Does your 8-year old have an iPhone? Does your 18-year old have a brand new SUV? What are you teaching your children?
When a child, or teenager, is given everything that he or she asks for, without exerting any form of reputable and responsible motion, what does the child learn? He or she learns that they can have anything they want without working for it. Look at society today and what it is teaching our children. A long life of this "serve me" attitude is setting your child up for an assured spiritual destruction.
Proverbs 22:6 tells us that we are to "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Certainly, bless your children! However, identify when it will be most fruitful! Mindless and senseless giving of things to your children can endanger the God-intended heart of giving and serving, not getting and being served.
If you have young children, remember your role! You were promoted when God gave you a child to take care of and raise. God has entrusted you with your children. Make it a point every day to first have God cleanse and refill your spirit to be right with Him. Then, invest Godly principles into your child's life and commit your children to the kingdom of God. After all, they are His, not yours.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tears on the Altar
It was a Sunday morning to remember; as clear as the finest of crystal - as vivid as the red sunsets in Autumn. Spiritually, one would have heard an avalanche of release. This I speak of, was the release at the altar.
That morning, people walked into the sanctuary with a mixed collection of thoughts, mindsets, and motives. They took their seats and settled in. Some would sing. Some would not. Some would smile. Some would speak loudly without opening their mouth - they would have rather slept in from whatever their Saturday night did to them. Some looked as if they were forced there. But some ... would have it a privilege to be there.
What ALL of them did not know was the message the Lord would deliver through the Pastor that powerful day. That day, people were given the opportunity to assess the un-confessed sin in their life; to be free of what hindered there very life from being in the rich abundance the Lord has willed us to have. You could see it in their face, they didn't want to give up their worldly treasure or ways of thinking. The world gives pleasure, but not fullfillment.
Each person would write their heaviest sins on a sheet of paper and would be told to nail it to the cross. Don't let your mind visualize this without the biggest detail I am about to give you. Picture this: A sanctuary of about 500 people. Not one of them is talking. What you hear is silence distorted by the sound of hammering sheets of paper - these sins - to the cross. If you were blind, you might believe you were in a construction zone. Each hit on the head of the nail equates to the hammering of Jesus to the cross. You could almost see the image flash from the nailing of paper to the cross, to Jesus in agony on that same cross, and back to the paper ... with every strike of the hammer.
Still, no other sounds but the striking of hammers to nails. Minutes pass before you begin to hear the sound of hearts breaking, self-serving motives shattering, baggage dropping, and repentence shouting. One could only experience these sounds, as they indescribably echoed in the sanctuary, and in my mind.
When my time came to deliver to the Lord what I had been holding onto for so long, I found myself articulating in concert with those who also came to the cross. I heard the echo of my hammer strike on the cross - I had hammered Jesus to the Cross. Oh, the image of him looking at me as I hammered my sin. I was absolutely broken and humbled to my knees. By this time, the sounds of release had amplified. The altar was full and the Spirit moved thickly through the place I had welcomed Him.
I finally rose from my knees, and I was about to return to my seat when my eyes caught a scene beyond what words could manifest: tears on the altar. Not just one singular drop. Not even a few, but many, many tears. I must have stared at the vast amount of tears for what seemed minutes. Time seemed irrelevant then. They showed brokenness. They shouted confession. They pleaded for healing. They declared the Lord is good and merciful. They brought praise to the Lord...
Remember, dear friend, what Christ has done for you. Take time right now to look at your life. When you step into eternity, how would answer to God if He asked you what you did with His son, Jesus Christ? With your time? With your abilities? You have a purpose. Not finding your purpose is like spinning in circles - you go nowhere. I encourage you to get right with God for you will never know just how soon it will be before you face Him. Don't be blinded by the ways of the world, or even by the blinding vail of religion. It's a relationship with Jesus. Not knowing "of" Him, but knowing Him. Proclaim, out loud, your determination to be faithful to the Lord. When you speak, rather than simply think what you would say, you bring words into existence. God did not "think" the world into existence, he "spoke" the world into existence. He's not asking you to be perfect, but to look to His Son and no other idol. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life...an abundant Life.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
-Isaiah 53:4-5, ESV
Love to you all,
Samuel
That morning, people walked into the sanctuary with a mixed collection of thoughts, mindsets, and motives. They took their seats and settled in. Some would sing. Some would not. Some would smile. Some would speak loudly without opening their mouth - they would have rather slept in from whatever their Saturday night did to them. Some looked as if they were forced there. But some ... would have it a privilege to be there.
What ALL of them did not know was the message the Lord would deliver through the Pastor that powerful day. That day, people were given the opportunity to assess the un-confessed sin in their life; to be free of what hindered there very life from being in the rich abundance the Lord has willed us to have. You could see it in their face, they didn't want to give up their worldly treasure or ways of thinking. The world gives pleasure, but not fullfillment.
Each person would write their heaviest sins on a sheet of paper and would be told to nail it to the cross. Don't let your mind visualize this without the biggest detail I am about to give you. Picture this: A sanctuary of about 500 people. Not one of them is talking. What you hear is silence distorted by the sound of hammering sheets of paper - these sins - to the cross. If you were blind, you might believe you were in a construction zone. Each hit on the head of the nail equates to the hammering of Jesus to the cross. You could almost see the image flash from the nailing of paper to the cross, to Jesus in agony on that same cross, and back to the paper ... with every strike of the hammer.
Still, no other sounds but the striking of hammers to nails. Minutes pass before you begin to hear the sound of hearts breaking, self-serving motives shattering, baggage dropping, and repentence shouting. One could only experience these sounds, as they indescribably echoed in the sanctuary, and in my mind.
When my time came to deliver to the Lord what I had been holding onto for so long, I found myself articulating in concert with those who also came to the cross. I heard the echo of my hammer strike on the cross - I had hammered Jesus to the Cross. Oh, the image of him looking at me as I hammered my sin. I was absolutely broken and humbled to my knees. By this time, the sounds of release had amplified. The altar was full and the Spirit moved thickly through the place I had welcomed Him.
I finally rose from my knees, and I was about to return to my seat when my eyes caught a scene beyond what words could manifest: tears on the altar. Not just one singular drop. Not even a few, but many, many tears. I must have stared at the vast amount of tears for what seemed minutes. Time seemed irrelevant then. They showed brokenness. They shouted confession. They pleaded for healing. They declared the Lord is good and merciful. They brought praise to the Lord...
Remember, dear friend, what Christ has done for you. Take time right now to look at your life. When you step into eternity, how would answer to God if He asked you what you did with His son, Jesus Christ? With your time? With your abilities? You have a purpose. Not finding your purpose is like spinning in circles - you go nowhere. I encourage you to get right with God for you will never know just how soon it will be before you face Him. Don't be blinded by the ways of the world, or even by the blinding vail of religion. It's a relationship with Jesus. Not knowing "of" Him, but knowing Him. Proclaim, out loud, your determination to be faithful to the Lord. When you speak, rather than simply think what you would say, you bring words into existence. God did not "think" the world into existence, he "spoke" the world into existence. He's not asking you to be perfect, but to look to His Son and no other idol. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life...an abundant Life.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
-Isaiah 53:4-5, ESV
Love to you all,
Samuel
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Refined Outlook
The past week, I have embarked on a journey through a valley of pressing emotions and spiritual attacks.
Fear came to visit me the day I went to the Doctor's office and found that my hearing problem is either fluid build-up in my inner ear (93% chance), or a benign tumor pinching a nerve (7% chance). While I am waiting for the MRI, I have scheduled on 1/7/2009, I have been blessed to notice that my medicine is working and that things are looking into the 93%, but here is where I am at:
I am still approached by Fear and have been severely tempted to think negative thoughts. Comfort and Joy through the Holy Spirit have been my weapons. Though I have shown improvement to what some may call a small ordeal, I have had some time with God in this little storm that popped up out of nowhere. When I think of things like this, and God seems quiet, I think back to when Paul came down with a sickness. God told him that His grace is sufficient. I felt this echo in my heart...and fell silent before Him. Though things are likely to turn out in my favor, it's been a bold wake-up call.
My perspective on life has been amplified exponentially. Family time has been more precious than it ever has before. Reminding myself where the strength of my faith stands has had to occur several times. Recalling the Shield of Faith from Ephesians 6, I don't believe that our Shield of Faith would ever succumb to the fiery darts of the enemy. No, instead, we become weak in holding our Shield up. Maybe it's been a few days since you have had any time with God. Picture each missed day correlating to your arm's strength becoming weaker...and weaker. Before you know it, you let your Shield down...and you are hit.
~Aren't you glad you have a God that is always with you?~
No matter the battle or storm you are currently in. Remember that one thing stands after all the smoke has cleared...Christ and His Word, who has given us the victory and authority!
Fear came to visit me the day I went to the Doctor's office and found that my hearing problem is either fluid build-up in my inner ear (93% chance), or a benign tumor pinching a nerve (7% chance). While I am waiting for the MRI, I have scheduled on 1/7/2009, I have been blessed to notice that my medicine is working and that things are looking into the 93%, but here is where I am at:
I am still approached by Fear and have been severely tempted to think negative thoughts. Comfort and Joy through the Holy Spirit have been my weapons. Though I have shown improvement to what some may call a small ordeal, I have had some time with God in this little storm that popped up out of nowhere. When I think of things like this, and God seems quiet, I think back to when Paul came down with a sickness. God told him that His grace is sufficient. I felt this echo in my heart...and fell silent before Him. Though things are likely to turn out in my favor, it's been a bold wake-up call.
My perspective on life has been amplified exponentially. Family time has been more precious than it ever has before. Reminding myself where the strength of my faith stands has had to occur several times. Recalling the Shield of Faith from Ephesians 6, I don't believe that our Shield of Faith would ever succumb to the fiery darts of the enemy. No, instead, we become weak in holding our Shield up. Maybe it's been a few days since you have had any time with God. Picture each missed day correlating to your arm's strength becoming weaker...and weaker. Before you know it, you let your Shield down...and you are hit.
~Aren't you glad you have a God that is always with you?~
No matter the battle or storm you are currently in. Remember that one thing stands after all the smoke has cleared...Christ and His Word, who has given us the victory and authority!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Revere in Silence
As the Christmas Holiday approaches, it is entirely possible that you will be moving in two hundred and thirty-one different directions within the span of about 30 milliseconds. A rush to get all of the food you committed to cooking finished before the big days ahead; a hurtle through the highway to reach your in-laws or friends place on time. Perhaps a scurry through some department stores getting last-minute gifts for others. Our society is what it is. We have chosen to become part of the busyness. Make it a point today to search inside your heart for the blessed silence. Revere and Praise the Lord in it. To His glory is OUR purpose. When we are still, we can easily listen and bask in His presence. Maybe its been a long time since you've stepped out of the fast lane. Maybe its time to pull over and recognize His presence.
As I think about the reason we celebrate in the Christmas season I look back and think about another silence... a silence when Jesus was born. Yes, the night when Mary and Joseph looked into the brand new eyes of the newborn King. The Highest of Kings born in the most humble of places. Please take a minute (or however long you would like) to imagine the scene as if you were there witnessing it. Try not to imagine this with all the commercial nativity scenes you find at the department stores, or how the nativity scene is depicted in children's stories. Truly imagine the hastiness that Joseph must have had to find a place - any place - for the birth of the Most High King. Think of the Light in the sky that stood triumphant in the sky...and the Angel proclaiming the birth of Jesus. Reverence...in the blessed silence. Where all you might here is the night wind blowing and seeing the light reflect off the faces of those who were lead by this wondrous light.
~reflect~
To my brothers and sisters in Christ: May you bless others and show His endless Love this season. I know you will...and I know you don't have to be told, but many blessings to you nonetheless :-) . To my friends who have not yet made the decision to follow Christ: I continue to lift your name to the one who saved me, that you will find true peace and salvation in our Lord and Savior. Wholly ask Him to reveal himself to. Have patience with this. We are under God's timing, not ours. You are ALL on my heart and I love you.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Samuel
As I think about the reason we celebrate in the Christmas season I look back and think about another silence... a silence when Jesus was born. Yes, the night when Mary and Joseph looked into the brand new eyes of the newborn King. The Highest of Kings born in the most humble of places. Please take a minute (or however long you would like) to imagine the scene as if you were there witnessing it. Try not to imagine this with all the commercial nativity scenes you find at the department stores, or how the nativity scene is depicted in children's stories. Truly imagine the hastiness that Joseph must have had to find a place - any place - for the birth of the Most High King. Think of the Light in the sky that stood triumphant in the sky...and the Angel proclaiming the birth of Jesus. Reverence...in the blessed silence. Where all you might here is the night wind blowing and seeing the light reflect off the faces of those who were lead by this wondrous light.
~reflect~
To my brothers and sisters in Christ: May you bless others and show His endless Love this season. I know you will...and I know you don't have to be told, but many blessings to you nonetheless :-) . To my friends who have not yet made the decision to follow Christ: I continue to lift your name to the one who saved me, that you will find true peace and salvation in our Lord and Savior. Wholly ask Him to reveal himself to. Have patience with this. We are under God's timing, not ours. You are ALL on my heart and I love you.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Samuel
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Joy
I have heard that Joy and Happiness are quite different:
~Happiness is temporary...Joy is permanent
~Happiness is an outward expression...Joy resides deep inside
~Happiness will flee in persecution...Joy increases, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matt 5:10, ESV
~Happiness is at it's strongest when accompanied by Joy.
You see, this makes sense when you understand that Joy comes from the Lord.
"The Lord is my strength and shield.I trust him with all my heart.He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." -Psalms 28:7, NLT
I attended a Men's Encounter this last weekend. During that memorable encounter, God gave me a joy that I never knew I could have. The Holy Spirit dwelt within me and I felt as if I were casting light at whoever I was facing. I still fill this way today when I speak of any part of His word. I learned that when I am filled with Joy, I am filled with laughter and a smile that cannot be tamed. I'm smiling right now as I finish typing this line, for I still do not comprehend the depth of the love that my heavenly Dad has for me.
Dear brothers and sisters: May God fill you with Joy. Give all the glory and praise forever and ever. Amen.
~Happiness is temporary...Joy is permanent
~Happiness is an outward expression...Joy resides deep inside
~Happiness will flee in persecution...Joy increases, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matt 5:10, ESV
~Happiness is at it's strongest when accompanied by Joy.
You see, this makes sense when you understand that Joy comes from the Lord.
"The Lord is my strength and shield.I trust him with all my heart.He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." -Psalms 28:7, NLT
I attended a Men's Encounter this last weekend. During that memorable encounter, God gave me a joy that I never knew I could have. The Holy Spirit dwelt within me and I felt as if I were casting light at whoever I was facing. I still fill this way today when I speak of any part of His word. I learned that when I am filled with Joy, I am filled with laughter and a smile that cannot be tamed. I'm smiling right now as I finish typing this line, for I still do not comprehend the depth of the love that my heavenly Dad has for me.
Dear brothers and sisters: May God fill you with Joy. Give all the glory and praise forever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Defending the Heart
In today's modern American society, corruption continues to be on the rise. From wicked law makers to the extreme liberal leadership and lobbyists, in both state and federal, waiting to sink their teeth into the very heart of all that is moral and right. Our nation needs prayer more than ever as we enter a new chapter of leadership. We are at a turning point not only nationally, but also globally, where Christians must stand together to be the beacon of light to a world falling deeper into darkness. We must continue to share the Good News of Christ and broadcast the seeds to the un-sewn fields. Whether one chooses to believe in Christ, His death and Resurrection, or not; whether one chooses to ignore or acknowledge Him - every knee will bow to Jesus. Therefore, continue to stay strong as you go and tell.
Phillipians 2:9-11 (ESV) says:
"9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, you will be persecuted. Jesus said we would be for His names sake.
"11Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." -- Matthew 5:11-12, ESV
Persecution, at many levels, happens daily. America has not seen the extremes of persecution as in other countries. Liberal extremists and other depraved hearts and minds that hold political office will bring us closer to persecution with hate tactics, as their history shows. We will be seen as intolerant and hateful for standing what is right. So, it is with strength, courage and honor that we stay strong and protect the Word of God, and be a light to this world for both each other and non-believers. Knights, draw your sword, which is the Word of God and don your armor of God so that you will be ready to defend and stand for the King. Keep your eyes to the King, and do not waiver them. May the Holy Spirit fill your cup overflowing.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." --Joshua 1:9b ESV
May the love of Christ be with you always. May He receive all glory and praise. Amen.
Phillipians 2:9-11 (ESV) says:
"9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, you will be persecuted. Jesus said we would be for His names sake.
"11Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12
Persecution, at many levels, happens daily.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." --Joshua 1:9b ESV
May the love of Christ be with you always. May He receive all glory and praise. Amen.
Monday, October 13, 2008
An Eye for the Significant
You see them just about everywhere you go. In your work ... in schools ... in hospitals ... in your church. You see them in the big cities ... in the rural towns ... maybe even next door to you. Chances are, you may never have taken a close look them...
They take out your trash, they vacuum and clean your floors, they clean your water fountains and bathrooms. These are the people that get overlooked 99.999% of the time. Have you ever gone out of your way to give a wholesome "Hello, how are you doing?" to someone you would otherwise overlook?
As I have walked through the grand halls of several large corporations in America, I have seen how some companies saturate their walls by hanging pictures of their founders and executives on every wall of every building on the corporate campus. It seems a form of worship to these highly esteemed individuals to the extent that famous quotes are there to accompany every picture. I don't doubt that some have great quotes and are great contributors to the community, but their daily "celebration" is over-exalting. What about these people that keep the place clean? Have you really ever heard an executive give thanks for the cleaning staff at the company's annual event? Chances are, you have not. It would be considered absurd in today's culture. Regardless of where you are or what you do, lead through Love. Shine for God!
In the past few years, I have taken to heart people who are typically overlooked in our everyday lives. I have walked up to several to simply ask how they were doing. Nine out of ten were nearly stunned that someone was assertive towards them in conversation JUST to see how they were doing. Does this bother you in the least? IT SHOULD. Recall what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-40:
34 Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry
and you gave Me something to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in;
36 I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you took care of Me;
I was in prison and you visited Me. '
37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?'
40 "And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me. '
I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to take some time out of your day to shake hands, hold a door open, or even better, look someone in they eyes and truly ask how they are doing. They are significant! Maybe you are walking through the halls of your workplace. Tell them hello and show that you care. I assure you that if you do, you will be glad you did! We are all God's children. There's only one Vine Keeper and we are the branches. Not one branch can inhibit the fruit that another may bear. If we are all part of the vine (Jesus Christ), then we bear fruit for Him. Let us start treating those who get overlooked with the same respect. Hebrews 13:2 says "2 Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it." Did that bring a smile to your face?
Pray God will lead you to someone in need of genuine attention. Let them know that you care and that God loves them :-). Be salt and light in their life.
They take out your trash, they vacuum and clean your floors, they clean your water fountains and bathrooms. These are the people that get overlooked 99.999% of the time. Have you ever gone out of your way to give a wholesome "Hello, how are you doing?" to someone you would otherwise overlook?
As I have walked through the grand halls of several large corporations in America, I have seen how some companies saturate their walls by hanging pictures of their founders and executives on every wall of every building on the corporate campus. It seems a form of worship to these highly esteemed individuals to the extent that famous quotes are there to accompany every picture. I don't doubt that some have great quotes and are great contributors to the community, but their daily "celebration" is over-exalting. What about these people that keep the place clean? Have you really ever heard an executive give thanks for the cleaning staff at the company's annual event? Chances are, you have not. It would be considered absurd in today's culture. Regardless of where you are or what you do, lead through Love. Shine for God!
In the past few years, I have taken to heart people who are typically overlooked in our everyday lives. I have walked up to several to simply ask how they were doing. Nine out of ten were nearly stunned that someone was assertive towards them in conversation JUST to see how they were doing. Does this bother you in the least? IT SHOULD. Recall what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-40:
34 Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry
and you gave Me something to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in;
36 I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you took care of Me;
I was in prison and you visited Me. '
37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?'
40 "And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me. '
I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to take some time out of your day to shake hands, hold a door open, or even better, look someone in they eyes and truly ask how they are doing. They are significant! Maybe you are walking through the halls of your workplace. Tell them hello and show that you care. I assure you that if you do, you will be glad you did! We are all God's children. There's only one Vine Keeper and we are the branches. Not one branch can inhibit the fruit that another may bear. If we are all part of the vine (Jesus Christ), then we bear fruit for Him. Let us start treating those who get overlooked with the same respect. Hebrews 13:2 says "2 Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it." Did that bring a smile to your face?
Pray God will lead you to someone in need of genuine attention. Let them know that you care and that God loves them :-). Be salt and light in their life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
