Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
What if, God couldn't take time to bless you today because we couldn't take time to thank Him yesterday?
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?
What if God didn't talk to us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if God took away our Bible today because we did not read it yesterday?
What if God took away his message because we failed to listen to His messenger?
What if God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to pay the price for our sin?
What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?
--Adapted (Used by permission)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
David's Praise
Eugene Peterson proclaims David's praise of God in the following way:
I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity. I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips. God is all mercy and grace—not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you.They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right— the trademark on all his works is love. (Psalm 145:1-17 Msg.)
Now that's the God I want to worship. That's the God who will take care of me. . .and you.
I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity. I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips. God is all mercy and grace—not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you.They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right— the trademark on all his works is love. (Psalm 145:1-17 Msg.)
Now that's the God I want to worship. That's the God who will take care of me. . .and you.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Moment I Will Always Remember
Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul..."
He told his daughters, "I just want to go home." The aged gentleman had just spent two weeks in the hospital with major heart issues. Each one had been successfully and miraculously corrected, but now his 87-year-old body was shutting down. As I visited with him it was very evident that he knew of his fate and simply wanted to spend his final hours in the comfort of his own home.
In my years of ministry, I have watched that scene unfold on many occasions. But this day's visit spoke strongly of God's presence in this brother's life. As I stood by his bed at the hospital, my reading of Psalm 23 was made more real as I watched his lips move with every word. As he mouthed the words, "...yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me...", his tightening grip on my hand spoke of his confidence and trust in the power of God. His weakened but solid "Amen" capped a moment this pastor will never forget.
Days later doctors gave their approval and a transport vehicle made the 45-minute trip to the "green pastures and still waters" so familiar to this servant. With the medics gone, this God-loving man received blessings from those daughters...and a couple of hours later, from the comfort of his earthly home, angels ushered him into the presence of the Almighty.
I trust that the Lord is your shepherd. Your journey through the valley of the shadow can be one of peace and comfort, knowing that God is holding you in His arms. Find your peace today. Invite Christ into your heart. It will be a moment you will remember for eternity.
He told his daughters, "I just want to go home." The aged gentleman had just spent two weeks in the hospital with major heart issues. Each one had been successfully and miraculously corrected, but now his 87-year-old body was shutting down. As I visited with him it was very evident that he knew of his fate and simply wanted to spend his final hours in the comfort of his own home.
In my years of ministry, I have watched that scene unfold on many occasions. But this day's visit spoke strongly of God's presence in this brother's life. As I stood by his bed at the hospital, my reading of Psalm 23 was made more real as I watched his lips move with every word. As he mouthed the words, "...yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me...", his tightening grip on my hand spoke of his confidence and trust in the power of God. His weakened but solid "Amen" capped a moment this pastor will never forget.
Days later doctors gave their approval and a transport vehicle made the 45-minute trip to the "green pastures and still waters" so familiar to this servant. With the medics gone, this God-loving man received blessings from those daughters...and a couple of hours later, from the comfort of his earthly home, angels ushered him into the presence of the Almighty.
I trust that the Lord is your shepherd. Your journey through the valley of the shadow can be one of peace and comfort, knowing that God is holding you in His arms. Find your peace today. Invite Christ into your heart. It will be a moment you will remember for eternity.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Wow! He Really Is Alive!!
I doubt if many people will read this...but I believe that some will. Let's see, doubt becomes belief. Kinda sounds like a guy named Thomas.
Jesus had visited the disciples on the evening of His resurrection, but Thomas was not among them. The disciples were excited about seeing the Lord, but Thomas refused to believe unless he could see and touch Him. About a week later Jesus appeared to the disciples again and doubting Tom was present. John 20 records a stirring scene as Jesus calls for Thomas to feel the marks in His hands and side. Baffled, amazed, yet totally believing Thomas proclaims Christ to be his Lord and his God. His belief was real and his faith got a good boost of spiritual energy.
Jesus then said that Thomas believed because he saw, but others are blessed because they believe even though they have not seen. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says that "We walk by faith and not by sight." May we never forget that Christ is alive and though we may not see Him with our eyes, we can know He is near because of our faith in Him and our trust in God's Holy Word.
Jesus had visited the disciples on the evening of His resurrection, but Thomas was not among them. The disciples were excited about seeing the Lord, but Thomas refused to believe unless he could see and touch Him. About a week later Jesus appeared to the disciples again and doubting Tom was present. John 20 records a stirring scene as Jesus calls for Thomas to feel the marks in His hands and side. Baffled, amazed, yet totally believing Thomas proclaims Christ to be his Lord and his God. His belief was real and his faith got a good boost of spiritual energy.
Jesus then said that Thomas believed because he saw, but others are blessed because they believe even though they have not seen. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says that "We walk by faith and not by sight." May we never forget that Christ is alive and though we may not see Him with our eyes, we can know He is near because of our faith in Him and our trust in God's Holy Word.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
If Only the Stone Could Speak
People came from miles around just to stand on Calvary's hill.
As Jesus hung there, some cried in despair, "Is this our Father's will?"
Some laughed, some cried as tears filled their eyes, and death won its final race.
As the day turned to gloom, they borrowed a tomb and the great stone was rolled in place.
For two lonely days inside of that grave, Satan laughed at the Father's dear Son;
His body lay cold behind that old stone; Satan knew that a victory was won.
In the garden outside soldiers guarded with pride the great stone that covered the door.
For it still had to hide the war raging inside, but only a few hours more.
On the third day we're told, Mary came from her home to the garden to visit her Lord.
As she walked down the hill in the morning so still her heart cried, yet she spoke not a word.
Then to her surprise, right in front of her eyes sat an angel where Jesus had laid;
It was then that she knew all He told her was true, for the great stone had been rolled away!
If only the stone could speak, what would it say.
What wonders it must have seen with Christ in the grave.
For two lonely days it held our Lord in a tomb;
But on the third day, the stone was rolled away, Heaven's Flower did bloom.
B.Sasser / Ty Corbett c. 1984, Four In Christ Quartet Ministries
As Jesus hung there, some cried in despair, "Is this our Father's will?"
Some laughed, some cried as tears filled their eyes, and death won its final race.
As the day turned to gloom, they borrowed a tomb and the great stone was rolled in place.
For two lonely days inside of that grave, Satan laughed at the Father's dear Son;
His body lay cold behind that old stone; Satan knew that a victory was won.
In the garden outside soldiers guarded with pride the great stone that covered the door.
For it still had to hide the war raging inside, but only a few hours more.
On the third day we're told, Mary came from her home to the garden to visit her Lord.
As she walked down the hill in the morning so still her heart cried, yet she spoke not a word.
Then to her surprise, right in front of her eyes sat an angel where Jesus had laid;
It was then that she knew all He told her was true, for the great stone had been rolled away!
If only the stone could speak, what would it say.
What wonders it must have seen with Christ in the grave.
For two lonely days it held our Lord in a tomb;
But on the third day, the stone was rolled away, Heaven's Flower did bloom.
B.Sasser / Ty Corbett c. 1984, Four In Christ Quartet Ministries
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)