Matthew 18:3-4, “and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
This verse has become more alive and real to me this past week. If children like something they tell everyone and they desire everyone to share in their new found excitement. The other day my oldest daughter had a friend over and she asked her friend if she wanted to come to church with her. How many of us do that today? It gets better and more convicting as the story moves forward.
The young girl never heard of church and asked what it was. Kayla told her all about it and then asked her about Jesus. Now mind you she is only 4 years old. The little girl did not know who Jesus was. We had just finished three days prior explaining Easter to her and my wife had made a detailed visual for her to understand what happened in the death and resurrection of Christ. Kayla then proceeds to tell this little girl all about how Jesus died for our sins and then is now alive in Heaven waiting for us and that He now lives in our hearts if we believe in Him.
What is amazing is that Kayla thought nothing of talking about her faith and church. It is so much part of her life and exciting to her that she tells anyone who will listen. She wanted them to share in the excitement that she has about Jesus and church.
Are we like this? As adults something seems to change. We make excuses that we have to be friends first, or earn the right to be heard. Do we earn the right to be heard when we tell someone about a movie we thought was great? Do we have to be friends with someone to tell them about a wonderful book we are reading? Then we do have to be so cautious about telling them the greatest thing in our lives? Or do we not believe that Jesus Christ is the greatest thing in our lives?
Maybe this is what Jesus was talking about when He said we must be like a child to be the greatest in the kingdom. A person who is like a child in the Kingdom of God will tell everyone about Christ. They will do it naturally, because they are excited and want everyone to share in their excitement.
Are you excited? Is Jesus Christ the greatest thing that ever happened to you? If I asked those around you would they confirm this?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I'm Sorry
Luke 24:46-47, “Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Have you ever said “I’m sorry” to someone to end the argument? Has someone ever said it to you and you knew they did not mean it, but you accept it anyway? Then later the topic is brought up again, usually with greater vigor. Maybe you said you were sorry and you truly meant it. Maybe someone said it to you and they truly meant it. Is that a real forgiveness?
In my nearly ten years of marriage I have said “I’m sorry” thousands of times and quite a few times it was just to stop the conversation or because I thought I was suppose to say it. Many times I truly meant it, but never admitted any sin, though I might have said why I was sorry. But there is a big difference when we say “I sinned,” rather then “I am sorry.”
The Bible, from what I have read, nowhere tells us to apologize by saying “I am sorry.” The Bible holds the offender and the offended much more accountable then that. We are told in Scripture that we should go to our brother or sister we have wronged and ask for forgiveness first by repenting. Meaning, telling them you sinned against them and you are turning from that sin, which is what repenting literally means. Then ask them for forgiveness.
If someone you know has sinned against you then seek them out and let them know they have sinned against you in a loving manner. As believers we are called to hold each other accountable. Isn’t this being judgmental? Yep. We all judge, as it is impossible to get away from logically. To even say that you are not judgmental is a judgmental statement about yourself. You just declared how you are – nonjudgmental. If you are judging in love and through the Word of God then your judgment should be a blessing as it is trying to reconcile a relationship that has been hurt and not just casting stones at someone.
Forgiveness means not to give someone what they deserve, as Christ did for us on the cross. He kept us from being in our sins if we repent and call on Him as Savior and Lord. He remembers them no more, as we are cleansed by His blood. When we forgive someone then we are to remember no more what they did to us. How can we hold onto sin if Jesus does not? This means that we should not bring it up again in any future arguments, as it is forgiven – not remembered. This holds much more power then “I am sorry.”
The next time you seek forgiveness from someone, ask for it by first telling them how you sinned against them and then ask them to forgive you. The next time you forgive someone, remember it no more and do not bring it up ever again in the future. How would you like it if Christ kept throwing your sin in your face every time He was upset with you? People always ask, “What would Jesus do?” He forgives if you repent sincerely, and we should do the same, as we want Christ and others to do the same for us.
Mark 11:25-26, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Have you ever said “I’m sorry” to someone to end the argument? Has someone ever said it to you and you knew they did not mean it, but you accept it anyway? Then later the topic is brought up again, usually with greater vigor. Maybe you said you were sorry and you truly meant it. Maybe someone said it to you and they truly meant it. Is that a real forgiveness?
In my nearly ten years of marriage I have said “I’m sorry” thousands of times and quite a few times it was just to stop the conversation or because I thought I was suppose to say it. Many times I truly meant it, but never admitted any sin, though I might have said why I was sorry. But there is a big difference when we say “I sinned,” rather then “I am sorry.”
The Bible, from what I have read, nowhere tells us to apologize by saying “I am sorry.” The Bible holds the offender and the offended much more accountable then that. We are told in Scripture that we should go to our brother or sister we have wronged and ask for forgiveness first by repenting. Meaning, telling them you sinned against them and you are turning from that sin, which is what repenting literally means. Then ask them for forgiveness.
If someone you know has sinned against you then seek them out and let them know they have sinned against you in a loving manner. As believers we are called to hold each other accountable. Isn’t this being judgmental? Yep. We all judge, as it is impossible to get away from logically. To even say that you are not judgmental is a judgmental statement about yourself. You just declared how you are – nonjudgmental. If you are judging in love and through the Word of God then your judgment should be a blessing as it is trying to reconcile a relationship that has been hurt and not just casting stones at someone.
Forgiveness means not to give someone what they deserve, as Christ did for us on the cross. He kept us from being in our sins if we repent and call on Him as Savior and Lord. He remembers them no more, as we are cleansed by His blood. When we forgive someone then we are to remember no more what they did to us. How can we hold onto sin if Jesus does not? This means that we should not bring it up again in any future arguments, as it is forgiven – not remembered. This holds much more power then “I am sorry.”
The next time you seek forgiveness from someone, ask for it by first telling them how you sinned against them and then ask them to forgive you. The next time you forgive someone, remember it no more and do not bring it up ever again in the future. How would you like it if Christ kept throwing your sin in your face every time He was upset with you? People always ask, “What would Jesus do?” He forgives if you repent sincerely, and we should do the same, as we want Christ and others to do the same for us.
Mark 11:25-26, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Thursday, March 20, 2008
BEING USED?
Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Have you ever been used by God? Have you ever had the privilege of being part of God bringing someone to salvation? It is an awesome experience.
During this time of year I think of how I have been used by God and one young man always comes to mind. Richard was one of our 7 young men who lived with us while Erin and I were houseparents in Florida. He was sixteen years old, six feet tall, dark black hair and golden colored skin (he was Mexican). Within a few minutes of meeting this young man you could tell there was a lot of anger and resentment there. His eyes were cold and he showed little emotion except furry.
Within two weeks of being there Richard had swung at me, and hit me. He also was in a fight with another young man within the house and repeatedly walked out of the house, school and the cafeteria because he was angry. He was nearly unapproachable, especially when it came to discipline. He wanted nothing to do with it. He was a big kid, as he was six feet tall and weighed probably nearly 170lbs. It was no easy task to restrain him. Oh, and did I mention he was a gang member. I cannot remember which one, but I am almost certain it was an MS-13. A conscience is one thing I was almost certain he was lacking.
After several weeks of dealing with Richard on a constant basis, Erin and I were at our wits end and I was ready to have him released from our house. I was praying and so was a lot of the other staff, but there just seemed to be nochange nor any real desire to change on Richard’s behalf.
One day something happened, actually one night. We always had devotions each night and typically I would always end talking about the importance of accepting Christ. This night Richard was stirred by the Holy Spirit and accepted Christ. It was truly an amazing experience, because the change was immediate and dramatic in this case.
Almost over night Richard’s behavior completely changed. He became much happier, showed real emotions and worked hard to control his anger. Within a couple of months you would not recognize him from where he was. By the time we left the house Richard was the leader in the house and the most behaved student and an honor roll student. The following year he was the student of the year.
Better then all that, he started witnessing to gang members in prisons. He was living his faith and telling everyone he knew about his love for Jesus. He was truly a changed young man and God allowed me to be part of His transformation of Richard.
A great reminder of the resurrection and what was accomplished by Christ. Take time to thank God for all those whose lives have been changed by the power of the cross and resurrection.
Have you ever been used by God? Have you ever had the privilege of being part of God bringing someone to salvation? It is an awesome experience.
During this time of year I think of how I have been used by God and one young man always comes to mind. Richard was one of our 7 young men who lived with us while Erin and I were houseparents in Florida. He was sixteen years old, six feet tall, dark black hair and golden colored skin (he was Mexican). Within a few minutes of meeting this young man you could tell there was a lot of anger and resentment there. His eyes were cold and he showed little emotion except furry.
Within two weeks of being there Richard had swung at me, and hit me. He also was in a fight with another young man within the house and repeatedly walked out of the house, school and the cafeteria because he was angry. He was nearly unapproachable, especially when it came to discipline. He wanted nothing to do with it. He was a big kid, as he was six feet tall and weighed probably nearly 170lbs. It was no easy task to restrain him. Oh, and did I mention he was a gang member. I cannot remember which one, but I am almost certain it was an MS-13. A conscience is one thing I was almost certain he was lacking.
After several weeks of dealing with Richard on a constant basis, Erin and I were at our wits end and I was ready to have him released from our house. I was praying and so was a lot of the other staff, but there just seemed to be nochange nor any real desire to change on Richard’s behalf.
One day something happened, actually one night. We always had devotions each night and typically I would always end talking about the importance of accepting Christ. This night Richard was stirred by the Holy Spirit and accepted Christ. It was truly an amazing experience, because the change was immediate and dramatic in this case.
Almost over night Richard’s behavior completely changed. He became much happier, showed real emotions and worked hard to control his anger. Within a couple of months you would not recognize him from where he was. By the time we left the house Richard was the leader in the house and the most behaved student and an honor roll student. The following year he was the student of the year.
Better then all that, he started witnessing to gang members in prisons. He was living his faith and telling everyone he knew about his love for Jesus. He was truly a changed young man and God allowed me to be part of His transformation of Richard.
A great reminder of the resurrection and what was accomplished by Christ. Take time to thank God for all those whose lives have been changed by the power of the cross and resurrection.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
What Does It Mean To You?
1 Corinthians 15:13-15, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith. In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ—whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised.”
Easter Sunday is approaching and many will come to church to celebrate our risen Savior. Many only come on this occasion and usually Christmas for various reasons I have discovered over the years. Some are just your usual Christer’s, meaning they just come as part of obligation on Christmas and Easter. Others come because they truly want to celebrate Christ, but during the year they just have not found a church they feel is sound and/or where they have felt welcomed. It is the latter that my heart goes out to, as that is a failure of the church.
My question though for all that will come this Sunday is, “What does the resurrection really mean to you?” When is the last time you sat down and just reflected on what really happened because of Christ defeating death for you. This is the cornerstone of our faith. The very thread that holds all we believe together, because as the verse plainly tells us above that if it did not happen then our faith is futile and we are false witnesses of God.
You and I would still be in our sin, not for the resurrection. Yes, Christ died for our sins, but Satan was defeated in the resurrection and if not for it then you would still be in your sins, as is said if you continue reading further in 1 Corinthians 15.
Our God took on human flesh and did what we cannot do for ourselves. It just amazes me when I reflect upon it. He then defeated death’s sting for us, so that if we believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord then we can have eternal life with Him. INCREDIBLE!
Take time this week to reflect on the goodness of God. Remember where you once were and thank Him for where you are now. Then reflect on how you are living out what He did for you. He gave everything for you. Are you doing the same for Him? He sacrificed when He did not have to. There was nothing for Him to gain out of it. He did so we would gain something out of it – Him!
Take time to test your heart and see where you are currently at as a believer. What does the resurrection mean to you? Can you quote the verse below and truly mean it? If not, then again I ask: What does the resurrection mean to you?
Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Easter Sunday is approaching and many will come to church to celebrate our risen Savior. Many only come on this occasion and usually Christmas for various reasons I have discovered over the years. Some are just your usual Christer’s, meaning they just come as part of obligation on Christmas and Easter. Others come because they truly want to celebrate Christ, but during the year they just have not found a church they feel is sound and/or where they have felt welcomed. It is the latter that my heart goes out to, as that is a failure of the church.
My question though for all that will come this Sunday is, “What does the resurrection really mean to you?” When is the last time you sat down and just reflected on what really happened because of Christ defeating death for you. This is the cornerstone of our faith. The very thread that holds all we believe together, because as the verse plainly tells us above that if it did not happen then our faith is futile and we are false witnesses of God.
You and I would still be in our sin, not for the resurrection. Yes, Christ died for our sins, but Satan was defeated in the resurrection and if not for it then you would still be in your sins, as is said if you continue reading further in 1 Corinthians 15.
Our God took on human flesh and did what we cannot do for ourselves. It just amazes me when I reflect upon it. He then defeated death’s sting for us, so that if we believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord then we can have eternal life with Him. INCREDIBLE!
Take time this week to reflect on the goodness of God. Remember where you once were and thank Him for where you are now. Then reflect on how you are living out what He did for you. He gave everything for you. Are you doing the same for Him? He sacrificed when He did not have to. There was nothing for Him to gain out of it. He did so we would gain something out of it – Him!
Take time to test your heart and see where you are currently at as a believer. What does the resurrection mean to you? Can you quote the verse below and truly mean it? If not, then again I ask: What does the resurrection mean to you?
Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
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