Saved by the Word

  

 Have you ever heard the old saying, "the pen is mightier than the sword"? Well, in this case, it was the words that saved a life!

    On October 14, 1912, President Theodore Roosevelt was on the campaign trail, seeking re-election. That same day, an angry bartender fired a shot at him, hitting him in the chest. Most would have expected the president to fall, but what happened next was nothing short of miraculous.

    Despite being shot, President Roosevelt insisted on delivering his scheduled speech. He spoke for 90 minutes to a captivated crowd before heading to the hospital. How did he manage to survive such an ordeal, you might ask?

    It turns out that the president, known to be long winded, had placed his 50-page speech in his coat pocket. The thick stack of papers significantly slowed the bullet, preventing it from causing serious harm. Instead of a fatal injury, Roosevelt only suffered a cracked rib.

    This incredible story serves as a reminder of the power of words. Just as Roosevelt's words physically saved him, the words we speak and hear have the potential to save and transform our lives in profound ways as well. 

 The famous philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once said, "Words are loaded pistols," The Bible echoes this sentiment: "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19).

    I can tell you from personal experience that my mouth has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count. Especially when I was younger my mouth used to get me in a whole lot of fights. Even today there are things that I say that end up getting me into trouble. It is my mouth that has caused me to have to eat a little crow as they say, and let me tale you crow don't taste good at all.  However there is one word that can give us life, save us, and help us: that is the Word of God.

    In the book of James 1:21-23, we read: "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror."

    James is instructing us to receive the word with meekness and then live it out. Hearing the word is not enough; we must apply it actively in our lives. When we do this, the Bible tells us that it has the power to save our souls. 

    When a person hears the gospel and responds in faith, the bible tells us that they are saved. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). When the word of God is heard and applied, it brings life and blessings.

    So you see we have a choice, we can allow our words to cause harm and destruction. We can allow the words of others to cause us inner conflict, anger and a range of other destructive feelings. Or we can listen and abide by the word of God. Listening to what God's Word says and following after it.  Lets try to remember to taste our words before we spit them out. 

    So let me give you a few ways I think we might be able to do that. 

1. Daily Devotion: Spend time each day reading and meditating on the Bible. Start with a verse or a chapter and reflect on its meaning and how it applies to your life. Pick up a devotional from the store or find one online. At our church we purchase Open Windows for people to use. When I was growing up we used to have the Daily Bread publications delivered to our church. 

2. Speak Life: Be mindful of the words you speak. Encourage and uplift others with your words, rather than tearing them down. My mom used to tell me "If you can't say something nice, then don't say nothing at all" Pretty sound advice if you ask me. 

3. Live Out Your Faith: Look for practical ways to apply God's word in your daily life. Whether it's showing kindness to a stranger, forgiving someone who has wronged you, or being honest in your dealings at work, let your actions reflect your faith. Your actions may lead others to Jesus. 

4. Join a Bible Study Group: Engage with a community of believers where you can study the Bible together, discuss its teachings, and support one another in living out your faith. At Ashmore Baptist Church we have a Sunday School class at 9am and a Sunday night bible study at 6pm. Or do the next best thing and start up a small group bible study. You will be amazed at how much you learn as you study and prepare to help others learn the word of God as well. 

5. Memorize Scripture: This has kind of fallen out of favor in the past several years, but it is a good thing to try to memorize certain passages of scripture to memory. Commit key verses to memory that can guide you in moments of temptation, doubt, or difficulty. Having scripture readily available in your mind can provide comfort and direction. You never know when your going to need it. 

    Let's take the challenge this week to not only read God's word but to live it out in our lives. By doing so, we may discover new blessings and an unspeakable joy that comes from walking in obedience to God's word.

Here’s to living a life saved and transformed by the power of the Word!

 

Whale of a Faith

 

Jonah's Faithful Prayer in the Belly of the Whale

    In the depths of the sea, enveloped in darkness, Jonah found himself in the most unlikely of prayer closets—the belly of a whale.  Jonah 2:1-2 tells us, "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: 'In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.'" I don't know about you, but that is not the place I would have picked to commune with God.

    Despite his dire circumstances, Jonah exhibited unwavering faith that God would hear and answer his prayers. His situation seemed hopeless, but Jonah’s faith was not anchored in his surroundings; it was anchored in God’s faithfulness.

Faith Beyond the Tangible

    Jonah’s story teaches us a profound truth: God’s answers to our prayers are not bound by the moment we receive them. Instead, they are secured the moment we lift our voices in prayer. This understanding allows us to pray with thanksgiving, not solely because we anticipate tangible answers, but because we trust in the certainty of God’s response.

    The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 4:6-7, urging believers, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Thanksgiving in Faith

    Knowing that God answers our prayers leads us into a spirit of thanksgiving. When we pray with confidence that our prayers are already heard and answered by God, we can express gratitude even before we see the tangible results. The problems we pray for may still exist after we say amen. We may not receive the answers to our prayers for days, weeks, or even years. Yet if we will simply remember that God answers prayers, we can have a spirit of thanksgiving, even before we receive it. This spirit of thanksgiving elevates our faith and keeps us connected to God’s promises.

    Jonah himself provides a powerful example of this. After being freed from the belly of the whale, Jonah expressed his gratitude to God, recognizing the divine intervention that saved him. Jonah 2:9 says, "But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’" Jonah’s thankfulness was not just for his deliverance but also for the assurance that God answers prayers.

    Another example can be found in the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-26. While imprisoned, with their feet fastened in stocks, they prayed and sang hymns to God. Despite their dire situation, they were thankful and praised God. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the prison, the doors flew open, and their chains were loosed. Their faith and thanksgiving amidst adversity demonstrated their trust in God’s imminent intervention.

Practical Applications for Our Lives

    So, how can we apply these lessons to our own lives? Here are some practical steps:

·            Pray with Thanksgiving: Approach God with a thankful heart, confident that He hears and will answer your prayers in His perfect timing.

·            Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Remember Jonah’s faith in the belly of the whale. Regardless of your circumstances, trust that God is faithful and His answers are on their way.

·            Keep a Prayer Journal: Document your prayers and note how and when God answers them. This practice will strengthen your faith and remind you of God’s ongoing faithfulness. A few years I did this and every now and then I will look back on my entries and see answers to prayers that God had given me. I would see prayers I prayed, and then months later seeing the fruit of those prayers. It is a great way to encourage yourself in the faith. 

·            Share Your Testimonies: Encourage others by sharing how God has answered your prayers. Your stories of faith can inspire and uplift those around you. Sometimes we pray for things and God answers those prayers yet we sometimes fail to share those answers with other. Sharing what God has done, what answers you received is a great way to encourage others as they pray. It can remind them that the same God who answered your prayer is the same God who will answers there's.

·            Stay Persistent in Prayer:  Be persist in prayer, even when answers seem delayed. God’s timing is perfect, and your persistence will be rewarded. We sometimes can lose heart when it seems like our prayers are going unanswered. Yet reminding yourself that the answer is already on its way can help you be persistent in prayer. 

    In conclusion, Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the whale reminds us that God's answers are not confined to the moment of reception but are assured the moment we pray. Let us, therefore, pray with thanksgiving, trusting in His faithfulness, and waiting expectantly for His answers.

 

Knowing the Shepherd's Voice:

     Sometimes, life can feel like a courtroom drama where we are constantly trying to prove our worth and identity. 

    This reminds me of the story of a man in India who was accused of stealing a lamb. Both the accuser and the accused claimed ownership, and with witnesses on both sides, it seemed impossible to discern the truth. However, the judge knew the nature of shepherds and their sheep. He devised a clever plan: each man would call the lamb to see to whom it would respond. The true owner’s unique call, a simple "cluck," immediately brought the lamb to him, proving his rightful claim.

This story parallels the illustration Jesus used in John 10:1-5, where He says:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:1-5)

    This passage beautifully illustrates the relationship between a shepherd and their sheep and, by extension, between Jesus and us. The true shepherd calls us by name, emphasizing a personal and relational connection. He leads from the front, guiding us gently and providing protection and provision. Just as the lamb knew its owner's voice, we too are called to recognize and follow Jesus's voice.

    I want to offer you a couple of ways you can apply this truth to your life.

1. Respond to the Gospel:

    The starting point of a relationship with Jesus is responding to the gospel. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and ensuring that you are truly saved and part of God's flock is crucial. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that you might be restored, forgiven of your sins and begin a relationship with Him. If you have yet to come to Christ to be saved or you are not certain, then get that settled. send me a message I would love to talk to you more about it.

2. Cultivate a Personal Relationship with Jesus:

    Being a Christian is more than getting saved, we need to cultivate that relationship. We need to build on it. It does not happen over night, but it is a life long process. You don't stop talking to your spouse, after the wedding is over, or  at least you shouldn't if you want to stay married. The same goes for our relationship with Jesus Christ. You got to cultivate that relationship. The closer you get to Jesus, the more easily you will be able to hear his voice. So spend time in prayer and reading the Bible to become familiar with His voice. Like any relationship, it requires time and effort to build a connection. 

3. Seek Guidance and Direction:

    Trust that Jesus, as our Shepherd, leads us on the right path. In moments of uncertainty, seek His direction through prayer and reflection on His Word. Look to him as you navigate through life's challenges, and decisions. 

4. Trust in His Protection and Provision:

Just as the shepherd provides for the sheep, believe that Jesus cares for our needs. Let go of worries, knowing that He is watching over us. God loved you enough to die for you and He will provide and protect you as well. Don't allow the worries, fears and uncertainties cause you to lose sight of the Love of God.

5. Be Mindful of Strangers' Voices:

There are many voices in the world that can lead us astray. Learn to discern the voice of Jesus from others by aligning what you hear with Scripture. Not every voice needs to be listened too. Not every advice needs to be followed. Even some of the voices that seem to come from good and honorable sources may not be all that wholesome. Remember that sometimes you may be listening to a wolf in sheep's clothing. That is why it is far safter to be closer to the Shepard than out in the out skirts of the flock. 

    By nurturing our relationship with Jesus and trusting His guidance, we can confidently follow His voice, knowing that He leads us with love and care.

Walk the Talk

    

    Do you ever find yourself questioning the authenticity of someone's words? We've all been there, wondering if the promises made to us hold any real weight. This age-old phrase, "Actions speak louder than words," reminds us that true intentions are best revealed through what we do rather than what we say.

    A remarkable story from 1994 perfectly illustrates this idea. Russel Herman, a man who passed away at the age of 67, left behind a will with grand declarations. He pledged $2 billion to the city of East St. Louis, another half-billion for the national forest system, and a staggering $6 trillion to the federal government to help pay off the national debt. But there was a catch – when Russel passed away, his only asset was a 1983 Oldsmobile.

    While we might assume Russel had noble intentions, his lack of tangible assets meant his promises were empty. This story serves as a powerful lesson: nice words mean little if they are not backed by genuine action.

We can draw valuable insights from Russel's story:

1. Genuine Effort Matters: Kind words are lovely, but they must be matched by equally kind actions. When we say we care for someone or love them, we must show it through our deeds. 

2. Consistency is Key: Mixed messages arise when our actions do not align with our words. If we profess love but fail to demonstrate it, others will doubt our sincerity.

    The Apostle Paul also emphasized the importance of genuine love in his epistle: 

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10)

Practical Applications: How to Walk the Talk

Here are some ways to ensure that your actions reflect your words:

·        Show Appreciation: Take time each day to express gratitude to those around you. Simple acts of kindness, like thanking someone or acknowledging their efforts, go a long way. You would be surprised how many times we fail to acknowledge the love, and care others have shown us. When we express gratitude to them it sends a message that we deeply care for all they do and what they mean to us. 

·        Be Reliable: If you make a promise, keep it. Consistency builds trust and credibility. Trust is the one thing that when you lose it, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to get it back. Guard your integrity! Be the kind of person others can depend on. Remember it is better to say you can't do something, then say you can when your not really sure you can. The bible tells us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. 

·        Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others by listening to them attentively. This demonstrates respect and care. There is a reason why God gave you two ears but one mouth! Sometimes people just need to be heard. When we take the time and the attention to really listen to what others are saying. We are showing them that we really do care about them. 

·        Take Initiative: Don’t wait for opportunities to help – create them. Don't be apart of the problem by complaining about what is wrong, be apart of the solution. Whether it's volunteering for a cause or offering assistance to a colleague, proactive kindness makes a difference. Instead of looking for others to get involved, take the initiative and actively help and serve others. 

    In conclusion, while words can inspire and comfort, it is our actions that truly define who we are. By aligning our deeds with our words, we create a legacy of authenticity and trustworthiness. Remember, the smallest actions can have the most significant impact. 

Powerful Prayers and God's Heart

 

    Jonah 2:1-10  reads, Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’ The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!” And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.

    In this passage, one of the things that we can see is the heart of a God who not only listens to prayers but is also deeply involved in answering them. I want us to explore three main points about God's answering heart: His power, His desire, and His wisdom.

1. God's Power to Answer Prayers

    There's no better place to start than acknowledging God's immense power. In Jonah's story, we see God's power time and time again. He created the storm, he created the fish, and he commanded the fish to spit Jonah up. He did all of this and still retained Jonah's life. It shows us God's sovereign power over all creation. Psalm 33:9 affirms this by saying, "For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm." Our God, who created the heavens and the earth with a word, certainly has the power to answer our prayers.

    Consider the story of George Müller, a Christian evangelist known for his faith and prayer. George Müller cared for thousands of orphans and never asked for financial support directly. Instead, he prayed, and God consistently provided for all their needs. George Muller put his faith in the power of God to provide for all his needs and we can as well. Such testimonies remind us of God's omnipotence in responding to our prayers. 

2. God's Desire to Answer Prayers

    Jonah's cry from the depths and God's immediate response is a testament to His desire to intervene in human affairs and bring about transformation. Not only does God have the power to answer our payers, but he has a desire to do it. It's one thing to know that God has the ability to answer our prayers, but it is even greater in knowing that God desires to do it!  In Ezekiel 33:11, God declares, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live." This verse encapsulates God's earnest desire to see lives changed for the better.

   Just look at the life of Corrie ten Boom, the Dutch watchmaker who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. Her courageous faith and prayers led to miraculous protections and provisions. Corrie's story shows how deeply God wants to be involved in our lives and answer our heartfelt cries. This is even more true when what we are praying for is inline with God's will.

3. God's Wisdom to Answer Prayers

    God's wisdom is evident in His plan for Jonah. While Jonah might have doubted the process, God's wisdom was guiding the way for a greater purpose. I am sure that Jonah would have never came up with the idea of being swallowed by a fish. Yet God's great wisdom is far beyond our own. Sometimes the path that we might take, is not the path that God desires to take. God not only has the power to answers our prayers, and the desire to do it, but He has the wisdom to carry those answers out. He can answer our prayers in ways that we might find impossible or supernatural, yet that is who God is! Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Some of you may have heard of a woman by the name of Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic woman who has inspired millions through her ministry. Though she prayed for healing, God’s wisdom led her to a different kind of healing—one that involved spiritual growth and a powerful ministry that has touched countless lives. 

Applying These Truths to Our Daily Lives

·        Trust in His Power: When facing challenges, remember that the God who answers prayers has limitless power. Start each day by committing your needs to Him, confident in His ability to provide.

·        Embrace His Desire: Know that God wants to hear from you and and answering your prayers. Make prayer a daily habit, sharing your heart with Him and seeking His guidance and intervention.

·        Seek His Wisdom: Be open to God's answers, even if they come in unexpected ways. Trust that His wisdom far surpasses our own understanding, and be patient as His plans unfold.

In conclusion, let’s be encouraged by Jonah’s story and the countless examples of God’s faithfulness. Our prayers are heard by a powerful, loving, and wise God who delights in answering them. So what are you waiting for go to God in prayer! 

When Christ was Lifted up

     

    In the book of Jonah 1:13-17, we read about the prophet Jonah who was thrown into the sea to calm the raging storm that threatened the lives of the sailors. This act of lifting Jonah up and casting him into the depths provides a profound picture of Jesus Christ's own lifting up on the cross, as He foretold in John 12:32: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

    I want to share with you three things from my personal devotions on this subject that I believe will be a blessing for you today.

I:    The Wrath of God Satisfied

    Just as the storm ceased when Jonah was cast into the sea, the wrath of God was satisfied when Jesus was lifted up on the cross. The sailors, in their desperation, sought to save themselves by rowing harder, they prayed to there various false gods, but it was only through Jonah's sacrifice that they found peace. 

    Similarly, humanity's efforts to attain salvation by their own means are futile. It is through Christ's sacrificial death that God's righteous anger is appeased, bringing peace to our souls and forgiveness of our sins. 

II:    God Glorified

    In the act of lifting Jonah up, the sailors witnessed the power of God, leading them to worship Him. In Jonah's day this would have been unthinkable. The Jewish people viewed anyone who was not a descendent of Abraham as cast off from God. Yet here are these sailors who are now worshiping God and making vows and sacrifices to Him. They realized that God had saved them and they responded not only in faith, but in worship and adoration. 

     Likewise, when Jesus was lifted up on the cross, God's glory was displayed in the ultimate act of love and redemption. The cross is the fullest revelation of God's character—a blend of justice and mercy. Our response to this revelation should be one of awe and worship, acknowledging the greatness of our God.

III:    The Repentant Rectified

    Jonah's time in the belly of the fish led him to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's mission. When we look to the cross, we see the opportunity for our own repentance and rectification. 

    Not only was Jonah placed back on the right path, but these sailors were converted. These sailors were now worshiping the one true God. They were making vows and giving sacrifices to God. 

    Jesus' sacrifice not only pays the penalty for our sins but also calls us to a transformed life. Those who repent and turn to Christ are rectified, made new, and called into a deeper relationship with God.

Applying These Truths to Our Lives

As we reflect on these parallels, we are invited to apply these truths in practical ways:

·        Trust in Jesus' Sacrifice: Just as the sailors ceased their efforts and trusted that God would save by throwing Jonah overboard. We are called to cease striving for our own righteousness and trust wholly in the finished work of Christ. We are not called to save our selves, we are called to place our trust in Jesus Christ and be saved. 

·        Glorify God in Worship: Recognize the greatness of God's love demonstrated on the cross, and let it lead you to a life of worship and adoration, proclaiming His glory in all you do. Make worship more than what you do on a Sunday morning. Instead make worship what you do in response to the great love God has shown to you in Jesus Christ. 

·        Embrace Repentance: Allow the cross to be a mirror that reveals areas in need of repentance, and respond with a heart willing to be transformed and rectified by God's grace. We like Jonah sometimes mess up, but remember just like the story of Jonah, God is a God of second chances. 

    In conclusion, as we meditate on the lifting up of Jonah and Jesus, we are reminded of the profound truths of our faith. The storm of God's wrath is calmed, His glory is revealed, and the repentant are made new. May these truths compel us to live lives that reflect the depth of Christ's love and the power of His sacrifice.

Be Faithful Till He comes.

     

    On May 19th, 1780 the House of Representatives were holding a meeting at Hartford Connecticut While they were holding this meeting the sky grew increasingly gloomy, and dark. As the men looked out of the windows some began to wander if this was the Lords return. 

    Many of them were wishing for an immediate adjournment to the meeting that they might return home. That is when Colonel Davenport, who was the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives spoke up. He said; 

"The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought."

    There are many people who love to think about the last days. They research it, listen to messages and teachings about it. They wonder and are interested in the topic. Some even go so far as write books about the subject. This is not necessarily a bad thing.

    However it can lead us to be inactive, lazy, and unmotivated to do anything for the Lord. I must admit I love studying about this topic my self but I don't think the point for all the prophetic writing was given to us so we could immerse ourselves in the subject and try to answer unanswerable questions. 

    This is not what God intends for us to do in our lives. This is not why God gave us the information about His coming. In fact Jesus time and time again warned us about not being lazy, to be vigilant, to continue working and serving God in our lives. We have a job to do, and that job is not to be worried about the future. 

    This was the very thing that the angels warned the disciples when Jesus ascended up into heaven. 

    When Jesus ascended up into heave, an event I am sure would be amazing to be an eye witness to. The disciples stood there gazing into the sky just waiting. They were expecting the Lord to return right then and there and so they did not think about doing anything but waiting for Jesus to return. They were just standing there looking up in the sky. 

    This is even more interesting when you remember that Jesus before he ascended up into Heaven told the disciples what they were to do. They were not to just stand there gazing up into the son. There was work that needed to be done. There was a world that needed to hear about Jesus Christ. There was missions serve in. Churches to build. Pastors to train. Scriptures to write. 

    The first item on the agenda was for them to go back to Jerusalem and pray and wait to be empowered to do all of those things that needed to be done. Jesus told them to "That they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. That was an event that had not yet took place. Jesus told them that  after that they were to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the entire world, something that had not happened yet either. Another words, there was a lot more to do than staring up into the clouds. 

    So now listen to what the angles told the disciples as they did this. 

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.- (Act 1:10-11)

    The angels tells these disciples "Why are you just gazing up into heaven, You know Jesus is coming back again."  You see the disciples had a lot of work to do. They should not just stand there waiting for the Lord to return, they should be preparing for the Lord's return.

    I think this is something we should be reminded of as well. We don't know when the Lord will come back, and we certainly do not know when we will meet the Lord. However we all can prepare ourselves to be ready. We all can help prepare others to be ready. You see there is work to be done. 

    The point of those prophetic passages is not to know the unknowable. Its not so we can determine what time Jesus will return (according to scriptures that is impossible). God gave us those prophecies  to encourage us to be busy about his work in our lives. He told us what is to come so we don't have to fear what the future may hold, but to live with confidence serving him. 

    There are people who have not yet heard the gospel. There are Christians who need to be encouraged to be faithful. There are still things we are called to do. God has work for you to do, so lets be busy doing it.

Making God a Priority in you Life

    

There was a man who happened to have an appointment in the early hours of the morning with President Abraham Lincoln. He did not want to be late and so he decided he would arrive for this meeting 15 min early. 

    While waiting for the appointed time he heard in the next room a voice as if in grave conversation, and asked an attendant standing by, "Who is talking in the next room? 

    "It is the President, sir," replied the attendant. 

    "Is anybody with him?" the gentleman inquired. 

    "No; he is reading the Bible." 

    "Is that his habit so early in the morning?" the man asked.

    "Yes, sir, he spends every morning from four o'clock to five in reading the Scriptures and praying."

We live a life full of busyness and worry. Many times we have so  many things that need to get done and we feel like we have so little time to do them all in. From the things we must do for work, to the busyness that come with having children in school, life is busy. Sometimes it feels like we don't have time to breath. The thought of adding one other thing to our schedule seems impossible. 

    For most of us we tend to try to find ways to lesson our load by putting things off till another time. We might change an appointment here or there. We might decide to call someone tomorrow instead of calling them today. In order to try to make our lives less burdensome is we make certain priorities in our lives. We determine what we need to address in our life right now and things we can put off for another day. 

    Sadly one of the things we often put off in our lives for another time is our time we give to the Lord. In fact this is one of the first things that we put off in your lives. We think "Oh I can pray later", "I can read my bible or my devotional later on in the day".  We may say "I will go to church next Sunday"  Before we know it, one day here and one day there, becomes a week, then a month, or even longer. Before we know it we can go several days without spending any time with God. 

    On top of our busyness and make no mistake we are a busy people, but we have so many things that cause us a great deal of stress and anxiety. We worry about if we will have money for the car payment. We stress of the difficulties that we face at work. We become concerned with what the results we receive from the doctor. We become overly concerned with things we can control and the things that we cannot control. 

    Jesus has something to say to about our busyness and the stresses of our lives. 

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.- (Mat 6:31-34)

    I don't know what all was on President Abraham Lincoln's plate that morning. I could imagine that he was indeed a very busy man. I am sure he was a man who was under immense amount of pressure. I am sure the weight of the responsibilities on his shoulders was more than most of us have had to endure. 

    Yet it would appear that President Lincoln took Jesus advice found in Matt 6. As busy as he was, as many important and stressful issues that he had to deal with that day. As many things that I am sure was needing his attention. President Abraham Lincoln took time to spend with the Lord, and so should we. 

    So spend time with the Lord. Read the word of God, Spend time in worship and adoration to the one and true living God. Make it your first priority, your first importance. Spend your time in prayer seeking the Lord for the answer to the busyness and stresses of your life. Don't make spending time with God as something you can put off for another time. 

Don't pour coffee for a cat

   

I am always looking for good funny stories especially if they happen to be true. A few years ago I came upon a true interesting story about the President Calvin Coolidge. 

    During His presidency there was someone from his home town that was visiting him at the Whitehouse.  The guests had never been to the Whitehouse before and they weren't used to anything fancy. So they were a bit nervous on what they should be doing at the dinner table. 

    They determined that the best course of action is to keep a keen eye on there friend the president and do everything that he did. If the president used a knife they would do the same. If the president picked up a certain fork they would pick up the same fork as well. 

    This strategy worked fairly well. That is until the coffee was served. The president poured his coffee on the saucer. The guest thought it was rather odd to do that but given that the president did it and he would be in the know, they followed him and poured their coffee on there saucer's as well. Then President Coolidge added sugar and cream. This too was a bit odd but they were already committed and so the guests followed suit. 

    Then President Coolidge bent over and put his saucer on the floor for the cat to drink. As you can imagine by now everyone realized there mistake. While they were embarrassed by the whole ordeal everyone had a good laugh about it. 

    Many times we can do things because other people do them. I remember my parents telling me "would you jump off a bridge if your friends did it?" Truth be told a lot of times we tend to follow the leader. We don't want to be the odd one out. We don't want to be the one that is not doing what everyone else is doing. We don't like feeling like the outsider. We all have a deep desire to fit in, and be excepted.

    What if what everyone is doing is wrong? What if what everyone believes is not right? As believers in Christ this is a question that we must often face. There are things this world says is perfectly acceptable, yet the bible is clear that it is not. What are we to do? Do we go along with the crowd? Do we stand for the truth even if that means being the only one doing it? 

    We need to be careful that we are not blindly following the crowd just to be accepted or liked. There are times when our faith will put us at odds with others. The world around us accept all sorts of things that the word of God is clear on. The world may never see a problem with pornography, divorce, LGBTQ lifestyles, greed or pride, just to name a few. There will be people who are around you who will see Sunday as just another day of the week.  

    As believers in Christ we need to be followers of Jesus Christ. We need to pattern our life on the timeless word of God. Our desire should not be to follow others but to follow God. 

    Doing that sometimes means that we will not always be popular. It might mean that you and I will be making enemies. We might be hated, mocked, and even suffer in one way or another for following Jesus instead of the crowd. That is exactly what the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:2.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.- (Rom 12:2)

    We as followers of Christ are not called to fit in just for the sake of fitting in. We are told not to conform to the things of this world, even it it is the popular thing to do. It was not a popular thing for a Jewish person to go to the Samaritans, but Jesus did. It was not popular for a man to speak to a woman, especially if that woman had a bad wicked reputation, but Jesus did. It was not popular for a religious man to sit with tax collectors and sinners and have a meal with them, but Jesus did. In all of these situations and so many more we see Jesus not going along with the crowd. 

    In all of those situation we not only see Jesus not going along with the crowd but he also made it clear that He would not budge on the things God's word said. He told people time and time again "GO and Sin No more"  We are called to live differently. We are called to follow what is that good and perfect will of God. 

    SO how can we make sure not to be conformed to this world? How can we make sure we are following what is good and acceptable perfect will of God? 

    Paul tells us, we are to renew our mind, to study, listen and learn from God what is good. We need to conform our life not by feelings, or emotions, or what is popular. Instead we are to conform our lives by the very word of God. 

    So before you jump in on what you see what everyone else is doing, take time to think about what God might say about the matter.