WHY JUDGE THEM WHEN YOU CAN LOVE THEM FOR JESUS!

The more one judges, the less one loves. --Honore de Balzac

            Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? James 4:11

        Do you have love toward others, even those who may not worship the way you do? Child of God, do you sit back looking down yourself righteous nose judging the way others worship because they don’t do it the way you do? If you do, I would venture to say you have never been on a mission trip. You probably don’t support missions. You probably don’t care for souls as much as you claim. If you did, you would love them where they are at challenging them to become what God wants them to be!

WHAT DO YOU HAVE OR BETTER YET WHAT HAS YOU?

It's good to have money and the things money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy. –Lorimer

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

With riches comes security- not in the Lord but in the riches themselves. The riches begin to take over your life and before you know it, instead of the money working for you, you are working for the money. The money has you! What use to be a ministry is now nothing more than a job.

Friend, don’t let money be the driving force in your life. If you let this happen your joy will drift away and you will truly begin to work at work! 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

No man is poor who has had a Godly mother. –Lincoln

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12

It has been said, “Don’t know what to give your mother for Mother’s Day? Make your way to church this morning and sit beside her.” What a simple and cheap way to make Mama happy this morning. So why are you sitting there; GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH! At the moment you walk through the doors she will not care what you’ve done or where you’ve been—she will only know her child is with her this morning and a joy will leap from inside and come out in the form of tears from her face! Surprise your Mom—GO SIT BESIDE HER THIS MORNING!

THERE’S A CELEBRATION GOING ON RIGHT HERE!

An anniversary reminds us of simpler days but challenges us to keep our love fresh!

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. Proverbs 10:7

I remember the first date with my wife; I took her to Burger King. My thought then was, “If I didn’t like her I didn’t waste any money.” Our next date was to an upscale restaurant in which I dropped a wad of money on her. Oh yes, she is a keeper! Today we celebrate twenty eight years of compromise, hard work, and yes, love.

Life wasn’t always so grand. We have had financial struggles and marital situations but our love for one another has out-weighed any problem we have had. The driving force—the love of Jesus dwells in each one of us. We both want to please Him. We both want to hear Him say, “Well done!”

What’s your driving force in your marriage? Is it the beauty your wife has? Is it how financially sound your husband is? Is it a hot car, fancy house, or do they just put a smile on your face? If it’s not the love of Jesus it will fade out. Beauty is skin deep, finances wither away, cars give out, houses have to be cleaned, and a smile comes with the next pretty face. But Jesus compels us to go on so when we look back on life we can celebrate! We can give testimony—We have been blessed of the Lord!

FOUNDATIONS MATTER!

You can't build a great building on a weak foundation. You must have a solid foundation if you're going to have a strong superstructure. — Gordon B. Hinckley

 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16

Our foundation is the Lord Jesus! However, we find everything we need to know about Jesus in the Word of God. All 66 books, 1,189 chapters, 41,173 verses, 774,746 words, and 3,566,480 letters in the Bible have been divinely inspired and perfectly preserved for you and I. It has been preserved to make us wise unto salvation. It has been preserved to make us holy. It has been preserved to direct us to a place to serve the Lord.

If you want a strong life build it on a solid foundation! But it on the Lord Jesus and your life will be a strong superstructure for the glory of God!

JUST WING IT?

The world cannot always understand one's profession of faith, but it can understand service. -Maclaren

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

I often hear someone say “Just wing it!” I understand there are times when we must jump in and do something when we are not well prepared. I am also convinced that when the Lord does this He gives us exactly what we need. But when we know ahead of time we are to teach or preach, we don’t wing it, we get prepared! We study! We invest time in searching the scriptures! We do it heartily unto the Lord!

Child of God, get your hands out of your pockets and get busy serving the Lord! But get ready first!

SOLD OUT OR CAVED IN?

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Have you ever committed to do something and after you committed you was like, “What was I thinking?” I can vividly remember doing that a few times in my life. I remember telling a friend once I would help him take care of a huge issue in his life. When I got to the location to do what he had asked I was like “I’ve got to be crazy!” But you know what? We didn’t quit. We didn’t give up. We didn’t cave in! We were sold out to see the job completed!

Friend, Jesus never gave up on you so why are you giving up on Him? In your unfaithfulness…He remains faithful!! Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23

YOU’LL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH!

Look at what He is, and what He has done; not at what you are. -D.L. Moody

But God commendeth his love toward us, In that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Many people think they can turn a new leaf and God will let them into Heaven. Some think if they give to the poor, give to the church, or sell everything and join a abbey they will get into Heaven. Some think everyone is going to heaven. Truth is, none of us are worthy or ever will be worthy enough to get into Heaven. It’s only by God’s amazing grace that anyone will ever step on the streets of gold. Have you looked to Him for salvation?

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

How does one get to the point of Spiritual Contentment?

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:6-8

Many people suffer with spiritual issues. The main reason for these have to do with the fact people have not dealt with their sin. When you don’t deal with sin, God brings chastisement. The person that has dealt with their sin has a joy and peace that the natural man doesn’t understand. It gives a peace that passes all understanding. Is it well with your soul today?

GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH!

No greater way to start the week than to be in church worshiping our Saviour in Spirit and Truth together!

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

D.L Moody said, “The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church, someone has said, is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the telephone and spending an evening with her.” Will you spend time with your Saviour today or will you listen to Him on the internet somewhere?

Don’t miss out on what God has for you today! He gave His best for us, I  think we need to give Him our best right back!

HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE THE SAVIOUR?

When God measures a man, he puts the tape around the heart not the head. –Anonymous

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

Obedience is the very best way to say “I love you!” How much are you being obedient to the Lord today? Have you obeyed Him when it comes to Bible reading? Have you obeyed Him in church attendance? Have you obeyed Him in sharing the Hope of the Gospel? In our obedience we reveal our love to our Saviour. How much do you love Him today?

BE ALL YOU CAN BE

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

The Army use to have this ad campaign that said, “Be all you can be in the Army.” This slogan created an illusion in the minds of young men and women that the Army had the key to unlock the potential soldier in everyone. The problem is not everyone is or will be cut out to be a soldier. Some are too weak, too fat, too ignorant, too hard headed, and some just plain lazy.

Well good thing is there’s the Lord’s Army. In His Army He doesn’t say He's going to unlock anything in you because everything within us is useless. He says He's going to equip you to what He has called you to. He will be your strength. He will make you fit. He will give you wisdom. He will save you and make you into somebody, going somewhere. He will give you a purpose to get up off the couch and get busy for the Lord.

Are you all you can be in Life? Why not come to Him today and let Him equip you for life and life more abundant?

DEAD SEA OR RIVER OF LIFE?

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

In Jerusalem there is the well known Sea of Galilee. It is the same sea that the Lord Jesus told the disciples to cast their nets again bringing up a bountiful supply of fish. Flowing into and out of the Sea of Galilee is the well known Jordan River. This is the same river that Jesus came to be baptized in. The Sea of Galilee has this river flowing right through it and because it does there is growth in and around it. There is literally a River of Life flowing in and out of it. But if you follow the Jordan River downstream you come to the deepest place on Earth, the Dead Sea. Out of the Dead Sea flows nothing. Because there is no flow there and because there isn’t any flow there isn't any life either.

Do you have the River of Life flowing out of you? Do you have the Fruit of the Spirit to prove it? Do you see growth in your life? Are you investing in the lives of others to see growth in them? If Jesus lives in you He will be flowing out of you and into other people’s life.

Do you have a River of Life flowing out of you or are you a dead sea?

You Don’t Have to Believe in God to Live a Wise Life—Say What?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

            Sometimes, I read some very stupid sayings. Unfortunately, sometimes, it comes from my on hand. But why in the world would anyone go to a Bible study that totally contradicts what scripture plainly states? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” If you don’t believe in God how will you ever be wise?

I will just keep on studying the Bible and stick to its Words! Who is with me?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

JESUS IS CONCERNED WITH YOUR FUTURE, ARE YOU?

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD. Exodus 6:8

            When the Lord was speaking to Moses about bringing the Children of Israel out of Egypt He was letting him know He was concerned with their future. You may be living as if this is your last day on Earth but are you investing as if you’re going to live forever? Whether you’re saved or lost, you will live forever. The catch is, where will you spend it, Heaven or Hell. Well that’s up to you. Jesus has finished His part in salvation now it’s up to you to respond. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

HOW MUCH WILL YOU COMPROMISE BEFORE YOU LOSE YOUR IDENTITY?

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

It doesn’t take long to realize there is compromise in the church house. But how much of that compromise will you and I allow before we say enough is enough and do something about it? How much compromise will go on before you approach your Pastor and have an honest conversation with him? What will it take to get you involved with church events? Will you turn a deaf ear in order to fit in? Will you look the other way so you can feel good about yourself?

Child of God, take a stand and stand therefore! When you take a stand for the Lord, He will bless you and take care of you! If you compromise no one will recognize what and or who you have become!

GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH!

Keep the faith by going to church!

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

            Many people think going to church is outdated and unnecessary. They think small groups, Bible studies, and group outings will suffice. Child of God, scripture says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” And where do you and I hear preaching—at church. Sure we can hear it other places as well but I want to be where God uses His man, to preach His Word, so His Spirit can give me what I need. So that I can get the power God speaks about; power to continue on, power to make right decisions, power to lead my family, power to lead my church, power to avoid temptations, power to finish and finish well!

So this morning, will you join me by going to church?

DOING GOD’S WILL IN A SELF-CENTERED WORLD

Man thinks, God directs. –Alcuin

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

            When we become a living sacrifice it means we willingly lay down our lives for the will of the Father. As God directs us here or there, all we are to do is obey. When we are so wrapped up in self, we cannot discern His will. We over think the situations and we make a mountain out of a mole hill. When we place our will above His will, we are living in a dangerous place. When we are willing to follow His leading, it is then we can know confidently we are doing that good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

            Having problems discerning God’s will for your life? Be still and know He is God. Get to reading the Word of God that never returns void. Pray and pray some more. Fast and fast some more. Seek godly counsel from men and or women that have proven themselves a workman.  And if you still don’t hear from God, remain right where you are at until you do. That may be your answer or it may be God is teaching you a valuable lesson in patience. Nevertheless, wait on the Lord.

ARE YOU AN IMPOSTOR?

Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor. –Spurgeon

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:33

There have been some impostors to creep into the church without the church even knowing. They serve as Sunday School teachers, choir members, deacons, and some even get put into the pulpit. How can we know them? How can we discern one from another? How can we make sure an impostor isn’t teaching our kids Sunday School?

            Well you can know because their life will display the fruit of the Spirit. They will have love one toward another. They will have joy unspeakable and full of glory. They have a peace that passes understanding. They are longsuffering— patient and forgiving. They have a gentleness about them, their rough edges have been sanded away by God’s grace. Goodness—they have a desire to please God with their life. They have faith, faith in knowing He can and will take care of them. It has been said, “Meekness is a sign of weakness.” This is far from the truth. Meekness is actually strength under control. Temperance—I use to have a temper but by God’s grace my temper has been put into check.

            Notice one last thing, It doesn’t say fruits of the spirit, it says fruit. You see it’s a package deal. When you ask Jesus to save you, you get all it all! Do you have the Fruit of the Spirit or are you are impostor? Your life is on display and by your fruit—they shall know.

MY SINS ARE GONE!

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

            I have written in many Bibles a quote by D.L. Moody which says, “Sin will keep you from this Book. This Book will keep you from sin.” When we come to the understanding He has removed all of our sins we will live this life as a victor instead of a victim. We live as an over-comer instead of an underachiever. We will live a life of peace instead of battling with our flesh day by day.

            Child of God, He has washed your sins away—as far as the east is from the west. Have you ever started going east until you reached going west? No, because you will never get there! You’ll just keep going and going and going and going east. Much like that Energizer Bunny on TV…except that Bunny will stop sometime— you will NEVER meet up with your sin again because He has removed it! He washed it away! Can I get a Hallelujah? Can I get an Amen?