The subtitle on one of our new Bridge-Logos books--The Jesus Book by Michael Koulianos--states, "Fall Recklessly in Love With Jesus." (Michael is an evangelist who is the son-in-law of Benny Hinn.)
He writes, "As long as the Lord is in your boat, the storm can't harm you. Keep your eyes on Him. Make Christ your prized possesssion. Do nothing but love Him because nothing else is needed. When you are confused and hurt, just love Him.
"When worry comes your way, just love Him.
"When your world seems to cave in around you, just love Him.
"When sin causes you to fall, get back up and love Him.
"It is so simple. Please, never make it more complicated thatn 'love.' In your darkest moments, whisper His name and He will be there. Just say, 'Jesus, I love you.'"
Jesus is the answer, no matter what the question is. He is always there for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Love Him with all your heart and cultivate and intimate relationship with Him. He loves you!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Joy of the Lord
Nehemiah wrote, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
The author of two of our Pure Gold Classics, A.W. Tozer, wrote these stirring words about joy: "George Mueller would not preach until his heart was happy in the grace of God; Jan Ruysbroeck would not write while his feelings were low, but would retire to a quiet place and wait on God till he felt the spirit of inspiration. It is well known that the elevated spirits of a group of Moravians convinced John Wesley of the reality of their religion, and helped to bring him a short time later to a state of true conversion.
"The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful."
What an amazing concept--to be supernaturally joyful. Such joy comes from God, and in such joy we can experience His presence.
May you be filled with joy today.
The author of two of our Pure Gold Classics, A.W. Tozer, wrote these stirring words about joy: "George Mueller would not preach until his heart was happy in the grace of God; Jan Ruysbroeck would not write while his feelings were low, but would retire to a quiet place and wait on God till he felt the spirit of inspiration. It is well known that the elevated spirits of a group of Moravians convinced John Wesley of the reality of their religion, and helped to bring him a short time later to a state of true conversion.
"The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful."
What an amazing concept--to be supernaturally joyful. Such joy comes from God, and in such joy we can experience His presence.
May you be filled with joy today.
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Everlasting Love
One of our Pure Gold Classics is The Confessions of St. Augustine. He said many profound things, as demonstrated by the following quote:
"Too late have I loved You, O Beauty so ancient and so new, too late have I loved You! Behold, You were within me, while I was outside: it was there that I sought You, and a deformed creature, rushed headlong upon these things of beauty which You have made. You were with me, but I was not with You. They kept me far from You, those fair things which, if they were not in You, would not exist at all. You have called to me, and have cried out, and have shattered me, and You have put my blindness to flight! You have sent forth fragrance, and I have drawn in my breath, and I pant after You. I have tasted You, and I hunger and thirst after You. You have touched me, and I have burned for Your peace."
The Kingdom of God is within you and so is the King!
"Too late have I loved You, O Beauty so ancient and so new, too late have I loved You! Behold, You were within me, while I was outside: it was there that I sought You, and a deformed creature, rushed headlong upon these things of beauty which You have made. You were with me, but I was not with You. They kept me far from You, those fair things which, if they were not in You, would not exist at all. You have called to me, and have cried out, and have shattered me, and You have put my blindness to flight! You have sent forth fragrance, and I have drawn in my breath, and I pant after You. I have tasted You, and I hunger and thirst after You. You have touched me, and I have burned for Your peace."
The Kingdom of God is within you and so is the King!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Contentment
The Scripture says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). I believe this with all my heart.
George MacDonald put it this way, "I am content to be and have what in Thy heart I am meant to be and have" (From Diary of an Old Soul).
"From the greatest of all gifts, salvation in Christ, to the material blessings of any ordinary day (hot water, a pair of lets that work, a cup of coffee, a job to do and strength to do it), every good gift comes down from the Father of Lights. Every one of them is to be received gladly and, like gifts people give us, with thanks.
"Sometimes we want things we were not meant to have. Because He loves us, the Father says no. Faith trusts that no. Faith is willing not to have what God is not willing to give. Furthermore, faith does not insist upon an explanation. It is enough to know His promise to give what is good--He knows so much more about that than we do" (Elizabeth Elliott).
Now that is contentment.
George MacDonald put it this way, "I am content to be and have what in Thy heart I am meant to be and have" (From Diary of an Old Soul).
"From the greatest of all gifts, salvation in Christ, to the material blessings of any ordinary day (hot water, a pair of lets that work, a cup of coffee, a job to do and strength to do it), every good gift comes down from the Father of Lights. Every one of them is to be received gladly and, like gifts people give us, with thanks.
"Sometimes we want things we were not meant to have. Because He loves us, the Father says no. Faith trusts that no. Faith is willing not to have what God is not willing to give. Furthermore, faith does not insist upon an explanation. It is enough to know His promise to give what is good--He knows so much more about that than we do" (Elizabeth Elliott).
Now that is contentment.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Peace and Tranquility
A few years ago, I edited one of our Pure Gold Classics--Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross. It was a most interesting project from which I learned a great deal.
St. John wrote, "Keep your heart in peace; let nothing in this world disturb it: all things have an end.
"In all circumstances, however hard they may be, we should rejoice, rather than be cast down, that we may not lose the greatest good, the peace and tranquility of our souls.
"If the whole world and all that is in it were thrown into confusion [this may have already happened], disquietude on that account would be vanity, because that disquietude would do more harm than good.
"To endure all things with an equable and peaceful mind, not only brings with it many blessings to the soul, but also enables us, in the midst of our difficulties, to have a clear judgment about them, and to minister the fitting remedy for them."
Thank you for these words of wisdom, St. John.
St. John wrote, "Keep your heart in peace; let nothing in this world disturb it: all things have an end.
"In all circumstances, however hard they may be, we should rejoice, rather than be cast down, that we may not lose the greatest good, the peace and tranquility of our souls.
"If the whole world and all that is in it were thrown into confusion [this may have already happened], disquietude on that account would be vanity, because that disquietude would do more harm than good.
"To endure all things with an equable and peaceful mind, not only brings with it many blessings to the soul, but also enables us, in the midst of our difficulties, to have a clear judgment about them, and to minister the fitting remedy for them."
Thank you for these words of wisdom, St. John.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Effects of the Love of God
In his book The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis, wrote, "Love is a great and good thing, and alone makes heavy burdens light and bears in equal balance things pleasing and displeasing. Love bears a heavy burden and does not feel it, and love makes bitter things tasteful and sweet. The noble love of Jesus perfectly imprinted in man's soul makes a man do great things, and stirs him always to desire perfection and to grow more and more in grace and goodness.
"Love knows no measure, but is fervent without measure. It feels no burden; it regards no labor; it desires more than it can obtain. It complains of no impossibility, for it thinks all things that can be done for its Beloved are possible and lawful. So, love does many great things and brings them to completion--things in which he who is no lover faints and fails.
"Love wakes much and sleeps little and, in sleeping, does not sleep. It faints and is not weary; it is restricted in its liberty and is in great freedom. It sees reasons to fear and does not fear, but, like an ember or a spark of fire, flames always upward, by the fervor of its love, toward God, and through the special help of grace is delivered from all perils and dangers."
Do I know anything of a love such as this?
"Love knows no measure, but is fervent without measure. It feels no burden; it regards no labor; it desires more than it can obtain. It complains of no impossibility, for it thinks all things that can be done for its Beloved are possible and lawful. So, love does many great things and brings them to completion--things in which he who is no lover faints and fails.
"Love wakes much and sleeps little and, in sleeping, does not sleep. It faints and is not weary; it is restricted in its liberty and is in great freedom. It sees reasons to fear and does not fear, but, like an ember or a spark of fire, flames always upward, by the fervor of its love, toward God, and through the special help of grace is delivered from all perils and dangers."
Do I know anything of a love such as this?
Monday, May 23, 2011
Doomsday of the Best Day?
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "One of the illusions of life is that the present hour is not the critical, decisive hour. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. No man has learned anything rightly, until he knows that every day is Doomsday."
I used to listen to Harold Camping on Family Radio almost every evening. He was known as the Bible answer man, and he did, indeed, have many answers to intriguing questions. However, we now know that he did not have the right answer concerning the timing of Judgement Day.
For some people, though, it was the end of the world. The people who died as a result of the Joplin tornado had no more time to live. This, it seems to me, is the key to life--to live each day and each moment as if they are our last ones.
When St. Francis of Assissi was asked what he would do if he knew that a given day was the end of the world, he answered, "I just keep hoeing my garden." I like that. We must capture each moment and live it to the full. It truly may be our last.
To get caught up in speculations regarding the end of the world and the last days is a waste of time. It is this day--this moment--that counts.
I used to listen to Harold Camping on Family Radio almost every evening. He was known as the Bible answer man, and he did, indeed, have many answers to intriguing questions. However, we now know that he did not have the right answer concerning the timing of Judgement Day.
For some people, though, it was the end of the world. The people who died as a result of the Joplin tornado had no more time to live. This, it seems to me, is the key to life--to live each day and each moment as if they are our last ones.
When St. Francis of Assissi was asked what he would do if he knew that a given day was the end of the world, he answered, "I just keep hoeing my garden." I like that. We must capture each moment and live it to the full. It truly may be our last.
To get caught up in speculations regarding the end of the world and the last days is a waste of time. It is this day--this moment--that counts.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Sources of Irritation
How do you handle sources of irritation in your life? Sometimes they come from situations in life; at other times they come from other people, and I guess they even come from ourselves sometimes.
What do you do when a person "gets under your skin" The Bible says we are to forgive, but forgiveness sometimes is not that easy.
It begins with a choice. To choose to forgive another is to follow God's will. Paul J. Meyer in his excellent book, Forgiveness--the Ultimate Miracle, writes, "To forgive those who have hurt you, apply the same 10 steps we discussed earlier:
1. Decide on the hurt
2. Be real, be honest
3. State what you want
4. Choose to forgive
5. Verbalize your forgiveness
6. Cover the offense
7. Show love
8. Pray for them
9. Look for reconciliation if possible
10. Move on."
This list is sound advice. Meyer goes on, "That is what it takes to forgive those who have hurt you. One step might take longer than another, and that's fine. You might even want to 'start over' with the steps as you are working to forgive some people, but the process of forgiveness has started. You can be confident in that."
This is good teaching. The Bible says, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn nhot, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." These are the words of Jesus, the most-forgiving of all men.
God bless you with the grace to forgive those who wrong you.
What do you do when a person "gets under your skin" The Bible says we are to forgive, but forgiveness sometimes is not that easy.
It begins with a choice. To choose to forgive another is to follow God's will. Paul J. Meyer in his excellent book, Forgiveness--the Ultimate Miracle, writes, "To forgive those who have hurt you, apply the same 10 steps we discussed earlier:
1. Decide on the hurt
2. Be real, be honest
3. State what you want
4. Choose to forgive
5. Verbalize your forgiveness
6. Cover the offense
7. Show love
8. Pray for them
9. Look for reconciliation if possible
10. Move on."
This list is sound advice. Meyer goes on, "That is what it takes to forgive those who have hurt you. One step might take longer than another, and that's fine. You might even want to 'start over' with the steps as you are working to forgive some people, but the process of forgiveness has started. You can be confident in that."
This is good teaching. The Bible says, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn nhot, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." These are the words of Jesus, the most-forgiving of all men.
God bless you with the grace to forgive those who wrong you.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
When Sin Abounds
Doesn't it seem as if sin is abounding more and more? The media presents sin to us as if it is a form of entertainment.
Paul wrote, "Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20). I thank God for His grace. Without God's grace and favor in our lives, where would we be?
Ancient Greek tragedies presented to us heroes with fatal flaws. Wrath, lust, greed, and other sins caused many heroes to fall. It is still happening today, and that's why people need to learn to experience God's grace--His unmerited favor.
One person describes grace this way: "It enables us to do what we could not do, to be what we could not be, to receive what we could not receive...."
Today's headlines show how sin abounds in our present day:
C.H. Spurgeon writes, "Will you come into the lifeboat of God's grace just as you are? God wants you to be safe and secure. Accept His sure deliverance. You might say, 'I do not have anything to bring with me.' That's all right; you do not have to bring anything with you. A person who is escaping from a horrible situation in order to save his or her life is not concerned about possessions. In fact, the person might possibly leave his or her possessions, including even clothing, behind. So take the leap of faith just as you are." (From All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon.)
When sin abounds, grace is the only answer.
Paul wrote, "Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20). I thank God for His grace. Without God's grace and favor in our lives, where would we be?
Ancient Greek tragedies presented to us heroes with fatal flaws. Wrath, lust, greed, and other sins caused many heroes to fall. It is still happening today, and that's why people need to learn to experience God's grace--His unmerited favor.
One person describes grace this way: "It enables us to do what we could not do, to be what we could not be, to receive what we could not receive...."
Today's headlines show how sin abounds in our present day:
- The head of the IMF is charged with rape.
- The ex-governor of California has fathered a child out of wedlock.
- A mother is on trial for killing her child.
- Murder happens every day in so many cities.
- Sin is abundant everywhere.
C.H. Spurgeon writes, "Will you come into the lifeboat of God's grace just as you are? God wants you to be safe and secure. Accept His sure deliverance. You might say, 'I do not have anything to bring with me.' That's all right; you do not have to bring anything with you. A person who is escaping from a horrible situation in order to save his or her life is not concerned about possessions. In fact, the person might possibly leave his or her possessions, including even clothing, behind. So take the leap of faith just as you are." (From All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon.)
When sin abounds, grace is the only answer.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Redeeming the Time
Time is an interesting phenomenon. Carl Sandburg wrote, "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."
It is now Friday. As I look back upon this week, I am forced to ask myself, "Did I spend my time well?" Since all we have is the present moment, we must make every effort to capture it and life it to the full. To enjoy each present moment is to spend the coin of time well.
Baltasar Gracian wrote, "All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that." How true that is. While we have life, we have time. It is indeed a precious commodity.
Solomon wrote, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them;
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6, NIV).
Let us redeem the time, for the days are evil.
It is now Friday. As I look back upon this week, I am forced to ask myself, "Did I spend my time well?" Since all we have is the present moment, we must make every effort to capture it and life it to the full. To enjoy each present moment is to spend the coin of time well.
Baltasar Gracian wrote, "All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that." How true that is. While we have life, we have time. It is indeed a precious commodity.
Solomon wrote, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them;
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6, NIV).
Let us redeem the time, for the days are evil.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Contrasting Two Recent Deaths
Both Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson died this past week. Their lives are a study in contrasts.
One man was weak; the other man was strong.
One man was evil; the other man was righteous.
One man killed people; the other man helped people find life.
One man was a Muslim; the other man was a Christian.
One man was full of hate; the other man was full of love.
One man was in hiding; the other man was always in the open.
One man was proud; the other man was humble.
One man condemned others; the other man lifted them up.
It was a matter of choice. Both Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson had a choice as to how they would conduct their lives.
One man was a terrorist; the other man was a philanthropist.
One man was a liar; the other man was a man of truth.
As we look at these two lives, we see a contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of Light.
Both men were created by God. Jesus died for both. God loved both of these men.
David Wilkerson responded to God's love by serving Him with all his might. Though Osama bin Ladin may have thought he was serving God, he was actually serving the prince of darkness.
God does not want us to kill others; He wants us to serve others.
God does not want us to foment terror; He wants us to be peacemakers.
God does not want us to hide away in fear; He wants us to walk in love.
God does not give us our creativity to find ways to destroy others; He wants us to be creative in our attempts to build His kingdom on Earth.
May all of us become more like David Wilkerson. May we learn to avoid the traps that bin Ladin fell into--violence, viciousness, and cruelty.
The Bible says this about evildoers and those who commit wickedness: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetouseness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things. . . without understanding, covenant-breakers, withou natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. . . ." (Romans 1:28-31).
"...they which commit such things are worthy of death" (Romans 1:32).
The after-life, I'm sure, will prove to be quite different for Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson--two men who were created in the image of God, but two men who chose markedly different paths.
One man was weak; the other man was strong.
One man was evil; the other man was righteous.
One man killed people; the other man helped people find life.
One man was a Muslim; the other man was a Christian.
One man was full of hate; the other man was full of love.
One man was in hiding; the other man was always in the open.
One man was proud; the other man was humble.
One man condemned others; the other man lifted them up.
It was a matter of choice. Both Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson had a choice as to how they would conduct their lives.
One man was a terrorist; the other man was a philanthropist.
One man was a liar; the other man was a man of truth.
As we look at these two lives, we see a contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of Light.
Both men were created by God. Jesus died for both. God loved both of these men.
David Wilkerson responded to God's love by serving Him with all his might. Though Osama bin Ladin may have thought he was serving God, he was actually serving the prince of darkness.
God does not want us to kill others; He wants us to serve others.
God does not want us to foment terror; He wants us to be peacemakers.
God does not want us to hide away in fear; He wants us to walk in love.
God does not give us our creativity to find ways to destroy others; He wants us to be creative in our attempts to build His kingdom on Earth.
May all of us become more like David Wilkerson. May we learn to avoid the traps that bin Ladin fell into--violence, viciousness, and cruelty.
The Bible says this about evildoers and those who commit wickedness: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetouseness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things. . . without understanding, covenant-breakers, withou natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. . . ." (Romans 1:28-31).
"...they which commit such things are worthy of death" (Romans 1:32).
The after-life, I'm sure, will prove to be quite different for Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson--two men who were created in the image of God, but two men who chose markedly different paths.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Light in Utter Darkness
It's threatening to storm here in northern Florida this afternoon, but we know the sun is shining above the clouds. The same thing is true when we go through the storms of life, which vary in their intensity and kind--God's love still shines; He is the light in utter darkness.
Charlotte Gray wrote, "Disasters sweep the world--war and disease, earthquake and flood and fire--but always in their wake come acts of courage and concern that astound the human heart. Light in utter darkness."
We have seen that light shining a great deal lately in the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, the tsunamis in southern Asia and Japan, the tornadoes in the Midwest and North Carolina, the uprisings in the Middle East, mass shootings in so many places, and hunger, violence, war, and inhumanity in so many parts of the world.
At such times, as Lincoln said, "the better angels of our nature" appear and endeavor to minister to those around us. Is this why these horrible things happen? So that we will remember who we are and will seek the Light that is in the utter darkness?
That marvelous Light still shines, no matter what happens in this dark world. We must seek it and reflect it, for it is the light of love.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Charlotte Gray wrote, "Disasters sweep the world--war and disease, earthquake and flood and fire--but always in their wake come acts of courage and concern that astound the human heart. Light in utter darkness."
We have seen that light shining a great deal lately in the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, the tsunamis in southern Asia and Japan, the tornadoes in the Midwest and North Carolina, the uprisings in the Middle East, mass shootings in so many places, and hunger, violence, war, and inhumanity in so many parts of the world.
At such times, as Lincoln said, "the better angels of our nature" appear and endeavor to minister to those around us. Is this why these horrible things happen? So that we will remember who we are and will seek the Light that is in the utter darkness?
That marvelous Light still shines, no matter what happens in this dark world. We must seek it and reflect it, for it is the light of love.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Wonder of Worship
Nature, God's Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship help me to know that there is a God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. There are two experiences, though, more than anything else, that help me to know beyond all doubt that God does indeed exist. Those two experiences are:
1. I received Christ as my Savior when I was a boy. When Jesus came into my heart my whole world and my outlook on life completely changed. It was an experience like no other. That day I knew that I knew that God exists.
2. The second experience is one that I can avail myself of at almost any time. It is worship, taking time to be in the presence of God. There is nothing that can compare with worship. It absolutely makes me know that God is real.
Judson Cornwall writes, "The emotions of man do not constitute the true essence of worship. Rather, it is the renewed relationship with God that forms the basis of our loving response to God. . . .The true essence of worship is when His Spirit bears witness with our spirit, triggering the human spirit to respond in love and adoration to God Almighty" (From Let Us Worship by Judson Cornwall.)
That's a good definition, and it's the reason we were created in the first place. God seeks true worshipers who will draw near to Him and breathe His presence deep within. Such intimacy with God is life's greatest treasure. It is the best experience we could ever have.
Have you ever soaked in God's presence? He is waiting for you. To go into God's presence is to go into His Most Holy Place--the secret place where He reveals himself to you. He is waiting for you to enter, so you can enjoy His presence, His love, His peace, and His joy.
Worship belongs to Him. He is worthy of all worship and praise. It is time to spend time alone with Him.
1. I received Christ as my Savior when I was a boy. When Jesus came into my heart my whole world and my outlook on life completely changed. It was an experience like no other. That day I knew that I knew that God exists.
2. The second experience is one that I can avail myself of at almost any time. It is worship, taking time to be in the presence of God. There is nothing that can compare with worship. It absolutely makes me know that God is real.
Judson Cornwall writes, "The emotions of man do not constitute the true essence of worship. Rather, it is the renewed relationship with God that forms the basis of our loving response to God. . . .The true essence of worship is when His Spirit bears witness with our spirit, triggering the human spirit to respond in love and adoration to God Almighty" (From Let Us Worship by Judson Cornwall.)
That's a good definition, and it's the reason we were created in the first place. God seeks true worshipers who will draw near to Him and breathe His presence deep within. Such intimacy with God is life's greatest treasure. It is the best experience we could ever have.
Have you ever soaked in God's presence? He is waiting for you. To go into God's presence is to go into His Most Holy Place--the secret place where He reveals himself to you. He is waiting for you to enter, so you can enjoy His presence, His love, His peace, and His joy.
Worship belongs to Him. He is worthy of all worship and praise. It is time to spend time alone with Him.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Passover--Free at Last
As you know, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 18. It is a time of celebration that commemorates the deliverance of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. You can read about it in Exodus 12.
The Lord said, "For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
"And this shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever....And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever....
"And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof....All the congregation of Israel shall keep it" (Exodus 12:1-47).
The Passover this year is occurring as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the War Between the States--the war that enabled African-American slaves to go free.
It would be accurate to say that Passover is a celebration of freedom--a commemoration of God-given liberty, but it is so much more than civil liberty. Passover is also a celebration of the spiritual liberty God has given to us.
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).
Because of the blood of Jesus Christ we are free indeed. God said, "When I see the blood [of Jesus] I will pass over you." We are free from sin, condemnation, and Satan's power because of the blood of Yeshua Hamaschiach.
The Lord said, "For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
"And this shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever....And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever....
"And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof....All the congregation of Israel shall keep it" (Exodus 12:1-47).
The Passover this year is occurring as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the War Between the States--the war that enabled African-American slaves to go free.
It would be accurate to say that Passover is a celebration of freedom--a commemoration of God-given liberty, but it is so much more than civil liberty. Passover is also a celebration of the spiritual liberty God has given to us.
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).
Because of the blood of Jesus Christ we are free indeed. God said, "When I see the blood [of Jesus] I will pass over you." We are free from sin, condemnation, and Satan's power because of the blood of Yeshua Hamaschiach.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Freemasonry
For a few years I was a Mason. In fact, I was the chaplain of my lodge. I enjoyed meeting the men of the fraternity and was intrigued by the rituals and rites we conducted.
I went on to become a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner.
However, my eyes were opened when I began to contemplate the fact that I could not pray in Jesus' name.
Eventually, I renounced my involvement with Freemasonry, because I realized it is rooted in the occult, not in Christianity.
Recently we published a book entitled, 33 Degrees of Deception by Tom McKenney. This is a comprehensive work that exposes Freemasonry as an anti-Christian deception. This is a well-written and informative book that I endorse highly.
Here is a quote from Tom's book: "This book is not 'anti-Masonic'; this book is simply the truth--spoken, I pray, in love. I have lived some things and learned some things that most Freemasons don't know--things that they need to know. And I have attempted to set them down in an orderly way as honestly and simply as I can. I am not the enemy of Masons--I am their friend, their advocate, seeking only to tell them the truth about the system that deceives them, uses them, and makes merchandise of their sincere commitment and loyalty. What I oppose is that system--not you.
"Many, many times, at the end of a talk-show interview, I have been asked, 'Tom, what one last thing would you like to say?' My reply is always the same: To the non-Masons, and especially those thinking of becoming Masons, I say, 'Please learn the facts before making the decision to join the Lodge; arm yourself with the truth before you commit.' And to the Mason, if he will listen to just one thing I say, it is this: 'Don't be afraid of the truth'; Jesus promised that if we give it a chance, the truth will set us free.'"
Lt. Col. Tom C. McKenney (USMC, Retired) is a bright and compassionate man. He has written this book to help others see the light. I appreciate all he is doing to bring deliverance to those who are deceived by Freemasonry--a deadly deception, indeed.
I went on to become a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner.
However, my eyes were opened when I began to contemplate the fact that I could not pray in Jesus' name.
Eventually, I renounced my involvement with Freemasonry, because I realized it is rooted in the occult, not in Christianity.
Recently we published a book entitled, 33 Degrees of Deception by Tom McKenney. This is a comprehensive work that exposes Freemasonry as an anti-Christian deception. This is a well-written and informative book that I endorse highly.
Here is a quote from Tom's book: "This book is not 'anti-Masonic'; this book is simply the truth--spoken, I pray, in love. I have lived some things and learned some things that most Freemasons don't know--things that they need to know. And I have attempted to set them down in an orderly way as honestly and simply as I can. I am not the enemy of Masons--I am their friend, their advocate, seeking only to tell them the truth about the system that deceives them, uses them, and makes merchandise of their sincere commitment and loyalty. What I oppose is that system--not you.
"Many, many times, at the end of a talk-show interview, I have been asked, 'Tom, what one last thing would you like to say?' My reply is always the same: To the non-Masons, and especially those thinking of becoming Masons, I say, 'Please learn the facts before making the decision to join the Lodge; arm yourself with the truth before you commit.' And to the Mason, if he will listen to just one thing I say, it is this: 'Don't be afraid of the truth'; Jesus promised that if we give it a chance, the truth will set us free.'"
Lt. Col. Tom C. McKenney (USMC, Retired) is a bright and compassionate man. He has written this book to help others see the light. I appreciate all he is doing to bring deliverance to those who are deceived by Freemasonry--a deadly deception, indeed.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Spring Is in the Air
Spring--the season of new birth and renewal--has begun for 2011. In this part of northern Florida the blooms, fragrances, warmth, and foliage of spring start early. We have already welcomed and said good-bye to wisteria, redbuds, azaleas, dogwood, and other flowers, but many different kinds have taken their place, including roses, day lilies, foxglove, and so many other beautiful blossoms.
Soon the commemoration of our Lord's death, burial, and resurrection will be here, and Jews will be celebrating Passover. As we reflect upon this important season of the year, we realize several things about who we are and who Christ is. C.H. Spurgeon wrote, "The love of Christ surpasses all human understanding. Where can language be found that is able to describe His matchless, unparalleled love toward all humanity? It's so vast and boundless that all descriptive words just touch the surface, while immeasurable depths lie beneath. Christ's love is so measureless and fathomless that no human can achieve it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus, we must understand His previous glory in its height of majesty, and His incarnation upon the Earth in all its depths of shame. But who can tell us the majesty of Christ?. . . Who can tell His height of glory then? And who can tell how low He descended? To be a man was something, to be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief was far more. To bleed and die and suffer--these were much for Him who was the Son of God. But to suffer such unparalleled agony, and to endure a death of shame and desertion by His Father, this is a depth of condescending love that even the most inspired mind must utterly fail to understand. This is love--and truly it is love that 'surpasses knowledge.'"
Jesus--the King of kings and Lord of lords--became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God through Him. In Him and through Him we are able to rejoice each day. With Christ, life becomes an eternal springtime. Through Him we experience unparalleled joy.
Helen Steiner Rice wrote:
Each spring, God renews His promise.
Long, long ago in a land far away,
There came the dawn of the first Easter Day,
And each year we see that promise reborn
That God gave the world on that Easter morn.
For in each waking flower and each singing bird,
The promise of Easter is witnessed and heard,
And spring is God's way of speaking to men
And renewing the promise of Easter again."
Happy springtime to you and yours. May you be blessed as you contemplate the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Soon the commemoration of our Lord's death, burial, and resurrection will be here, and Jews will be celebrating Passover. As we reflect upon this important season of the year, we realize several things about who we are and who Christ is. C.H. Spurgeon wrote, "The love of Christ surpasses all human understanding. Where can language be found that is able to describe His matchless, unparalleled love toward all humanity? It's so vast and boundless that all descriptive words just touch the surface, while immeasurable depths lie beneath. Christ's love is so measureless and fathomless that no human can achieve it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus, we must understand His previous glory in its height of majesty, and His incarnation upon the Earth in all its depths of shame. But who can tell us the majesty of Christ?. . . Who can tell His height of glory then? And who can tell how low He descended? To be a man was something, to be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief was far more. To bleed and die and suffer--these were much for Him who was the Son of God. But to suffer such unparalleled agony, and to endure a death of shame and desertion by His Father, this is a depth of condescending love that even the most inspired mind must utterly fail to understand. This is love--and truly it is love that 'surpasses knowledge.'"
Jesus--the King of kings and Lord of lords--became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God through Him. In Him and through Him we are able to rejoice each day. With Christ, life becomes an eternal springtime. Through Him we experience unparalleled joy.
Helen Steiner Rice wrote:
Each spring, God renews His promise.
Long, long ago in a land far away,
There came the dawn of the first Easter Day,
And each year we see that promise reborn
That God gave the world on that Easter morn.
For in each waking flower and each singing bird,
The promise of Easter is witnessed and heard,
And spring is God's way of speaking to men
And renewing the promise of Easter again."
Happy springtime to you and yours. May you be blessed as you contemplate the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!
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