He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32
He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27
Have you read this one?
The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police office. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally..... I assumed you had stolen the car.”
Always remember, someone is watching you!!! We need to walk what we talk, act like what we are, and if people find out we’re Christian - it shouldn't surprise them.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Proclaim His Holiness
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your companion, and he shall lie with your wives in broad daylight. Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’ Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.’”
2 Samuel 12:11-14
When Nathan disclosed David’s treachery, he spelled out the most devastating consequence for David’s sin: “However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die." 2 Samuel 12:14
Throughout the Scriptures, God is portrayed as upholding His righteousness and integrity. Indeed Christians are a people called by His name.
Thus, when members of the living church of God act unrighteously, we give opportunity for the unbelieving world to slander that name. This is the underlying shame of scandal in the church.
The body of Christ is “a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...” 1 Peter 2:9. Sin in the church dims her witness and provides the lost with another excuse for dismissing the validity of Christ’s claim.
Paul told the Colossians: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” Col. 4:5. The church honors and upholds the precious name of Christ to the world through an obedient, faithful walk.
Examine yourself - are you living for the glory of God or trying to hide some secret sin? Don’t play with sin; you will lose! However, God is faithful and if you will live for Him, you will win!
2 Samuel 12:11-14
When Nathan disclosed David’s treachery, he spelled out the most devastating consequence for David’s sin: “However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die." 2 Samuel 12:14
Throughout the Scriptures, God is portrayed as upholding His righteousness and integrity. Indeed Christians are a people called by His name.
Thus, when members of the living church of God act unrighteously, we give opportunity for the unbelieving world to slander that name. This is the underlying shame of scandal in the church.
The body of Christ is “a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...” 1 Peter 2:9. Sin in the church dims her witness and provides the lost with another excuse for dismissing the validity of Christ’s claim.
Paul told the Colossians: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” Col. 4:5. The church honors and upholds the precious name of Christ to the world through an obedient, faithful walk.
Examine yourself - are you living for the glory of God or trying to hide some secret sin? Don’t play with sin; you will lose! However, God is faithful and if you will live for Him, you will win!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Scandal in the Church
“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead, in order that the one who had done this deed might be removed from your midst. For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” 1 Cor. 5:1-6
Scandal in the church is nothing new. The shocking stories we hear today were also headline materials in the Apostle Paul’s day.
What angered Paul, however, was not simply the nature of the scandal in the Corinthian church (incest) but the dull response of the believers: “And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead...” 1 Cor. 5:2. Fellow Christians can actually become prideful in such a situation by comparing themselves to the offender.
“Well, I am sure glad I’ve never done such a thing” is regretfully often the collective Christian response to gross sin in the camp. Then our sins don’t look quite so bad anymore.
Such carnal reasoning dilutes and taints the testimony of the church to the unbelieving world. If we take sin so lightly, why shouldn’t they?
Rather, Paul says that our attitude toward scandal should be one of deep regret and grief. The Greek word Paul used for mourn is the same word used to describe Mary Magdalene’s lament over the crucified body of Christ. We mourn over the iniquity of a brother or sister in Christ because we are together “the body of Christ” - and when one member succumbs to temptation, the entire church is affected.
Remember what Paul says - “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12
Scandal in the church is nothing new. The shocking stories we hear today were also headline materials in the Apostle Paul’s day.
What angered Paul, however, was not simply the nature of the scandal in the Corinthian church (incest) but the dull response of the believers: “And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead...” 1 Cor. 5:2. Fellow Christians can actually become prideful in such a situation by comparing themselves to the offender.
“Well, I am sure glad I’ve never done such a thing” is regretfully often the collective Christian response to gross sin in the camp. Then our sins don’t look quite so bad anymore.
Such carnal reasoning dilutes and taints the testimony of the church to the unbelieving world. If we take sin so lightly, why shouldn’t they?
Rather, Paul says that our attitude toward scandal should be one of deep regret and grief. The Greek word Paul used for mourn is the same word used to describe Mary Magdalene’s lament over the crucified body of Christ. We mourn over the iniquity of a brother or sister in Christ because we are together “the body of Christ” - and when one member succumbs to temptation, the entire church is affected.
Remember what Paul says - “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Beware of Complacency
“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria, the distinguished men of the foremost of nations, to whom the house of Israel comes.” Amos 6:1
Francis Schaeffer, the late Christian thinker and theologian, said the two greatest enemies of the modern church in America are “personal peace and affluence.” What he was describing is the prevailing indifference that envelops the body of Christ today. Christians become complacent when they are preoccupied with meeting only their own needs instead of reaching out to others.
The church in America is wealthy and prosperous. But believers in Eastern Europe are imprisoned for their faith or punished with loss of their jobs. Christians in Africa and the Third World are poor. Wherever we live, there are emotional, spiritual, and physical needs; but we must first lift our eyes to the fields. John 4:35
Complacency is also nurtured when we settle for the wisdom of our age instead of becoming “fools for Christ's sake” 1 Cor. 4:10. Paul said he had “become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things...” 1 Cor. 4:13.
Following Christ calls for radical discipleship - denying self and discarding the wisdom of this world for the wisdom of God. Have you allowed God to disturb your comfort zone?
Here is a thought - could it be that what we’re going through in our country right now, is for the benefit of the church? God help us to see Your glory and revive Your church!
Francis Schaeffer, the late Christian thinker and theologian, said the two greatest enemies of the modern church in America are “personal peace and affluence.” What he was describing is the prevailing indifference that envelops the body of Christ today. Christians become complacent when they are preoccupied with meeting only their own needs instead of reaching out to others.
The church in America is wealthy and prosperous. But believers in Eastern Europe are imprisoned for their faith or punished with loss of their jobs. Christians in Africa and the Third World are poor. Wherever we live, there are emotional, spiritual, and physical needs; but we must first lift our eyes to the fields. John 4:35
Complacency is also nurtured when we settle for the wisdom of our age instead of becoming “fools for Christ's sake” 1 Cor. 4:10. Paul said he had “become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things...” 1 Cor. 4:13.
Following Christ calls for radical discipleship - denying self and discarding the wisdom of this world for the wisdom of God. Have you allowed God to disturb your comfort zone?
Here is a thought - could it be that what we’re going through in our country right now, is for the benefit of the church? God help us to see Your glory and revive Your church!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Servants of Christ
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” 1 Cor. 4:1-2
The Corinthian church’s bickering over personality and popularity was all quite ridiculous to Paul. He described both himself and Apollos in this humble way: “...servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”1 Cor. 4:1
That is, in essence, what every Christian is - regardless of his level of spiritual maturity. We are servants because Jesus is Lord and Master of all. Those who aspire to leadership in the body of Christ have a divine prerequisite: ever increasing servant-hood. None of us should labor with the idea that others will admire us.
We are stewards because Jesus is the Owner and Giver of all. “For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” 1 Cor. 4:7
Jesus has given us abundant and eternal life in His name. He has endowed us with natural and spiritual gifts as our Maker and Redeemer. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and His Word. He teaches us, leads us, and reveals His ways to us. He is the Source of all. That removes all grounds for haughtiness and bragging in the Christian life. Paul, the chief of all sinners, knew it better than most (1 Timothy 1:15). Do you?
The Corinthian church’s bickering over personality and popularity was all quite ridiculous to Paul. He described both himself and Apollos in this humble way: “...servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”1 Cor. 4:1
That is, in essence, what every Christian is - regardless of his level of spiritual maturity. We are servants because Jesus is Lord and Master of all. Those who aspire to leadership in the body of Christ have a divine prerequisite: ever increasing servant-hood. None of us should labor with the idea that others will admire us.
We are stewards because Jesus is the Owner and Giver of all. “For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” 1 Cor. 4:7
Jesus has given us abundant and eternal life in His name. He has endowed us with natural and spiritual gifts as our Maker and Redeemer. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and His Word. He teaches us, leads us, and reveals His ways to us. He is the Source of all. That removes all grounds for haughtiness and bragging in the Christian life. Paul, the chief of all sinners, knew it better than most (1 Timothy 1:15). Do you?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A House Divided
“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, that no man should say you were baptized in my name. Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void.”
1 Cor. 1:10-17
Splitting firewood is a chore that needs only two ingredients: a mallet and a wedge. Splitting churches likewise involves a pair of divisive forces.
First, a sharp and cutting issue. The church at Corinth had a major rift which we can identify with today. Members of the Corinthian church had argued over who was the real leader - Paul, the eloquent preacher; Apollos; or the bold Peter. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
Obviously, there are many other issues which can generate deep splits in the unity of a local church - doctrinal disputes, financial crises, relational friction, and now today in our culture, music!
Regardless of the issue, we must always be clear about who is holding the mallet - none other than Satan himself.
Using the carnality and immaturity of pastors and church members, Satan stands ready to deliver the crushing blow to a local body that allows him to divide and conquer. What better way to disrupt and discredit the name of Christ than to plant seeds of destruction in a local church?
If your church is locked in a bitter quarrel or if you know of a church that is, pray that eyes may be opened to see the evil one who is behind it all, and pray for genuine repentance and humility on behalf of all parties.
1 Cor. 1:10-17
Splitting firewood is a chore that needs only two ingredients: a mallet and a wedge. Splitting churches likewise involves a pair of divisive forces.
First, a sharp and cutting issue. The church at Corinth had a major rift which we can identify with today. Members of the Corinthian church had argued over who was the real leader - Paul, the eloquent preacher; Apollos; or the bold Peter. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
Obviously, there are many other issues which can generate deep splits in the unity of a local church - doctrinal disputes, financial crises, relational friction, and now today in our culture, music!
Regardless of the issue, we must always be clear about who is holding the mallet - none other than Satan himself.
Using the carnality and immaturity of pastors and church members, Satan stands ready to deliver the crushing blow to a local body that allows him to divide and conquer. What better way to disrupt and discredit the name of Christ than to plant seeds of destruction in a local church?
If your church is locked in a bitter quarrel or if you know of a church that is, pray that eyes may be opened to see the evil one who is behind it all, and pray for genuine repentance and humility on behalf of all parties.
Monday, June 1, 2009
What Motivates You?
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.”
1 Cor. 4:1-5
Since the believer’s judgment will be for the determination of rewards and not for his or her sins, how do we live so as to lay up treasures in heaven?
First is motivation. “...wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise (rewards) will come to him from God.” 1 Cor. 4:5
What is the inner motivation for our works? The Scriptures tell us that all work should come from the wellspring of a heart that seeks to bring honor and glory to Christ Jesus: “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Cor. 10:31. All of our work, service, and activities should be done to please God, not bring attention or praise to ourselves.
The second factor is faithfulness. When the three servants in Matthew 25 were called to account for the use of their talents, their master responded in this way to two of them; “...‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Our motivations and faithfulness to the Master is our daily tasks lay a firm foundation for future rewards.
1 Cor. 4:1-5
Since the believer’s judgment will be for the determination of rewards and not for his or her sins, how do we live so as to lay up treasures in heaven?
First is motivation. “...wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise (rewards) will come to him from God.” 1 Cor. 4:5
What is the inner motivation for our works? The Scriptures tell us that all work should come from the wellspring of a heart that seeks to bring honor and glory to Christ Jesus: “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Cor. 10:31. All of our work, service, and activities should be done to please God, not bring attention or praise to ourselves.
The second factor is faithfulness. When the three servants in Matthew 25 were called to account for the use of their talents, their master responded in this way to two of them; “...‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Our motivations and faithfulness to the Master is our daily tasks lay a firm foundation for future rewards.
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