"How you have fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart; 'I will assend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation. On the farthest sides of the north; I will assend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the most high.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest dephs of the pit.
Isaiah 14: 12-15 NKJV
As believers, we understand that the earth, universe and all that surrounds us was created by our Father in heaven. One good motivational phrase per se that I've often heard is "God doesn't make mistakes." One look at the book of Genesis and we can see just what God thinks of all he's created.
Then God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 1:31 NKJV
In Genesis 1:31 we see God stepping back to gaze with approval upon all that he had created. Of course, we can assume that he was pleased with what he had done. Throughout the first two chapters of Genesis, we see the efforts of Gods labor coming to fruition, and we're told that it was very good in God's eyes. We only need to look around us to see with our own eyes the greatness of God's creation.
However, in Isaiah 14:12 we see another side of Gods creation unfold. In this passage we are introduced to one who would eventually attempt to exalt himself above his creator. Make no mistake, for as he created everything around us, God also created satan!
For by Him all tings were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Colossions 1:16 NKJV
Ok, so here is where the hammer drops for many people. We see in scripture that our Lord has created EVERYTHING around us, including our adversary satan. We ALSO see, in Genesis, that when God looked upon all that he had created, he proclaimed everything he had created to be "very good." Whoa, everything including satan, who tempted the jewel of Gods creation into sin? YES, for scripture tells us that God proclaimed "Very Good" ALL that he had created!
One of the common questions I see from christians and non christians alike is, "How could a loving God create evil?" Well, whatever that answer is, when God created it, it was good. Therefore, for whatever purpose our Lord created both satan and wickedness, it was good in his eyes upon its creation. One thing that is hard for people to come to grips with is the fact that God loves satan. However, I believe this to be true, for God is not a God of hate. Is God grieved that his own creation would exalt himself above his creator, most definately! But hate? I don't think that is in God's charachter at all.
This past summer, my good friend Dennis and I shared many a awesome hike in the forrests of the Pacific Northwest. It is definately something special to be among such scenes of our Lords creation. Indeed, God manifests himself through everything he has created. Whether it is a scenic forest, a summer sunset or even satan himself, when God saw all that he had created, it was very good.
~Scott~
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Friday, January 15, 2016
Sins Family Tree
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the begining, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
John 8:44 NKJV
Hopefully by now most christians are aware of their ultimate spiritual enemy. That being the devil, satan. From the begining of time, and probably before that, satan had his place as the enemy of gods creation. In fact, as our Lord created the heavens and the earth, satan had already been banished from Gods presence. Of course, he eventually found his way into the Garden of Eden to tempt the crowning achievement of Gods creation into falling into sin. The rest, as they say, is history. Most people view sin as the bad desires of our flesh, and they would be correct to say that, to a point. I would venture to point out that what we see as sin can also be identified by name. That name is satan himself. Yes, our spiritual enemy also bears the identity of sin itself.
He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrafice of himself.
Hebrews 9:26 NKJV
And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen him nor known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the begining. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3: 5-8 NKJV
In Hebrews 9:26 we are told once again of the sacrafice of our Lord Jesus for the very purpose of "Putting away sin" through his sacrafice on the cross. This is a basic truth of christianity. We believe that by Jesus' death, our sins were made no more, Jesus himself put them away once and for all! It is at this point that I point out what could be seen as the DNA of sin itself, the origin of that which Christ died to wipe out forever. In this historical version of connect the dots, we see in Hebrews 9:26 that Jesus died to "Put away sin." Still, sin itself has no identity, but wait. In 1 John 3:5-8 we're told that satan himself has sinned from the very begining. This passage goes so far as to link satan and sin together as one. Ok, here's the kicker, we already know that Jesus died to wipe out our sins. Now, if we accept that satan and sin were linked together from the very begining, then it is Jesus who gave his life to away with sin and, ultimately, satan himself. 1 John 3:8 we see that Jesus was manifested to destroy the "works of the devil." What are the works of the devil? SIN!
Scripture tells us that satan has sinned from the very begining. It is no wonder, then, that it was through this father of sin that sin entered Gods creation. Rather than being forever bound to sin, however, we rejoice in our risen Lord who gave himself to abolish sin once and for all.
~Scott~
John 8:44 NKJV
Hopefully by now most christians are aware of their ultimate spiritual enemy. That being the devil, satan. From the begining of time, and probably before that, satan had his place as the enemy of gods creation. In fact, as our Lord created the heavens and the earth, satan had already been banished from Gods presence. Of course, he eventually found his way into the Garden of Eden to tempt the crowning achievement of Gods creation into falling into sin. The rest, as they say, is history. Most people view sin as the bad desires of our flesh, and they would be correct to say that, to a point. I would venture to point out that what we see as sin can also be identified by name. That name is satan himself. Yes, our spiritual enemy also bears the identity of sin itself.
He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrafice of himself.
Hebrews 9:26 NKJV
And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen him nor known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the begining. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3: 5-8 NKJV
In Hebrews 9:26 we are told once again of the sacrafice of our Lord Jesus for the very purpose of "Putting away sin" through his sacrafice on the cross. This is a basic truth of christianity. We believe that by Jesus' death, our sins were made no more, Jesus himself put them away once and for all! It is at this point that I point out what could be seen as the DNA of sin itself, the origin of that which Christ died to wipe out forever. In this historical version of connect the dots, we see in Hebrews 9:26 that Jesus died to "Put away sin." Still, sin itself has no identity, but wait. In 1 John 3:5-8 we're told that satan himself has sinned from the very begining. This passage goes so far as to link satan and sin together as one. Ok, here's the kicker, we already know that Jesus died to wipe out our sins. Now, if we accept that satan and sin were linked together from the very begining, then it is Jesus who gave his life to away with sin and, ultimately, satan himself. 1 John 3:8 we see that Jesus was manifested to destroy the "works of the devil." What are the works of the devil? SIN!
Scripture tells us that satan has sinned from the very begining. It is no wonder, then, that it was through this father of sin that sin entered Gods creation. Rather than being forever bound to sin, however, we rejoice in our risen Lord who gave himself to abolish sin once and for all.
~Scott~
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Dead To Me
Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:11 NKJV
It's a question often asked by christians. If Jesus Christ has indeed shed his blood and cleansed my sins, why do I still have a desire to sin? Indeed, Jesus has cleansed us of all sins past present and future. The slate has been wiped clean by his blood. We no longer need to ask forgiveness for our transgressions. For if we do, our Lord will not remember any sin which Jesus has given his very life for. Imagine coming before the throne of grace asking for forgiveness for some iniquity we've done, only to hear our loving Father say to us, "My child, for what sin are you seeking my forgiveness? I see no blemish upon you." This is the way it is for we who have accepted the free gift that Jesus has given all mankind. When we accept Jesus and what he did for us on the cross, our sins are remembered by our Heavenly Father no more. That stain has been made clean once and for all. But wait, if Jesus' death on that cross cleansed us of every sin we will ever have, doesn't that give us a license to sin? I mean, even if I sin I'm forgiven, right? Is this not a freedom to behave badly? Not according to the apostle Paul.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6: 1-2 NKJV
One thing we must remember, is that when Jesus breathed his final breath on a Roman cross and gave up his spirit, it is we who died with him! For it is we who owned that sin that Jesus gave himself to conquer. It was for our iniquities that Jesus suffered and died. WE deserved that punishment that was given to our Lord and Savior. We had become slaves to the sin Jesus gave his life for! When sin was nailed to the cross, it was we who breathed our last breath as well! Gone is that sin stained "former self" that once made it's home within us. THAT is what needed to be put to death, and THAT is what was put to death with Jesus on that cross so long ago. Knowing that we have died along with our sin, why should we continue to engage in it? Those chains of bondage that once ensnared us have been broken forever! The life we now live, we live in the forgiveness and love of Jesus who paid our debt once and for all. That former sin has been vanquished!
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me"
Galations 2:20 NKJV
How good a feeling it is, when sin comes knocking, to smile and know in your heart "YOU'RE DEAD TO ME!"
~Scott~
Romans 6:11 NKJV
It's a question often asked by christians. If Jesus Christ has indeed shed his blood and cleansed my sins, why do I still have a desire to sin? Indeed, Jesus has cleansed us of all sins past present and future. The slate has been wiped clean by his blood. We no longer need to ask forgiveness for our transgressions. For if we do, our Lord will not remember any sin which Jesus has given his very life for. Imagine coming before the throne of grace asking for forgiveness for some iniquity we've done, only to hear our loving Father say to us, "My child, for what sin are you seeking my forgiveness? I see no blemish upon you." This is the way it is for we who have accepted the free gift that Jesus has given all mankind. When we accept Jesus and what he did for us on the cross, our sins are remembered by our Heavenly Father no more. That stain has been made clean once and for all. But wait, if Jesus' death on that cross cleansed us of every sin we will ever have, doesn't that give us a license to sin? I mean, even if I sin I'm forgiven, right? Is this not a freedom to behave badly? Not according to the apostle Paul.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6: 1-2 NKJV
One thing we must remember, is that when Jesus breathed his final breath on a Roman cross and gave up his spirit, it is we who died with him! For it is we who owned that sin that Jesus gave himself to conquer. It was for our iniquities that Jesus suffered and died. WE deserved that punishment that was given to our Lord and Savior. We had become slaves to the sin Jesus gave his life for! When sin was nailed to the cross, it was we who breathed our last breath as well! Gone is that sin stained "former self" that once made it's home within us. THAT is what needed to be put to death, and THAT is what was put to death with Jesus on that cross so long ago. Knowing that we have died along with our sin, why should we continue to engage in it? Those chains of bondage that once ensnared us have been broken forever! The life we now live, we live in the forgiveness and love of Jesus who paid our debt once and for all. That former sin has been vanquished!
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me"
Galations 2:20 NKJV
How good a feeling it is, when sin comes knocking, to smile and know in your heart "YOU'RE DEAD TO ME!"
~Scott~
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Jesus Address
"However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? Says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?
Acts 7: 47-48 NKJV
I noticed something peculiar during my mothers recent illness and hospital stay. Something I'm sure that those that know me saw in me not so long ago. Taking the opportunity to minister to my mother during her illness, I've asked her on a few occasions "Mom, where is God?" Now, I knew the answer that I was looking for, but she didn't at the time. Predictably, her normal response to this question was "In heaven." I'm not surprised, for this is what we've been taught all these years.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of thhe Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
As I've said, I'm not wholly surprised in my moms answer to my question of where God resides. In part she's right. Yes, our Lord DOES reside in heaven, with Jesus at his side. However, one important message from scripture that has traditionaly been overlooked is the fact that our risen Lord Jesus not only has been raised from the dead, but that he today lives on in US. I can envision the looks of confusion on some peoples faces when they hear this truth for the very first time. Trust me, I've been in their shoes. To me, the very thought that my Lord Jesus could inhabit the body of a sinner like me seemed unaceptable. How could Gods risen, sinless son tolerate to be in the presence of such debauchery? I'm not surprised that many people feel this way. However, there is a freedom from this thinking of bondage to sin. For we are no longer, as many preachers say, sinners saved by grace. However, it is through the loving grace of our Lord that we are NO LONGER sinners at all!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3: 16-17 NKJV
We all remember the famous verse from John 3:16 as one of Gods love and mercy to his creation. However, there are people who miss verse 17 when refering to this passage. For it is in John 3:17 that we discover the reason behind John 3:16. That sin for which we condemn ourselves daily has been dealt with long ago! We no longer need to revisit those words of blame against us. In fact, this is why I shudder when I hear someone expalin that we are nothing but sinners saved by grace. Indeed, as Christ shed his very blood on the cross, each one of those sins for which we continually condemn ourselves was placed on upon his shoulders! The slate has been wiped clean!
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly Not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6: 1-2 NKJV
Rest assured, each time we approach God to seek forgiveness for a sin we think has stained the robes Jesus bought for us, God's first response to our request is "What sin, my child?" WE are the ones who see that stain, not our loving God. How can our Lord forgive us for a debt that has already been paid in full?
I recently had another oppportunity to visit and minister to my mother. Again, I asked her where God was. This time she smiled at me and exclaimed "In my heart." Maybe the truth isn't so hard to find after all.
~Scott~
Acts 7: 47-48 NKJV
I noticed something peculiar during my mothers recent illness and hospital stay. Something I'm sure that those that know me saw in me not so long ago. Taking the opportunity to minister to my mother during her illness, I've asked her on a few occasions "Mom, where is God?" Now, I knew the answer that I was looking for, but she didn't at the time. Predictably, her normal response to this question was "In heaven." I'm not surprised, for this is what we've been taught all these years.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of thhe Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
As I've said, I'm not wholly surprised in my moms answer to my question of where God resides. In part she's right. Yes, our Lord DOES reside in heaven, with Jesus at his side. However, one important message from scripture that has traditionaly been overlooked is the fact that our risen Lord Jesus not only has been raised from the dead, but that he today lives on in US. I can envision the looks of confusion on some peoples faces when they hear this truth for the very first time. Trust me, I've been in their shoes. To me, the very thought that my Lord Jesus could inhabit the body of a sinner like me seemed unaceptable. How could Gods risen, sinless son tolerate to be in the presence of such debauchery? I'm not surprised that many people feel this way. However, there is a freedom from this thinking of bondage to sin. For we are no longer, as many preachers say, sinners saved by grace. However, it is through the loving grace of our Lord that we are NO LONGER sinners at all!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3: 16-17 NKJV
We all remember the famous verse from John 3:16 as one of Gods love and mercy to his creation. However, there are people who miss verse 17 when refering to this passage. For it is in John 3:17 that we discover the reason behind John 3:16. That sin for which we condemn ourselves daily has been dealt with long ago! We no longer need to revisit those words of blame against us. In fact, this is why I shudder when I hear someone expalin that we are nothing but sinners saved by grace. Indeed, as Christ shed his very blood on the cross, each one of those sins for which we continually condemn ourselves was placed on upon his shoulders! The slate has been wiped clean!
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly Not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6: 1-2 NKJV
Rest assured, each time we approach God to seek forgiveness for a sin we think has stained the robes Jesus bought for us, God's first response to our request is "What sin, my child?" WE are the ones who see that stain, not our loving God. How can our Lord forgive us for a debt that has already been paid in full?
I recently had another oppportunity to visit and minister to my mother. Again, I asked her where God was. This time she smiled at me and exclaimed "In my heart." Maybe the truth isn't so hard to find after all.
~Scott~
The Fathers Voice
"Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you did not know"
Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
I've wondered many times what it's like to actually hear from God. What is "Gods voice" like. Would we recognize his callling? The truth is, we all need to hear the voice of our Heavenly Father from time to time. The voice of God can provide counsel, help when in need, warning and comfort among other things. I'm guessing that anything we can receive from a human conversation we can get from God. Now, this begs the question, does God have emotions? I've had emotional conversations, I'm sure you have also.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our own image, according to our likeness."
Genesis 1:26 NKJV
We all know from the new testament that, when informed of the death of his dear friend Lazarus, Jesus wept. I suppose that one could make the argument that this was just the "human" side of our Lord Jesus manifesting itself. However, I'm of the opinion that if we, his creation, were created as we are, in our Fathers image, then we possess all the attributes our Heavenly Father does.
And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam's anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"
Numbers 22: 27-28 NKJV
In Numbers 22:27 we see a unique interaction between the Angel of the Lord and our man Balaam. It seems that ol' Balaam was venturing where God did not want him to go. Therefore, the Angel of the Lord was dispatched to halt Balaams progress. Now, we should take note here that Balaams donkey was the smart one in this situation, for when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord with flaming sword in hand, she resisted and refused to go further. Seeing this, Balaam did the only logical human thing, he blamed the donkey! Now, I know that the many times that I've had car trouble on the road, my first inclanation is to blame the car! After all, it couldn't possibly be my own fault for neglecting it, right? Well, this is the very situation that Balaam finds himself in, that donkey of his was only trying to protect herself, Balaam couldn't see the big picture. One thing I will say, when I've had car trouble and blamed my vehicle for letting me down, I've NEVER had that car talk back to me. However, this is exactly what happens to Balaam here! I can almost see Balaams expression as the trusted donkey speaks to him!
I bring the plight of Balaam up for one very important reason. As we go through the motions waiting for a word from our God, what response are we waiting for? Are we waiting for a spoken word? A whisper? A "inner" word? Whatever word from God we are waiting for, we can be assured that he hears us and will make his response known in his time. I recently hit a pretty low point in my llife as I faced the sickness of my mother. Other people were recruited to pray for her, but I somehow felt that this God I worship was unconcerned with what I was going through. Ignoring the fact that each day I would see signs that God was healing her, I continued to plead with God to show his healing! It was a pretty emotional time as you can imagine. Then, one morning as I was driving to visit my mom fully expecting the worst when I arrived, out of the blue I received a message from a friend of mine. At my lowest point this man, this non christian, sent me a short message "Your mom is ok." Now, there are countless people out there who will shrug and say that this was just my friend trying to comfort me in a time of need. Although that's true, in my heart I believe that my heavenly Father used my friend to relay his word of comfort to me when I so needed to hear it. In his wonderful timing, God soothed my fears. You may not believe in such things. Then again, you may not believe in a talking donkey either!
~Scott~
Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
I've wondered many times what it's like to actually hear from God. What is "Gods voice" like. Would we recognize his callling? The truth is, we all need to hear the voice of our Heavenly Father from time to time. The voice of God can provide counsel, help when in need, warning and comfort among other things. I'm guessing that anything we can receive from a human conversation we can get from God. Now, this begs the question, does God have emotions? I've had emotional conversations, I'm sure you have also.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our own image, according to our likeness."
Genesis 1:26 NKJV
We all know from the new testament that, when informed of the death of his dear friend Lazarus, Jesus wept. I suppose that one could make the argument that this was just the "human" side of our Lord Jesus manifesting itself. However, I'm of the opinion that if we, his creation, were created as we are, in our Fathers image, then we possess all the attributes our Heavenly Father does.
And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam's anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"
Numbers 22: 27-28 NKJV
In Numbers 22:27 we see a unique interaction between the Angel of the Lord and our man Balaam. It seems that ol' Balaam was venturing where God did not want him to go. Therefore, the Angel of the Lord was dispatched to halt Balaams progress. Now, we should take note here that Balaams donkey was the smart one in this situation, for when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord with flaming sword in hand, she resisted and refused to go further. Seeing this, Balaam did the only logical human thing, he blamed the donkey! Now, I know that the many times that I've had car trouble on the road, my first inclanation is to blame the car! After all, it couldn't possibly be my own fault for neglecting it, right? Well, this is the very situation that Balaam finds himself in, that donkey of his was only trying to protect herself, Balaam couldn't see the big picture. One thing I will say, when I've had car trouble and blamed my vehicle for letting me down, I've NEVER had that car talk back to me. However, this is exactly what happens to Balaam here! I can almost see Balaams expression as the trusted donkey speaks to him!
I bring the plight of Balaam up for one very important reason. As we go through the motions waiting for a word from our God, what response are we waiting for? Are we waiting for a spoken word? A whisper? A "inner" word? Whatever word from God we are waiting for, we can be assured that he hears us and will make his response known in his time. I recently hit a pretty low point in my llife as I faced the sickness of my mother. Other people were recruited to pray for her, but I somehow felt that this God I worship was unconcerned with what I was going through. Ignoring the fact that each day I would see signs that God was healing her, I continued to plead with God to show his healing! It was a pretty emotional time as you can imagine. Then, one morning as I was driving to visit my mom fully expecting the worst when I arrived, out of the blue I received a message from a friend of mine. At my lowest point this man, this non christian, sent me a short message "Your mom is ok." Now, there are countless people out there who will shrug and say that this was just my friend trying to comfort me in a time of need. Although that's true, in my heart I believe that my heavenly Father used my friend to relay his word of comfort to me when I so needed to hear it. In his wonderful timing, God soothed my fears. You may not believe in such things. Then again, you may not believe in a talking donkey either!
~Scott~
Sunday, January 10, 2016
To The Least Of These
"For I was hungry; and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will say to him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? And the king will answer and say to them, assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of My brethren, you did it to me."
Matthew 25: 35-40 NKJV
I've noticed there are plenty of people out there who go out of their way to assist and help those who are in need. From gospel missions to long trips overseas to help build buildings and feed people, the people in this great nation have a proud history of helping those in need. Or do they? During my mothers recent illness, one of the questions she would often ask is "I need visitors, I'm lonely." Now, my mom was a member of a rather large local church for very many years, so one would think that visiting her in her time of need would be a high priority for those who knew her. Unforturtunately, this hasn't been the case. Understandably, people get busy with every day life, I know I do. However, how do we measure if we are indeed that "Good and faithful servant" that our Lord calls us to be? Is it in our tithes? In how many hours we spend comforting others?
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He also saw a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundabce have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livlihood that she had"
Luke 21: 1-4 NKJV
In Matthew 25:35 Jesus pauses to give us a example of what I would like to call true charity. Yes, building schools in underdeveloped countries is a good thing, but what are we doing here at home? Does it seem to anybody but me that we seem to spend more time making sure people in other countries are provided for than we do our own neighbors? Don't get me wrong, coming to the aid of those in need is a good thing for sure. While we're jetting off to Africa to help some villagers, there may be a hospital, nursing home or shelter where those "Least among us" struggle with lonliness and wondering if anyone cares. Their prayers may ask for someone to visit them, who will heed that call from the heart? Understandably, some people would rather not visit hospitals or nursing homes. By their very nature, these institutions are home to the sick and VERY least among us. As I've said, this issue is pretty close to my heart due to my mothers recent illness. I've never been to Africa to help build a school or a church and I've never given a large "Give till it hurts" tithe either. However, what I have done is visit my mother and be at her side when she'll ask me "Why doesn't anyone come see me?" Now, you tell me, which is a greater form of charity?
~Scott~
Matthew 25: 35-40 NKJV
I've noticed there are plenty of people out there who go out of their way to assist and help those who are in need. From gospel missions to long trips overseas to help build buildings and feed people, the people in this great nation have a proud history of helping those in need. Or do they? During my mothers recent illness, one of the questions she would often ask is "I need visitors, I'm lonely." Now, my mom was a member of a rather large local church for very many years, so one would think that visiting her in her time of need would be a high priority for those who knew her. Unforturtunately, this hasn't been the case. Understandably, people get busy with every day life, I know I do. However, how do we measure if we are indeed that "Good and faithful servant" that our Lord calls us to be? Is it in our tithes? In how many hours we spend comforting others?
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He also saw a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundabce have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livlihood that she had"
Luke 21: 1-4 NKJV
In Matthew 25:35 Jesus pauses to give us a example of what I would like to call true charity. Yes, building schools in underdeveloped countries is a good thing, but what are we doing here at home? Does it seem to anybody but me that we seem to spend more time making sure people in other countries are provided for than we do our own neighbors? Don't get me wrong, coming to the aid of those in need is a good thing for sure. While we're jetting off to Africa to help some villagers, there may be a hospital, nursing home or shelter where those "Least among us" struggle with lonliness and wondering if anyone cares. Their prayers may ask for someone to visit them, who will heed that call from the heart? Understandably, some people would rather not visit hospitals or nursing homes. By their very nature, these institutions are home to the sick and VERY least among us. As I've said, this issue is pretty close to my heart due to my mothers recent illness. I've never been to Africa to help build a school or a church and I've never given a large "Give till it hurts" tithe either. However, what I have done is visit my mother and be at her side when she'll ask me "Why doesn't anyone come see me?" Now, you tell me, which is a greater form of charity?
~Scott~
Saturday, January 9, 2016
He And Not We
"I do not pray for these alone, but also those who will believe in me through their word; that they all may be one, as you Father, are in me, and I in you; that they also may be on in Us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as we are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
John 17: 20-23 NKJV
I asked my mother recently if she knew where God is. She nodded her head yes. "Where, I asked." "In heaven, she told me." Seeing an opportunity, I smiled and touched her chest. "No, mom, God is IN HERE." I'll never forget the look of confusion on her face, but I understood what she was feeling. See, I was in the very same place that she is not so llong ago. Years of church teachings and Sunday sermons had drilled it into my consciousness that God and his risen son reside in heaven, with Jesus at the Fathers side. While this may be true in context, there also another one who resides within these earthly containers of ours. Here, I think, is where I got confused, and I'm not alone. I mention that God and his risen son reside for eternity in heaven as they always have because this is what scripture tells us.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1: 1-3 NKJV
In John 17:20, Jesus offers a prayer in the Garden of Gethsemene just before his trial and ultimate crucifiction for his disciples AND those believers who would come after them. Those "Other" believers that our Lord Jesus is offering prayers for are we who follow him today. I believe the key passage in these verses in within verse 23. ""I in them, and You in me, that they may be made perfect in one." I believe that we can assume from this verse that, wherever we may find ourselves, the risen Christ is there within us. Not only is Jesus in heaven at the right hand of his father, he makes his earthly home within these temporary bodies of those who believe in him. The scriptures are full of passages of how close to us that God and his risen Son are in our daily walk, I think residing inside of us is pretty close indeed.
As I mentioned, I could totally understand my mothers confusion when I told her that God indeed resides within her, I've been there. Not only have I been there, but I AM there as I continue to discover the greatness of my risen Lord within me! Better late than never.
~Scott~
John 17: 20-23 NKJV
I asked my mother recently if she knew where God is. She nodded her head yes. "Where, I asked." "In heaven, she told me." Seeing an opportunity, I smiled and touched her chest. "No, mom, God is IN HERE." I'll never forget the look of confusion on her face, but I understood what she was feeling. See, I was in the very same place that she is not so llong ago. Years of church teachings and Sunday sermons had drilled it into my consciousness that God and his risen son reside in heaven, with Jesus at the Fathers side. While this may be true in context, there also another one who resides within these earthly containers of ours. Here, I think, is where I got confused, and I'm not alone. I mention that God and his risen son reside for eternity in heaven as they always have because this is what scripture tells us.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1: 1-3 NKJV
In John 17:20, Jesus offers a prayer in the Garden of Gethsemene just before his trial and ultimate crucifiction for his disciples AND those believers who would come after them. Those "Other" believers that our Lord Jesus is offering prayers for are we who follow him today. I believe the key passage in these verses in within verse 23. ""I in them, and You in me, that they may be made perfect in one." I believe that we can assume from this verse that, wherever we may find ourselves, the risen Christ is there within us. Not only is Jesus in heaven at the right hand of his father, he makes his earthly home within these temporary bodies of those who believe in him. The scriptures are full of passages of how close to us that God and his risen Son are in our daily walk, I think residing inside of us is pretty close indeed.
As I mentioned, I could totally understand my mothers confusion when I told her that God indeed resides within her, I've been there. Not only have I been there, but I AM there as I continue to discover the greatness of my risen Lord within me! Better late than never.
~Scott~
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