True Wealth

What is wealth? David, Solomon and Job were wealthy but it was incidental to their desire to know God and do his will. Financial wealth takes a special intelligence and commitment. Not everyone has the fortitude or discipline for it. Knowing God is the real wealth of the Bible. 

Matthew 6:30-33 (MSG) 30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

7/28/2019

I Did it God's Way

The song “I Did It My Way” is an inspirational standard loved by many. The truth of the matter, though, is that God prepares the way before you as you do your best.  You are unique and doing it with God will get you there in your best uniqueness and with the best results. 

Joshua 24:12-13 (NIV) 12 I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you—also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. 13 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’ 

7/21/2019

Taking the Lord's Name in Vain

The 3rd commandment is usually connected to using God’s name when swearing but it is about using the Lord as cover for doing evil, as in grifting using charities, murdering in God’s name or abuse by clergy. It is a sin that wounds more than just the souls of those involved.

Exodus 20:7 (KJV) 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

7/17/2019

The Church

Some say church attendance is sinking to permanently lower levels due to a lack of relevance and interest, but the Bible says something else. God’s eternal energy powers the faith of his people; “a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell” can suppress it.   

Matthew 16:17-18 (MSG) 17-18 Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.

7/14/2019

Resurrection of Life

There are many ways to be dead to what is around you - physical or mental illness, addiction, anger, or bitterness are just a few ways. In Matthew 9:23-26 Jesus pulls a girl out of death and back to life. Jesus is where your life and purpose is resurrected when all seems lost. 

Matthew 9:23-26 (MSG) 23-26 By now they had arrived at the house of the town official, and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: “Clear out! This girl isn’t dead. She’s sleeping.” They told him he didn’t know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl’s hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region.

7/7/2019

Focus

Every day you choose who you will follow - God or something else. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left is a term used many times in the Old Testament. It means you want to be intentional - keep your eyes on God's ways.

 

Joshua 1:7 (NIV) 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 

7/3/2019