UNSATISFIED

When lust dictates, wrath may answer.  Let grace dictate, and mercy will answer.—Unknown

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

The Children of Israel had just seen God part the Red Sea, defeating Pharaoh’s army and then three days later He supplied them with water in the desert. Instead of trusting God and taking their next need to Him in prayer they did what every “good” church member does; they murmured and complained against those in leadership. Instead of God letting them die of starvation He provided them with Manna- bread from Heaven.

Two years later, they were murmuring and complaining about the provisions God had given. They didn’t appreciate the gift anymore. God gave them the meat they so desired but not without a cost. He sent a plague killing the healthy and strong that had their lust fulfilled.

When you and I murmur and complain because we are not satisfied with the spouse He has given, the house He has given, the church He has given, the job He has given, the vehicle He has given, etc., your lust of something new may be given but know this—wrath is at the door with it. God has blessed you and I with many things and with those things we need to be content. Be reminded what Paul told Timothy; “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

LEARNING GOD’S WAY

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29

We just finished up a week long VBS. Someone asked, “Why do you do VBS?” I answered, “So we can teach the children about the Lord Jesus.” The fella looked at me like I was crazy. I expect it from lost people but this guy proclaims the name of Christ. So I looked at him and said, “Why wouldn’t we?”—No response.

It’s your job Mom and Dad to teach your kids about Jesus. The church is the extension of the home in which you can get help teaching your kids. The best way to teach them is for you to be there with them ever day VBS is going on. Your kids see it’s important to you so it becomes important to them and they learn without even knowing it! So if your church is holding a VBS—get off the couch and go support your kids and your church by helping out!

GRACE, GRACE, GOD’S GRACE!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene and wonder how He could love me a sinner condemned unclean… then I remember His grace! His grace is why am who I am today! It’s by His grace I got saved! It’s by His grace I rejoice in what He has called me to! It’s by His grace I can even do what He has called me to do!

Has grace touched your life?

BE A HOLY WITNESS!

            Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12

I have heard it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission. I have often wondered where in the Bible does a Christian that has that mentality find that verse. I don’t find it at all. What I do find is scripture like, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. “ or “Be ye holy for I am holy.”

            Child of God, quit playing with fire! Just be the man and or woman of God He wants you to be! Be honest! Be faithful! Be committed! Be prepared! Be responsible! Be kind! Be true!

YOU CAN’T- BUT GOD CAN!

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

Many times when I was growing up I heard, “You can’t do that!” But then…I tried anyway. Yep, I was a tad bit hard headed. I remember once trying to go down this sliding rock in the mountains. The guy said, “You can’t go down the rock if you don’t know how to swim.” I lied through my teeth and said, “I can do it!” Guess what, I almost drown!

That’s how sinners are, we try to do things our own way turning a deaf ear to God. The Children of Israel were that way, the disciples were that way, and yes even you and I are that way. Friend, if you are trying to do something without God—you will utterly fail! Christian friend, if you’re trying to do something for God leaving Him out of the process—you’ll fail! Sinner friend, if you’re trying to work your way to Heaven— you’ll fail!

If you have God working in you and through you… you’ll never fail because with God all things are possible!

HE IS SEEKING FOR WHOSOEVER WILL!

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

Several years ago we went on a Mission Trip to Montana. We had a buddy system but it failed at the airport while leaving North Carolina. One of the adults got missing! We were looking for him outside of the airport, in the restrooms, and in the restaurants but he wasn’t in any of them. He went ahead of everyone to the gate but failed to tell his buddy! When we found him he said, “I was wondering what happened to y’all, I was looking for you.”

When Zacchaeus went looking for Jesus He didn’t know Jesus had already arranged to meet him that very day. What a blessed thought; Jesus is seeking whosoever will! He is even seeking you! Will you come to Him like Zacchaeus did; humbling yourself, repenting, and having His grace change you?

Salvation came to this Zacchaeus’ house, it can come to yours as well!

TAKE HIS HAND!

Evangelist D. L. Moody told the story of an interaction he had with his young daughter, Emma. She had been asking for a new muff to keep her hands warm in the winter, and one day her mother brought one home for her. Even though it was cold and snowing, she wanted to go out right away and try it. Moody said, “I went out with her, and I said, ‘Emma, better let me take your hand.’ She wanted to keep her hands in her muff, and so she refused to take my hand. Well, by and by she came to an icy place, her little feet slipped, and down she went.

“When I helped her up she said, ‘Papa, you may give me your little finger.’ ‘No, my daughter, just take my hand.’ ‘No, no, Papa, give me your little finger.’ Well, I gave my finger to her, and for a little way she got along nicely, but pretty soon we came to another icy place, and again she fell. This time she hurt herself a little, and she said, ‘Papa, give me your hand,’ and I gave her my hand, and closed my fingers about her wrist, and held her up so that she could not fall.” (As told by Paul Chappell)

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. Psalm 31:5

So often we want to live our life our way, when we do we make a mess. Take His hand and trust Him today!

I LOVE CHURCH!

If you’re in the Word, you’ll be in church.—R.L Conyers

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:25

I am amazed at the number of Christians skipping church for one reason or another. I understand if someone has health issues or maybe even have to work. But just to skip the time God has given so you can catch up on your favorite TV show, catch a few winks, or surf the net shows a lack of respect for what God holds in high regard.

Child of God, I’m tired, wore out, beat down, depressed to a degree, but you know what I’m going to do this morning? I’m going to GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH! Why? Because Jesus gave Himself for you and I to be able to get together and get the help we need—in church! So why don't you?

LIFE WITHOUT JESUS IS HOPELESS

Tho' Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born, if He's not born in thee, thy soul is still forlorn. --Johannes Scheffler

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:12

John the Baptist came with a message, “Repent!” Peter went forth with a message, “Repent!” Pastor, Preachers, and Evangelist proclaim the message to you today, “Repent!” That single message is what will make a difference in your life. Have you repented? Have you been born again? Has Jesus washed your sins away? There is hope for the hopeless in Jesus!

HE’S GOT HIS EYE ON YOU!

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-19

If you have never heard the song, “He Knows My Name”, you’re missing out on a blessing. Do a YouTube search with the Rochester’s singing it. Hallelujah if that don’t get your goose fired up in the morning, you’re deader than a door nail!

Let me tell you something, Uncle Sam knows my name, but that doesn’t bring me the security, peace, joy, and assurance in knowing Jesus knows my name! And not only does He know my name, He has His eye upon me! Jehovah, the Great I Am, the Creator of the universe, My Lord and Saviour, He has His eye upon ME! It helps me to understand He cares for me! He cares for every need I have! He wants the best for me and He is looking to see that I get it.

Don’t mistake this by thinking bad things won’t come to you because they will! Just remember friend, in His prefect plan, He's got His eye on you! And because He does, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

YOU HAVE GOD’S WORD ON IT

Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but taking God at his word. –Evans

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. Psalm 119:90

There was a time when a man’s word meant something. If he told you he would do something for you, he did it. If he shook your hand on it, it was a binding agreement. Today, when someone says they will do something you had better follow up with; what year, what day, and what time, can I expect you. If you don’t, you may be waiting a while.

I’m glad God isn’t that way. I’m glad when God inspired the writers of His Word to pen down a promise it was as good as done! What a promise! What a hope! What a joy it is to know God is true to His Word! Hey, you have His Word on it!

DECEPTION IS JUST AN AVOIDED LIE.

Oh what an evil web we weave when we practice to deceive.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 1 John 3:7

When I was growing up I held out on all of the information I was suppose to tell my parents. I did this so I wouldn’t have to tell a lie. You probably did it as well.

Sometimes it went like this… Mom, I’m going to the mall. Ok- I went to the mall... and then off to a friend’s house, down to the creek, etc. If I told Mom to a friend’s house or the creek, I would get the third degree and I would have to tell a lie.

If you are saved, why not just tell the truth? God knows what’s going on anyway! Why are you avoiding man’s judgment but willing to take God’s? Matthew 10:28, And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

ENTER INTO PEACE

A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do-is to enter into it. - D.L. Moody

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

The Lord offers a peace to you that passes all understanding. Will you walk in the peace of God or will you run away from it? Will you continue to try and make peace in your own heart, continuously failing, or will you enter in the peace He gives? It is found in God’s only begotten Son: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

EMBARRASSED ATHEIST?

An atheist's most embarrassing moment is when he feels profoundly thankful for something, but can't think of anybody to thank. –Vincent

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14:11

I can only imagine seeing an atheist coming up out of a fox hole that just had grenades blasting beside it, bullets whistling by his head, missiles exploding dirt hundreds of feet into the air, saying, “Thank God!”, then thinking, “What did I just say? That was stupid!” I’m sure he would probably look around to see if anyone heard him…

It is my prayer, before it is too late, he would bow his knee to God on this side of the grave. Then he won’t have to worry about being wrong or embarrassed!

NO MATTER WHAT— GETUP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH TODAY!

Investing time in the Lord’s House brings eternal dividends!

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Psalm 84:4

The Lord saved me when I was 22 years old. Since that day I have only missed a few days of church. Being in a church where the Word of God is preached, the Holy Spirit has liberty, and a people wanting to grow in God’s grace has helped me more than any school I have ever been to. It has helped develop my world view, my Christian character, and a work ethic that has been rewarded. But more than the earthly values, being in church is preparing me for heaven. It is where I heard the Gospel preached, where I learned how to forgive, where I learned how to share what God has done for me, where I surrendered to preach, and it is now where I serve.

Friend, you have a resource at hand like none other. Don’t forsake what Jesus died for! “…even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25

CHILD OF GOD BEWARE!

When a man who professes to be converted says that he goes into the world and into sin for pleasure, it is as if an angel went to hell for enjoyment. –Spurgeon

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:5-7

You know when you go on visitation, everyone you talk to is okay with the Lord. It doesn’t matter that there is a pile of beer cans overflowing the trash can or head banging music is filling the air, everyone is saved and on their way to Heaven. While I realize that they could be saved, I also know God is not pleased in the way they are living!

Do you really think you can live like the devil’s crowd? According to scripture, you’re wrong. According to scripture, you’re living in the flesh. According to scripture, you’re living like a child of the devil. According to scripture, you’re living a life in opposition of God.

So which is it? Are you a Child of God or an offspring of the devil? I think you already know, you’re just too proud to admit it…

LIARS BEWARE!

A liar is not believed even though he tells the truth. –Cicero

        But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

I am amazed at the attempts at lying some people go to. They forget a few things; you must cover up a lie more than once, you will always question if others are telling the truth, and the most important… your sin will find you out. You will stand before God and give an account of your life—including all the lies you have told.

Have you attempted to cover up lies? Time to come clean with the Lord and the one you lied to!

CHARACTER- WHO YOU ARE WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING

If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself. -Moody

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8

Do you talk the talk but don’t walk the walk? There are many of us that are just key board Christians. We set behind a screen typing away, sharing Christian pictures and quotes but never giving of our time, talents and treasures to the local church. Some of us head to church on Sunday morning leaving our Bibles at home. Some of us head to church on Easter or Christmas and claim we have done our Christian duty. Being a Christian is twenty four seven. It’s not just on Sunday. Not just behind the pulpit. Not only on a foreign or domestic mission field. It’s every hour of every day, everywhere we go!

Are people talking about your faith? They said this of our Saviour, "We never saw it on this fashion." What are they saying about yours?

PRAYING FOR MISSIONS

If there be any one point in which the Christian church ought to keep its fervor at a white heat, it is concerning missions.  If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is in the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world. –Spurgeon

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

As a fellow church across town is in their Mission’s Conference this week, we are uplifting them in prayer. There is no greater cause than to support one another’s mission’s programs! This is the very root of what the church is about! Some will disagree and that is fine! But what I see in the Word of God, it is about Missions! First spoken of in Genesis 3:15, you don’t have to look hard to see where Jesus, the Greatest Missionary (for He was sent), is in every verse seeking out lost mankind!

Does your church support missions? If not, I would rethink about where I attend church!

MY SINS ARE GONE- DO I LIVE LIKE IT?

I thought I could have leaped from earth to heaven at one spring when I first saw my sins drowned in the Redeemer's blood. –Spurgeon

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Peter 1:18-19

There is a peace that passes all understanding in knowing my sins have been forgiven! Not by any works I have done but by God’s Amazing Grace He saved me! In His redeeming blood comes an awesome privilege to represent our Saviour wherever we go, whatever we do, whatever we say, or whomever we are with. Many people have forgotten that little truth; no matter where we go we are ambassadors of Jesus!

We rejoice that our sins have been washed away but are we representing Him in a way that will bring Him honor and glory?