MY CHURCH IS BETTER THAN YOUR CHURCH

Do you hear through your eyes and smell through your hair? Denominationalism seems to say your body works different than mine.

Copyright 1999 / Leslie A Turvey

A servant of the only true and living God

LifeLines@cogeco.ca

Old timers will remember the kid’s song, “My dog is better than your dog.” It’s still sung today, but the words are, “My church is better than your church.”

Why do we have denominations? Why not just one world-wide church? The history of schisms within the church is too long to detail here. But it boils down to yet another version of the old song: “My doctrine’s better than your doctrine.”

Before I was introduced to the sabbath, the holy days, and the dietary laws, I was a Baptist. We had it all right. It was those Presbyterians who were wrong. And the Catholics: Well! They sprinkled babies. We baptized believers the bible’s way.

Oh yeah. Us Baptists had it all right. (Like Paul said in 2 Corinthians
11:23, “I speak as a fool”).

And what did the Catholics and the Presbyterians think? Those Baptists are sure out in left field.

The method of baptism, the day of worship, the frequency of the Lord’s supper, whether fermented wine or Welch’s grape juice should be served at communion, and a hundred other differences have divided congregations, and resulted in new denominations.

This isn’t something new. Paul wrote of it in 1 Corinthians 11:18, and described it well in chapter 12 where he observed there were differences of spiritual gifts – wisdom, knowledge of God’s word, the working of miracles, the gift of healing, and so on. But he points out these all come from one source, one Spirit.

Referring to the human body he wrote, “The body is not one member [part], but many. If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body (verses 14-15)?” He goes on to note the eyes, the ears, the nose all have their own work to do, but they are all part of the one body.

In verse 27 Paul associated the human body with the spiritual body of Jesus Christ. He wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” Unfortunately churches often use this verse to justify their denominations, but they compare apples and oranges.

My eyes do the same work as your eyes, don’t they? Doesn’t your right hand function the same as the next person’s. But the Baptists would have you believe their body is different than the Presbyterians or the Episcopalians or the Anglicans.

Where do they get this idea?

It all comes from ignoring a message from Peter. He wrote, “No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).” Dr James Strong and my favourite dictionary agree that prophecy is inspired speaking. Therefore Peter was speaking of the entire bible, not just references to future events.

Divisions arise because, as one man often said, “Most people change the meaning of God’s Word to make it conform to their belief, rather than changing their belief to make it conform to God’s Word.”

As long as people interpret the bible for themselves, rather than searching the scriptures, there will be denominational differences. But when Jesus Christ returns there will be no more Baptists or Presbyterians, nor your church or mine, but one unified church all teaching the same thing. It will be called The Church of God.

THE HANDS OF ESAU

"Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, 'The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau'" (Genesis 27:22 NIV). 

 

Esau and Jacob were twin brothers that were favorites of their father and mother respectively. Isaac their father wanted to give his last blessing to his favorite who was Esau the firstborn, but Rebecca their mother wanted the blessing to be the lot of her favorite, Jacob. Therefore, she colluded with Jacob to deceive Isaac in order that Jacob would get the blessing. Part of the conspiracy was that Jacob would use goatskin to cover some parts of his body so that Isaac would believe that Jacob was indeed Esau who naturally was a hairy man. In the course of their conspiracy, Isaac detected that the voice of the person that had come for his blessing was that of Jacob, but the goatskin deceived him to think that the hands of the person were those of Esau. 

 

Many people are still using this tactic of the voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau to deceive people to have their ways today. It is interesting to discover that many people even try to use it with God to get His blessings! However, the Bible says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked" (Galatians 6:7 NIV). He is omniscient! 

 

The Jews, especially the Pharisees and teachers of the law, in Jesus' time on earth, and many people today, were hypocrites that tried to use their religiosity to deceive other people and God. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ has this to say about them: "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men" (Mark 7:6-8 NIV). 

 

In what way are you also using the hands of Esau to deceive people? Are you trying to do that with God also? Are you a hypocrite? A Yoruba proverb literally says, "A thief [and a deceiver] may have his way for many days, but nemesis will apprehend him one day." Moreover, you cannot deceive God. "A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Bristol Caverns

In northeast Tennessee there is a tourist attraction named Bristol Caverns. I don’t know how long ago they were found and opened for public tours but I went there several times during my elementary school days on field trips. It has the normal stalagtites and stalagmites in the different shapes and such that you find in caverns. At one point in the tour the guide asks everyone to look up to see the light coming in from the outside. The guide says that Indians, or should I say native Americans, lived in the cave. When they would go out they would hide the mouth of the cave but if they needed it, they had this hole they could escape through. They might have a wild animal after them or another person so they would not have time to uncover the mouth of the cave so they would slip around the mountainside to the hole where they could escape.
AS Christians we have enemies to watch out for. These include the devil and his demons and in some part of the world other individuals. More commonly we have to watch out for other things such as LSD. NO, I'm not talking about a
drug:
James 1:14-15 (NASB95)
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
So you see the LSD I am writing about is lust, sin and death. If we know we are tempted in certain things the best thing for us to do is not go near those things. Sometimes this is not possible but we are given this promise:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
So if you are tempted, don’t give in. Call on Jesus and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you escape. Then you can rejoice and give all the praise to Jesus Christ:
Proverbs 29:6 (NLT)
6 Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.
by Dean W. Masters

Understanding the Bible

by Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 2:12-16

“I just don’t understand the Bible.” That’s a comment I hear quite often, even from believers. We can understand why those without Christ are unable to comprehend biblical concepts, but why do those who know Him struggle? Some people think that a seminary education is the answer, but I have met several trained pastors and teachers who didn’t really understand the Word of God. They knew facts, but they had no excitement for the Scriptures or for the Lord.

The key is not education but obedience. As we act on what we read, the Holy Book “comes alive,” and we begin to hear and understand the voice of God. However, if we have not obeyed what He’s previously revealed to us, why would He give us His deeper truths? “The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him” (Ps. 25:14), and those who fear Him are the ones who obey His commandments and are promised “a good understanding” (Ps. 111:10).

Living a fleshly lifestyle of disobedience to the Lord clouds our eyes, diminishes our ability to hear, and fogs our thinking. Although we have full access to the mind of Christ, our attachment to our own sinful ways keeps us from tapping into the rich treasures of wisdom that are found in His Word.

As you read the Scriptures each day, look for God’s instructions. Then with reliance upon the Holy Spirit, commit to do what He tells you. When you obey His voice, He’ll reveal deeper truths, and your understanding will grow. Soon your time in the Word will become a delight instead of a duty.

Grace upon grace

For reading & meditation: John 1:1-17
"And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace." (v.16, RSV)

Today we ask: What purpose does God have in leading us into situations which are uncertain and ambiguous? He does so in order that we might learn to depend on Him and not on ourselves. Just as in times of loneliness we learn to realise His presence, so in times of uncertainty we learn to realise His power. The major reason why our lives are unfruitful lies right here: we depend more on our own strength than we do on His. How can God teach us dependence unless He puts us into situations which are so uncertain that we are compelled either to choose the way of frustration or the way of faith? And if we draw back from entering such situations, we will miss a valuable spiritual education and our lives will become barren. A statement I came across some time ago sums up what I want to say concerning ambiguity and uncertainty. It is this: "God's purposes are always God's enablings." In other words, when God steers you into strange and uncertain situations, He will keep you very much in the dark concerning His purposes, but He will not leave you bereft of His grace. The purpose of God and the grace of God are two sides of the one coin. If you accept the purpose, you get the grace; if you refuse the purpose, you annul the grace. Anything God purposes for you, He gives you the grace to perform. John speaks in our text for today of "grace upon grace". One preacher I know translates that text like this: "Use the grace I give you and rest assured - there will always be more to follow."

 

Prayer:

O Father, how wonderful it would be if I could master this lesson today, and become a living illustration of "grace upon grace". May it be so, to the honour and glory of Your peerless and precious Name. Amen.

What Is Meekness?

by Pastor Adrian Rogers
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth -  Matthew 5:5.”

What does it mean to be meek? First, let me tell you what it is not before I tell you what it is.

Meekness is not weakness. The word “meek” means yielded. It literally has the idea of strength under control. When an animal, especially a horse, is domesticated, it is trained so a rider can sit on its back or so it can pull a plow. The proper term for this process is that the animal has been ”meeked.” It has been broken. Now it yields to the rider or the yoke. Now the animal exhibits strength under control. That’s what meekness is.

Read Matthew 11:29 and 21:5. What does Jesus say about Himself, and how can you emulate Him?

The Power of God's Grace

by Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 5:1-5

Grace is one of God's most amazing gifts. It provides us with everything we need to live in perfect freedom: pardon for our sins, healing for our hearts, the companionship of God's indwelling Holy Spirit, and access to freely cultivate our relationship with Him. We work, worship, and enjoy life surrounded by His unconditional love. His grace upholds us, fills us, and sustains us.

Since we are forgiven people, the Lord responds to us not as enemies but as His dearly loved children (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 5:1). He hears our prayers, speaks to us, and acts on our behalf.

The knowledge that we live under the covering of God's grace gives us...

• Security about our position. No one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28).
• Boldness to live for Christ. Nothing anyone does or says can shake our confidence in who the Lord is or who we are in Him.
• Peace for today because we can fully trust in His sovereignty. The Lord is carrying out His perfect will--and we can be sure that nothing is able to thwart His plans when we cooperate with Him.
• Hope for the future. This life is just the beginning. One day we'll see Jesus face to face, be perfected as the individuals He created us to be, and live with Him in our true home forever.

The Lord is committed to transforming each of us according to His special plan for our lives. Even His correction is an expression of His loving favor (Heb. 12:10). When we falter or fail, we can rest assured that His amazing grace hems us in and always offers us redemption.

Are You Living For A Well Done?

His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”  Matthew 25:23

I love basketball.  When I was in junior high and high school, basketball was my sport.  Although far from outstanding, I was a solid player for the Cypress Creek Cougars, helping us win 29 games (amid 6 losses) my senior year (1979-80).

My basketball coach throughout my Cy-Creek days was Norman Pasche, an Al Pacino look-alike.  (I loved Coach Pasche, and he is a special friend to this day.)  As a player, I still remember the wonderful feeling of hearing him praise me for a good game or great hustle.  Truth be told, hearing a “well done” from the coach motivated me to give my all on the court.

MEETING WITH THE COACH

The Bible makes it clear that we all have a date with deity.  Unbelievers will stand before Him one day at the Great White Throne Judgment.  This is a terrible judgment of horror.  All those who appear before that throne have rejected God and His provision for their sin.  All those at this judgment have spit on God’s mercy.  Thus, all that is left is God’s pure and perfect justice.  (See Revelation 20:11-15).

For the Christian, we meet the Lord at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  This is not a judgment to determine heaven or hell – that decision is made in this life, not the next.  All those who stand at this judgment are people who put their faith and trust in God’s provision for their sin.  Old Testament saints looked forward to the cross, and New Testament saints look backward to the cross.  Both groups are saved the same way: by grace through faith, apart from works.

It is at the Judgment Seat of Christ, where the Lord, the Coach of the universe, talks to His own, one-on-one.  At this judgment, your service for Christ will be evaluated.  If you served poorly because you were more focused on self than the Savior, on the kingdom of earth than the kingdom of heaven, you will “suffer loss” (1 Cor. 3:15).  How tragic to have no reward for all your years as a believer.

If, however, you served Him faithfully, sincerely, and obediently, you will be rewarded by the King.  You will hear your Coach say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Can there be a greater reward than that?  To know that you pleased the King and garnered His praise makes every trial and every tear worth it all.

YOU WON’T BE SORRY

In the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, Jesus said, “I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12).  Let this truth motivate you to live each day for Jesus Christ.  Trust me, you won’t be sorry!                               

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries                                                         

P.S.  Would you like for others to pray with you for your life's concerns? Go to www.fromhisheart.org/prayer.

Going Against the Flow

by Dr. Gary Chapman

Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of  you, develops well-formed maturity in you. —ROMANS 12:2, MSG

A coffee shop in Boston posts a sign near the cash register that says DON'T DO IT next to a picture of a cell phone with a red line through it. The coffee shop manager says the sign has cut down on the number of people who hold up the line while finishing a phone conversation before—or while—placing their orders.

Common courtesies have become so uncommon that many companies now hire "etiquette experts" to teach social graces in the workplace. Employers see that disrespectful attitudes and actions reduce productivity and hurt morale. They want to make changes, such as prohibiting textmessaging in meetings. Simple etiquette reminders reflect a personal and professional respect that help people build stronger relationships.

The lack of courtesy in our society gives us more of an opportunity to stand out as loving people. The Greek word ekklesia is the word most commonly translated "church" in the New Testament. It literally means "called-out ones." It describes people who have responded to the love of God and have been called out to become followers of Christ. Being called out means making the choice to love others in everyday ways. In the workplace and at home, courtesy is as simple as treating others with respect.

Action Step 

What is one habit you have that shows disrespect for others? What can you do this week to change that habit?

3 Reasons Why Forgiving is Necessary

Easier said than done. Trust me, I know.

by Taylor Byas in 500 Words On on Jul 1, 2015

Being hurt is inevitable. At some point in life, we are all bound to be wronged, insulted, betrayed. In some cases, it may be relatively easy to accept an apology and bury the hatchet. But in other cases, the injury may too great to let go and move on. Sometimes, we are too willing to hold onto the past and stay angry. Holding a grudge seems like the easier solution rather than addressing the issue and moving forward. 

I remember a time when I was cheated on, and for the longest time I refused to forgive the man that hurt me. It was so easy for him to remain a monster in my mind, to hold onto the pain and play the victim. But after so long, I realized the only person it was affecting was me. I discovered the ability to forgive is necessary, and here’s why.

1. You give them power over you.

When you can’t forgive someone for what they’ve done to you, you give them more power over you than you realize. By staying angry and latching on to the pain they’ve caused, you allow them to affect your moods and emotions beyond what they’ve originally done. They maintain a hold on you well after they’ve exited your life. After I was cheated on, I remained angry and even took it out on other men. Even after he’d left, he still affected me so much that I was unable to form successful relationships with other guys for a long time. I had given him the power to isolate me and to hold me back from happiness when he was sleeping just fine.

2. You tear yourself apart.

When you find it difficult to forgive, you often hold onto negative emotions and memories surrounding the event or action that hurt you. While the person you’re angry at probably isn’t thinking twice about what they’ve done, you’re constantly reliving the moment in your mind. We often torture ourselves with things we can’t let go of, and drain ourselves worrying and stressing over something old. After thinking of how I was hurt for so long, I started to believe that I deserved what happened to me and that somehow it was my fault. My self-esteem dropped drastically,, and I found myself obsessing over the pain. I wasn’t myself; even others around me noticed. When we can’t let go and forgive, we allow hurt to take over us, to change us.

3. You lose valuable people in your life.

Everyone that hurts you isn’t a bad person, and some don’t do it intentionally. Sometimes, an injury can be an honest mistake, a misunderstanding, or just a poor decision on their part. If we can’t forgive someone that has done us wrong, we may be cutting off someone that may genuinely be sorry and truly plans to never hurt you again. How many times have you hurt someone’s feelings or upset someone without realizing it or meaning to? Sometimes, you have to put yourself on the receiving end of a situation like that. Did that person forgive you? 


Holding onto pain can change you in a negative way. We are all in control of our own happiness. In order to maintain that happiness, it is necessary for us to forgive others and to move on. If you thought I would end this article with the predictable “life is too short” cliché, well, you’ve caught me.
Life is way too short to spend more time than you have to clinging on to the past and denying yourself the happiness you deserve.

Virus Antidote

Today's Author: Pastor Bill

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" NKJV

A missionary returns to the USA from the foreign field feeling very ill. He goes to see his doctor and is immediately rushed to the hospital. His doctor puts him through a barrage of extensive tests.

The man wakes up the next day in a private room at the hospital. The phone by his bed rings. He picks it up and says, "Hello."

"This is your doctor. We've have the results back from your tests and we've found you have a particularly nasty virus, which is extremely contagious!"

"Oh my," shouts the missionary. "What are you going to do, doctor?"

"Well we're going to put you on a diet of pizzas, pancakes and pita bread."

"Will that cure me?" asked the hopeful missionary.

The doctor replied, "Well no, but --- it's the only food we can get under the door."

Did you know your soul can pick up an extremely contagious virus, too? And if you don't treat it right away, it can spread throughout your system and infect everything.

Sin is a virus to the soul. The sin of unforgiveness when allowed to spread will affect every aspect of life. From a lack of sleep to uncontrollable worry. The sin of pornography unchecked will destroy relationships and open the door to debauchery. The sin of anger leads to uncontrollable acts which compromise integrity.

Whatever the sin virus to the soul --- Jesus is the antidote. Keep your eyes on Jesus, study his words, apply His teachings and follow where He leads.

Prayer: Father thank you for sending Jesus as my example. Help me to emulate Him every opportunity I get. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

How You Can Help Others Endure Hardships

by Dr. Jack Graham

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.    

Galatians 6:1-2

There was a young lady I heard about years ago who had come to the end of herself. She was in a hopeless situation and saw no reason to continue living. The purpose in her life was gone. So she went out onto the edge of a pier, closed her eyes, and leapt out into the cold, dark waters below.

But a young man walking nearby saw what happened. And before he could even think, he jumped off the pier himself into the turbulent frigid waters below. But he had forgotten to consider one thing: he didn’t know how to swim. So as he was struggling to even keep his head above water, that young lady reached over and began to help him.

They both made it out alive. And as a result, the woman realized she did have a purpose: to love others and to serve Jesus Christ. It wasn’t the fact that the man saved her life through a great act of heroism that did it. It was that someone saw her pain and cared enough to step down and go through it with her.

When it comes to loving others, that’s the call on our lives. Not to always have all the answers and be able to fix every problem, but to step into others’ lives, bear their burdens, and walk through their pain with them. That’s what it really means to help others endure life’s hardships!

LOVE OTHERS WELL BY STEPPING INTO THEIR LIVES, BEARING THEIR BURDENS, AND WALKING WITH THEM THROUGH HARD TIMES.

The Workmanship of God

 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” - (Ephesians 2:10)

The founding elder of the first church for which I was the pastor was a home builder. He did beautiful work and when a couple wanted him to build their home he would take them to a beautiful home he had built and say to them “By the grace of God this is by workmanship.” The verse above is saying to all of us who are followers of Christ that our risen living Christ would like to point to each of us and say “This is My workmanship!”

We are all a work of Christ in progress. In addition to that thought this verse is stating that when we came to faith and were saved by grace through the faith our Lord gave us, He created us for good works. In fact we’re told that before He saved us he had already planned that we would do those works for Him.

I don’t know about you but that truth excites and inspires me greatly! We’re so selfish and self-centered that when we come to faith our focus is often on what trusting Christ to be our Savior is going to mean to us. Many followers of Christ have the attitude “What have you done for me lately?” The Apostle Paul had the right vision when he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and asked the question, “Lord, what do you want me to do for you?”

As a follower of Christ have you been asking and seeking to know what those works are your Lord and Savior had planned for you when He saved you by grace?

Death and Dying

All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died – Genesis 5:27

Has history taught us any lesson more clearly or convincingly than that death is inevitable? Even for Methuselah there would finally be a 970th year that he would not see: despite his unique longevity, his remarkable story would still reach its eventual conclusion. The only two people in the entire history of mankind that have evaded death—Enoch and Elijah—are perhaps most well known for the very fact that they so unexpectedly escaped death’s inescapable clutches.

We frantically attempt to entertain away, or dye away, or exercise away death’s calling card: age. Yet, in the back of each of our minds, there is an ever-present awareness that our days are finite; it shows in the choices that we make regarding retirement, life insurance, and even mortgages (there’s a reason why you’ve never heard of a hundred-year mortgage!).

The recognition of our own frailty is apparently one of the lessons that God would have us draw from our experience in this world: “Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am” (Psalm 39:4). This awareness should lead us to a serious contemplation of the meaning and purpose for our life.

What is the meaning of life? A question often asked, but rarely with any real desire to be confronted with the answer. John reveals to us, in the heart-cry of the heavenly throng, why we are here: “thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). We are here to please our Creator, to do His good pleasure each day of our lives. As our Creator, He is always worthy to receive all that we have to give.

Strength in Waiting

by Dr. Charles Stanley

Isaiah 40:28-31

God has a purpose and plan for your life, and His timing is perfect. Sometimes He answers our prayers with "yes" or "no." But at other times, He says "not now"--when that is the case, we can avail ourselves of the rich rewards that come when we wait.

One very practical blessing is that God strengthens us as we lean on Him during delays. Isaiah 40:31 tells us that "those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength." We are given the metaphor of an eagle with wind beneath his wings. It is interesting to note that the words "wind" and "spirit" come from the same Greek word--pneuma. The spirit of God lifts us up, and His energy and strength sustain us as we abide in Him.

When we are facing a difficult decision, the real key is learning to wait. There is no verse of Scripture that tells us to take control and fight our own battles. God is the one who fights them on our behalf (2 Chron. 20:15). We are to be patient and trust in Him.

When David faced his greatest battles, he waited upon the Lord. God delivered him from destruction and set his feet on solid ground. (Ps. 40:1-3) He will do the same for you. When you abide in Him, He gives supernatural energy to accomplish the things He requires of you--His Spirit does for you what you cannot do for yourself.

In reading through the Scriptures, we see that every time one of God's saints gains a victory, he or she is waiting and trusting in the Lord. You can likewise experience triumph in your life. When you have the omnipotent Creator of the universe acting on your behalf, you can't lose.

Seeking God for the Right Reasons

by Sarah Phillips

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  Philippians 1: 21

I ran across an article years ago that really touched me. In her piece "A Change of Plans," Lindsy Pike details the excruciating decision to call off her wedding to a man she loved dearly. Reflecting on the mix of pain and peace that comes with any situation where we must give up something precious, Pike rewinds a few centuries to Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac:

"God promised to give Abraham a son and finally, after years of waiting, God came through, with Isaac. Why in the world would God ask Abraham to give up that gift? In my opinion, it is for the same reason He asked me to call off my wedding. God wants us to love Him more than we love His promises. The minute we get those out of order, He readjusts us.”

While we don’t fully know the mind of God in Abraham’s situation, Pike’s simple thought sheds light on a struggle I think all of us encounter at some time in our lives – the struggle to love God above everything else, even His blessings. God wants us to love Him because of who He is, not what He can give us. Yet, how often do we confuse our love of God’s promises with love of Him? How often do we see Him as the divine blessing machine, ready to dole out happiness on our terms? The popularity of "prosperity theology" reveals how easy it is for believers to twist love of God into the pursuit of earthly happiness.

To be honest, it’s not just greed that gets in the way of loving God. It’s also a limited understanding of who God is. I used to wonder how some Christians could sit for over an hour praying. Is God really that interesting? I’d wonder. This type of thinking reveals a fundamental flaw in how I perceived God, and I think that flaw is what keeps many from coming to Christ in the first place. It’s easy to see Him as limited like we are limited. It’s easy to forget that God is truly our all in all. As C.S. Lewis once said, “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

Still, had I not gone through a similar situation, I might not have believed Pike’s sincerity when she says: "I am thankful for His grace that saved me from ruining my life by pursuing my dream."

In a “reach for the stars, be anything you can be” culture, the idea that pursuing any dream could ruin my life seems foreign. The more I think about it, though, the more I see that living outside God’s will – even if it is for a “good reason” – is a recipe for failure.

Yet, when we give up our dreams for something greater - for Someone greater than ourselves - we begin to see we can trust God no matter what. We find solace in the incredible peace that comes with knowing that even if life here includes sorrow or dreams unfulfilled, there is a God that transcends not only all that’s missing in this life, but also all the good this life has to offer.

Intersecting Faith & Life: This week, do something for God without expecting any reward or blessing in return.

Keep Waiting—God is at Work

by Max Lucado I’m convinced the Sabbath was created for frantic souls like me, people who need a weekly reminder that the world will not stop if I do. In one of the most dramatic examples of waiting in the Bible, Daniel prays for people who had been oppressed for seventy years. He abstained from food and drink for twenty-one days, as he labored in prayer, persisted, pleaded, and agonized. No response. On the twenty-second day an angel of God appeared. He revealed to Daniel that his prayer had been heard on the first day. From an earthly perspective, nothing was happening. But from a heavenly perspective a battle was raging in the heavens. God was working! What if Daniel had given up…lost faith…or walked away from God? Consider these better questions: What if you give up? Lose faith? Walk away? Don’t! God is at work. Keep waiting! From You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times By: Max Lucado

Times of Trying

“Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” Psalm 12:1

 

            It is difficult days indeed when men who were once godly in their actions cease from being godly. As I contemplated the verse, I thought how much it applied to our situation today when we see how often men we respect and look to for a Christian example suddenly display the chinks in their armor.

            The verse is in two parts:

The first is the condition of men ceasing to be godly;

The second is the position of the once faithful, among the children of men.

 

It is necessary that in order to be faithful we walk apart from the course of the world.

 

            Early on there were some who thought walking apart from the world meant separating themselves from the world. These became the early monks dwelling in deserts and in caves. Men still seek to do such things in one way or another, but then they are in no position to have a godly influence upon the world.

 

            It is necessary to walk among men while not being part of the ways of men in order to be a fixed point that allows men to see their situation. This brings the criticisms of the world, which in itself often causes those who would be faithful to fail in their own strength alone. This brings us to the question concerning who is able to stand against the pressures martialed against them in these Last Days?

 

            Please notice that not just the verse but the entire Psalm begins with the cry for help from the Lord, even before the situation is laid out. We will ever fail and fall short of being the representative of the Living Lord Jesus unless we look unto our Lord for our helps from the beginning of each and every day.

 

            Help me Lord lest I cease from being your man; keep me from walking in the world even as I must go out among the world is my prayer. And then to you shall all the glory and honor be given for ever and ever. Amen!

The National Condition

“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalm 12:2

 

            It is almost as though the psalmist is giving us a focused view of 2Timothy 3:1 and the Last Days. One is brought to recall the somber teaching of John Owen (1616-1683) on the very subject. But I cannot remain there for my mind pushes me to dwell with the reality of the current state and not just the prophetic insight of the past.

            In the first verse we saw the challenge of the godly person and in this verse we see a closer view of the people around him. The word “vanity” in this verse includes the emptiness of those who are ever speaking, which includes lying and misdirection, as well as the self-focused attitude and conduct we often encounter with the world. Ultimately we see the worldly about us filled with worthlessness yet speaking great swelling words that are either lies or signify nothing.

            How often do we hear people talk on and on thrilled with the sound of their own voices, often cutting off those who might actually contribute knowledge! How often is there a misleading focus of attention away from what is urgent to the inane and nonsensical! How often do we hear the false prophets of the age speaking smooth things instead of a call to national even worldwide repentance!

            Help me Lord lest I cease from being your man; keep me from distraction in the world even as I needs go out among the vain and double hearted is my prayer. And then to you shall all the glory and honor be given for ever and ever. Amen!

Sure Justice

³ The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

⁴ Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? Psalm 12

 

            This is not yet the time to speak of Retributive Justice but the action of singular and sure justice. Here is a promise found in the Psalms. The words in the English are derived from the single verb “karath”. The word as used in the passage is covenantal in nature and focused on a particular category of flattering lips and proud speaking individual. It is the one who in conspiracy says “With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?”

            Remember the covenant with Abraham: “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee?” (Genesis 12:3)

Remember the covenantal promise to the Redeemed of the Lord: “I am with you always…?” (Matthew 28: 20)

Have ye not read?: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17)

            The Lord God has a cause. He also has a challenge in the attitude that is expressed in the question “who is lord over us?” This is the spirit of Antichrist in men. For of this evil person the question is asked who can make war with him and our Lord displays the answer in the Tribulation Judgment.

            Help me Lord, lest I forget that those who come against me hated You first, and they seek to silence and persecute me because of Thee. The tongue used as a weapon shall encounter you who are the Living Word and be undone. For thy promises are sure!