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El HaGadol – The Great God: Deuteronomy 10:17, Jeremiah 10:6, 1 Chronicles 16:25, Ephesians 3: 20

18 Wednesday Oct 2017

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When we discuss God, often it is in relation to what he has done or how he affects our lives. But, there is just some truth that stands alone–God is simply great! He created all things, He is supreme master of the universe. He sees all, knows all and is in all places and times at once.  He is great, and is greatly to be praised.

We seek that relationship with a loving heavenly father–and rightly so. But to grasp how great, how wise, how mighty, how captivating that God is–leaves us simply in awe at the fact he loves us so. He called the universe into existence. He has parted seas, raised nations, destroyed armies and fed millions. He designed law and systems of governments. He imparted wisdom, restored salvation and patiently has abided with this chaotic world for thousands of years.

He gave his only Son to die for our sins. He created music, beauty, love and life. He is truly a great God. He is also great because of the many attributes we have seen over the last days. The names and attributes of God affirm his greatness.  We are his and he loves us–but we will never be worthy of so great a God. We are blessed beyond measure.  Thanks Lord, for your love, fellowship and salvation.  But, thank you even more for being the great and mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

God Bless You

Deuteronomy 10

17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

Jeremiah 10

6 There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might.

1 Chronicles 16

25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.

Ephesians 3

20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

Jehovah Jireh (I AM Provides)–Genesis 22:14

21 Thursday Sep 2017

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One of God’s names that brings the most comfort to his chosen is the name Jehovah Jireh (I AM Provides). In one of the most heart rending stories of the Bible, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on the alter.  Isaac, the son Abraham waited a century to receive–Abraham’s heir to the kingdom God promised. Now God was calling for Abraham to sacrifice him. Abraham obeyed God, he took Isaac to the alter to carry out the sacrifice–But, when Isaac asked–Abraham told him, “God will provide!” And God did. At the last moment, the angel stopped Abraham and pointed out a ram to sacrifice instead.

God always provides.  It is rarely in the manner or timing that we expect, but, he always brings us through–in his time and in his way.  In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells his people, “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” This God, Jehovah Jireh, wants nothing more than to see us, his chosen live an abundant and fulfilling life.  In Luke 11, Jesus reminds us, “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish–give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

It is our duty to trust God and allow him to provide–in his time, and in his way.  Then, when he does, we simply acknowledge his provision and continue to follow his plan. Like Abraham, we do not always get to know the when, how or why; we simply get to acknowledge that he is the God “I AM” and that “I AM Provides!”

God Bless You

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”;[b] as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”[c]

Faith or Works? Yes! James 2 Part 2

05 Tuesday Sep 2017

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One complex spiritual principle is the fine line between grace and action.  Clearly our lives will never be good enough to win us a restored relationship with God.  He has made it abundantly clear that we are saved by grace.  Still, the temptation for believers–is to take the truth of salvation and turn it one of two ways…either, use our salvation as a crutch to continue to live like the world; and believe that one day when we are tired of being in charge,then we will surrender to God.  

James is calling folks out on that misapplication of grace.  We cannot be saved by Christ–without becoming a new person.  We desire God’s desires and not our own.  We become like him and live and behave like him–not to earn salvation, but because of his salvation. Our actions will simply reflect our faith. 

The other derivation says that I believe in God’s grace, but while I confess it, I am going to check my series of boxes just to be sure.  I will keep close score and when I stand before God–well, he will be impressed by my spiritual resume. That life is equally off base.  

Our faith is what saves us. There will be folks that work there heads off for the church that have no relationship with God.  They will lay out the list of accomplishments and God will tearfully say, depart from me, I never knew you…It is NEVER going to be the boxes (our actions)that save us–It will always be our faith in his sacrifice.  

Still, our faith will guide our steps and we will live a life that honors our  Heavenly Father–we will not do that to attain salvation; but, simply out of a grateful heart for our salvation and a life that is being transformed into his image!

God Bless You

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[e]and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Sacrifice of Praise–Hebrews 13 Final

25 Friday Aug 2017

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Final thoughts…the writer was wrapping up–he already went through the basics of discipleship.  In closing, he had a great final thought for the Hebrew people–while the traditions that have stood since Egypt defined us, it is time to let them go and move on. Christ was the final sacrifice.  So, now if you feel so compelled to offer such a sacrifice–offer a sacrifice of praise to God.  He loves you and wants your freedom from sin and death–that is all.  Still, follow the truth, submit to authority and pray continually–that will do it!

As a body of believers, we can see amazing things by keeping it as simple as that.  If we stop worrying about being good enough or doing enough Christian stuff; and, simply love and honor our Heavenly Father; then, we will be free to enjoy the amazing life he sets before us. Still, we need to live a life honoring to God–no wacky traditions, submission to authority and fellowship and prayer for each other.  If we do that, then God will bless us beyond what we could ever hope or imagine.

God Bless You

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods,which is of no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holythrough his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

The Message is Consistent–Hebrews 13

24 Thursday Aug 2017

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Solomon said it best in Ecclesiastes, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecc 1:9. As the writer of Hebrews concludes his treatise, his final thoughts go back to the very pragmatic basics of life.  Love each other, be hospitable, show compassion to those imprisoned, tortured, alone or in dire straits–as if it were you! Be a faithful spouse, be content with what you have–mostly, understand God will never fail you or abandon you. Finally, Jesus is the same-yesterday, today and forever.  It has always been those principles that have set God’s people apart.

In our lives, the transformation we experience in our walk with God–changes us from selfish sinful wretches to selfless, humble stewards of the vast wealth of knowing God personally.  We need to show others the value of knowing him.  By simply being the person God has called you to be–you cannot help but incorporate hospitality, compassion, faithfulness, contentment and faith in Christ’s promise. Those traits make us stand out in any crowd, and cause others to desire the same relationship that we enjoy.

We make a difference every day.  The enemy would have us believe it is insignificant, but–rest assured, the faithfulness we display will impact generations to come.  We need only trust God and follow him closely.

God Bless You

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.[a] 2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.”[b]

6 So we can say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper,
    so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?”[c]

7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. 

The Change that Changes Us–Hebrews 5 Part 1

31 Monday Jul 2017

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There is no doubt that Jesus is God.  In the theological realm he is God the Son in the trinity.  But, when he came to earth, he took off all the trappings of his Godly nature–the immortality, the complete power, The complete perspective of eternity and the protection from pain and suffering.  He did that physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  He came here as an equal–simply to provide the sacrifice we needed to be restored once and for all to God.  He was given a name above every name–after he suffered the pain and inhumanity dealt him.  He had to pray and seek the Lord–just as we do, while here on earth.

That is what makes him the right choice as our intercessor.  He not only knows us, but he has been us! He did it without grumbling or making an excuse.  He lived it, suffered it and endured it to the end in a flurry of humiliation and degradation. Yet, he still rose and became our greatest advocate.  He loves us like none other.  In the midst of that love and sacrifice–all he asks, is that we follow him and accept the gift he paid such a high price to provide.

What about us? Well we simply confess with our mouths that he is LORD and believe God has raised him from the dead–and we will be saved.(Romans 10:9).  It is a simple, but–life changing adventure.  Once done, like Jesus, we are never the same again.  We quickly learn that our behavior does not save us, but, the change in our life affects our view and actions in this world. We do not do the actions to gain salvation–instead, as his chosen, we simply live differently, as he did.  We must humbly embrace that we are new creations; (2 Corinthians 5:17) and enjoy the life that brings!

God Bless You

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”[a]

6 And he says in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[b]

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

The Supremacy Of Christ–Hebrews 1 Part 1

19 Wednesday Jul 2017

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My mentor as a youth, would often quote Soren Kierkigaard when he talked about Jesus.  The quote has stuck with me since 7th grade…”Jesus was the most definitive figure ever to stalk the panorama of human history.” When the author of Hebrews started his discussion of God’s desire for relationship with his chosen people–the Hebrew nation; he showcased the main thing, first–Jesus.  

When we discuss Jesus, we first need to take stock in who He is. Jesus is God–He traded his Immortal, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent nature–to become the example, the messenger, the message and the sacrifice for the restoration of our relationship with a Holy and eternal God. He was not just an amazing man, teacher, leader or rebel–He is God, in the flesh.

He created the universe, he defeated sin and he rose from the dead and remains our advocate to the Father. Because he is God, he is above the angels–in fact, as Paul said in Philippians 2, “Therefore, God placed him at the highest place and placed his name above every name; so, that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven, on earth and under the earth; and, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!”  

For us, the issue is not his lordship–that has been long established.  The issue is whether we are willing to bow the knee, and confess that lordship in our daily life. When we do, He promises to lead us through the amazing journey of life–to our eternal home with Him, in Heaven. It is a great gift–especially when we grasp from whom we received it.

God Bless You

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whomalso he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.  5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father”[a]?

Or again,

“I will be his Father,
    and he will be my Son”[b]?

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”[c]

7 In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits,
    and his servants flames of fire.”[d]

8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing you with the oil of joy.”[e]

Leaders–God’s Plan–Titus 1 part 1

12 Wednesday Jul 2017

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Paul was preparing Titus, another young preacher, for leading a church.  Crete, Titus’s hometown, was a wild place.  So, Paul for priorities sake, hits on a critical issue–what should your leaders look like? Paul knew that the leadership would set the tone for the people in the church.  Paul knew leaders needed to be above reproach, committed to their families and gracious to others.  He knew that to best lead others, the focus for the leader needed not be clouded by life issues.  He made no judgement of folks that did not qualify–he simply pointed Titus to people that lived simple lives–to deal with the issues of the church community.
 
In our world, we all have issues. I have counseled many couples on the fact that everyone has some baggage, the trick is making sure the baggage you and your spouse have fits in the closet. If Christians look for perfect people to lead in the community–there simply will be no leadership.  
 
But, if we look for people that are gracious, love their families and live a life above reproach–well then, the baggage will fit, and the community will be blessed.  God used Noah–the drunk,Moses–the killer, Samson–the cocky, self-absorbed troublemaker, David–the adulterer and murderer, Peter–the lair and chicken, and Paul-the persecutor of Christians; to lead his people–all had major issues in their walks with God–still, upon reflection, they all qualified because they trusted him to lead through them–That should also be our goal!
 
God Bless You
 
 

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint[a] elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable,one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Victors and Victory 2 Timothy 4 Part 2

11 Tuesday Jul 2017

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What makes this amazing journey a true victory?  As an athlete, I was never a star.  My brother was amazing–won decathlon 2 out of 3 years and finished 2nd the middle year by 10 points–sporting a cast on his right arm. He was the fastest most gifted runner we knew.  Me, history explains, not so much…my coach said it best, “Well Smith can’t catch, but he sure is slow!” So, early on, I learned that for me it truly was a victory to simply finish the race and fight the good fight.

Paul was, by far, a greater spiritual athlete. He completely embraced the faith he sought to destroy.  He focused his ministry upon the people he was raised and trained to abhor. He taught salvation by faith–when his legal righteousness was above reproach–he was a Christian superstar. Yet, on this day, as his final appeals were winding down and Nero was soon to take his head, Paul faced the truth–HE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, FINISHED THE RACE and kept the faith. He realized this marathon was not about the medals; it was about the journey and the struggle.

As he was sharing his heart with Timothy, he expressed his loneliness, his regret for not using John Mark–and his gratitude to Luke and to God who had remained along side.  Paul never expected to win the race or win the fight–that was for God.  He only expected to finish strong and fight to the end–a great goal.

As for us–we are called to follow Paul’s example–Phil 4:9-“ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” If we will embrace what is tough, focus on those no one else will, and keep battling until God calls us home; even if you are not a christian decathlete–you can run, fight and finish–ready to claim the reward for which you were prepared. Not a bad trade off!

God Bless You

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Amazing Bible–2 Timothy 3 Part 2

07 Friday Jul 2017

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No matter the culture, no matter the circumstance, Paul knew, and wanted to make sure Timothy knew–the critical nature of scripture.  Paul had been through every kind of trial and tribulation.  As he was writing the letter, he knew time was drawing short.  In that context, he wanted Timothy to be prepared for what was ahead.
 
So Paul sent Timothy back to scripture.  He told Timothy that his knowledge of God’s word  would serve him–no matter what the circumstance.  He reminded Timothy that God inspired all scripture–not just an allegory or a good book–it is the Creator guiding the ones he lovingly made.  Further, since God’s word is inspired; it is timeless and useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking  and training folks to live amazing lives.  It will lead those that read it–to lives that are full and meaningful.  It will prepare those that use it to be ready for an eternity with God.
 
Scripture is still our best tool and weapon.  We must be armed with its truth to face many of life’s battles.  It is the truth in scripture that deflects the lies told by the world and the enemy.  The more we are equipped, the more we can walk confidently through this maze.  In addition, we are equipped to help and lead others to Christ and to a full and meaningful life.  This book is a tool and map to complete our journey.  We will be lost without it.  Stay armed and grounded in God’s word and watch him transform you into his likeness.
 
God Bless You
 

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse,deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.