I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO DO!

Being busy doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing anything for the Lord.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

So often we find ourselves spinning our wheels trying to get something finished up. We get so busy we go in circles not really getting anything done. I don’t know about you I often feel that way while at work. One fella says do it this way, another says that way. One guy says turn left, the other turn right. Before you know it we are right back where we started and haven’t gotten anything done! We were busy…busy doing nothing!

Child of God, make sure you are in the will of God. Being in the Will of God doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in full time service. It could be you are a bus worker, choir member, or Deacon. It may mean you are a Pastor, pastor’s wife, or a Missionary. Whatever it is, make sure you don’t get ahead of God and that may even mean you have to sit a while at His feet to listen!

HELP ME, I’M LOSING MY HOPE!

If I remember correctly, there are three branches of government: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. As a country, we are ripping apart every branch from within. We have been demeaning each for years, which has led to a decay of the value of each. Abraham Lincoln said, "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

Men and women both have demeaned the office they were elected to. Sex scandals, financial corruption, and lies upon lies have filled the halls of Washington D.C. But, D.C is made up of people, people just like you and me. They are sinners in need of a Saviour. But it leads one to think, "Where can I find the hope I need?"

There is only one place to look, God’s Word! I find hope in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

TIME TO MULTIPLY THE CHURCHES

The day is short, the labor long, the workers are idle, and reward is great, and the Master is urgent. -Talmud

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19

As we see in the Book of Acts, there is a huge change going on in the first few chapters. People are getting saved! In one verse it says, “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women”. (Acts 5:14) But what jumps off the page to me is in Acts 9:31, Luke shares with us that God multiplied the churches! “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”

If He did it then… He can do it now!

Rise up Christian Soldiers! Proclaim the name above all other names! Proclaim Jesus to this lost, dying, and hurting world! If we lift Him up, He will draw all men unto Himself! Amen!

I’M A WINNER EITHER WAY!

I would a great deal rather lose in a cause that I know some day will triumph than triumph in a cause that I know will someday lose. --Woodrow Wilson

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

My Mom and Dad died in 2003. If I remember correctly, during both of their funerals someone sang the song, “I’m a winner either way.” The last line of the chorus says, “I'll have my healing here below, or life forever if I go oh praise the lord, I'm a winner either way.” I know both of them held high this testimony while they were alive and in their death. As someone shared with me 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, I could only rejoice in their home going!

There is great joy in knowing if God so desires me to stay here or whether He allows me to take my last breath, I’m a winner either way! Do you have that kind of peace?

WHERE DO YOU KEEP YOUR MONEY?

One said to a minister who preached a sermon, after which there was to be a collection, "You should preach to our hearts, and then you would get some money."  The minister replied, "Yes, I think that is very likely, for that is where you keep your money." –Spurgeon

No servant 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. Luke 16:13

Money has been a problem for many a people for generations. The thought of getting more has split more homes than I care to talk about. More house, more clothes, more toys, more trips has added more debt into homes that become unsustainable and with those financial problems comes empty tables, absentee parents, eventually ending in divorce. All because someone’s money was their master instead of them mastering their money!

Keep money where it ought to be, under Biblical control. Just a quick reminder, He has entrusted it to us to use for His honor and glory, so use it such a way that happens!

ONE STEP FORWARD TWO STEPS BACK

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133

I don’t know if you have ever broken a leg or not but I have. When I was four, I was swinging on the front door of our mobile home and I slipped off of the handle. I came crushing down on the ground breaking my right leg. It took several weeks but finally the doctor cut the cast off. After a few days taking a step forward and two steps back, I finally got my legs working in rhythm again! Instead of backing up, I was on my way in the right direction!

Sometimes along this journey we get off track and life begins to take one step forward and two steps back. Satan tempts us with some sin that catches our eye and we fail under the temptation. It is only when we confess and repent that we will begin moving forward once again! When we let Him order our steps, following Him in faith, He will guide us all the way Home!

GROWING IS DONE BY GOING

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

I have never understood how someone, who says they are a Christian, can avoid going to church. It’s a very important place where preaching is done and God put a high value on preaching, “…it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21 It’s a very important place where the Holy Spirit works, “…he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13 It’s the place you will become the Christian God wants you to be, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2

Do yourself a favor this morning; GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH!

IT IS FINISHED!

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

            These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:1-4

Many believe they have to do something to be saved. Their salvation is based on their good works. The problem with that is the Bible proclaims, “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” So no one can do good to get to Heaven! So how does one get there?

Confess, Repent, and Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ! Confess your sins, Repent of those sins, and Believe Jesus suffered, bled, died, and arose again the third day for your sins! He conquered death, hell and the grave for our sins! In other words—IT IS FINISHED!

JESUS IS CALLING…ARE YOU LISTENING?

You will never make a missionary of the person who does no good at home.  He that will not serve the Lord in the Sunday school at home will not win children to Christ in China. –Spurgeon

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

The Lord has a specific job for each one of His children to do. It may be singing in the choir, mowing the church yard, preaching in some third world country or some other job around the church. But let me share something with you, everyone can’t be a hand in the church. Everyone can’t be the feet, eyes, ears, or any other part. I can only do the job He wants me to do! You have to do the job He wants you to do. If we don’t someone will have to pick up our slack!

Child of God, get busy doing what God wants you to do! Don’t sit down! Don’t shut up! Don’t shrivel back into a corner! Stand up! Speak up! Shout it out that Jesus Lives and Jesus is coming!

BIG FAT CON GAME

The problem with a con game is someone always loses!

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: Genesis 3:4

The first con game preformed upon man was when Satan conned Eve to eat the fruit. Ever since, every con game has been the same; the liar takes a touch of the truth and twist it into what their reality is. The end is always the same as well, someone has lost something but nothing compares to what all of mankind lost that day in the Garden.

Don’t be duped, hoodwinked, or tricked Child of God! Satan is out to steal, kill, and destroy! He wants to steal your time, talents, and treasures! He wants to kill your peace, joy, and happiness! He wants to destroy your very soul! But Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” What a joy in knowing we have life in Jesus!

I DIDN’T LIKE CONVICTION…

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:7-11

             When I was growing up, Mom and Dad would take a notion every once and a while to tear my hide up. You see, I didn’t like the conviction I felt so I got the chastisement instead. Instead of obeying Mom and Dad, I did what I wanted to and suffered the consequences.

            Dad was about 5’9 and about 4’6 round. When that belt started coming out of his pants it sounded like a 70’s model Ford on an old highway that the cracks had been sealed, thump, thump, thump. When I heard that sound, I knew it was about to get on.

Long before I heard that fearsome noise, I felt a little conviction. Something in me said, “Don’t ride that bike up to Antoine’s house”. But I didn’t listen! I got on my bike and rode on. When I got home Mom was there…and the rest… is painful!

            Child of God, “Conviction is a privilege! It is none other than the voice of the Holy Spirit compelling us to turn from sin and make our hearts right with our Heavenly Father. Conviction means that God is working in us.”—Paul Chappell. Listen to the Spirit so you won’t feel the consequences!

WHAT’S FOLLOWING YOU?

Mercy is not for them that sin and fear not, but for them that fear and sin not. –Watson

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:6

David proclaimed goodness and mercy would follow him not just for a day or two. Not for a week. Not only for a year. He said goodness and mercy would follow him, all the days of his life! But my question is why? Why would goodness and mercy follow David? What makes David so special? I believe you have to go back to verse one where David said, “The LORD is my shepherd…”

Just as a shepherd will take care of his sheep, The LORD will take care of His children! He will guide them, cherish them, love them, He will mend their wounds, and He will save them from the enemy! Goodness and mercy follows us for the same reason it follows David; The LORD is our Shepherd!

EVIL WEBS

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

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:16

Fall is upon us and with fall comes those big ole spiders and their webs. The other day I stepped out and was going to my truck and BAM! I walked right into one! The path is so deceptive, looking all clean and clear. Without the sun glistening in on it we would never see the web or the spider!

Child of God, there are those who have cast their webs in our paths without the Son shedding light on our paths—we will get taken in every time! Get into His Word! Get busy serving Him! When your path seems clear, He will shed a little light exposing a web someone has cast for you!

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

The Light of the church in this world is never out!

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

How do we keep the Light shining brightly, by GETTING UP, GETTING, READY, and GOING TO CHURCH this morning! Don’t put it off! Don’t make another excuse! Don’t lay in bed all day! Don’t binge on TV! Don’t go fishing, shopping, or to the park! No matter what’s due or what’s to do make it a point in going to church this morning!

DISTRACTED!

What you focus on will soon become what you feed on!

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:13

Over the years I have seen many young people go to youth rallies, Mission trips, and go to camp. Many of them come back on fire for the Lord. You see them more often at church. They volunteer to do things they normally would not. They may even get up in the choir which is way out of character for them. But then, crickets. You can’t get them to church for nothing. You ask them what’s wrong and their respond is, “Nothing Pastor.” Well the truth of the matter is— Satan has given them a distraction!

These distractions could be in disguise as a High School degree, a girl/ boy friend, a job, social media, or it can even be family. I have seen all kinds of distractions in young people’s lives but what’s even more amazing is I have seen some of the same distractions in adult’s lives as well!

Keep your eyes focused in on the Lord and do not get distracted by the things of this Earth!

GRACE, GRACE, and more GRACE!

The trials of the Christian life you shall find heavy, but...grace will make them light. –Spurgeon

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

In the toughest times of my life, I have found God’s grace to be sufficient. When I couldn’t handle my sin debt, Jesus stepped in showed grace. When my parents passed, He showed up in comfort and care. When my employer closed the doors, He showed up in financial satisfaction. When my pastor’s transgressions were exposed, He showed up in peace. There is nothing like God’s Amazing Grace making the trial of life light!

How will God’s Amazing Grace show up in your life? When it does, be sure to praise Him for it!

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GODLY PEOPLE

I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. Psalm 119:63

The people with whom we travel are much more important than the place to which we travel. –Wright

I have been around the world. But one thing about it, I have never enjoyed going alone. Being with someone you love or a few friends makes the trip so much better. You truly make memories that will last a life time!

Much like traveling, when we go through life it is important for us to surround ourselves with people who love the Lord, His Word, and His people. When we do, we are setting ourselves up for success, we are helping those the Lord has commanded us to, and we are making memories that will last for eternity!

ME, ME, AND NOTHING BUT ME

If a man has a shriveled-up heart and a big head he is a monster. - D.L. Moody

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Many go about life with a bloating of pride that they cannot see the accomplishments of others. They look down their self righteous nose blinded by their own sin and corruption. It may a successful business entrepreneur that has built a legacy for generations to come. It could be a grandmother who has raised a family who brings her honor and glory. It could be the pastor behind the pulpit that has laboured hard in the ministry and has a congregation that even Paul would be proud of. If we take the glory from God for what He has done in and through us, we are no better that Satan himself needing to be kicked out of the place God has given us.

Child of God, be humble. Be meek pointing others to Jesus. Be one who is quick to praise God and others. Spurgeon said, “The more fit a man is for God's work, the lower he esteems himself.“

LET THE WATER IN!

The Water of the Word is what it takes to wash us from the inside out!

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:26-27

We are dealing with a lot of water here in Eastern North Carolina. To start off with it was the rain saturating the ground. Then with all of the rain accumulating so fast it has caused flash flooding. The wet ground has been washed away by the rapid water flowing. Over the next few days the water from counties west of us will be rushing into town. The river and streams will begin to over flow their banks causing major flooding in several neighborhoods. The flood damage will be astronomical because it came into town!

Much like when flood waters come into town changing homes, streets, and subdivisions, when the Water of the Word comes flooding into a lost person’s soul, it will change entire generations for good! Saturating the mind with God’s Word, letting it soak in over a lifetime, will transform that person’s life and those they raise for generations to come! We just need to let it in so it can do it’s work!

GIVE ME JESUS!

Jesus Christ is light to the eye, honey to the taste, music to the ear, joy to the heart. –Spurgeon

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Have you ever woken up with a peaceful thought on your mind that puts you in a great mood? I’m talking about a mood that carries you throughout the day? Well when I wake up with Jesus on my mind that’s exactly what happens! But I have noticed something, this normally happens when I go to bed with Him on my mind as well! That’s something to think about; going to bed with His faithfulness, mercy, grace, loving kindness, longsuffering, care, etc on my mind will carry on throughout the day and to another day! Just give me Jesus for a better day! What a blessing!