The book of Judges is one of the most interesting Old Testament books. It's an acount of the children of Israel following the death of Joshua. Joshua was the man God had chosen to lead Israel after the death of Moses. Joshua picked up the mantle left by this great man of God and carried Israel to new heights. Israel is now living in the "Promised Land". However, they continually went back on their covenant with the Lord.
Before Joshua's death we heard those words that are often quoted today, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Not only did Joshua make that statement but the Israelites joined him in the declaration. But in the book of Judges we find in chapter 2 verse 10 that "another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel."
Here's the problem: The generation that has come to power did not know the Lord. Not only that, but they had no clue as to what God had done for the previous generations. This verse provides a great warning for those of us who are following the Lord now. We need to ensure that we are passing the knowledge and blessings of God to the next generation of believers.
There is a part of me that wants to blame Israel's problems on the current generation. However, when I understand this verse I recognize that the previous generation failed them. The reason they did not know what the Lord had done is because it had not been passed along to them. Dear friends, the next generation will not know if we do not tell them. We can sit back and blame all our problems on a new generation if we choose, but we better start looking in the mirror. The reason we have a new generation that does not honor the Lord is because we have not taught them. The reason that we have a new generation that lives for itself is because that is what they have seen in us.
We must pass along the knowledge of God's Word, God's blessings, and God's standards. We must pass along the testimony of God's faithfulness in our generation if we ever expect a new generation to know what God can do in their generation.
I'm a firm believer that we are seeing a generation coming up that is hungry for the things of God. They want to encounter the God of the Bible. They want to see signs and wonders. They want to experience His presence. We should lead the way. They ought to experience all of these things through us so that they will experience Him one day without us. We are the ones responsible for shaping and molding the next generation. We cannot allow them to grow up in a society that does things that are right in their own eyes.
The book of Judges shows us that God had to raise up men and women to bring Israel back to Himself. They were the ones who would bring deliverance to their generation. People like Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, and Gideon were the ones that God brought forward to bring Israel back to God. Our generation has witnessed the passing of men like Adrian Rogers, Jerry Fallwell, and James Kennedy. These were men of great character and vision. These were men God has used to bring about change. Whom will God raise up next? It could be you.
One thing is for certain. Each of us are responsible for our own homes. Each of us are responsible for our church. Will we be up to the challenge of bringing forward a generation that is pleasing to the Lord? The future of our faith and our nation is at stake. It has been said that we are no longer a "godless" nation but rather a nation with many gods. It's up to us to ensure that we are a nation under the one true God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God who has revealed Himself in nature and the Bible. The God who sent Jesus Christ into this world to die upon the cross for the sins of humanity. This is the God we need to preach. This is the God we need to remember and pass along to the next generation.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
A Friend at all Times
Proverbs 27:17 teaches us that just as iron sharpens iron - so a man can sharpen another man.
I want to put out a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ron Gibson. Ron serves Pioneer Baptist Church as Worship and Missions Pastor. He is officially older than me today. LOL!
You might be asking yourself why I'm using today's blog to talk about this. Well, I'm glad you asked. Ron has been at Pioneer for several years now. When he came to this church he was at one of his lowest points. His life had been devestated by some personal blows and he was searching for God in the midst of his mess.
It was through those unfortunate circumstances that I was able to be acquainted with someone whom God would use in great ways in the life of this church. Ron joined our fellowship, immediately involved himself in the ministry of the church, was healed in so many areas of his life, and is now a staff person with PBC. His story is unique, but not uncommon. It's a testimony of what can happen in any of our lives when we submit ourselves to God and seek Him out in our daily lives.
God has used Ron to transform the way we worship as a church body. He has also used Ron to become a partner in the vision of our church. When PBC took it's first trip overseas - Ron was a part of that process. And now, because of God's work in his heart, Ron helps others acheive the dream of doing missions.
The reason I'm telling you this is because of I Cor. 16:18. Paul wrote to the church about Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. He said, "For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men." So to Ron we say thanks for refreshing the spirits of the membership of Pioneer Baptist Church. Thanks for your partnership in the gospel ministry. Thanks for your friendship in every circumstance of life.
Happy Birthday Ron.
I want to put out a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ron Gibson. Ron serves Pioneer Baptist Church as Worship and Missions Pastor. He is officially older than me today. LOL!
You might be asking yourself why I'm using today's blog to talk about this. Well, I'm glad you asked. Ron has been at Pioneer for several years now. When he came to this church he was at one of his lowest points. His life had been devestated by some personal blows and he was searching for God in the midst of his mess.
It was through those unfortunate circumstances that I was able to be acquainted with someone whom God would use in great ways in the life of this church. Ron joined our fellowship, immediately involved himself in the ministry of the church, was healed in so many areas of his life, and is now a staff person with PBC. His story is unique, but not uncommon. It's a testimony of what can happen in any of our lives when we submit ourselves to God and seek Him out in our daily lives.
God has used Ron to transform the way we worship as a church body. He has also used Ron to become a partner in the vision of our church. When PBC took it's first trip overseas - Ron was a part of that process. And now, because of God's work in his heart, Ron helps others acheive the dream of doing missions.
The reason I'm telling you this is because of I Cor. 16:18. Paul wrote to the church about Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. He said, "For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men." So to Ron we say thanks for refreshing the spirits of the membership of Pioneer Baptist Church. Thanks for your partnership in the gospel ministry. Thanks for your friendship in every circumstance of life.
Happy Birthday Ron.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Missing Peace?
Luke 19:42, "If you had known...in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes"
I wonder how many times we have missed peace in our lives because we missed the things that God was showing us? Can you think of a time when everything should have been better than it was? I mean, those times when you were where you thought you needed to be and yet you were still missing the peace that God has promised?
Jesus made it very clear to the Jewish people. They missed the things that make for their peace because it was hidden from their eyes. What has God been trying to point out to you? What has God put His finger on in your life to say - "If you will remove this from your life you could have peace" - but you still hang on to it?
Is it pride? Is it a critical attitude? Is it a lack of faith? It may not be what we would call a "gross sin", but rather it could be a bad attitude. Be careful of anything that will hinder your peace. Be careful of anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in your life. Don't miss the piece that makes for your peace.
There have been times in my life when I felt so sure that I was doing the Lord's will, I was following His Word, I was fulfilling His calling on my life but there was something missing. I did not have the joy that I should have had, I did not have the peace that passes all understanding, I did not have that stillness of soul that comes from obeying God. Why? Because I continued to "carry" things in my life that the Lord had pointed out. I was unwilling to change my attitude. I was unwilling to cast out the sin in my life. Therefore, I could not enjoy what was new in my life because I was still holding on to the old.
If there is one thing that I have figured out it's this: Deal with the things that God points out. Gladly remove those things that continue to bind you and "the sin which so easily besets you". You may not have realized it before, but you can carry things with you into every situtation that God places you in. And in that place you will once again be robbed of the joy and peace that God wants for you.
This is why pastors move from church to church. Every new situtation turns out the same as the old, because they have never dealt with the things that came up in the old situation. This is why church members hop from church to church. They think it's a church problem when it's really a personal problem. They carry with them this critical attitude, this hampering sin, and they can never find contentment in any church.
I pray that your eyes would be open. God wants to bless you, but you have to be willing to let go of some things. I hope that today you will see the things that make for your peace. I hope that you not only see them but act on them. May you enjoy the peace that God has for you.
I wonder how many times we have missed peace in our lives because we missed the things that God was showing us? Can you think of a time when everything should have been better than it was? I mean, those times when you were where you thought you needed to be and yet you were still missing the peace that God has promised?
Jesus made it very clear to the Jewish people. They missed the things that make for their peace because it was hidden from their eyes. What has God been trying to point out to you? What has God put His finger on in your life to say - "If you will remove this from your life you could have peace" - but you still hang on to it?
Is it pride? Is it a critical attitude? Is it a lack of faith? It may not be what we would call a "gross sin", but rather it could be a bad attitude. Be careful of anything that will hinder your peace. Be careful of anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in your life. Don't miss the piece that makes for your peace.
There have been times in my life when I felt so sure that I was doing the Lord's will, I was following His Word, I was fulfilling His calling on my life but there was something missing. I did not have the joy that I should have had, I did not have the peace that passes all understanding, I did not have that stillness of soul that comes from obeying God. Why? Because I continued to "carry" things in my life that the Lord had pointed out. I was unwilling to change my attitude. I was unwilling to cast out the sin in my life. Therefore, I could not enjoy what was new in my life because I was still holding on to the old.
If there is one thing that I have figured out it's this: Deal with the things that God points out. Gladly remove those things that continue to bind you and "the sin which so easily besets you". You may not have realized it before, but you can carry things with you into every situtation that God places you in. And in that place you will once again be robbed of the joy and peace that God wants for you.
This is why pastors move from church to church. Every new situtation turns out the same as the old, because they have never dealt with the things that came up in the old situation. This is why church members hop from church to church. They think it's a church problem when it's really a personal problem. They carry with them this critical attitude, this hampering sin, and they can never find contentment in any church.
I pray that your eyes would be open. God wants to bless you, but you have to be willing to let go of some things. I hope that today you will see the things that make for your peace. I hope that you not only see them but act on them. May you enjoy the peace that God has for you.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
He's Coming Again!
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 speaks to us about the second coming of Christ. We are told that in that day Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
WOW!
Paul tells the believers that there is a two-fold purpose for writing these words. In verse 13 he tells them that he does not want them to be ignorant. Aren't you glad that Christianity is not a brain-less faith. God wants you to be educated in the truth. The other reason is found in verse 18 where Paul says to comfort one another with these words.
Do those words comfort you? Are you comfortable with the thought that at any given moment on any given day that Jesus Christ can and will return? If not, why? Why would you be fearful of His return? If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior there should be an expectancy within you that looks forward to His coming.
His coming is the final fulfillment of salvation in our lives. We have been saved from our sin. We have been delivered from the sting of death. His return brings about our deliverance from the destruction of this world as we know it and ushers in the glory of the Kingdom of God.
I don't know about you, but I look forward to a time and place where Jesus sits on the throne. I look forward to a day when there is no sorrow, no pain, no death, and no tears. I look forward to a day when I don't have to deal with the struggle of sin. I look forward. That's what the Christian faith is all about. It's a looking forward with the understanding that we are pilgrims in this world. This world is not our home. That's why we are not to lay up treasures here.
Be encouraged today...Jesus is coming soon!
WOW!
Paul tells the believers that there is a two-fold purpose for writing these words. In verse 13 he tells them that he does not want them to be ignorant. Aren't you glad that Christianity is not a brain-less faith. God wants you to be educated in the truth. The other reason is found in verse 18 where Paul says to comfort one another with these words.
Do those words comfort you? Are you comfortable with the thought that at any given moment on any given day that Jesus Christ can and will return? If not, why? Why would you be fearful of His return? If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior there should be an expectancy within you that looks forward to His coming.
His coming is the final fulfillment of salvation in our lives. We have been saved from our sin. We have been delivered from the sting of death. His return brings about our deliverance from the destruction of this world as we know it and ushers in the glory of the Kingdom of God.
I don't know about you, but I look forward to a time and place where Jesus sits on the throne. I look forward to a day when there is no sorrow, no pain, no death, and no tears. I look forward to a day when I don't have to deal with the struggle of sin. I look forward. That's what the Christian faith is all about. It's a looking forward with the understanding that we are pilgrims in this world. This world is not our home. That's why we are not to lay up treasures here.
Be encouraged today...Jesus is coming soon!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Grasping the Wind
Ecclesiastes 1:14: "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed all is vanity and grasping for the wind."
When I read passages like this one, I have to wonder why people don't think the Bible is relevant. If anything the Bible hits too close to home for me on most days. I don't see how you can live in today's society and not understand that the words of the preacher in Ecclesiastes ring true.
If you watch the daily news you will hear stories about rising gas prices, falling home prices, rising health costs, falling stocks, rising unemployment, and falling job opportunities. Up and down, up and down, and what we fail to realize is that it's all vanity. It's all empty.
"But you don't know my situation!" I don't have to know the particulars to understand that most of us have come to live a lifestyle that is well above our means. There are those in this world who are seriously struggling to get by. There are those in our country who are just trying to meet the most basic needs in their lives. However, I believe, the majority of people in America have tried to live the "American Dream" by financing it. We are caught up in the rat race of get, give me, and I deserve. We don't plan for major purchases. We don't think about the future - much less save for it. And we don't keep ourselves from what we want.
You have to know that the man who wrote Ecclesiastes had everything he could have wanted. He had great wisdom, he possessed great wealth, he lacked for nothing. And yet, in all of his stuff he found nothing that could satisfy him. Does that sound like you today? Ask yourself these questions:
Are you satisfied with your home?
Are you satisfied with your car?
Are you satisfied with your job?
Are you satisfied with your income?
Are you satisfied with your spouse?
Are you satisfied with your hobbies?
These are just a few areas of our lives where we always seem to look for more. We are trying to satisfy ourselves with stuff rather than be content with the things we have. Then we spend 80 - 90 years of our life grasping for the wind.
Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song several years ago called "More to this Life." The chorus says, "There's more to this life than living and dying, more than just trying to make it through the day." How true those words are! But most people live their week saying, "Oh no, it's Monday - - - - thank God it's Friday." We are not satisfied, we wish our lives away most days, and everything we strive to obtain can be lost in a split second.
How many times do we have to hear the reports of natural disasters destroying homes and lives before we realize that could be us? Shouldn't we find something in this life that is more permanent? Something that has a little more meaning? Yes - we should. And there is only one thing you can invest your time, effort, energy, and devotion into that will always pay you back - and it's a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Today, don't just focus on the now, do something that has eternal value. Share the gospel with a lost soul, give a helping hand without expecting anything in return, tell those around you that you love them, give encouragement to someone in distress. These things may not line your pocket, build up great wealth, or help your tax return; but at least they are things that have meaning and purpose.
Be Blessed in this day and stop grasping for the wind, instead be thankful for the resfreshing breeze.
When I read passages like this one, I have to wonder why people don't think the Bible is relevant. If anything the Bible hits too close to home for me on most days. I don't see how you can live in today's society and not understand that the words of the preacher in Ecclesiastes ring true.
If you watch the daily news you will hear stories about rising gas prices, falling home prices, rising health costs, falling stocks, rising unemployment, and falling job opportunities. Up and down, up and down, and what we fail to realize is that it's all vanity. It's all empty.
"But you don't know my situation!" I don't have to know the particulars to understand that most of us have come to live a lifestyle that is well above our means. There are those in this world who are seriously struggling to get by. There are those in our country who are just trying to meet the most basic needs in their lives. However, I believe, the majority of people in America have tried to live the "American Dream" by financing it. We are caught up in the rat race of get, give me, and I deserve. We don't plan for major purchases. We don't think about the future - much less save for it. And we don't keep ourselves from what we want.
You have to know that the man who wrote Ecclesiastes had everything he could have wanted. He had great wisdom, he possessed great wealth, he lacked for nothing. And yet, in all of his stuff he found nothing that could satisfy him. Does that sound like you today? Ask yourself these questions:
Are you satisfied with your home?
Are you satisfied with your car?
Are you satisfied with your job?
Are you satisfied with your income?
Are you satisfied with your spouse?
Are you satisfied with your hobbies?
These are just a few areas of our lives where we always seem to look for more. We are trying to satisfy ourselves with stuff rather than be content with the things we have. Then we spend 80 - 90 years of our life grasping for the wind.
Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song several years ago called "More to this Life." The chorus says, "There's more to this life than living and dying, more than just trying to make it through the day." How true those words are! But most people live their week saying, "Oh no, it's Monday - - - - thank God it's Friday." We are not satisfied, we wish our lives away most days, and everything we strive to obtain can be lost in a split second.
How many times do we have to hear the reports of natural disasters destroying homes and lives before we realize that could be us? Shouldn't we find something in this life that is more permanent? Something that has a little more meaning? Yes - we should. And there is only one thing you can invest your time, effort, energy, and devotion into that will always pay you back - and it's a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Today, don't just focus on the now, do something that has eternal value. Share the gospel with a lost soul, give a helping hand without expecting anything in return, tell those around you that you love them, give encouragement to someone in distress. These things may not line your pocket, build up great wealth, or help your tax return; but at least they are things that have meaning and purpose.
Be Blessed in this day and stop grasping for the wind, instead be thankful for the resfreshing breeze.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)