New Testament God is describing the last ages of the Church. To one Church He talks about erasing their name from the book of life, to another He talks about closing doors so that noone can open them, and, finally, He talks about people making Him so sick until He vomits them out of His mouth. In the end, Christ is seen standing outside the door of the Church knocking, requesting entrance.
    Again, it appears that these people had turned away from God’s ways to such a degree that the breach in fellowship caused God to look at the eraser end of His pencil. Remember this, when a person repents of sin and accepts Christ as Savior he is placed in the protective hand of God and nobody or no thing can take him out of that hand. The only way to get out is for that person to walk out themselves. This should never happen; and it never will, unless you start allowing circumstances or the pull of sin to distort or destroy your faith in Christ.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 27, 2003

    One of the most awful things anyone could ever do is to begin to follow the Lord and then fall away from the faith- (2 Peter 2:21) For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
    Normally, it is one of three circumstances that causes a person to begin the Christian race and then fall by the wayside:
    1) Some LOOK BACK- Lot’s wife looked back while escaping Sodom. Jesus warned that " No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62). These are people who allow the pull of their former life to draw them away from God and back into sin.
    2) Some TURN BACK- The children of Israel came to the very door of the promised land but, instead of trusting God for the victory, "in their hearts they turned back again into Egypt," (Acts 7:39) and died in the desert instead of lived in the promised land. Fear overcame Faith and victory turned into defeat.
    3) Some DRAW BACK- (Heb 10:38) "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Faced with trails and unexplained circumstances these people decided to return to ceremonies they could see instead of maintaining faith in the clear teaching of the Bible.
    If you are looking back then you are not going forward; and that is a bad way to be looking when you meet God!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 2, 2003

    At first he was only known to his family and a few close friends. But God’s call was on his life, Christ’s love was in his heart, and a work for God needed to be built. Soon his sermons, his caring personality, and his stand for God’s word drew a group of people to attend the Church God led him to begin.
    He was there when babies were born and when death paid its visits. Many were united in marriage under his ministry and many marriages were kept together by his counsel and sermons. He fed the sheep when they came to church and looked for lost lambs when they missed the services. And, best of all, many lives and eternal destinies were changed because of his clear presentation of the gospel of Christ.
    One day his Lord said his duty was done and an angel escort came to carry him from the hospital to heaven. But his family needed comfort and people needed a way to express their love for his life and ministry so a funeral was held. The church was packed and the overflow rooms were filled. Testimony after testimony was given about the impact of this man and his ministry upon the lives of people.
    Few knew him when he arrived but most of the city and surrounding community knew when he left. Preacher Buck made an impact because he was faithful to Christ who redeemed him and to the God who called him to be a shepherd of one of God’s flocks. He made a difference in the lives of many because he lived for God. Do you?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, Sept 3, 2003

    Don’t run your mouth at work about how this country is going to pot because they are taking the Ten Commandments out of an Alabama Courthouse unless you have a copy of the Ten Commandments prominently displayed in your home. If the Ten Commandments are important (and they are!) then they should be a part of YOUR life.
    Don’t hoot and holler in Church about how the Atheist are taking over this country by taking prayer and Bible reading out of the public schools unless you have daily family prayer and Bible reading in your home. If prayer and Bible reading are important (and they are!) then they should be a part of YOUR life.
    Don’t cry and complain about how the moral climate in America is so bad until God will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah if He does not bring His judgment upon our country if you pay extra to have HBO and Showtime so you can watch "Sex in the City" and soft core pornography in the privacy of your own home. If godly moral standards are important (and they are!) then they should be a part of YOUR life.
    Don’t tell me you love God whom you have not seen and then spend all day running down your brother whom you have seen (I John 4:20). Being a Christian is important. Living as a Christian is paramount- My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (I John 3:18).

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 9, 2003

    When I was a young boy growing up in Poston's Corner we didn't have all the electronic games and artificial toys that children have today so we had to invent our own methods of play. Between our house and Mr Buster's home was a swampy area grown over with thick bushes. That's where many of the kids in the neighborhood played our own version of Catch.
    Someone would be selected to be "it" and he would begin counting to 50. While he was counting the rest of us would start climbing the bushes in that swampy area. The rules of the game were very simple, if "it" caught you then you became "it". The only other rules were that you could not get out of the bushy area and you could not touch the ground.
    That was many years ago when I had a lot more energy and a lot less pounds! If those bushes still existed today then I wouldn't have a chance because if I could manage to crawl out onto the bushes they would break off with me immediately!
    I thought of that game the other day when I read (Ps 25:21) "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee." Today the two things that keep me from falling into the mud of moral failure or being captured by Satan are the integrity (righteous attitudes) of my heart and the uprightness (Holy actions) of my life. Integrity provides the spiritual energy I need to outrun Satan and staying away from the "junk food" of worldly activities keeps me from getting spiritually lazy and morally fat.
    Satan is out to catch you. Keep your heart pure and your mind above the mud and you will find there is always another "bush" to jump to any time Satan gets too close.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 10, 2003

    One of the biggest lies making the circuits today is that there is no absolute truth (And the people who tell that lie believe it to be the absolute truth!!). The truth is that God’s word is absolute truth. It is the same yesterday, today, and forever and will never pass away. Scientific certainties of today will be laughed at tomorrow but God’s word will remain steadfast and truth.
    Another common lie is that "its your body and you can do with as you want". The truth is that you are brought with a price and your body belongs to God who redeemed it. You are not the "god" of your own life and fate. You must answer to God for the way you use, or abuse, your body.
    It is also a deadly lie to believe that "you only go around once so you need to grab for all the gusto". It is true that you only have one opportunity at this life but if you think that death ends it all then you are horribly mistaken. After death comes the judgment; and after the judgment comes eternity somewhere- depending on the decision you made about God in this life. And that is the truth!
    There are many other lies out there- "there is no hope for me to change"; "everyone else is doing it so I might as well join the crowd"; and "serving God means I lose all my fun". The truth is that all these "truths" are lies.
    Don’t build your life on untrue "truths". Look into God’s word and find permanent truths that last forever.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 16, 2003

    Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he will give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:4). Isn’t that a wonderful promise! God has declared that if we will "delight" ourselves in Him that He will give us what we want. If this is true (and it is a promise from God!), why do so many Christians live in spiritual and physical poverty?
    Maybe the answer is found in the meaning of the word "desire". It comes from a Hebrew word meaning soft or pliable. It carries the idea of being yielded. It does not mean to be happy about the fact that God is God; it means to be submitted to God’s design and plan in order that your desires are part of God’s purpose.
    This is very clear if you look at the verse before and the verse after this verse-(Psalms 37:3) Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (Psalms 37:5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. The word "Trust" means to find a refuge in someone or some place and the word "Commit" means to roll your burdens onto something or someone. All of these show a reliance on, and a dependence in, God’s care and ability.
    What a joy and peace comes into your life when the desires of your heart are being met. No aggravation or frustration need brother you because everything you want is being provided. Can this be possible? Is it really something that we are able to obtain? The writer of this psalm in the inspired word of God said that if we would become pliably yielded unto the Lord, that He would give us the desires of our heart. May you come to that place in your relationship with God today.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 17, 2003

    There are reasons you fail to receive answers to your prayers. God wants to bless His children but sometimes there are hindrances that will not allows His blessings to flow.

1. DISOBEDIENCE- Deut 1:43,45 "As I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord,...And ye returned and wept before the Lord; but the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear to you." Their disobedience was caused by disbelief (They believed the report of the 10 spies instead of God's Word and would not enter into the promised land.) If they had just had faith as a grain of mustard seed then they could have enjoyed the blessing of the Promised Land instead of waiting to die in the desert.

2. SECRET SIN- Ps 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." God will not grant us our request if He knows that we will use His blessings in the wrong way.

3. INDIFFERENCE- Prov 1:24,28 "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded,...Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:" Zech 7:14 "Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts:"
    If you Ignore God there may come a time when HE will ignore YOU!!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 23, 2003

(Psalms 37:23) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

    I will have to admit that I was a little excited. I was staring my first day off in many weeks right straight in the face and it sure did look good. Visions of watching a ball game or of finding a good John Wayne western dangled deliciously before my eyes. Then the phone calls came.
    A new singing group wanted a publicity picture taken. A thousand other people could have taken it but they wanted me; and, in spite of the fact that it would destroy my first free Saturday afternoon in a long time, I thought highly enough of the members of this group that I went to take the picture. After taking the picture I realized that we needed to pick up some much needed groceries and we were right at the grocery store.
    Then a call came wanting me to take pictures of a youth conference taking place that night. So much for John Wayne. But when I took the pictures I realized that something I needed to leave for my co-worker could be left with his daughter at the youth conference and that would save me a trip to his home.
    Wanting just a little free time with my wife I decided to take her out to supper. She asked her dad to join us at supper; which saved me a trip to his home since my wife had washed and ironed his Sunday clothes and needed to get them to him. And at the restaurant I noticed that one of the waitresses was a member of a local church; which meant I could give her some information her pastor had requested instead of having to drive miles out of the way that night to get it to him.
    I’m glad God can take circumstances and turn them into opportunities when He orders our steps.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 24, 2003

(1 Corinthians 4:19) But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

    Paul was pretty blunt with people. For him, Christian living was pretty much "fish or cut bait". People who were puffed up with pride about their Christianity but who did not make a difference in their family or in their community did not impact Paul at all. Puffed up speech could never replace powerful Christian living.
    People who stood up in Church and proudly proclaimed their love for God but then constantly squabbled with their family, neighbors, and other members of the church did not impress Paul. Paul felt that genuine Christianity involved more than saying the right things; it meant you lived the right way.
    The Greek-English Lexicon translates the word "Power" here as "moral power and excellence of soul". It means that real Christians cannot help making a difference in their community any more than a burning candle can help bringing light when it is placed in a dark room.
    The "moral power" of this kind of Christian does not come from his voice box but from his changed heart. He lives knowing that words tickle ears but a changed heart will help to change hearts.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 30, 2003

    Part of my job is assisting Churches to find Pastors and Pastors to find Churches. It is a difficult job because I cannot appoint anyone and if I suggest anyone I must always bear in mind that at the first sign of discontent pointed fingers will be headed in my direction. The double difficulty is that there are generally as many different desires for special qualifications for the Pastoral candidate as there are members of the pulpit committee!
    Here are some guidelines that I believe should apply to ALL Pastors in ALL Churches. I can say that because they are taken from the Apostle Peter’s description of a Pastor in I Peter 5:1-11.
    The Pastor’s Duties- Feed the flock which is among you. This means a Pastor’s sermons are not to tickle people’s ears, but to provide food for their development. He gains knowledge of what kind of food they need because he is out among his people on a regular basis.
    Secondly, He must oversee the flock: Not as job but as a calling, not motivated by money but by a desire to see God’s work go forward, and not as a dictator but as an example.
    The Pastor’s reward- when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
    The Pastor’s attitude- Toward older Pastors, respectful and seeking their counsel. Toward fellow ministers, not prideful and boastful but building the kingdom of God together. Toward life’s burdens (of which a Pastor will see plenty), cast them upon the Lord who cares for you. Toward Satan, Wary of his traps, watchful of his temptations, and warning of his tactics.
    A Pastor’s duties are demanding and his character and conduct are under constant observation but he can count on God’s strength, God’s provision, and God’s acknowledgment of His faithful service as he tends the sheep God has assigned him.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 1, 2003

    Pastors have responsibilities to their flock but congregations also have responsibilities to the Pastor. Here are a few.
    1) Help Him do his job well- One of the first church problems involved overworked ministers (Acts 6:1-4). The decision was to get others involved in the physical part of the work so that the ministers could do the job God had called them to do. The body of Christ works well when all of the body works.
    2) Realize each Pastor has different gifts and abilities- (1 Peter 4:10-11) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
    3) Don’t gossip about the Pastor- (1 Timothy 5:19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
    4) Pay him well- (1 Timothy 5:17-18) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
    A good Pastor is a valuable treasure; treat him that way.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 7, 2003

(Hosea 11:7) And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
    "Bent to Backsliding" is the Prophet’s ways of saying, "They have a tendency to wander away from God and back to their old way of life". Given the opportunity to walk with God in a way that even angels envy they turn back to wandering in the wilderness among the thorns and briars. Granted the chance to walk in God’s light they chose to turn back and resume their stumbling through the darkness of sin and self. What would cause such a "bent" in a person?
    Note the last portion of the Prophet’s message, "none at all would exalt him". The "bent to backsliding" was brought about by the person’s refusal to put God in first place in their life. Wise man Solomon wrote, "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways:" (Prov 14:14). Backsliding begins when the person starts considering their wants and desires to be more important than serving God. No wonder Jesus declared, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."(Luke 9:23).
    Is this "bent toward backsliding" really such a bad thing? After all, we are just human and its just natural for our sinful nature to attempt to draw us back into sin. It is when we consider the problems we encounter when we wander away from God- Defeat in our personal life, our work for God, and our witness for Christ. And, even more dreadful, God must turn from being our companion father into the painful position of being our chastising father.
    If you are bent toward backsliding today let me encourage you to straighten up and put God back in His rightful place. It is a tough row to hoe otherwise!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 8, 2003

(Hosea 7:11) Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.
    In God’s pleading with His people He often referred back to those who had once been faithful to Him but now walked in the way of the world. Ephraim was just such a case.
    Once a part of God’s chosen nation of Israel, Ephraim had decided to worship idols and seek their own way instead of the ways of God. Soon they had a form of godliness but denied God’s authority over their life. And, as it always happens, the chastening hand of God began to make them miserable so they would see the need of repentance and of returning to God.
    Instead of coming back to God where they could mount up with wings as eagles they decided to continue in their rebellious state and God ended up calling them "Silly Doves" without heart. Frightened and bewildered they rushed from one nation to another seeking relief and only finding more trouble.
    Are you living like a "Silly Dove"? Does life overwhelm you? Does the future frighten you? Are you constantly running from place to place seeking rest but finding promises of peace are only misty fog that melts in the harsh sun of daily reality?
    Why don’t you stop dreading life with the Doves and start flying with the Eagles? You will find a renewed heart from God is much better than a silly dove without heart.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 14, 2003

(Hebrews 8:12) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
    Isn’t it wonderful to know that the God who know everything about everyone will one day chose not to remember the bad things I have done! I call it God’s Amnesia day.
    All those times I allowed my selfish desires to lead me to do things that God did not approve of will be hid away in the sea of forgetfulness- (Micah 7:18-19) Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
    How can a just and holy God have "Amnesia" about the wrong that I have done? It is easy to understand if you know the Character of God- (Isaiah 43:25) "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." God’s very character is love and He wants the very best for all of His creation. It is not His will that sin’s wages be paid by our eternal separation from Him. His heart longs to forgive and forget.
    But God’s love cannot overwhelm His holy justice so the sins we commit cannot be simply swept under the rug. God has to have a way to have "Amnesia" that does not violate His character and His commandments. So the pure blessed Son of God paid our sin debt with His own shed blood and all who trust Him by faith can claim God’s "Amnesia" on Judgment day- for God "hast forgiven the iniquity of His people, He hast covered all their sin." (Psalms 85:2)

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 15, 2003

    A friend of mine once managed a small country store. One night he returned to the store after he had closed in order to check on some materials. Suddenly it became obvious to him that someone else was also in the store. Looking carefully revealed a broken back window so he decided to investigate further.
    In the back of the building was a store room with no windows and only a single door entrance. When my friend looked inside this room he saw a man standing very still in the corner hoping to hide in a very open space but the bare wall offered no cover for him!
    One day we will all stand before God as our judge. At that time we will know just how this man must have felt as God reveals His complete knowledge of us.
    Our idle words will be open for inspection- (Matthew 12:36) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
    Our secret actions will be revealed for public view- (Luke 12:2) For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
    Like the man in this room we will feel totally exposed- (Hebrews 4:13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. No place to run, no place to hide; unless you are covered with God’s robe of righteousness.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 21, 2003

    Does your attitude and readiness to worship mean anything when you go to church? After all, the Pastor is simply looking for a body count to keep the attendance number up and your tithes and offerings to keep the church programs functioning. The fact that you simply show up, go through the motions of singing the same old songs, and listen to the same boring sermons before you are finally liberated to do what you want to do on Sunday afternoon has nothing to do with the grand scheme of things; does it? Look at what your apathetic attitude can do.
    It can limit the Lord’s ability to perform His work- (Matthew 13:58) "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." After a triumphant ministry of healing and preaching Jesus finally came back home. Unable to get past a familiar face and their community prejudices the people hardened their hearts in unbelief and limited the ability of the Lord to bring the healing and comfort they so desperately needed. Church would not have been nearly as boring if they would simply have stopped looking for faults and started looking for blessings.
    It can limit your reception of God’s best for your life. The Children of Israel had experienced victory after victory as they marched toward the land God had promised them. One final scouting trip was all that stood between them and the promises of the promised land. But ten of the spies saw giants instead of God and "their unbelief" caused an entire generation to miss the promised land. God wanted them to have the blessing and they had everything they needed to obtain the blessing but "their unbelief" robbed everyone and they ended up dying in the desert instead of enjoying the fruits God had promised them.
    Maybe the problem is not with the preacher after all. Maybe the reason things are not happening in the church is "their unbelief".

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 22, 2003

    Returning from a conference recently I decided to try a shortcut. The Church where the conference was held was located far out in the country and as I returned to the nearest town to get on the main road I came to a cross roads. I knew that if I turned right that I would get to the town but the road ahead looked so inviting until I decided to try it.
    Half an hour later, after struggling through muddy roads and ending up "lost as a coon dog" I came back to the same intersection. Needless to say, I took the right road this time!
    I came out of that situation with bad memories, a mud coated van, and the knowledge that inviting roads do not always lead you to where you need to go. I also came away with a half hour of my life wasted struggling through mud and mire when I could have been enjoying some much needed rest at home.
    Walking as a Christian for many years has taught me that I need to stay on the road God has outlined for my life. Sometimes I come to an intersection and need to wait on the Lord for awhile in order to clearly understand which direction I need to go but most of the time the right way is obvious. Occasionally, however, another road looks so inviting until I feel like I just want to go a little distance down it in order to see where it will go.
    Let the voice of experience tell you, wandering from God’s path will always end up with mud on your life, bad memories in your mind, and wasted time in your service for God.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 28, 2003

    You noticed it as soon as you entered the gallery. It was a beautiful picture with many colors to attract the eye and stir the senses. The thing that stood out, however, was the eyes of the main character. They were the "piercing eyes" everyone talks about that were centered in such a way until they followed you everywhere you went.
    I admire the artistry of the painter and think of that picture from time to time when I'm faced with difficult or dangerous situations. That's because I know that no matter where I am "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." (Psa 34:15). There is not a place I go or problem I face that the Lord doesn't know exactly where I am and what I need. That's an encouragement to me!
    It's also a help to me to know that "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." (2 Chr 16:9). Isn't it wonderful to know that God is looking for way to bless me so I can show everyone how great it is to serve a living God.
    Finally, whenever I'm tempted to sin, this picture reminds me that "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." (Prov 15:3). I can hide some of my sins from men but I know that God know even the thoughts of my heart. No matter which way I turn or where I go those eyes keep following me.
    God’s eyes are looking for you today. They see your goodness and they see your failures. That is why, like Noah, I'm glad that I have found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Gen 6:8) so that His eyes of judgment now see me pure and righteous because when He sees me covered by the blood of Jesus

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 29, 2003

    It began as a day to honor "All Saints", it became a night to honor witches and ghosts. The first day of November was set aside as "All Saints Day" to honor all the Saints who did not have their own special day. The Evening before this special day was called "Hallowed Evening"; eventually corrupted in old English to Halloween.
    The customs associated with Halloween come from the Celtics. The old Celtic calendar began the new year on November 1st (The year ended with the harvest of their crops) and the night before became known as a time when witches and goblins roamed around trying to hold back the new year.
    People began having New Year's eve parties. At these parties they would dress up as witches or goblins to placate the demons. Eventually the serfs began to go to the main house demanding an offering (treat) from the landowner in exchange for protection from the demons during the coming year (or I'll trick you).
    There are several reasons many Churches have changed Halloween to Family Fun Night. We don't believe it's right to promote witches and demons. We don't think it's right to teach children to demand a treat under the threat of a "trick". And, in the sick world we live in, it's just plain dangerous to allow Children to accept candy from strangers.
    We make it a Family time at the church where they can dress up as "good" people, eat all the candy they want, and enjoy a good time of games and fellowship. We think that's the Christian way- defeating bad by making it good.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 4, 2003

    It all began innocently enough. Someone noticed that the Candle Holder was becoming a little dim and they thought that could be the reason fewer people were coming to look at the light from the candle. A committee was appointed and, after many meetings and much discussion, someone began polishing the Candle Holder on a regular basis. Just as predicted, several people who had not been coming to look at the light from the candle came to see the newly shined Candle Holder.
    Sadly, it was discovered that the new people who had come to see the newly shined Candle Holder were people who used to help with another Candle Holder. Naturally, the newly shined Candle Holder group had boasted about the increase in their attendance so it was not long until the second Candle Holder group realized where their members had gone. If a shiny Candle Holder increases attendance then a shiny Candle Holder with fancy engraving should attract even more people. So, after countless committee meetings, the second Candle Holder group went on a great fund raising campaign. Soon they were able to completely rework their Candle Holder so that it looked better than any Candle Holder in the all the surrounding area.
    Naturally, people from other Candle Holders came to see this newly improved Candle Holder; and some of them stayed with this group. So the whole cycle began again with even more escalation in money and effort being spent by other Candle Holder groups. Soon many people were so involved in having the best Candle Holder until they actually decided to remove the candle because it was so plain and the dripping wax caused such a mess.
    Multitudes are dying in darkness today. They long for light to give them guidance, hope, and direction. Meanwhile, Candle Holder committees meet in order to find more ways to use their money and energy making their Candle Holder the envy of the community.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 5, 2003

    If it would anger you if someone came into your home and spray painted bad words or crazy sayings on the walls of your home then why do people think it is alright to spray paint these same kind of things on buildings and overpasses? If it would annoy you for someone to constantly peek in the window of your home to see what you were doing in your private moments what makes you think it is "entertaining" to become a television "peeping Tom" into the life of a person who some kind of claim to fame? (Matthew 7:12) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
    If you would not want someone to carve their initials into the front door of your home then what makes you think it is alright to carve your initials onto the door of an elevator? If you would not want someone throwing their trash and garbage all over your front lawn then what makes you think it is alright for you to throw trash out of your car window instead of putting it into a trash receptacle? (Luke 6:31) And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
    Life throws us enough curves with the diseases, disasters, and difficulties that come our way. Jesus simple tells us that we can help make life a lot better if we will just show kindness and consideration to others- and receive it back in return.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 11, 2003

    The waiting room was full as people patiently (that is why they are called patients!) waited for their turn to see the doctor. Beside me a lady was busily engaged in a conversation on her cell phone. She was speaking loudly enough (78% of people talk louder when they talk on the phone) until I had little choice except to listen to her side of the phone conversation.
    It was obvious from her conversation that she was busy lining up people to vote in the election scheduled for the next day. It was interesting to hear the pressure she would put on people. She would call a plant and ask the manager what plans he had for letting the workers at the plant off so they could vote. Several times you could tell that the manager had really not thought about the election so the lady would tell him she would call back in 15 minutes so he would have time to think about it. In each case, when she called back, the manager would have a plan to let people off to vote. Very possibly, had this lady not called these plant managers, the people in the plants would not have been offered the opportunity to vote.
    As I sat there, I could not help but think about what a blessing it would be to a church if we could get people in the church to exhibit the same energy, enthusiasm, and dedication in getting people to visit the church each Sunday as this lady showed. She thought voting was important enough that she needed to work at it even in the doctor’s office. How important do YOU think it is that people come to church and hear the good news about Jesus Christ?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 12, 2003

    The morning was very foggy and the driving was difficult. I had already passed one major accident and, in spite of the fact that I was pushed for time, I was trying to be as careful as possible traveling to a Minister’s Meeting. Suddenly something came hurling at me from the fog. As it whizzed past I realized it was a truck that did not have its lights turned on.
    During the remainder of the trip I passed several cars and trucks that would suddenly loom out of the fog without any lights. I soon realized that the people driving these vehicles were making a classic mistake; they assumed that because they could see other cars coming at them that these other cars could see them just as easily. What they did not realize was that the reason they could see the other cars was because the other cars had their lights on while the other cars could hardly see them because they had their lights off!
    Jesus said we were to be the light of the world so men would see our good works and glorified the Father in Heaven. Sadly, we find it so easy to see the faults and failures of those we are trying to help until we fail to realize that they can’t see the help we want to bring their way because our light is not "on".
    Like these drivers on a foggy morning we think that because we can see then we must be able to be seen. May the Lord help us to realize that without our light burning we are a potential problem instead of a helpful guide.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 18, 2003

    When I was serving in Viet Nam one of the situations I was in required that I pay a visit to a psychiatrist (It just took me five minutes to figure out how to spell that word!). Although it was not the most extensive examination in the world, I did leave with the notation in my record that I was "certifiably sane". Sometimes when I do something that makes my wife look at me funny I tell her that at least I’m sane. Her reply is, "You may be certifiably sane but you haven’t been certified recently!".
    Thankfully, I’m also "certifiably saved" because of my faith in Jesus Christ. Some things, however, make me wonder how recent my certification is. I’m not talking about flagrant rebellious sins; I’m talking about mistakes made by a new spiritual being dwelling in an old fleshly body. Sometimes the words of my mouth as I talk about others reveals a place in my heart that troubles me (Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks). Sometimes the look lingers until it edges perilously close to lust and I feel a wicked urge in me that I had hoped was long ago dead. I don’t worry about God but sometimes I sure do worry about me!
    Then I remember God’s grace and I claim His mercy and I realize afresh that I am "certifiably saved" because my salvation is not based on the failings of my flesh but on the greatness of His Grace. I’m glad my sins are forgiven and I am a child of God today. I’m certified because I’m justified; and one day soon I will be glorified. What a joy to serve such a wonderful God.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 19, 2003

    It was just a cup of coffee but it brought the glory of God to my soul. Sunday Morning services had been "unusual" as a number of things went wrong. Although the service has been arranged I was unexpected by most of the people and unacceptable to some because I talked about the need of reaching souls in India instead of telling them how they could live happy and prosperous lives.
    What was wrong? Was it me? Was something going on that I did not know about? Where was God during all this?
    Sunday night my wife got ready for church early- and some of you doubt that miracles still happen! Many of you know that I am an old Navy man who drinks coffee with every meal. Coffee had not been available this day where we ate. The voice of the Lord kept nudging me to stop and get a cup of coffee since we had extra time. I kept arguing that even if I stopped the coffee would be old and cold this late in the day.
    I did stop. The clerk said, "Let me make you a fresh pot of coffee". (Glory!). The coffee was delicious but the most important part to me was the fact that God had gone out of His way to show that He was still leading me and providing for me.
    I always tell people that if a cup of cold water gets you a reward than a cup of hot coffee gets you a double portion! This day it brought God’s hug to a hurting heart.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 25, 2003

    "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel" (Psa 22:3). The amazing truth about this statement is that it is found in the middle of the Psalm that describes the agony of crucifixion; and is the Psalm that Jesus repeated while on the Cross. During this time of agony and pain Jesus still knew the value of Praise; even in the midst of problems.
    Here are a few more ways Praise is profitable as we face the storms of life.
    Praise helps our Health- Prov 17:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Praise sucks the heart out of a problem before the problem sucks the heart out of us.
    Praise helps our Looks- Prov 15:13 "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." A smile is a frown turned upside down that brings people to our side; instead of repelling them, at a time when we desperately need a shoulder to lean on.
    Praise helps our attitude- Prov 15:15 "He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Griping grabs us like an anchor and drowns us in a sea of self pity. Praise will lift our eyes from the problems to the problem solver so we can change from victims into victors.
    God is not exalted by our silence, our fears, our doubts, or our frustrations. He is glorified by our Faith in His Plan and by our Praise of His wondrous works. Make it your business this day to Praise the Lord; even if you, like Jesus in this Psalm, have to begin some of your praise by asking, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 26, 2003

    2Th 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
    Paul told these Christians that he was "Bound" to thank God for them. "Bound" is from a Greek word meaning under obligation to or in debt to. Paul is simply saying that the faith and love of these people was such until he felt an obligation to give thanks to God for them on a regular basis. I have some people in my life like that.
    In addition to my other duties, I maintain an Outreach Ministry that distributes Bibles, Christian books, and other materials around the world as well as giving other assistance to Pastors and Churches. This is a total faith ministry that relies entirely on God to provide the finances we need in order to do the work He has called us to do. That is the reason I am bound to Thank God for some people.
    I thank the Lord for a lady who cares for a home bound husband and yet supports this ministry each month. I thank the Lord for a widow who lives in another state but supports this ministry faithfully. I thank the Lord for a husband and wife on Social Security who sacrificially give each month. Their obedient giving has allowed us to share the Gospel with multitudes of people around the world. I am bound to say Thanks for that!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 2, 2003

Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
    There are several things in the Bible that God declares that He hates- Among them are Wicked actions (Prov 6:16) and Hypocritical attitudes (Zech 8:17). It is easy enough to see why God would dislike these things and condemn them. It is thoughtful, however, to realize that the one person that the Bible declares that God resists (stands against) is a proud person!
    It was pride in his beauty and power that lead to Satan’s downfall and it is pride that brings many men to their doom. People will sit under the most sin condemning sermons imaginable and accept almost anything the preacher has to say but they will leave the church in a huff, never to return, if the preacher fails to shake their hand and they think they have been snubbed. Oh, the peril of a prideful heart.
    It is pride that causes many people to refuse to come to an altar during the gospel invitation. Fearing someone may think them to be a sinner (we all are!) they steadfastly cling to the back of pews and stiffen their neck in pride; until that day they stand before God unprepared and unsaved and find that pride is poor insulation from the heat of hell.
    There is another side to this coin. God gives grace to the humble. Grace is unearned, undeserved favor that God graciously bestows. It strikes at the very heart of pride because it is based on God’s goodness instead of our abilities. And the very fact that it is a gift causes many to refuse to accept it. How can you have pride in something that God gave and you simply received?
    God resisteth the proud but gives grace unto the humble. Which category do you fit in?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 3, 2003

    One of the most heart breaking sights I will ever behold is viewing a church embroiled in bitter debate among its members. One of the most devastating defeats to the witness of the Church in the community and in the world is when it becomes a place where members spar with one another rather than spread the gospel. What causes this situation to develop? Two main items stand out immediately.
    First, Unforgiving Attitudes that change people from brothers in the Lord to enemies of one another. Having been forgiven much by the Lord these people now hold bitter grudges among themselves over a small item of hurt pride or an innocent attempt to disturb part of their power base.
    Following closely behind Unforgiving Attitudes is Unbridled tongues. Instead of building up the brethren these people use gossip and assumptions to "share" how bad someone is; and, in the process, destroy all the confidence the lost world may have had in the testimony of this person. No wonder Paul warned the church that "if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." (Galatians 5:15).
    The Church has a responsibility to stand firmly against Sin and sinful actions but it should do so as a body. That way it is the principles of the Bible and not my hurt feelings that prompts my stand. This will honor God instead of disgrace His church.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 9, 2003

    Tis the season for giving. Here are five guidelines that will help you enjoy your giving now and all year long.
    1) Give freely; not for credit- (Matthew 6:3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
    2) Give Wisely so your gift will promote good and not foster evil- (Matthew 7:6) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
    3) Give more than you are required to give- (Luke 6:38) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
    4) Give unselfishly; with an eye on eternity- (Matthew 6:20-21) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
    5) Give cheerfully so others will love to receive your gift and God will love you for giving! (2 Corinthians 9:7) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
    Finally, remember that the reason for this season of giving is because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 10, 2003

    (Deuteronomy 15:10-11) Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
    Some people fail to realize that the main reason for their riches is in order for them to be able to give to those in need. Many affluent people have worked hard and possess the attitude that if everyone else worked as hard as they have worked then there would be no poverty in the land. The truth is that "time and chance happen to all men" (Ecc 9:11) and many people who struggle financially work harder than some rich people will ever think about working. Just remember, if everyone sat in the Boss’s office then nothing would ever be produced!
    God does not expect you to foster laziness or provide for con artist but He does give you riches in order that you might "Open you hand wide unto thy brother, to the poor, and to the needy in the land". Don’t give with a grudge and miss the true joy of being able to share that which the Lord has blessed you to possess. Generously you have received from God; now generously give in order to show this same love of God to others.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 16, 2003

    (1 John 4:9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
    For God so loved the world- Isn’t that strange! The Lord God Jehovah can cause a universe to come into existence simply by speaking the word. In the universe there are billions of stars and planets that God could set His delight upon. Yet, He loved weakly humans on a speck of dirt called earth enough to allow His son to leave the splendors of Heaven and be born in a lowly stable!
    God is adored by multitudes of angels and the host of heaven bow in worship at His feet. Yet He desired man enough so that even in the midst of their failures and sinful rebellions He sent His only begotten Son into this world in order to pay their sin debt- Glory!
    There are many religions in the world; most of which or noble and noteworthy. But all of them require man to sacrifice something for their god. Only in Christianity does God manifest His love toward mankind by providing a way Himself for us to be forgiven of our sins. Amazingly, God then goes the next step and empowers us to become children of God so we can live up to the potential He gave us at creation.
    Would you like to experience new birth and new life this Christmas season? Look beyond the glitter of the season to its real goal- the manifestation of the love of God through the coming of His son, Jesus Christ. He was born in order that you might be reborn; and that you might go beyond existence living to the joy of abundant living.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 17, 2003

    De 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
    My wife loves Christmas; she just does not care a lot about Christmas shopping. Don’t get me wrong, my wife, like most women enjoys taking the time to shop. But it is different when you are shopping for the perfect present for someone else instead of shopping for the things you personally need .
    One of the things I have to constantly remind my wife about when it comes to Christmas shopping is that we live on a very limited budget. She wants to give presents that nieces and nephews would like to have. I tell her we have to give presents that we can afford to give!
    When God invented the giving system for the Church He designed it proportionally (a tithe) so that every man would give "as the Lord had prospered him". That made giving fair and functional for everyone. Christmas giving, or any giving, should be the same way. A two dollar gift from one person may be a greater sacrifice than a twenty dollar gift from another person; and it should be accepted that way.
    Don’t turn the joy of giving at Christmas into an overwhelming debt in January. Instead, let "Every man give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee".

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 23, 2003

    Phyliss Diller said, "Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his PRESENTS remembered." For many people that is what they think of at Christmas; the presents they will be giving or receiving. For these people Christmas is a commercial celebration that gladdens the boss as profits soar, that exhausts the clerks as more and more task are added to their already overloaded work load, and that frustrates consumers as they fight traffic and crowded stores in order to get that perfect present that noone seems to have in stock!
    Erma Bombeck said. "There is nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child." Some people look at Christmas from this point of view. Christmas is a family time that brings out the child in all of us as we anticipate and celebrate. To them Christmas is all about the excitement that shines on the face of a child as they open their presents on Christmas morning.
    Isn’t it strange, however, that we celebrate the birthday of Christ by giving gifts to everyone except Christ? How awkward He must feel on Christmas morning when everyone is so busy celebrating what they have received until He is pushed off into a corner and forgotten.
    An unknown writer once observed, "He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree." Don’t let the activities and obligations of this season overshadow the Love that God has for you in sending His Son into the world to be born as a man in order that through His death we could have our sins forgiven and become sons of God.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 24, 2003

    My wife and I once had the great privilege of visiting the Grand Canyon. We arrived around mid morning and stayed until mid afternoon. The first thing we did was try to see as much of the Canyon as possible by driving from one end to the other.
    It was only when we stopped for our picnic lunch and sat and watched the view for awhile that we began to really understand the great attraction the Grand Canyon has for so many people. When you sit and view the Canyon for awhile you notice that it is always changing. As the sun rises or descends it causes the shadows of the many rock formations to change dramatically. The beauty of the Grand Canyon is not just in its vastness but in its constantly changing perception.
    When I first became a Christian over 40 years ago I viewed Christ as a wonderful Savior who delivered me from the punishment of Hell. Through the years my love for Him and my relationship with Him has changed. Day after day He reveals things about Himself that make me simply kneel in awe and worship. Serving God gets better each day.
    Sometimes I think I finally have "god in a box" but then He does something so wonderful or so merciful until I realize I haven’t even scratched the surface yet. If all you know is the babe of Bethlehem then let me invite you to trust a magnificent Messiah who not only changes your future but also gives abundant life.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 30, 2003

    One of the most troubling phenomenons witnessed by teachers at Christian colleges today is that many of the "Christian Leaders" among the students openly live with someone without being married- and don’t see the inconsistency between what they teach in Bible Study and the way they live off campus!
    Many Church members will "Amen" sermons on holy living and the need of sexual purity but then go home and faithfully watch "Friends" each week- A show based on the sexual exploits of friends who have all managed to sleep with each other; and as many other people as possible! Is it any wonder that the young people raised in that environment think Christianity is a marvelous religion as long as it does not get in the way of what a person really craves?
    Witnessing lives on TV and in real life like this have caused many people to lost their vision of true holiness and genuine Christian character. The Christianity they have witnessed makes a person respectable but it does not make them happy. Seeking real joy and finding only an empty shell at church they now wander thru life seeking to fill that big empty space in their heart with drugs, possessions, or as many sexual encounters as possible.
    Christ came to forgive your past and prepare a place for your future. But He also came so He could change your life right now. Because He became a man He is able to really understand your needs and temptations and give the help you need to stop playing the game and start living the abundant life. And isn’t that the kind of Friend you have been looking for all along??

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 31, 2003

    Paul told the Corinthian Church not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices lest he should get an advantage over them (2 Cor 2:11). With that in mind I would like to share some ways in which Satan will try to attack you in the coming year with the prayer that "forewarned is forearmed".
    1) Satan will try to Ruin your Reputation. He is the "accuser of the brethren" and he will do all within his power to destroy your influence with others. He will also try to Corrupt your Character. Using social pressures and fleshly temptations, Satan will try to get you to begin compromising on what is right and good. Normally, the steps will be slow but the progress will be steady unless you refuse to allow the "worm into the apple".
    2) Satan will try to Trivialize your Time so you will spend your time preoccupied with the minor things of life instead of accomplishing God’s purpose and goal for your life. Day after day you will find hours to watch TV while you cannot find minutes to mediate on the Word of God or share God’s ways with others.
    3) Finally, Satan will try to Fragment your Family in the coming year. He wants your children brought under the control of worldly view TV programs or mind numbingly violent video games so he will put you in separate rooms each night while he seizes control of the minds and morals of your children.
    Don’t let Satan destroy you this year. Keep up your guard.