Faith

Ashamed

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Psalm 119:5-6
“Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments”

The devil is crafty and a master of deception. Paul referred to him as an angel of light, because of his ability to disguise himself in order to fool the Christian.

When we are first introduced to him in the garden,  we watch as he tricks Eve into thinking the one thing that her loving God has forbidden, is of more value than all the fruit of the garden or the freedom she has been given. He has been deceiving people ever since, fooling us into thinking the ways of God are too restrictive and that sin will satisfy us. Once he has convinced us to walk outside the boundaries of God’s Word and get involved in that which is forbidden, his job is only half done. Instead of leaving us alone and moving on to deceive another, he turns his weapons back on us and begins an assault of shame. His fiery arrows begin to assault our minds with shame. We are defeated by the sin we have committed, and continue in defeat as we wallow in shame and guilt. We are repulsed by our failure, and instead of entering boldly into the throne of grace, where mercy and grace flow from our loving Father, we cower back with feelings of unworthiness. We question how God could love us and fear that we will never overcome the weaknesses of our flesh. There, in our miry clay, the devil holds us bound in shame and guilt; keeping us from abundant life or from impacting others for the kingdom of Heaven.

I want to assure you, that if you have received the pardon of sin that Christ offers on Calvary’s Cross, ALL your sins have been washed away. The blood of Christ is rich enough to pardon the sin that you have stumbled back into. Right this moment, receive that pardon and rise from the ashes of your failure to walk in the victory that is yours in Christ.

That being said, the Psalmist speaks here of one of the greatest ways to avoid pitfalls of the devil and ending up overcome with shame.

“Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.”

The key to avoiding the pitfalls of the enemy, is walking in the right direction, and staying in bounds. The key to remaining on track, is allowing the Word of God to shine continually upon your life and guide your steps. One of the ways we fail, is when we come to a crossroad and find ourselves face to face with temptation. On the one hand, we are being greatly pressed to step outside the boundaries and pursue what we know God has forbidden, while on the other hand, we desire to please Him and do what is right. Right there, in the midst of the battle, we will find great strength from the perfect Law of liberty. Like a valiant soldier, as we reach into the sheath, removing the Sword of the Spirit, we will find the enemy is vanquished with the power of the Word. Later, in times of confusion, when we are not sure what the way of the Lord is, we can find guidance that keeps us on track. Have you ever, when facing decision time or great temptation, taken a moment to search for what the Scripture has to say? Using an online concordance, you can look into the statutes of God regarding the situation you are facing. The light of the Word will shine in your life, and you will find the help you need to avoid falling again into shame.

Let’s be sure, today, to allow our steps to be directed by His statutes.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is divided up into 22 sections with 8 verses in each section. Each section starts with the letters in the Hebrew alphabet. It is said that Hebrew children learned the alphabet by learning this psalm.

The psalm is about the word of God and the benefits of studying God’s word.

ALEPH

  1. Blessed are……do we seek to be obedient to the Lord in all that we do?
  2. 5 says “O that my ways were directed.” I am so grateful that the Lord does not force us to follow Him. That He shows us His grace and mercy always. In what areas of your life is the Lord drawing you closer to Him?

BETH

  1. What do you see here about the importance of God’s word in our day to day life?
  2. Notice throughout this psalm that praise and rejoicing are hand in hand with being obedient. Do you look at God’s word with joy and gladness or rules and regulations?

GIMEL

  1. Have you ever asked God to see “wondrous things”?
  2. Testimony- A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact. God’s testimonies are a delight. God’s testimonies are lives changed by the Holy Spirit. What is God changing in your heart? Let Him in and be His delight!

DALETH

  1. Revive me according to your word. For you shall enlarge my heart! What does this mean to you?

HE

  1. Sometime we study/read God’s word and feel like it is too much or over our heads. Here the psalmist is asking for understanding so that he can keep God’s law. Have you asked God for understanding of His word? Read John 14:26
  2. The psalmist also asks God to establish His word. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:13

WAW

  1. Verse 42, I will trust in Your word.
    1. Trust- Confidence; reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person.

He that puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs 28:25.

  1. Verse 44, so shall I keep Your law continually. How often do we feel like we fail at following the Lord and being obedient? Remember, God knows as we step up to the plate that we do not plan or want to strike out but sometimes we do. God is cheering you on! Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
  2. Verse 46, I will speak of Your testimonies….and not be ashamed. Sometimes we feel intimidated or scared. Read Isaiah 41:10

ZAYIN

  1. God’s word gives us hope. Is your hope in His word or in what He does for you?
  2. God’s word gives us life. Read Psalm 34:8

HETH

  1. We are encouraged here to think about all that the Lord has done and turn to God without haste. List the benefits that the Lord has brought into your life since you gave your heart to Him.
  2. The earth is full of God’s mercies. What does this mean to you?

TETH

  1. God deals with us according to His word. Everyone is offered the same opportunity. Psalm 55:16
  2. How often do we quote verse 71 in our lives? Getting God’s perspective changes everything. How has God changed the way you look at your life?

VOD

  1. How awesome is verse 1? Meditate on this for a moment and ask God for more of His understanding. How would this verse conflict with the teaching of evolution?
  2. Hoping in God’s word. What has the Lord shown you this morning that gives you hope in His word?
  3. What is the promise of God’s tender mercies?

KAPH

  1. Our flesh will fail us often, but our hope in God’s word will revive us. What can you do to strengthen your hope in God’s word?
  2. Memorize verse 88

LAMED

  1. What is the promise of delighting in God’s word?
  2. What is the promise of never forgetting God’s precepts?

MEM

  1. What does the meditation of God’s word bring to our lives?
  2. God’s word is referred to here as “sweeter than honey.” Have you ever thought about God’s word in this way?

NUN

  1. Being guided by a lamp in the darkness is an interesting way to walk. We cannot see that far ahead, and the light is just enough to show us where to take the next step. We have to trust that we are on the right path and that we will end up in the planned destination. Where are you walking? What is your destination? Are you on your path or the Lords?
  2. Verse 101 tells us that traps (snares) are set to get us off track or stop our walk. What protects us from these traps?

SAMEK

  1. What does “double-minded” mean to you? Are you double-minded in any area of your life? Read James 1:8
  2. More benefits of trusting in the Lord. Verses 116-117, what are they?
  3. Being obedient to the Lord because of our love for Him is a wonderful relationship. We are not robots, God allows us to choose. What does verse 118 say to those “stray” from the Lord?

AYIN

  1. Of all of our failures listed, the psalmist asks God to deal with us according to His mercies. We have read that God’s mercies endure forever. God has made it so simple for us. Read 1 John 1:9
  2. We see the humility of the psalmist in verse 125. Take time to confess your sin and ask God for His forgiveness.

PE

Father, I pray that you refresh me God’s word. That it brings light, gives understanding so that my soul longs for Jesus. That my mouth thirsts for You. I pray Your word directs my steps and that iniquity does not have dominion over me. Redeem me Lord; make Your face to shine upon me. Teach me your statutes. May my heart be broken and bring tears to my eyes for the people that do not know You. In Jesus name, Amen.

TSADDE

  1. Looking around our world today we see all kinds of perceptions of what is right. It is a peaceful thought to know that God is righteous. Everyone is equal and has the same opportunity to have a relationship with Him. Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
  2. Verse 144, what is our benefit for having a relationship with the Lord?

QOPH

  1. Crying out to the Lord is a humbling experience and sometimes a bit of whining. Notice how the cry turns back to the focus on God’s word. Verse 148 says, “My eyes are awake…that I may meditate on Your word. Take time to purpose in your heart that when the cares of life press in, turn to God’s word.

RESH

  1. Revive me is repeated here 3 times. May the Lord speak to you in the deepest areas of your heart and revive you today!
  2. Revive– To return to life; to recover life. To recover new life or vigor; to be reanimated after depression. To recover from a state of neglect, oblivion, obscurity or depression.

SHIN

  1. Great peace! Do you have great peace? I pray today after studying this chapter you will see the Lord for how much He loves you! That God does have a plan and purpose for your life. His word is here to protect you and that you will be revived and fall in love with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

TAU

  1. What do you see here as the psalmist cry’s before the Lord that is different from verses 145-152?
  2. Sometimes we ask for the Lords help only when we have messed things up. In verse 173 what is the psalmist asking for?
  3. Did you know that God seeks for you when you go astray? Read Hebrews 7:25

Make Known His Faithfulness

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Psalm 89:1
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.”

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The words of this Psalm became the lyrics to a worship song we used to sing when I first began following Jesus. Whenever I read it my mind becomes flooded with memories. My early days of following Christ were filled with firsts. I can recall one of the first times I raised my hands in worship. I was in a room filled with teenagers who were singing and I simply reached up toward the ceiling as if I were attempting to get as much from God as He would possibly give. I recall another occasion when I knelt before the Lord for the first time. We were at a retreat and I was standing near the back when lifting my hands and it did not seem like enough of an expression of praise. I slipped away into the far corner of the room and knelt before the Lord as if to say “I am all Yours, Jesus.”

These expressions came out of a recognition of the mercy of God. I was coming to realize that I did not deserve anything from God, yet He was desiring to give me everything. The apostle Peter wrote that God will give us all things that pertain to life and godliness, Paul wrote that since God gave us His Son He would also freely give us all things.

As time passes I do not want my experiences of God to be distant memories. It is exciting to think back over the years and recall the amazing ways God has been faithful to me but the greatest joy is in knowing that He will continue to express His mercies in new ways each and every day that we choose to seek after Him.

Perhaps this morning is a good time to drop to your knees and lift your hands in praise to God for His mercy and His faithful love.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 89

The writer of this Psalm is Ethan. It was written after the fall of Jerusalem. Knowing the promises that were made to Israel, it was confusing to understand what God was doing, yet……

  1. Verse 1 “with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations”. How are you using your mouth? Are you proclaiming God’s goodness or complaining that things are not going the way you think they should?
  2. Declaring God’s wonders and faithfulness. When is the last time you took the advice from the heavens? Make a list…..declare it! God wants to do something in your life….today!
  3. Write down all the characteristics of God from verse 7-18. Did you realize how much God is on your side? How much He loves you?
  4. After quoting all of God’s promises, in verse 46 Ethan starts to question what is going on. Did you know that it was ok to question God about things in your life? What questions do you have for Him?
  5. After Ethan’s questions, how does he end his song? After you ask God questions, can you respond the same way?

Old Testament:
2 Kings 13- Crying Out
2 Kings 14- Secret Weapon
Psalm 90- Time Management

A Message For Moms

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Being a mom is among the greatest of all callings, but it is easy to forget our calling in the middle of the mundane day-to-day responsibilities that go hand in hand with parenting.
Perhaps a little bit of my story might prove to be helpful. Although, I have 4 sons who are grown and married, I want to take a few minutes to encourage the moms that are still in the thick of it. I remember when Jim and I were driving home from the hospital with our first son Nate and I started crying and said, “They didn’t even give me a manual- I have no idea what I’m doing.” I would say pretty much the same thing 31 years later. I often have said, “God didn’t give us a parenting manual because He wants us seeking Him.” Each child is so different and each life is so complex. One of mine and Jim’s favorite verses is from 2 chronicles 20:12 it says, “I don’t know what to do so my eyes are on you.” We have a God that loves us and our children so much that He wants us to Seek Him and He promises to lead us and instruct us.

Another one of my favorite verses is a promise found in Isaiah 54:13 says, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children.”
That verse gave me so much hope, because I knew that even when I fail, the Lord was there teaching and speaking to my children. I can say He has been so faithful to do this.

I know as a mother one of our greatest weaknesses is fear. We could literally worry and be afraid of everything, Afraid that they wont be tall enough, happy enough, smart enough, afraid of what they’re eating or not eating, afraid of them dating, driving or what they will hear at school or see on their phones. It seems that there are so many things to fear in this world.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

In a recent sermon my oldest son Nate stated, “Fear is going to call but it’s not for you and it’s not from God.” This is because God has not given us the spirit of fear. When we are afraid it should cause us to turn to the Lord and seek Him in prayer.

Keep in mind that the Lord loves your children even more than you do and desires to strengthen you and to speak to them. We want to set a pattern for our children where they learn to find rest in the Lord, strength in Him and to go to Him when in need. We don’t want to walk in fear, but in the goodness, strength and peace of God.

A few years ago, before all my boys got married, I was half praying and half thinking. I prayed that the Lord would help me to be a better mom, a better wife, I prayed I would be more organized and keep my house cleaner, I prayed I would be a better Bible teacher and then I blurted out, “Lord I want to be perfect.” I wonder if you have ever felt that way? I just want to be perfect. Have it all together.

Just then I felt the Lord speak to my heart, “if you were perfect you wouldn’t need me.”

God is not looking for perfection He is looking for us to be needy, to look to Him and lean upon Him. He loves to help those in need. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Parenting keeps us in need and should keep us coming to Jesus. We don’t know what we are doing, but our eyes are on Him.

If there is a secret to motherhood that secret is in realizing that we cannot do it alone but that all we need is found in Jesus. It is in God’s word that He speaks to us. Make it a practice to call upon the Lord and look into His word for wisdom, strength, direction, patience and anything else you may need. He is so faithful!

Blessings,

Kristie Gallagher

Eternal Life

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John 5:21
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

This is amazing! Jesus promises to give life. It is always tragic to watch people killing themselves, in an attempt to find life. Our country, our world, our communities, even many of our homes, are plagued with substance abuse, as people search for life. We seem to have an epidemic of extreme sports, with people risking life in order to experience life. All the while, Jesus is promising to give it away freely to any who will come to Him.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from            death into life.”

The life Jesus offers not only gives meaning to living, but is the only way to prepare for death. All of us are on a journey, and that journey will take us through the gateway of death, face to face with the one true God.

John 5:29 “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

No matter what road you choose to walk in life, the end of that road will take you to the throne of God. If you choose to reject God for a certain lifestyle, or even denounce the existence of God, you will still find yourself standing before the throne of God, awaiting the sentence of eternity. There is only one way to prepare for that day, that is by receiving Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that as many as believe in Him, will have the privilege of becoming the children of God, and as children, become heirs of eternal life (John1:12). Sadly, even at the time of Christ we read,

John 5:40 “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

I pray that is not true of you! I pray you will come to Him and receive purpose, meaning, value in living, and the free gift of eternal life.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 5

  1. How many sick people were at the Pool of Bethesda?  Why were they there?
  2. What were some of the diseases that they were dealing with?  How do you think this affected their lives?  Did Jesus heal all of them?
  3. How long was the man with infirmity afflicted with his disease?
  4. How did he respond when Jesus asked him if He wanted to be made well?  Would you say that he was hopeful or had given up hope?
  5. The Jews told the man that it was unlawful for him to carry his bed on the Sabbath, but no such law exists in the Scripture.  They were elevating their laws to the level of God’s, and making God’s real laws of no consequence.  This is called legalism.  What was some of the fruit of legalism in the Pharisees life?
  6. Compare verses 16 and 18.  Why were the Jews seeking to kill Jesus?
  7. From verse 17 through the end of the chapter Jesus gives insight into the nature of His relationship with the Father, and truly “He was making Himself equal with God.”  What are some of the attributes of God that Jesus possesses?
  8. Read verses 38-40.  What is the end purpose of all Bible study?

Old Testament:
Numbers 27- Supernatural Selection
Numbers 28- Morning And Evenings

New Opportunities

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Luke 2:37
“This woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”

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Sometimes, we wonder if our lives could ever really make a difference. We see others who are being used by God, and we think, “of course God uses them, they are so…” But when it comes to us, we think, “God can’t use me because…”

I think Anna is a great example, as well as a source of encouragement. We all know, as we age, the body breaks down. We are not able to do some of the things we did when we were younger. That is true of us and it was true of Anna. I love, that instead of regretting what she could not do, Anna found a way to effectively serve the Lord. She fasted, prayed and hung out around the temple. What a source of encouragement it would be for those coming to the temple, to always see this woman. She was a landmark. Just being there would afford her great opportunities to serve the Lord, and be a blessing to others. We read,

“She spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption. . .” Luke 2:38

I think of Jesus’ words to the church of Philadelphia,

“See I have set before you an open door, . . .” Revelation 3:8

I believe that is true for each of us. What door is open right in front of you? Instead of looking at all the ways we cannot serve the Lord, let’s determine we will look for the ways we can serve. Let’s keep our eyes open for any door that cracks open, and push through it to speak of Him to those who are searching for redemption.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 2 

  1. Bethlehem is also known in the Bible as the city of_____________?
  2. The shepherds set for us a good example when they made widely known the message of Jesus coming.   In what ways could you make the message of Jesus known to those around you?
  3. Simeon’s response to seeing Jesus was the response that we should have. It was a response of praise and worship.   In his personal worship he declares that salvation through Jesus was prepared for ______________?
  4. What is the key word in that answer?
  5. Now turn to John 3:16.   We see who the gospel is for, but what is the key for one to have everlasting life?
  6. What was Anna known as?
  7. What was Anna’s response to seeing Jesus?
  8. Every year Joseph and Mary went where?
  9. How long was Jesus separated from his parents when He was in Jerusalem?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 1-Sweet Aroma
Leviticus 2- Leaven
Leviticus 3- Confession

He Will Sing

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Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

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This verse is packed with promises. Each line provides the child of God with another source of comfort and strength. These promises will prove to be an antidote to worry, fear, loneliness and despair.

“The Lord your God is in your midst”

Look around, wherever you might find yourself God promises to be with you. The psalmist declared that it is impossible to flee from the presence of God. We find both Jonah and the prodigal son testing this concept. No matter how far they ran or carefully they hid they found it impossible to shake the presence of the Lord. Although you might not see, hear or feel Him, God promises to be with you in the midst of whatever situation you find yourself.

“The Mighty One will save”

God promises not to be a passive observer but active participant in the challenging seasons of life. Zephaniah declares that it is the Lord Himself who will be mighty to save. The word save means to deliver. God has no rival or equal. He stands above all creation and wields His might over every situation. His children have seen seas part, walls fall and provision come miraculously from heaven’s throne. God stands in the midst of the circumstances His children face with the purpose of providing deliverance. His first objective is of course our salvation from sin but He also promises to deliver from the threats we are facing and the trials that seem to consume us.

“He will quiet you with His love”

Another translation reads, “With his love, he will calm all your fears.” Life is scary. When we are young it is the tree branch banging against the window or a shadow in the hallway that fills our hearts with dread. As we age the threats become much more ominous and real. Instead of crying out in the night for our parents we can take shelter under the protective wings of the Love of God. The zenith of His love was expressed on the cross but expressions of that love are available to us daily. When our circumstances lead us to cry out to God, His love beckons Him to our side to quiet or fears and fill us with His comforting peace.

“He will rejoice over you with gladness”

“He will rejoice over you with singing”

Thousands of songs have been written to express love and gratitude to God for who He is and what He has done. One of the great benefits of the weekly gathering of the church is to express corporately in song our love for God. We sing of His grace, mercy, kindness, provision and power but Zephaniah declares that we are not the only one singing. God is also a songwriter and the subject of His love song is His children. I can only imagine what a bellowing voice the God of heaven must have. When He opens His mouth and begins to rejoice over you with a song the heavens themselves must shake under the sway of His powerful voice.

Whatever today holds, don’t forget who it is that is holding you. You don’t have to climb a mountain or make a pilgrimage to find Him. He is in your midst and mighty to save.

Pastor Jim

Complaints

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Job 10:1
“My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.”

Even a casual reading of the book of Job will reveal that this man is enduring intense suffering. His pain is both physical and emotional and has been intensified by he accusations and attacks he received from those he presumed to be his friends. It seems like Job has reached the boiling point and cannot endure it any longer. Under the pressure of his circumstances he determines to “Give free course to his compliant.” In other words, the guardrails are being removed and Job is giving himself license to freely complain about his circumstances.

While we can empathize  and even relate to Job we also understand that complaining about what is going on will not bring about any positive changes in him or his circumstances. We know that complaining will get his eyes off the Lord and will cause him to be even more fixated upon his trials. We know that complaining will act like a fog, affecting all those who are around him and will cause others to want to avoid being with him. We know that complaining even has the ability to infect others and turn a people of faith into a people of doubt and discouragement.

It is important that we do not let circumstances determine how we will live but determine to trust and honor God regardless of what is thrown our way. Even if you are surrounded with hardship, be sure not to give free course to your complaint but instead replace murmuring with rejoicing and fix your eyes upon the Lord.

Jim

 

Great Opportunities 

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1 Samuel 22:1-2
“David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.”

1 Samuel 23:3
“But David’s men said to him, ‘Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?””

Perhaps you have heard stories about the heroics of the men who aligned themselves with David. They are often referred to as his “Mighty Men.” This is a fair description for many of them since they went on to accomplish great exploits in the furtherance of the kingdom and in its defense from enemies both inside and out.

That being said, it is important to note that these men did not start out mighty. Our first introduction to them is quite discouraging. We learn their characters were somewhat questionable, and they lacked any real faith to step out and serve the Lord. It was not where they started that defined them, as much as, where they ended up. It was the fact that they stepped into battle while filled with trepidation, that made them into the mighty men God used to forge the nation.

All of us have both opportunity and obstacles in the path before us. The question is whether we will trust the sufficiency of the Lord or if we will cower behind our inabilities. If we choose to step into the obstacle in the power of the Spirit of God, we will find victory that will forge us into one of His mighty men.

Years ago, I commented to a friend about the exploits of a man that God was using in a unique and tremendous way. He seemed to always be right in the midst of grand opportunities, and trying circumstances. I said, “It is amazing how these things always seem to happen to him.” Another man, who knew him much better, replied, “They do not ‘happen to him,” but he goes and looks for them”. I thought, how strange it was that while I try to avoid difficulty, he was looking for it, stepping into it, and finding huge opportunity to point many to Christ.

Let’s let our circumstances forge us into mighty men and women, who have chosen to be involved in furthering the kingdom of Christ.

Pastor Jim

 

New Song 

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Exodus 15:1
“Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying: . . .”

After experiencing the work of the Lord, Moses led Israel in a song of praise. This song is a beautiful example of worship. Moses begins by giving God praise for the thing He has done, moves on to worship, for who God is, and ends by looking at the road ahead, in light of what God has accomplished in the past. He begins,

“I will sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!”

The victory wrought by the Lord seemed impossible. Israel was a band of construction workers traveling with their families, while the Egyptians were men of war. Their soldiers wore iron clad armor and rode in chariots in pursuit of Israel. Things looked bleak until God stepped in.

Exodus 15:4-5

“Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.
The depths have covered them;
They sank to the bottom like a stone”

The armor, worn by the soldiers, was designed to instill fear in Israel. This same armor was the reason they drowned in the sea. God turned an impossible situation into a great victory for His people; causing the heart of Moses to burst forth in praise.

Exodus 15:11

“Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?”

After seeing the work of God, Moses reflected on all he had seen, and realized no one could be compared to the Lord. His actions toward man confirmed that He stood above all the false gods, who are merely the creations of man’s imagination. God chose, redeemed, and delivered Israel from the armies of Egypt, all because of His greatness. Israel must realize that while they are fickle and will sway with their emotions, God is the unchanging One, who will always keep His covenant.

Exodus 15:16

“Fear and dread will fall on them;
By the greatness of Your arm
They will be as still as a stone,
Till Your people pass over, O Lord,
Till the people pass over
Whom You have purchased.”

As Moses looked at the road ahead, he was confident that no matter what obstacle they faced, they would overcome, because God was with them. He saw the enemies, encountered as their journey continued, filled with fear, at the God who parts seas. He saw the inheritance promised to Israel realized, all because of the power of God.

We spend too much time looking at our problems, and too little time looking up at our God. If He truly is the sea-parting God Moses knew Him to be, what obstacle in our lives is too great for Him to overcome? Let’s spend more time looking back at His faithfulness, and up at His person, as we move into what our future holds.

Pastor Jim

Ready?

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Zechariah 14:1
“Behold, the day of the Lord is coming…”

Paul Revere is famous for warning the the colonial militia of the coming of the British army, before the battles of Lexington and Concord. He actually helped establish an intelligence and alarm system designed to prepare the colonies for the movements of the British troops. A good warning system will help us prepare for what is coming. We may never know how many lives were saved by the efforts of men like Revere.

Zechariah is seeking to warn us of an event far more important than the movements of British forces. He warns us of the coming day of the Lord. This is a Biblical reference to end time events. It includes the rapture of the church and the return of Christ. Zechariah reminds us of this event, the question is, what have you done to prepare for it?

Jesus told two stories designed to help us prepare for His return. The first starred ten bridesmaids, who were awaiting the coming of the groom. Five of the women prepared by filling their lamps with oil. Five failed to prepare. The application is simple, we need to be ready for Christ to come. We prepare by being filled, not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit. We are filled with the Spirit when we believe that Christ died for our sins, and we receive the forgiveness He offers. Jesus told a second story. This one starred three men, each of whom was given a sum of money to invest, as they awaited the return of their king. One of the men failed to make investments out of fear of doing the wrong thing. When the king returned, this man was rebuked. Again, the application is not complicated. Those who have trusted Christ need to invest their time, talents, and treasures, in eternal things.

The day of the Lord is coming whether we are ready for it or not. However, we can be ready, first by receiving Christ, then by living to make investments in eternity. We spend so much time worrying about earthly treasures that wear out, but often neglect to invest in things that will last for eternity.

Pastor Jim