DO WHAT YOU’RE GONNA DO WHILE YOU’VE GOT TIME TO DO IT!

            I expect to pass through this world but once.  Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. –Anonymous

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14

            There is 86,400 seconds in every single day, how are we investing them in something that will make a difference in our life and the lives of others? What are we doing that means anything in the light of eternity? Who are you impacting with the Gospel? In your area of influence, how is your testimony shining through?

            Child of God, we don’t have as much time as we may think, so share the Good News of the Gospel while you have time! Make a difference by being the example God wants you to be to this lost, dying, and hurting generation!

THERE’S LIBERTY TO SERVE IN JESUS!

Those are no friends of Christ and his disciples, who make that to be unlawful which God has not made to be so. –Henry

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 7:6

I am thankful for grace this morning! I am thankful my salvation is founded in the depths of God’s amazing grace. I am thankful I am not bound to the law in such a way I have to do this or that in order to obtain my salvation. No, my salvation is complete in Jesus’ finished work on the cross and resurrection! This does not give us liberty to sin, it gives us a liberty to serve!

DO IT FOR YOURSELF

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. Deuteronomy 24:16

             Do you remember the spoiled brats in school? The ones that got everything they wanted in life? The ones who never took responsibility for anything? Mom and Dad did everything for them in such a way they become expecting things to happen for them. They were never taught independence, personal responsibility, or how to do something for themselves. Where are they now? Some ended up in prison. Some have bounced from job to job never growing out of their irresponsible ways. Some have died because they never caught on how to take care of themselves.

            You may be sitting there thinking, what does this have to with anything? Well sooner or later you are going to have to take responsibility for your own actions. Mom and Dad will be gone and what they attempted to do for you will not go anywhere. Their salvation isn’t passed on to you. The sacrificial giving of their time, talents, and treasures will not be applied to your account. When Mom and Dad die, they will not be here to make sure you’re in church anymore. They will not be there to make sure you serve in the church. They will not be there making intercession for you. You must do it for yourself! You must trust Jesus as your Lord and Saviour on your own!

            So, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH this morning! Take responsibility for your own actions. Take responsibility for your own sin. Mama and Daddy cannot do anything with your sin. They must repent of their own sin trusting in Jesus for their own salvation. You must do it for yourself as well!

SHEW THYSELF A MAN

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. 1 Kings 2:2-4

            At David’s passing he gave his son Solomon a charge to show himself a man. He in no uncertain terms told him how to do this, He said, “…keep the charge of the LORD of the God, to walk in His ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies.”

            Do you want to be the man God wants you to be? Keep His Word, remain faithful to what He has called you to do, and you will shew thyself a man!  

GROW UP!

            “If you have the Spirit without the Word, you blow up. If you have the Word without the Spirit, you dry up. If you have both the Word and the Spirit, you grow up.– Don Lyon

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Ephesians 4:14-15

            Do you ever wonder why people do what they do? Don Lyon hit the nail on the head with his quote. Some are attempting to live without the Word in their life. Some are trying to use the Word without the Author in their life. Either one of those are a huge issue when it comes to growing in God’s grace. The problem, you aren’t growing! Something that’s dead can’t grow and something that isn’t getting watered will eventually die.

            Do you have Spirit? Do you have the Word? Good—Grow Up!

A LITTLE REMINDER

            God is bigger than any problem you may have! He can be reached at anytime, anywhere, with anyone around. So what’s hindering you from calling out to Him?

Let me remind you of some things concerning our Saviour:

            He never sleeps nor slumbers- Psalm 121:4, Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

            He will never leave thee nor forsake thee- Hebrews 13:5, 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.

            He doesn’t hide from us—We attempt to hide from Him— Jeremiah 23:24, Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. 

            He doesn’t forget anything-- Luke 12:6-7, Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

            Humility moves our Saviour: Psalm 44:25-26, For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

ACCESSIBILITY IS A NECESSITY

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:18

             Going in and out of the facilities I work in you must have one of four things; permission, an ID card, a key, or an access card. I have gotten to some of the facilities and the individual I am there to see isn’t on so I cannot get permission to go to the equipment I need to do maintenance on. I have gotten to the administration buildings where you check in at only to realize I left my ID card back in my truck. Every once and a while I’ll pick up the wrong keys getting to the facility and praying someone will be there to let me in to the areas I need to be at. Then, on occasion, the access card I have decides it doesn’t want to work so I cannot get into the building at all. Accessibility is a necessity to get my job done! Accessibility is important!

             Accessibility is a necessity in our walk with Jesus as well! Without access to the source of our strength we will become weak and will be overtaken by Satan. Here are three things you can do to become and remain strong in the Lord.

            One: To have any access to the Father you must be saved. You must repent of your sins, trusting in Jesus as your Saviour. “Ye must be born again.”

            Two: You must be without sin to have access to the Father. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

            Three: You must speak to Him. “…ye have not, because ye ask not.”

There was a time when we could not come before God because of our sin but now we can because of the precious shed blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The only thing that keeps the access line open is a saved, clean life. Do you have that today?

NEVER TOO MUCH LIGHT

There is not darkness enough in all the world to put out the light of one little candle. –Epitaph

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

            I was watching an informational video yesterday and the lecturer was talking about things to do when you are getting ready to sell your house. He said, “There is never too much light. Light makes rooms look big and darkness makes rooms look small.” There is a lot of practical wisdom in that statement concerning the ascetics of a house ready for the sell.

            Child of God, you and I are the Light of the World and that Light is Jesus. Much more important than any house being prepared to be sold is the life needing so much Light it will convince a lost person to be saved! A lost person needs to see and hear a clear presentation of the Gospel. A lost person needs to hear without Jesus we are helplessly trapped in our sinful condition but if we repent of our sin and trust Christ as Saviour, we are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb.

How much Light is your life reflecting today? Is there any?

A SAD DAY ON EARTH

Following the Lord requires a daily walk.

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Jeremiah 6:16

            The Children of Israel were commanded to stand in the ways of God asking for the old paths that would lead to rest. But they wouldn’t have any of it. They said, “We will not walk therein.” The Lord said, “I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet.” They said, “We will not harken.” God gave them the judgment for their disobedience, He said, “I will bring evil upon this people” What a sad day that was when God tried His best to get them to listen but yet they turned and went their own way.

            One of the things a Pastor hates to hear is when one of his congregation members has chosen to leave the church entering a life of sin. It doesn’t happen overnight though. Long before the church member leaves the church physically they left spiritually. It was a progress leading the member be over taken in the sin. It was a daily choice to live for self instead of the Saviour!

            Will you follow the Lord—Daily? Will you walk in the old paths? Will you find rest for your soul?

GO AND GROW

Either you’re growing or you’re dying.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1 Peter 2:2

            What’s your desire for today? Will it be to GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH? Or will it be to continue on with the status quo; mowing the yard, going fishing, washing the car, going grocery shopping, etc? Will any of those things help you grow in your relationship with Christ—probably not? Will any of those things help someone else come to the saving knowledge of Christ—probably not? If you’re not going to church you are probably drying up on the inside, eventually to blowout like an old worn out tire. So, why don’t you invest your time, talents, and treasures into something that will make a difference—GO TO CHURCH TODAY!

GO TO WORK

God gives the birds their food, but he does not throw it into their nests. -Greek Proverb

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Proverbs 14:23

            So many people are looking for free handouts these days. It used to be a shame to be holding a sign asking for your next meal. Now people do it as their primary source of income. Some folks, have fallen on bad times and they need a helping hand up. I am all for helping those who truly need help. However, those who don’t need help, only wanting a handout… they need to go to work and earn a paycheck! 

            The Lord said in Proverbs, “In labor there is profit”. Let me put it this way, Earning your way is better than all of the handouts you can ever get. Not just because you get a paycheck but because of the satisfaction of accomplishing some task and then getting a paycheck for it. Notice what the second part of that verse says, “…the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” If all you do is stand around talking about what you’re going to do, you will be standing in need, in want, and eventually overcome in poverty.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Christ and we will never be one until we and our sin are two.–Spurgeon

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11

            At our spiritual birth, we are separated from our sin. We do not have to continue to live in sin because Jesus set us free from it. We are a new creation, created in Christ Jesus! How is this possible? We have a new nature and that nature is God’s righteousness!

            Child of God, quit sinning! You have been set free from sin and you don’t have to continue therein! I am reminded what Paul said, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” Romans 6:15

JUST A LITTLE MORE

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Proverbs 15:16

            Our society drives us not to be content with the things as we have. It rams down our throats the thought of, “You’ve got to have just a little more”. What happens is we get in debt up to our ears and we begin to be unthankful for what we do have. We find ourselves in bondage to the things of this world.

            While I am all for the creative spirit which drives innovation, I am not for getting into so much debt one cannot breathe just to be able to say, “I’ve got a little more.” Saving, investing, and being content with what God has provided goes beyond the bank account, it starts with being content with the way He has provided salvation for us!

            Will you be content with what God has provided you or will you continue to strive for just a little more?

AT THE END OF THE DAY- TRUST THE LORD

You may trust the Lord too little, but you can never trust Him too much. –Anonymous

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalm 84:11-12

            Many times when we make a decision in life we begin to second guess that decision. It brings about doubt in our abilities, worry, fret, and most of all we question, did we obey the Lord. It causes loss of sleep, anxiety, health problems, and if not dealt with could cause a mental break down.

            Here are some questions to help cope with second guessing your decisions: Did you go to the Lord before you made the decision? Did you wait on His answer? Did He give you clear direction? Did you make the decision seasoned with grace if it involved others? If anyone was involved, did everyone leave understanding why the decision was made?

            When you are all in knots about the decision you made you’re not doing the business God has called you to. Guess what, Satan loves that! At end of the day that you have trusted God at the beginning, trust Him even more for another day is coming!

ANGELS, NOT PASSED LOVE ONES HELP GOD’S CHILDREN

Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth unseen, both when we sleep and when we awake. –Milton

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Psalm 103:20

            While many would believe that angels are saved loved ones who have already made their trip to Heaven, nowhere in the Word of God do we find this. What we do find is these heavenly beings were created to do as the creator has said. I see throughout scripture where angels have been there to help humanity. I see where they have encouraged, opened tombs, warded off the enemy, announced the birth of the Messiah, stopped animals in their tracks, delivered messages from God, and even appeared in dreams.

            What a blessing it is to have angels to help us in our time of need. The greater blessing is that our Heavenly Father directs them to where our need is. For the angels are only doing His will!

I JUST CAN’T DECIDE!

Decisions are best made when we wait on the Lord.

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. Psalm 37:34

Have you ever tried to make a decision on something and it seems like the Lord will not give you peace over one way or another? What should we do—nothing! Don’t do anything until the Lord gives you the green light! Don’t buy that car, change that job, or marry that guy! Be still and that He is God and He will direct you when it is best!

GETTER UP!

Going to church is more important than your investment portfolio!

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Mathew 18:20

            Will your investment portfolio matter to you when you’re gone? Will it matter how many digits you have in your account when you take your last breath? Will it live forever—no, but your soul will! What’s more valuable than your soul—nothing! So, don’t worry about your investment portfolio more than you invest in your own life.

            I am reminded of Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” So, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH investing in your life for all of eternity!

STUDY UP!

Not only do we need to have a constant diet of the Word of God we also need to have constant application of it!

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

When is the last time you did an algebraic equation? I mean you learned exactly which step came first and how to come up with the right answer. Can you still do it? If you’re like me, NO! Why; because you haven’t done one in a very long time!

While we walk this pilgrim way we need to be constantly sharpening our witnessing skills! We need to be in the Word in order to be able to give account of the hope that lives and abides in us. How would it be if someone came and asked you how to get to Heaven—could you answer them? Would you be ashamed of your response? If you are in the Word you won’t be! So Study up and then share it!

REVIVE US LORD!

Worship renews the spirit as sleep renews the body. –Cabot

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

            After David was confronted by Nathan the prophet, the Lord convicted him of his sin with Bathsheba. David cried out in this repentant song asking for mercy, forgiveness, and for his joy to be returned so he might proclaim the grace and mercy of God to those who have strayed off the straight and narrow and those who have never repented.

            David surrendered his will for the Will of God. When he did, we find David worshipping our Saviour in such as way he proclaimed: “O God, thou God of my salvation:” What a testimony for you and I! If we repent and ask God to forgive, He will! When He does- it is natural for us to worship!

            Aren’t you tired of running from God? When is the last time you trusted the Lord enough to ask Him to forgive you? When is the last time you repented of some sin that it brought you to the point of worship and it gave you rest?

GOT STRENGTH?

For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? Psalm 43:2

In 1993, the Milk Processor Education Program started running a campaign to help promote the sale of milk. The “Got Milk” slogan was promoted by media, sporting, and entertainment celebrities. The message of these commercials was that milk was the source of strength to become famous athletes, rock stars, or other celebrities. The success of this campaign ran for 21 years and boosted milk sales to record levels.

            Child of God, our strength comes from God. It comes from His Son! John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. It comes from His Word! John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. It comes from His Spirit! John 16:13, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, 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.

            When we have to do the hard things in life, standing up against temptation, loving our enemies, or facing life’s storms when they come, we can rest in our Saviour by knowing He is our strength and He will strengthen us!