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The son thought he knew more than dad so he insisted on getting his share of the inheritance and leaving home so he wouldn’t have to listen to or obey his father any more. Off he went, far from home, far from his father’s wisdom and instruction. He spent his money like it was a never-ending supply. He had wild parties with immoral girls and other friends. He did what he thought would make him happy, until the money ran out.
This sounds like too many of our young people for ages. Most teenagers develop a time when they don’t want to be under their parent’s control any more. Some stick it out until college, career and marriage takes them away. However, too many simply rebel and get into doing drugs, having sex outside of marriage or sneaking out at night, etc. The worst part of it all is what they do to themselves in their quest for independence.
When the money ran out, so did his friends. Hunger can drive a man to do a lot that he would not consider doing otherwise. This young man took a job doing something that would have been absolutely detestable at home. He fed the pigs. After a short period of this unpleasant living, the son realizes that dad was a whole lot smarter than he thought.
Sooner or later, the rebellious teenager or young adults learn that dad was a whole lot smarter than they thought he was. It is amazing how much fathers learn between the time that their sons turn 18 to the time they turn 25. Some return to their parents and seek forgiveness and restoration. Others self-destruct or let their pride and pain keep them from reestablishing their relationship with their parents.
The young man in our story decided that he needs to return home, ask forgiveness and get a job working for his father. When dad sees him coming, he runs with excitement, greets his dirty son with ragged clothes. The father has some really nice clothes brought to his son and prepares a feast. He is so glad to have his son back that he wants to celebrate. Even though the son admits he isn’t worthy, that doesn’t matter to the father. He is simply glad to know his son is alive, safe and back home.
That is how God is with us. When we rebelled and thought we knew more than He does, He allowed us the freedom to leave His provision and caring instruction and strike out on our own. When we got full of the devil and realized that it wasn’t what the world made it out to be, our father was waiting to welcome us back home.
God loves you too much to leave you in your sin. No matter what you have done in the past, He will forgive you if you come to Him, confess your sins and acknowledge that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you so you could be forgiven. If you will come to faith in Jesus, God will wrap His heavenly arms around you, love you and celebrate that you are now back in fellowship with Him.
Those of you who know your Bibles will recognize the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24. Just remember how excited God was when you chose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Share God’s love and excitement with someone else. They are looking for Jesus’ love also.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Admitting I Was Wrong
Admitting I Was Wrong
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus talks about the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector) praying. The Pharisee was so self-righteous that he could not see his own sin. He arrogantly compared himself to a tax collector as though he was better than the other guy. I have observed that when we compare ourselves to others, it is either with an attitude or pride (I’m not like that person) or pity (I wish I could be like that person). Either way is wrong and hinders us from being who we are in Christ.
The tax collector knew that he has been dishonest in many of his dealings. Without comparing himself to anyone but God’s standards (Jesus Christ), he comes to God and begs for mercy and forgiveness. He knows how he has behaved in the past and he knows what many people think of him. He knows that he has not lived perfectly by God’s standards and that he is in need of forgiveness. His heart is humble and sincere before God.
Before we can be forgiven of anything, we must admit what it is that we need to be forgiven of. Saying, “Forgive me of my sins” without taking a personal assessment to identify those particular sins is not as life changing and effective as asking forgiveness for … and naming the exact behavior. Until we admit what we have done wrong, we are not going to identify the temptation that lead to that wrong and change our behavior.
Until we see and acknowledge what we are doing, we will not make any effort to change it. We will be like the Pharisee instead of the tax collector. When we identify a specific wrong behavior, then we can look at the temptation that triggered that behavior and make an effort to change how we handle that temptation in the future.
Once you become adept at recognizing the temptations in your life, you will become skilled at resisting those temptations. By so doing, you will become more like Christ. That is the power that Jesus give you – the power to resist temptation and refrain from sin.
May God guide and bless you as you seek to follow Him more perfectly. May He help you recognize temptation and turn away from it before it becomes sin.
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus talks about the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector) praying. The Pharisee was so self-righteous that he could not see his own sin. He arrogantly compared himself to a tax collector as though he was better than the other guy. I have observed that when we compare ourselves to others, it is either with an attitude or pride (I’m not like that person) or pity (I wish I could be like that person). Either way is wrong and hinders us from being who we are in Christ.
The tax collector knew that he has been dishonest in many of his dealings. Without comparing himself to anyone but God’s standards (Jesus Christ), he comes to God and begs for mercy and forgiveness. He knows how he has behaved in the past and he knows what many people think of him. He knows that he has not lived perfectly by God’s standards and that he is in need of forgiveness. His heart is humble and sincere before God.
Before we can be forgiven of anything, we must admit what it is that we need to be forgiven of. Saying, “Forgive me of my sins” without taking a personal assessment to identify those particular sins is not as life changing and effective as asking forgiveness for … and naming the exact behavior. Until we admit what we have done wrong, we are not going to identify the temptation that lead to that wrong and change our behavior.
Until we see and acknowledge what we are doing, we will not make any effort to change it. We will be like the Pharisee instead of the tax collector. When we identify a specific wrong behavior, then we can look at the temptation that triggered that behavior and make an effort to change how we handle that temptation in the future.
Once you become adept at recognizing the temptations in your life, you will become skilled at resisting those temptations. By so doing, you will become more like Christ. That is the power that Jesus give you – the power to resist temptation and refrain from sin.
May God guide and bless you as you seek to follow Him more perfectly. May He help you recognize temptation and turn away from it before it becomes sin.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Power of Prayer
Power of Prayer
In James 5:13-16, James writes about asking the elders to pray for you when in need because their prayers are powerful and effective. How much will it bless you and others if you labor to live your life in such a way that your prayers are powerful and effective? Staying close to the life and teachings of Jesus is important if we are going to be effective and an influence to those around us.
Jesus tells us in John 15:7-8 that God will answer our prayers if we abide in Him. Nothing is more important to your life than your walk with Jesus Christ. As we are walking in obedience to Jesus, we become more like Him. As we become more like Him, we become more effective workers, influencers, care givers to other people. We will also become more effective in our prayers.
Paul admonishes us in I Thessalonians 5:16-22 to pray without ceasing. Our prayers, accompanied with thanksgiving and praise will help us to walk closer to the way God has called us to walk.
We build our faith by practicing. We build our prayer skills by praying. Exercise your prayer life and let the Power of Prayer flow through you.
In James 5:13-16, James writes about asking the elders to pray for you when in need because their prayers are powerful and effective. How much will it bless you and others if you labor to live your life in such a way that your prayers are powerful and effective? Staying close to the life and teachings of Jesus is important if we are going to be effective and an influence to those around us.
Jesus tells us in John 15:7-8 that God will answer our prayers if we abide in Him. Nothing is more important to your life than your walk with Jesus Christ. As we are walking in obedience to Jesus, we become more like Him. As we become more like Him, we become more effective workers, influencers, care givers to other people. We will also become more effective in our prayers.
Paul admonishes us in I Thessalonians 5:16-22 to pray without ceasing. Our prayers, accompanied with thanksgiving and praise will help us to walk closer to the way God has called us to walk.
We build our faith by practicing. We build our prayer skills by praying. Exercise your prayer life and let the Power of Prayer flow through you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Aspiring to Self Discipline
Aspiring to Self Discipline
One of the most important parts of parenting is to teach your children to be self-disciplined, law-abiding adults. No one is exempt from that responsibility. Every one of us must exercise self-control over our thoughts, words and deeds.
Even Jesus was subject to obedience and self-discipline. In order to do what God called him to do, he had to obey and exercise self-discipline. Otherwise, He would not have died for our sins. Jesus was in full control of His crucifixion and obedient to His Father in the process of going through this horrible and humiliating death.
In Hebrews 12:1-17, we see the importance of obedience and self-discipline. As Jesus persevered in obeying God, the Father, even to the point of death on the cross, we are to be likewise obedient to what God has called and gifted us to do.
As children of God, we must endure discipline, painful as it may sometimes be, so that we may become mature followers of Christ. None of us have resisted sin to the point of shedding our own blood. None of us in the United States have had to put our faith on the line at the risk of death if we are discovered. The same can’t be said for Christians in other countries, especially in Egypt.
Discipline may be hard, but it motivates us to spend time and energy to be obedient and become mature followers of Christ. If we consider the discipline for our spiritual, mental and physical benefit then much good will come out of it. We know it is because God, our Father, loves us and wants to bring us to maturity in Christ.
One of the most important parts of parenting is to teach your children to be self-disciplined, law-abiding adults. No one is exempt from that responsibility. Every one of us must exercise self-control over our thoughts, words and deeds.
Even Jesus was subject to obedience and self-discipline. In order to do what God called him to do, he had to obey and exercise self-discipline. Otherwise, He would not have died for our sins. Jesus was in full control of His crucifixion and obedient to His Father in the process of going through this horrible and humiliating death.
In Hebrews 12:1-17, we see the importance of obedience and self-discipline. As Jesus persevered in obeying God, the Father, even to the point of death on the cross, we are to be likewise obedient to what God has called and gifted us to do.
As children of God, we must endure discipline, painful as it may sometimes be, so that we may become mature followers of Christ. None of us have resisted sin to the point of shedding our own blood. None of us in the United States have had to put our faith on the line at the risk of death if we are discovered. The same can’t be said for Christians in other countries, especially in Egypt.
Discipline may be hard, but it motivates us to spend time and energy to be obedient and become mature followers of Christ. If we consider the discipline for our spiritual, mental and physical benefit then much good will come out of it. We know it is because God, our Father, loves us and wants to bring us to maturity in Christ.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Swordsmanship
Swordsmanship
In Ephesians 6:17, the only offensive weapon mentioned in the Christian’s armor. Two quick observations: 1) The sword (Bible) is the one weapon that we have for fighting off Satan’s temptations. All of the other armor listed is defensive armor for our protection. 2) We are not to just defend ourselves, but take our sword, go on the offensive and cut the devil to pieces. We are not to cower in the corner, but come out fighting for our very souls. We are to use our sword to teach others about following Jesus’ life and teachings.
In Hebrews 4:12-13, the Hebrew writer tells us how powerful a weapon the sword of God (our Bible) is. It is able to cut the marrow out of the bone and discern between what is Godly and good versus what is evil and wrong. The Sword (Bible) is a powerful weapon in bringing discernment in how we should live to please God.
The Bible convicted us of our sin and pointed us to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. In like manner, we can use it to teach others God’s truths and how they can have forgiveness and new hope in Him.
The Bible provides us with the strength, skill and discernment to recognize temptation when it comes and cut the temptation to pieces before it destroys us. As Jesus quoted Scripture when Satan tempted Him, we can quote Scripture as our defense when temptations come our way.
Learning what the Bible teaches about living for Jesus is so important in building the skills we need to serve Him. Learning about Jesus will help us be better swordsmen when we are talking to others about what Jesus teaches. Learning about Jesus will help us recognize temptation and cut it to pieces before it destroys our relationship with Him.
Getting To Know Jesus is a sword sharpening and swordsmanship building exercise. Getting To Know Jesus will help the disciple (you) become a mighty warrior in the army of God. Start your Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study squad and sharpen your swords together. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and get started now.
In Ephesians 6:17, the only offensive weapon mentioned in the Christian’s armor. Two quick observations: 1) The sword (Bible) is the one weapon that we have for fighting off Satan’s temptations. All of the other armor listed is defensive armor for our protection. 2) We are not to just defend ourselves, but take our sword, go on the offensive and cut the devil to pieces. We are not to cower in the corner, but come out fighting for our very souls. We are to use our sword to teach others about following Jesus’ life and teachings.
In Hebrews 4:12-13, the Hebrew writer tells us how powerful a weapon the sword of God (our Bible) is. It is able to cut the marrow out of the bone and discern between what is Godly and good versus what is evil and wrong. The Sword (Bible) is a powerful weapon in bringing discernment in how we should live to please God.
The Bible convicted us of our sin and pointed us to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. In like manner, we can use it to teach others God’s truths and how they can have forgiveness and new hope in Him.
The Bible provides us with the strength, skill and discernment to recognize temptation when it comes and cut the temptation to pieces before it destroys us. As Jesus quoted Scripture when Satan tempted Him, we can quote Scripture as our defense when temptations come our way.
Learning what the Bible teaches about living for Jesus is so important in building the skills we need to serve Him. Learning about Jesus will help us be better swordsmen when we are talking to others about what Jesus teaches. Learning about Jesus will help us recognize temptation and cut it to pieces before it destroys our relationship with Him.
Getting To Know Jesus is a sword sharpening and swordsmanship building exercise. Getting To Know Jesus will help the disciple (you) become a mighty warrior in the army of God. Start your Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study squad and sharpen your swords together. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and get started now.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
True Greatness – Position or Performance
True Greatness – Position or Performance
When I read Matthew 20:20-28, it occurred to me that, as James and John didn’t know what they were getting themselves into, we don’t know what the future holds for us either. Their mother had asked Jesus for them to sit on His right and left when He became the ruler. As any loving mother, she meant well, but she didn’t fully understand what Jesus is about.
Upon hearing the request, Jesus asked James and John if they would be able to “drink the cup” that He had to drink. In other words, would they be able to handle the responsibilities of the position they were seeking. They said, “yes”, not knowing that that would entail.
It occurred to me that when I married my wife, we had no clue what the future would hold for us. We believed it would be good, fulfilling, rewarding, meaningful, etc. We never envisioned the challenges that we have gone through this far and we have no clue on what is ahead. We have plans, but our original plans have long been modified with newer circumstances as life unfolded. Still, we made the choice to be husband and wife and we are making it work.
In similar manner, you may plan, but God directs your steps. What you propose today may be changed by what others do around you. You didn’t plan to have that car accident, contract cancer, get into a verbal altercation with that other person, commit that ungodly act, etc. but it happened. Now you must take your current circumstances and see what you can do to honor God with your life.
In the later part of the passage from Matthew, Jesus talks to the Apostles about which one is truly the greatest. The greatest person is not the one who holds the title or position of leadership, but the one who is most involved in serving others. We appreciate people who have done something significant for us much more than the people who we have to do something for them. WIIFM – What’s In It For Me needs to be replace with HMIHY – How May I Help You.
If you truly love God, you will love others as God loves them. In so doing, you will use your talents and abilities to help other people in the areas where you are skilled. Because of who Jesus is in you, you will want to do your best as an act of worship to God and a testimony to what Jesus can do in your life.
Don’t concern yourself with position, promotion or proclamation of title. It is far better to be known as one who cares about others and does his best to assist them with his talents than to have a position of prominence. Prominence can become a self-glory that neglects others. Be a Servant for Jesus.
When I read Matthew 20:20-28, it occurred to me that, as James and John didn’t know what they were getting themselves into, we don’t know what the future holds for us either. Their mother had asked Jesus for them to sit on His right and left when He became the ruler. As any loving mother, she meant well, but she didn’t fully understand what Jesus is about.
Upon hearing the request, Jesus asked James and John if they would be able to “drink the cup” that He had to drink. In other words, would they be able to handle the responsibilities of the position they were seeking. They said, “yes”, not knowing that that would entail.
It occurred to me that when I married my wife, we had no clue what the future would hold for us. We believed it would be good, fulfilling, rewarding, meaningful, etc. We never envisioned the challenges that we have gone through this far and we have no clue on what is ahead. We have plans, but our original plans have long been modified with newer circumstances as life unfolded. Still, we made the choice to be husband and wife and we are making it work.
In similar manner, you may plan, but God directs your steps. What you propose today may be changed by what others do around you. You didn’t plan to have that car accident, contract cancer, get into a verbal altercation with that other person, commit that ungodly act, etc. but it happened. Now you must take your current circumstances and see what you can do to honor God with your life.
In the later part of the passage from Matthew, Jesus talks to the Apostles about which one is truly the greatest. The greatest person is not the one who holds the title or position of leadership, but the one who is most involved in serving others. We appreciate people who have done something significant for us much more than the people who we have to do something for them. WIIFM – What’s In It For Me needs to be replace with HMIHY – How May I Help You.
If you truly love God, you will love others as God loves them. In so doing, you will use your talents and abilities to help other people in the areas where you are skilled. Because of who Jesus is in you, you will want to do your best as an act of worship to God and a testimony to what Jesus can do in your life.
Don’t concern yourself with position, promotion or proclamation of title. It is far better to be known as one who cares about others and does his best to assist them with his talents than to have a position of prominence. Prominence can become a self-glory that neglects others. Be a Servant for Jesus.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Being Blameless
Being Blameless
We all want to be “right”. We want to do the right thing in all situations. Even people in prison don’t want to admit that they were wrong in what they did. The downside to that is that we have all sinned and until we admit our sin we can’t repent from it and change our ways to do the right thing.
In Psalm 15:1-5, David advises us how to be “right” or “blameless” in God’s eyes. That is the only place that really matters. We may justify our actions before man, but if we are not justified before God, we are still in sin.
How do I go about being blameless?
1. We must always speak the truth. I got my worst spanking as a child for telling a lie to my parents. That taught me that you don’t lie, regardless of anything else. Since then, there have been times that I lost a job because I did not lie. I had to confess a mistake that I made that cost me my job. Regardless of the pain of losing the job, I maintained my integrity as one who tells the truth, no matter what.
2. We must never slander our neighbor or speak things about them that are harmful, hurtful or hateful. Talking about others and using words that criticize, put down or belittle is not pleasing to God. When we disagree with someone else’s words or views (political or religious) we should refrain from belittling them or just saying what we want without thinking whether our words are objective, respectful or merely hateful. How do we reflect Christ when berating someone with any thought that comes to our minds, true or not?
3. A man who is blameless before God always speaks the truth and keeps his promise, even if it costs him more than he originally calculated.
4. A blameless man will loan money to a friend in need and not charge interest.
5. A man who is walking right before God does not accept bribes. He is not tempted by others to overlook their sin or be tempted to engage in activity that is ungodly.
The man who does these things will be held in high esteem in the eyes of God and man.
Do you want to be right in God’s eyes, then walk with integrity before Him.
Do you want to improve your integrity, strengthen your life in areas where you are weak? Then start a Getting To Know Jesus Bible study. By studying every event in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, you will build a more passionate, personal and powerful relationship with Him. You will become more like Him without realizing it. You will be a stronger person who is truly blameless in the eyes of God. Learn more about Getting To Know Jesus at www.gettingtoknowjesus.org. Do it for Jesus!
We all want to be “right”. We want to do the right thing in all situations. Even people in prison don’t want to admit that they were wrong in what they did. The downside to that is that we have all sinned and until we admit our sin we can’t repent from it and change our ways to do the right thing.
In Psalm 15:1-5, David advises us how to be “right” or “blameless” in God’s eyes. That is the only place that really matters. We may justify our actions before man, but if we are not justified before God, we are still in sin.
How do I go about being blameless?
1. We must always speak the truth. I got my worst spanking as a child for telling a lie to my parents. That taught me that you don’t lie, regardless of anything else. Since then, there have been times that I lost a job because I did not lie. I had to confess a mistake that I made that cost me my job. Regardless of the pain of losing the job, I maintained my integrity as one who tells the truth, no matter what.
2. We must never slander our neighbor or speak things about them that are harmful, hurtful or hateful. Talking about others and using words that criticize, put down or belittle is not pleasing to God. When we disagree with someone else’s words or views (political or religious) we should refrain from belittling them or just saying what we want without thinking whether our words are objective, respectful or merely hateful. How do we reflect Christ when berating someone with any thought that comes to our minds, true or not?
3. A man who is blameless before God always speaks the truth and keeps his promise, even if it costs him more than he originally calculated.
4. A blameless man will loan money to a friend in need and not charge interest.
5. A man who is walking right before God does not accept bribes. He is not tempted by others to overlook their sin or be tempted to engage in activity that is ungodly.
The man who does these things will be held in high esteem in the eyes of God and man.
Do you want to be right in God’s eyes, then walk with integrity before Him.
Do you want to improve your integrity, strengthen your life in areas where you are weak? Then start a Getting To Know Jesus Bible study. By studying every event in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, you will build a more passionate, personal and powerful relationship with Him. You will become more like Him without realizing it. You will be a stronger person who is truly blameless in the eyes of God. Learn more about Getting To Know Jesus at www.gettingtoknowjesus.org. Do it for Jesus!
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