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).
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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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