Accolades for Sin

 I've been thinking a lot about Ecclesiastes 1:9 this past week.  It says, "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun."

It's true.

I've also been thinking a lot about how issues in our Society today, were issues that every Society before us also faced; and how God's Word provides everything we need to give us wisdom and guidance to discern each issue.  

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" 2 Peter 1:3

How can something that was written thousands of years ago, read as if it was written just yesterday?

1-Because God never changes: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8

2-Because God's Word is alive: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

3-God's Word is eternal: "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25a

An NBA Star died this past week.  It's tragic no matter how you look at it.  But what is more tragic, is the accolades and praise he is receiving by the type of lifestyle he lived.  Every News sound byte began by giving us his name and what he was most known for.  The tragedy behind such accolades is because he was not known for the basketball team he played for, he was not known for his Stats and successes on the court.  No; every sentence spoken by the Newscaster concerning the death of this NBA player began with these words: "The first openly gay player in the NBA."

As Interviews with this player played across the screen, each Interviewer praised his openness concerning his lifestyle.  It seemed as if his sin was all they wanted to talk about.

The Apostle Paul dealt with this same type of wickedness.  The wickedness of taking pride in one's own sin.  Philippians 3:18-19 says, "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)"

The Apostle Paul warns against those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Who are the enemies Paul is talking about?  Those people who openly boast about and take pride in things that they should actually be ashamed of.

The Apostle Paul discusses this again in Romans 1:32. "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." You can read the sins listed by the Apostle Paul from verses 26-31.  Paul describes a culture of depravity, warning that people who not only commit sins, but 'approve of those who practice them' are acting directly against God's righteous decrees.

In 1 Samuel 6:20b, the men of Bethshemesh said, 'Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God?'

The answer: No one.

Every Sinner and Saint will bow the knee when we come face to face with God.

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11

Friend-be careful who you praise.  Be careful who you give accolades to.

This sinful world may have praised this man's lifestyle...

    But our Holy God does not...

        But that's just me!

When?

 "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."

Lamentations 3:26

The word salvation in this verse means:

•rescue

•deliverance

•help

•safety, and

•victory

But did you notice that in order to reap those results, we must first hope and quietly wait for the LORD.

Not always easy to do.

I recently spoke with a dear friend of mine and I confessed that I was growing weary in the battle.  Weary from health issues, situations, circumstances, other people.  It's easy to grow weary when you constantly give, and it seems like nothing is returned, after all, God tells us that we will reap what we sow.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9

As we continued to talk, we suddenly looked at each other as if a light bulb just went on in minds.  (I love that when that happens!)  Yes, we will surely reap what we sow.... but in due season.  Reaping will be in God's Timing.  We might reap in this lifetime here on earth, or it may be part of our heavenly rewards; that is up to God, not us.  Our part is to just keep on keeping on.

My Pastor, Josh Fryman, recently preached on the hope that Jeremiah had.  He reminded me that when we grieve without hope, that is despair, but when we remember GOD, we will always have HOPE. He reminded me that I can have affliction in my situations and my body, but in my soul, I have HOPE!

Just like Jeremiah remembered.

"The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." Lamentations 3:24

The LORD is my portion, my inheritance and He is enough!

I will always have God.

It might seem like we are not reaping what we are sowing...

    But we are...

        And it will be revealed to us soon enough...just don't quit!

            But that's just me!

"There are times when the only thing a sufferer can do is wait for God. But waiting is good because God is worth waiting for." Ryken

What Would You Do?

"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;" Proverbs 2:11-12

There is a TV Show called, What Would You Do? It's a show that uses actors to stage ethical dilemmas in public to see how bystanders react.  I was put in that situation yesterday morning.  I had walked into the Office of my local Post Office to retrieve a package where I found myself standing behind a man who stood at least 6'4 and was belligerently bullying our Postmaster.  I couldn't believe that I was witnessing such behavior and listening to such hate speech.  I don't know how long this had been going on before I had gotten there, but it continued for an additional five minutes or longer.  As I listened to his complaint and the calm soft answers from our Postmaster, I began to pray.  "Lord, should I step in and say something, or will this man, knowing that I'm standing behind him in line, feel ashamed enough to stop ranting and leave?" As I prayed, another man entered into the Office.  As this bully in front of me continued to belittle, accuse and shame our Postmaster, I turned to the man behind me and looked at him with a questioning look, "What should we do?"  By that time, this man's complaint had now turned into threats.  As I began to open my mouth, our Postmaster said, "And on that note I will ask you to leave."  This bully left the Office but not silently.  I was stunned.  As I approached the counter and our Postmaster turned to retrieve my packages, I told her how sorry I was that she had to endure all of that.  She began to cry.  I immediately walked behind the counter and hugged her until she finished crying. (that is a benefit of living in a small town) I told her that she handled this man with kindness and professionalism that he did not deserve and told her that she needed to write an Incident Report concerning this situation immediately.  As I was leaving, she assured me that she would and that she was OK.

I knew the Lord answered my prayer to remain quiet during battle, and to speak words of comfort in the brokenness.  There have been times in the past when I have spoken up in the battle, and there will be times in the future I will be prompted by the Lord to speak up as well, but yesterday, I was to remain silent.  

Ecclesiastes 3:7b says, "...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

Discernment and discretion are needed in the battle...

    Make sure you know when to keep silent, and when to speak...

        It will make a difference in the outcome...

            But that's just me!

"Silence is not weakness, it is wisdom at rest." Amish Proverb

        

The Names of God

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

In Herbert Lockyer's book, All the Divine Names and Titles in the Bible, Zondervan 1975, There are names and Titles of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.  They each have personal names and symbolic names.  Each name represents their Character, Personality, Nature, Relations, and Their Operations upon men.  

"Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

Elohim God. Three in One.  

1 John 5:7 says, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

You may be wondering why I'm writing about the Names of God.  It's because of the way someone recently referred to my Saviour.  He called Him, 'The Man Upstairs.'  It was in a joking manner and somewhat mocking.  I will be honest; I didn't like it one bit.  I found it insulting and it removed the Holiness and Glory that God deserves when we speak His Name.

His Name brings Salvation.  His name brings, healing, comfort and restoration.  His Name brings peace, liberty, and justification. Demons run from His Name, and His children run to His Holy Name.

It would be impossible for me to write down every single Name of God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost, but here are just a few-

Jesus, Alpha and Omega, Immanuel, King of Kings, Light of the World, Morning Start, Prince of Peace, Wonderful, Counselor, Lamb of God, Saviour, The Good Shepherd, The Way, The Truth, The Life, Lord of Lords, The Anointed One, Bread of Life, Chief Cornerstone, Great High Priest, Holy, Righteous, Messiah, The Word.

Yes, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has many names to reveal Himself to us...

    'the man upstairs' is not one of them...

        But that's just me!

"Great names come and go, but the name of Jesus remains. The devil still hates it, the world still opposes it, but God still blesses it and we can still claim it! 'In the Name of Jesus,' is the key that unlocks the door of prayer and the treasury of God's grace. It's the weapon that defeats the enemy and the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. It's the name that causes our hearts to rejoice and our lips to sing His praise!  Warren W. Wiersbe

To Edify and Minister

 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

I read this verse this morning and the Lord showed me something new from it.  I love it when that happens.

The first thing that came to my mind was James 3:9-10

"Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."

In recent days, famous singers, actors, senators and members of congress have all mentioned that they were praying for our President and his wife after the recent assassination attempt.  I found it confusing because just days before, these same people were cursing him, slandering him, and 'joking' about sick things. It's something that we can expect from those who do not know the Lord, however, these verses in Ephesians and in the book of James are all being spoken to Believer's. 

Yes-we are guilty, at times, of doing the very same thing.  We can speak kindly about a person, and a day later speak something not-so-kind about that very same person.  It seems we choose our words by the emotions or feelings or situations we find ourselves in, rather than being controlled by the Holy Spirit of God.

So, what was it that the Lord showed me today concerning the words I speak?  I already know that every word I speak should edify others and minister grace to all those who hear them...but they should also edify and minister to me.  After all, I hear what I say as well.

Do I edify and minister to myself by the words I speak, or do I talk down to myself?  Do I criticize myself?  Discourage myself by the words I say?

This really gave me something to think about today.

Lord, today, may my words edify and minister not only to others...

    But to You and to me as well...

        But that's just me!

"Kind words do not cost much, yet they accomplish much!" Blaise Pascal

Rescued!

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7

I knew when I prayed this morning asking God to give me words for a new Post, He wouldn't let me down; I just didn't know the situation He would bring my way to do it.  

Doing a little Spring Cleaning this morning, I decided to take my little dog, Grace, on a walk while my floors dried from mopping them.  The door we typically use to enter and exit our home was the door we would not be using as we left the house, but it would be the door we would enter when we got home from our walk.  Making sure I had the right key for the right door, we made our way out the front door and began our walk.  When we got back to the house, I reached out to open the screen door and found that the screen door was locked.  Hmm.  How did that happen?  Oh yah.  I locked the screen door because while I was cleaning, I had the main door to the house open.  Unfortunately, this was something I should have remembered before leaving the house.  I walked around to the front of the house to try the key that I had in my possession to see if it would open the front door.  Nope.  It did not.

We were locked out.

Knowing that I had done everything I could do to find a way into our home, I knew I would have to call my husband to come and unlock the screen door for me.  (Thankfully my dilemma occurred during his lunch hour.)  Twenty minutes later, he pulled up to the house.  As soon as he got out of the truck, I said, 'My Hero.'  He smiled, gave me a kiss and unlocked the door.

Rescued!

As my husband drove away, heading back to work, I thought of something else I couldn't do for myself. 

I could not rescue myself from my sin.

There is nothing I could ever do, no good work I could ever perform to rescue me from my sin.

No, it took the work of the Cross to rescue me from my sin.  It took the precious blood of Jesus Christ to die for me, be buried, and then rise again to set me free.

Friend, Have you been rescued from your sin...?

    If not, you can be set free today...!

        Don't wait...

            But that's just me!

        

God In Me

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

I think if I took the time to read these two verses every day, I would be more aware of:

• what I think about-

• what I say-

• what I do, (or not do)-

• what I see, what I listen to-

• the places I go-

• the people I hang around with-

• what I eat-

You get the picture.  We truly are a vessel of the Living God.  It's hard to comprehend, isn't it?  That a Holy God would indwell sinful men?

But at the moment of Salvation, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God. We belong to Him.

"That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:12-14

I think I forget that, sometimes, when I want to do what I want to do; when I think situations should work out differently.

We can grieve the Holy Spirit by our sinful actions, our pride and our selfishness.  

"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30

We can quench the Holy Spirit of God through our disobedience and apathy towards the things of God.

"Quench not the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:19

And we can limit the power of God on our lives by our sin.

"Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel." Psalm 78:41

If I would be more constantly aware that God indwells me, my life would be more holy, and I would glorify God in everything I say and do instead of causing Him shame.

It's a sobering thought as I begin this new day.

Instead of making my list of things I want to do, need to do...

     and planning to spend my time with this person or that person...

         maybe I should just say, 'Lord, what would You have me do today so others can see YOU.'

            But that's just me!