Need More Time?

 

“And there was no day before it or after it...” Joshua 10:14

We have all said it, “I wish I had more time in a day!” Of course it's impossible to add more time to our allotted 24 hrs. but someone actually did add a whole day to his calendar. The Bible records of a battle where Joshua, Israel's leader, had a miraculous victory over his enemies. Joshua pursued the defeated army as they fled but time was running out to completely destroy his enemy.

Joshua then prayed for a miracle. He asked God to stop the sun and moon so he could finish his enemies and God answered his prayer. Joshua 10:13 Don't ask me to explain how God did it but He did. The earth stopped spinning on its axis with a catastrophic effect. All I can say Jehovah reigns outside of the constraints of time, so for Him to stop time is no problem.

Timelessness exists nowhere on the Earth. Timelessness exists nowhere in space. Stars and planets move through space as a constant indicator that time is passing. The only place that timelessness exists is within the heart of God; and because Joshua boldly prayed, God inserted timelessness into the Earth.

In 1964, The Rolling Stones, recorded Time is On Our Side, which became an instant hit. It makes a great love song BUT time is NOT on our side. Job 14:5 says, “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.”

Since we cannot add one minute to our time on earth what should we do? Colossians 4:5 says “...making the most of the time.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Lost time is never found again.”

Are You Real?

 

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these...And he [Jesus] took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-14; 16

Scripture repeatedly tells us that God highly values children. He warns us, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 This warning to those who would cause a child to sin is severe, and it is a reminder of our responsibility before the Lord for our children. It is vitally important that parents live an authentic Christian life before their children. Our profession of faith must match our lifestyle.

I personally knew a very gift man who was asked to resign his church due to alcohol addiction. Recently, he was sentenced to 10 years for improperly touching a 12 year-old girl. This man has a wife who stood by him as a battled his addiction and several beautiful children.

While I am concerned for him personally, I am extremely concerned for his family. I have seen too many children who saw a contradiction in their parent's behavior at church and their behavior at home. As a result, they grow up angry, bitter, and leave the church.

But when children see parents that are living lives that match their testimony; they will be drawn to the Savior and His Church.

Walk Away From...

 

1. Walk away from unnecessary DRAMA Proverbs 11:19

2. Walk away from PEOPLE who put you down Proverbs 26:20

3. Walk away from the table if RESPECT is no longer being served Exodus 23:1

4. Walk away from CONVERSATIONS that involve hate and gossip James 4:11

Joy in the Journey

 "In Your presence is fullness of joy..."  Psalm 16:11

 

Famous UCLA basketball coach John Wooden led one of the greatest dynasties in sports history, winning 10 NCAA Championships in 12 years. Toward the end of his life, he was asked what one day from his storied career he would choose to re-live if given the chance. His answer may surprise you.
Given his professional achievements, you’d think Coach Wooden would be eager to re-live one of his national championships, his selection into the Hall of Fame, or one of his teams’ greatest come-from-behind victories. Instead, he suggested he would conduct one more day of practice in the gym. Why? Because, he said, “each day of practice was, by far, the most fulfilling, exciting, and memorable thing I did as a coach. [That’s where I taught] those under my supervision how to achieve success as members of a team.”

Think of it: Here’s one of the sport’s most respected coaches who worked with some of basketball’s brightest stars, picking up numerous honors along the way. And, yet, if given one day to live over, he’d spend it in the shadows – running drills with his team in a largely empty gym.

In other words, he found joy in the journey.

Coach Wooden saw something we often miss. While it’s easy to believe that our deepest joy comes from the mountaintop experiences of our lives, it’s finding meaning and purpose in our day-to-day activities that brings true satisfaction. God yearns for us to take joy in the journey, to make even our seemingly mundane moments a recognition of His purposes.

From: Jim Daly’s blog, Daly Focus, at JimDalyBlog.com.

Want To Be Happy?

 through love serve one another. -- Galatians 5:13

There is a story I heard years ago about the difference between heaven and hell. It isn’t a biblically accurate story, but that’s not the point. It is accurately related to human behavior and how our attitudes affect our happiness in life. Here it is: In heaven and in hell, people are seated around a banquet table, and before them is a great feast. There is a strange problem, however, about the way they must eat. Every person has eating utensils strapped to their hands that they cannot take off. Also, the utensils are too long for them to feed themselves. There is no way they could scoop food and return it to their own mouths. In heaven, the people easily find the solution. With joy, they simply feed each other and have a great time of fellowship as they serve one another and enjoy the feast that heaven offers. Hell is much different. The people in hell are so selfish that they would rather starve to death than help someone else. Therefore, even though they have the same food available, they never experience it because they refuse to serve each other.

There is a Chinese proverb that says, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” Proverbs 11:25 bears truth to that saying, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Some of the most miserable people on earth are those who only look out for themselves. I once worked for a multi-millionaire, and she was one of the most miserable people I've met. She never thought of anyone but herself!

According to Time Magazine, the greatest thinkers in the world have suggested that true happiness is found in helping others. Studies have proven that helping others helps reduce stress and happiness.

So, go out today, find someone in need and fill that need.

#happiness#serving#Bible

Being Wise at Christmas

 Tomorrow, we celebrate Christmas! I am sure many thoughts and memories are filling our minds. The baby Jesus, shepherds, the angelic host, and of course the three wise men.

We do not possess much detail about the three wise men but what we do know can benefit us today in our spiritual journey. Mentioned only in the second chapter of Matthew, the identity of the wise men or Magi has fascinated those who study the Bible. Who are these mysterious people who came "from the East" (Matthew 2:1)

1. These were learned (hence wise) priests who studied astronomy and other religions of their day. They knew of the prophecy concerning the King of the Jews and followed “His” star Matthew 2:2 But their search for this new king was not to satisfy their intellectual curiosity but their search was motivated by worship. We can learn that “wise men” today should seek Him to worship.
2. Many Bible scholars think the Magi traveled 1,000+ miles from their home which probably took them months to find Jesus. It took perseverance for them to reach Bethlehem. Today, it is hard to get people to drive across town to attend church.
3. We “assume” there were only three wise men because only three gifts are mentioned. But this is probably wrong. Stephen Collins, in his book "Lost Ten Tribes of Israel . . . Found!" - “Due to their elevated position, they probably traveled with a large entourage that included servants, cooks, and so on worthy of those of high rank. They also came with an armed escort of perhaps a few hundred soldiers, not only to protect their safety but also to guard the precious gifts they carried.”
4. "This Parthian delegation was offering tribute money to a 'king,' and therefore would more likely have brought a whole train of pack animals loaded with gold, frankincense, and... "Since the Parthian Magi were directed to Jesus by an angel of God, their sense of awe likely resulted in unusually large gifts being given to Jesus" (Stephen Collins)
5. After the magi found Jesus; they returned home by another route. I don't want to stretch this point, but once people truly meet Jesus, they are never the same. 2 Cor. 5:17

Hopefully, we can learn (and apply) what we know that made these men wise.

God's Opposites

 

There is a saying that just because everyone is doing it doesn't make it right. Our culture (the world system) is trying to press Christ-followers into their way of thinking. “Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold...” Romans 12:2

After 50+ years being a Christ-follower, I have discovered that the “natural” responses to life situations are often totally opposite to Christ's teaching and the principles of Scripture. For example:

• Self-promotion. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to look out for #1. The world says to make sure you get credit for all your accomplishments. Push your name to the head of the list. But Scripture teaches the opposite. It teaches the way up, is down. 1 Peter 5:6 says “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you it due time.”

• Getting wealth. While the Bible does not condemn riches, it says not to make it your life's goal.

  Deuteronomy 8:18 1 Timothy 9:9 also teaches “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation...That plunges people into ruin and destruction.”

• Revenge. How do you respond to someone that has hurt you, slandered you, or cheated you? The 'natural' response is to get even. Interesting phrase. When we get “even” we are on the same level as the one you did us wrong. The Bible's view is, “Bless them that curse you and pray for them which deceitfully use you. Luke 6:28

The list is endless but let me leave you with this thought. Often our first 'natural' response doesn't align with Scripture, so look at your response through the lens of Scripture.

I've Been Pranked!

 

Though pranks have been with us for thousands of years, it's taken a new turn with access to social media. A prank is defined as a practical joke or mischievous act.

As a true follower of Jesus Christ, I don't believe pranks are consistent with the Christian life. I realize that this is my personal opinion and pulling a prank is not a sin but I do not think it adds credibility to our testimony.

I look at life through the lens of a Biblical worldview. That is, I think the principles found in Scripture should guide how we live. For example, the “Golden Rule.” The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. Matthew 7:12

Watch the videos and it looks like the only ones enjoying the prank are those committing them. I John 2:6 says as a Christ-followers - “The one who claims to remain in him [Jesus] ought to live in the same way as he lived.”

Can you imagine Jesus Christ pulling a prank on someone? The point of a prank is to laugh at someone's response to the prank. Would Jesus laugh at someone's embarrassment? Would Jesus prank someone for enjoyment? I don't think so. If someone has pranked you, how did you feel? I doubt you enjoyed it. No one likes being laughed at or being embarrassed.

Think before you prank!

Where Has Time Gone?

 

We all have 10,080 minutes in a week. The problem with time is it passes by so quickly. We all hear, "Where did the day go?" or "This week flew by." James 4:14 says “Life is like a vapor, it's here one day, gone the next.”

Too many people are busy making a living and forget to make a life.” Jesus said, “ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 The 'things' Jesus referred to are usually the 'things' that rob us from or crowd out the most important things in life; our relationship with Christ, our family and serving others. Jesus said, when we put first things first He will will take care of all the other “things” in life.

In today's fast-passed culture, we have become masters at multi-tasking in order to get everything done and squeeze everything done. However, the biggest temptation is to confuse activity with accomplishment. Time is life's most precious commodity; not gold or silver.

The executive who has worked 60-80 hours a week and is dying from a terminal illness doesn't wish for more time at the office. No, he wants to spend time with his the family he has neglected. The most important thing we can do is make the best use of our time. This may mean giving up good things for better things. Ephesians 5:16

Rethinking Your Thinking

 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. -- Romans 12:2 Contemporary English Version

We live in a world that is constantly pushing its agenda and many times it's pretty much the opposite of the life that God is calling us to live as Christ-followers. God wants to change us by the way we think. He does that through the power of His Word in your life.

When we begin to believe and speak the word, it begins to change us. The lives we live will begin to change our norm! Other people will begin to notice the change. You will no longer blend in but you will begin to be salt and light Matthew 5:13-16 that God has called you to be for those around you.

A Naked Marriage

 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:25

It is interesting that when God created Adam and Eve, He create them naked and without any shame related to it. The word “naked” in Genesis 2:25 means “to be exposed.” God created marriage to be a place you could totally expose yourself to each other – mentally, emotionally, spiritually, sexually, and physically – without shame.

This is what makes intimacy on every level possible in marriage. When you are truly “naked” without shame in marriage, you can share your lives with each other. You can talk about anything without fear. Adam and Eve were created naked without shame until sin entered into the relationship. Once they sinned, they could no longer trust each other. Paradise was lost and they now feared intimacy with God and each other and covered themselves with fig leaves. Genesis 3:7

The good news is that Paradise can be restored when couples take responsibility for their actions and apologize for any damaging behavior. There must be openness in our relationship. Nothing destroys intimacy more than secrets. Don't take your relationship for granted. Keep the lines of communication open. When you make a mistake, apologize quickly. This is the only way to create a “naked” marriage the way God intended.

Jesus the Magnet

 When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him... Matthew 8:1

We read throughout the New Testament that everywhere Jesus went He drew a crowd but He never intentionally drew people to Himself. In John 6 we have the account of Jesus attracting a crowd of over 5,000. I have been thinking a lot about why people are not drawn to me [or churches] like they were Jesus. Why are churches closing by the hundreds even though they are using a host of venues to attract people? What was Jesus 'secret' in drawing people?

• Jesus loved unbelievers People called Him the "Friend of Sinners."The command to love is the most repeated command in the Bible. We need to love people where they are.
• Jesus attracted people by meeting their needs. Jesus frequently asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" Many churches are more interested in meeting their own needs rather than meeting the needs of others. They need to know that they will be loved and accepted.
• Jesus' teachings were relevant. Jesus usually taught in response to a question or problem from someone in the crowd. Jesus' goal when teaching was to transform lives. We do not have to make the Bible relevant - it already is. When people understand how the Bible can affect and change their lives; they will be drawn to that church.

Some churches become like the world. Some isolate themselves from it. A third option is better - infiltrating the world! Jesus walked among people, in their world.

 

Pridefully humble

 

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you see all types of posts. Some that make you laugh, some that make your eyes roll, and some that make you wonder how people get through life without killing themselves due to the craziness they post. But the one that stands out to me more than the rest is what I call the “Pridefully Humble.” This is the person that while he tries to give glory to God, just can’t help but put the focus on them. It looks a little something like this.

“Praise God for all He has done for me as He has helped me break the addiction I had to cigarettes. I’ve been smoking for over 20 years. But it's only taken me two weeks to break the habit. I asked the nurse, and it's the quickest she's ever seen.

We as humans have a hard time taking ourselves out of the picture. Matthew 6:3 tells us, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

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You don’t see Jesus announcing from the street corner, “I’m going to the cross today. Look at me! I’m going to be beaten and whipped and pierced for your iniquities.” He didn’t tell people how many thorns there were, and you didn’t know how far he walked with the cross. The scripture said, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

If you are going to humble yourself to God and serve Him, then do just that. Stop bragging about all the things you’ve done. many he had handed out.

Christian, go to your cross and do it humbly.

What Is Your Nickname?

 

Most High schools often have a nickname and mascots. Red Foxes; Wolves, Lions, Eagles, etc. Students often have nicknames. Often they are given nicknames due to their physical appearance: Shorty, Blondy, Slim. I knew of an elderly minister that was affectionally called "Speedy" due to his slow gait.

Sometimes nicknames are given as an insult. But in the Bible, the giving of names held significance: Jesus Matthew 1:21 David - means beloved. Abraham- father of many. And then there is Nimrod. You may have never heard of him but he was a positive Bible character. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; that is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord. Genesis 10:9 Notice the phrase "before the Lord" indicating that Nimrod used his gifts for a godly purpose.

What a great way to remembered when we are gone! What line or phrase could summarize your life? "All-American?" "Nice guy?" "Good neighbor?" "Wonderful employee?"

Those would all be fine. But here are better ones: "Committed follower of Jesus Christ." "Man (or woman) of God." Maybe no one on earth will remember us -- but God will and He is the one really counts.

Prayer: A Lifestyle?

 

I remember as a new Christ-follower, hearing a sermon on prayer. The preacher's text was Matthew 26:40; “What! Could you not watch with Me for one hour? These were the words of Jesus Christ to His disciples because they feel asleep while praying with Him.

I am not sure how the disciples felt but after hearing the preacher scold us for not paying more; I felt pretty guilty! I mean give me a break! I could pray for everything under the sun in 10 minutes and then I couldn't think of anything (or anyone) to pray for.

There is no question that the average Christ-follower struggles for a meaningful, effective prayer life. Then we come to 1 Thessalonians 5:7 "pray without ceasing" and that just adds more guilt to our burden. How can I possibly pray continually?

This week I got fresh insight into how to pray continually. I was sitting in Doctor's Care and I looked at all the people waiting with me and I thought; I will probably never see these people again and I wondered where they would spend eternity. So I bowed my head and silently prayed for their salvation and their healing.

If you have a problem finding things to pray about; I encourage you just to look around.

• Last night on Facebook, I saw where a Florida State Trooper was murdered during a routine traffic stop. I prayed for his family and for the man who committed the crime. Facebook is an excellent source of hurting people who need prayer.
• Watching the news is an invaluable source of prayer.
• Just be observant. Pray for that homeless person pushing their grocery cart. Pray for that harried mother in the store with several children. Pray for your fellow employee who has shared their struggles.

We need a consistent time when we pray but prayer doesn't need to be confined to a certain time of day. Nor does it need to be limited to a magical length of time.

You can live a life of prayer.