The Rock of Discipleship

 

Luke 14 :26,27  26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

The Holy Bible : King James Version.

Let me give you a little "back light" on today's reading. A good first century Jew would have to memorize all The Law and The prophets by the age of 13. The better you did in the "Basic" schooling, the better Rabbinical school you could get into. The best and the brightest Received the very best Rabbi as teacher. It is much easier to get into Harvard or Yale, than to be taught by the very best Rabbi. You would spend all your days following him around listening and writing down everything he said. To insure that there was no mistake in what you would hear, you would follow as closely as possible, so closely in fact, that by the end of the day a student would be covered with the dust from his teacher’s feet.

That is the picture Christ had in mind when he said "Follow Me". Disciples must love each other. (John 13:34,35) By doing so, the world will know who our "Rabbi" is. It is never a life of extravagance, more likely it will be one typified by basic needs being met.(Mat. 8:18 to 20) It is a life, if lived according to the scripture, will run opposite of and very often it will clash with the world we must forsake, yet serve others in. This is best seen in the life of Paul. It is a life of service to both friend and foe, as typified by Christ. It is a life of evangelizing, sharing Jesus with a world that is blind to its very own needs. (Mat 4:19)

It is the greatest job I have ever known. A job like no other calling, that is the most rewarding roll I have ever had because We Serve Jesus, the Lord of all. He will always have work for you and true disciples are in short supply. It is a key link in the triangle of Discipleship, Lordship and Loyalty. Chiefly it is a mandate from Jesus himself.( Mat. 28:19 ) Go into ALL the World, make Disciples of all nations. It is a Rock of the King and Kingdom we serve. Let us Pray:

Father thank you for always being there. Help us to realize that we need to let go of all the things and people around us and place you first and foremost in our lives. We want the dust from your feet to cover us as we follow you and then go out to teach those in the world about you. We want to be the best disciples that we can be for you. Help us be that for you. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.  

What do YOU think of the Son?

 

2nd Samuel 22:2,3  And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; thou saves me from violence.

The Holy Bible : King James Version.

 

My Sr. Pastor shared this story and I wanted to do so as well. There was once a very wealthy art collector. He had a vast collection filled with The Dutch Master and The Italian Masters. A collection of vast value. This man was a widower with only 1 son. The son was taken as a P.O.W.  The son was not badly injured, but there were others who were much worse off. The Son befriended one certain prisoner. They were constant encouragement to each other. After a time the son took ill. His friend tried as best he could, but the son slipped away. The other prisoner was an amateur artist, and painted a picture of the son. After he was liberated he mailed the painting to the father.

The father loved the painting. It was far from the standards that the collector was use to but it was his Son, a final thing of him. The Old man loved and cherished it till his last day. After his death an auction was held for the vast collection. The first item up for bid was the painting of the son. The auctioneer started the bidding at $1000 dollars. Not one bid was made. The price fell time and time again. Finally, someone bid a dollar. With that the gavel fell. "Sold" said the auctioneer. "That concludes the auction". Those gathered were in an uproar. "What of the master works?" they asked.

The auctioneer simply said, "Whoever has the son, has it all."

I want to ask you a question today. What do you think of the Christ? (Matt 22:42) Was he simply a good man? A Gifted teacher? Our example? The Messiah or Christ? Is he Lord of all? A few days ago I said, "Loyalty to Christ must be linked with Lordship". There is a third link in that chain or triangle and that is discipleship. Remove one and the rest collapse. To be a loyal disciple, he must be Lord. To call him Lord, you must be a loyal disciple. If we truly love him, we must be willing to forsake all including ourselves and lay it all at the foot of the cross. We must be willing to tell him "All that I am, all that I have, everything I give to you". "Do with me, your bond servant as you will." What do YOU think of The Son? How you answer that question will determine your eternal destination and you will be confronted with that 3 link chain. How are you going to answer? Let us pray:

My Lord, my master and my God. To be named as one of those who are called by your name, is all I desire in this life. What is to come in Glory can not be compared to the trials of this life. I am yours. Yours to direct and use as YOU see fit. I am not my own, I have been bought with a price only you could pay. Help us all to live as your servants should. For no other reason than to bring Glory to you. In Jesus’ Holy name and for his sake, Amen.

The Rock of the Bible

 

 

Heb, 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Holy Bible : King James Version.

 

How much time do you spend in the word? Reading it, applying its truths to your heart and life? Be honest with yourself. This is shocking but the average time spent reading the bible by Christians WEEKLY is only 52 minutes. Only 52 minutes spent with God each week. That is a sad fact. John 1, tells us the Word, the eternal Word was Jesus. Did you know that the word "Word" in John 1:1 is the same word: word used in our reading today? It is the Greek word logos. You can not separate the Word from the word. Time spent reading and studying the bible is time spent with Jesus. To neglect the reading and study of the bible is to neglect Jesus.

Let us look at it another way. You are married. You believe it is a happy one. You don't communicate much. You don't invest time in learning your spouse’s likes, dislikes and desires for your future together. Would you be surprised to learn that your spouse is NOT happy in the marriage and feels neglected? Yet many Christians walk their walk with the Savior with blinders on believing Jesus is good with the arrangement. Here is a tip – He is not!

 

The Word is to be the very breath of a Christian. It is to be considered more valuable then the purest Silver (Psalms 12:6). It is (As Christ is) our truest guide and teacher. (Psalm 119 all). It is what the Holy Spirit uses when he recalls the matters of Christ as you need them to "Give an answer for your Hope". It is to live in you RICHLY; to be used to teach and admonish each other. We are to use it in songs, hymns and spiritual songs to encourage others and worship God. (Col. 3:16) It is our comfort in time of struggle. It is a large part of how we decide if an action or activity is pleasing to God. Its study is our best defense (Eph. 6:15), as well as our only weapon for attacking the enemy. (Eph.6:17)

So often today we hear people say "The Holy Spirit is my only teacher". The Holy Spirit teaches by making the word alive to us and applying it to our hearts. He is Never meant to be your sole teacher and is not to be a substitution for studying the word. We must verify any revelation, whether  it is from me, your Pastor or anyone, by going to the word, as the Berean Church did in Acts.(Heb. 4:12,13) The Holy Spirit sheds divine light on the word and opens our eyes and ears for true understanding. The Holy Spirit will never guide beyond scripture and will NEVER contradict the bible. Studying the Bible is Gods chosen method for the seeding and growth of our hearts (2nd Tim. 2:15) and Gods main method for knowing truth from falsehood.

The Bible, Gods Word, is our true rock and foundation that our lives are to be built on.(Mat. 7:24) Let us Pray:

 

Lord, Your word just amazes us. It is truly the light and lap of our lives. Thank you for the Bible. We so often neglect its study for this we seek your forgiveness. We don't want to be slack, but we want to know you and there is no better way than prayer and study. Thank You for revealing yourself to us. Getting to know you through it is our goal, so we can in turn share Jesus with others. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Treasure!

 

 

Mat. 6:21 to 23   

21 Your heart will be where your treasure is.

22 “The eye is a light for the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. And if the only light you have is really darkness, then you have the worst darkness.

The Everyday Bible : New Century Version.

 

What counts.

 My best friend was telling me earlier about a TV show she was watching. It was about people who are addicted to sweepstakes. Contests, people getting addicted to the winning and the greed that motivates them. Got me thinking more about our motivation, what drives us and the input we have.

Today's verse speaks of the eye gate. There is a cause and effect relationship between our value system and Gods revelation in our lives. If our treasure, the thing we value above all, is in line with Gods perspectives, our deeds will be pleasing to God. The reverse of that is just as true. If we think from a selfish perspective, the results will be anything but pleasing to God.

Our Motivations as Christians should be to bring Glory to God. To zealously lift Christ up so he can draw others to himself, NEVER ourselves or our perspectives on a subject even if it is a scriptural topic. How we see a biblical concept is meaningless, what matters is that it is true to Gods intent. There is only 1 true interpretation of a scriptural concept HOWEVER there are millions of applications.

The deeds, our works done for Gods Glory are our treasures. They are an offering of a sweet savor, when our minds and intentions are "For God and God alone". Always keeping in minds our motivations are key to God finding them acceptable. What is the treasure? There are many answers to that. The Holy Spirit is a treasure (2nd Cor 4:7) Our reading is speaking of our deeds and our reward, kept for us in Heaven.(Mat 5:12 ) The value is assigned by God and what the difference is between a "Gold" and a "Silver" reward (1st Cor .3 12 to 15) I can not say, but they are/will be tested by God. That is a certainty. However our Zeal for King and Kingdom is what places them into Gods hands for safe keeping. Let us Pray:

 

Father thank you for being our treasure in heaven. Help us to remove ourselves from the material ways of this world and to know that all we truly need is kept by you for us in our lives with you. Help us to shine our light for you and not allow the darkness that can be all consuming take us over. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Resolution : Glory

 

 

1st Cor.10:31
³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

^[1]Psalm 69:9 

Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.

So have you made your resolutions for the New Year? Maybe you did and you already broke them. I thought we all may want a worth while one, one that will reap eternal rewards. 1st Cor.10:31 reminds us. "What ever you do, do it for Gods Glory." That doesn't sound hard, does it? It is not the cake walk you may think. I'm not talking about dedicating an action to God, like your dedicating a building, I am talking about doing a deed that has been laid on your heart for no other reason than to give all the Glory to God. Not grudgingly, not in false humility, but from a heart felt desire to give God the complete spot light.
The whole concept makes you examine why you do what you do as an act of service. It is easier to look at your place in a ministry activity and say, "I'm doing this because those who benefit from this will thank God". The truth is, only a very small percentage will bother to say thanks to you, let alone God. So we have to go deeper, to the core of your motivation. One to One . Just you and God. I'm talking about the concept of ZEAL. "Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me."(Psalm 69:9) Most people associate that verse with Christ in the temple, however it makes a great test for our motivations for service. What do you feel when you see a self seeking brother or sister step into the spot light that God so richly deserves? Better still when someone receives an award of some kind and from their heart praises God?
That is ZEAL. The feeling that wells up in your chest when hear some atheist blaspheming the Savior. ZEAL. A blend of righteous indignation and the feeling that you would rather have them call you anything, but not God. Now that's motivation for your service to God! If we love the Lord, It is our truest motivation. Here is a thought: If you find it bothersome, just too much work. If you are a Christian, you are going to be doing it for all eternity, so why not start now. Make it your New Years resolution. Here is the kicker: Those who will try it, are likely to fail at it. And that's completely OK because no one is perfect and God "Giveth more Grace". Our attempts will be a tangible demonstration of the depth of our devotion. To God be ALL glory, forever and ever. May he reign in your hearts this New Year. Let us pray:

Lord, Help us this year and all years to come to seek YOUR Glory is all the things we do. You are so worthy my God. Thank You for your Grace. Your loving kindness towards us. We thank You that you are a forgiving teacher, patient and true. Guide us this year as we humbly serve you our King. In Jesus’ Name and for your Glory, Amen.

Dried up

 

Psalm 87 all
Psalm 42 all

A Psalm or Song for the sons^a of Korah.

¹ His foundation is in the holy mountains. ² The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. ³ Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

⁴ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. ⁵ And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. ⁶ The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. ⁷ As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

 
Have you ever felt dried up? A picture of a dried, cracked mud plain comes to mind. It can happen to anyone, most in fact. I was experiencing one for a time. As a Preacher, I say it is dry messages, a feeling of distance. I prayed for God to search me for some unknown sin or wrong attitude but his Spirit revealed nothing. I dug deeper in the word, prayed more but no change?
"As the deer pants by the water brook, so pants my soul for you O God." In a moment of despair a friend reminded me of the rivers we are, refreshing the lives of others. Then when God had my mind going in the right direction, he spoke through a devotion. When we are reborn we put on the new man and the old passes away. However, we are left with natural virtues, skills and abilities. The Holy Spirit does not build on these to use them at some later time. They are fragments of what Adam lost in the fall of man, nothing more. God wants to wither them, not build on them, because they are areas of False confidences. This must happen so we can learn to draw in the inexhaustible reservoir of Christ. He is the river or springs of refreshment, not our own skill set. These are the springs spoken of in today's reading. "He must increase and I (natural virtues included) must decrease. (John 3:30) It is an absolute sign that God is performing a work in you when out confidence in those natural virtues erode, wither and die because we are left with nothing to count on except Jesus, which should have been our first action! It brings us into harmony with the life giving power of Christ in us. "He will exhibit in us the virtues of Christ" (Oswald Chambers)
Are you feeling dried up, used up and empty? Glad to hear it! Let us pray:

My Father and my God, Thank you for the lesson of the dried up heart. Lord apply it to my heart, that it would not be forgotten. May it always be available to us that by its application we can remain planted by the streams of life renewing water that flow from the very throne of Christ. That we may be refreshed in this bare, dry and thirsty land. That we may serve you with vigor and vitality. You are the very air we breathe. Fall fresh on us. In Jesus’ name and for his sake we pray, Amen.

 

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New Year Wishes

 

 

1st Thes.3:11 thru13
¹¹ Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. ¹² And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: ¹³ To the end he may establish your hearts UN-blameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints

What are you Goals for this new year? Resolutions? Like most, I do. Today's reading captures mine. Those I write to or for have become a family, a congregation of sorts. What ever you want to call it, I live with the loving burden to see that all of us, myself included, live as close to the cross as we possibly can. It is as Paul says my desire to see everyone increase and abound in love. You can never separate loyalty to Christ and Lordship. Lordship is positional. It is the way I pray we are "Minded" to God. It may be overly simplistic, but he is the boss, we do as he directs. It may be an act of faith at first, but then God will make the wisdom of humbly following; his direction clear. When we dwell in him we are set free to Love. We are free to love as Christ loves us. Jesus said the commandments are summed up in this, “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:34 to 40)
Holiness is not only being separate for Gods use, but a lifestyle of purity and clean living. We should live a lifestyle that shows we are not only his, but one filled with Joy. Joy to be saved, joy at the fact that we are his. A lifestyle of Pure Joy. Perhaps that is my true wish for you today. I wish you Joy. Pure, sanctified Joy and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Let us pray:

Lord, today we are celebrating a New Year. A day to contemplate the new and to break with the past. This is our plea this day. That we may draw closer to you. To live in the shadow of your cross every day. It is my prayer that there would be Joy for all as you increase in Christ and decrease in yourselves. More of You and less of me. We are the tools, you are the master craftsmen. Work us into your image. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

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