"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" Matthew 7:13,14
Have you ever had to make a hard decision? What did it feel like? Was it gut wrenching? Did it cause you to second guess your decision? We all have had to make a decision of course, and each one felt like the hardest thing ever until we reach another thats harder. Our decisions include where to go to college, what to study, what career I want to go into. Then relationships come around and those present difficult decisions. Should we go out? Do his\her parents like me? Is he\she the one, should we marry? Harder and harder the decisions can become. We want to make sure what we do is correct. Most importantly does the decision line up with what God wants.
The scripture taken from Matthew talks about a road, that road is our lives. Its full of decisions. While traveling down that road, God lays out His standards. We have to decide if we are going to follow or not. Thats only part of it. THEN we have follow through with the decision 100%. I stated in a previous blog that God doesn't like lukewarm Christians, Rev 3:16 says "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." So we have to follow what scripture says. (Let me add that I am not legalistic, only by the Blood of Jesus are we saved. There is no work we can do that will get us in or keep us in Heaven.) Thats where things get difficult.
Verse 14 says "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" When the Lord shows you something in scripture and you grasp it, you have no alternative but to follow it. If you do not, the Holy Spirit will convict you HARD! This is something I am learning more and more daily. It makes decisions harder. You have to decide if you are going to listen to this music, watch that movie, hang out with these people. The list goes on and on. I am seeing fully now what it means by "there will be few who find it". People don't want to make the tough decisions because it might hurt feelings, might lose a friend, might cause others to think you are so different that you are cast out of a group. Let me tell you, if you have come to the conclusion that God said and meant it, you have nothing to fret over, those who reject what God has shown are the ones who have answers to give.
Its a Difficult road, the life of a true Christian. When you begin seeing how you are to live your life, the decisions get harder. Just know that God is there, Jesus at His right hand, ready to hear your prayers. I had to make a tough decision just yesterday, but it was one that had to be made. I'll be glad to share it if asked. I want others to see what we need to be doing as followers of Christ. We are playing too much, time is getting short. We need to get busy on the narrow road.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
They are Searching
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matt. 7:24-27
The above passage is pretty much self-explanatory. For the believers, who have built their life's foundation on the Holy, Unchanging, promises of God, and follow Him, their lives will stand STRONG. For those non-believers, who have built their lives on the world that is constantly changing and constantly wicked, their lives will CRUMBLE. God says this world will not last forever, but Heaven will be forever. Thats not the point of this blog.
I like to watch Worship videos and other Christian videos on YOUTUBE and I become more intrigued at what I see in the comments section. There are Christians typing praises to God for helping them, how the theme of the video touched their lives, or how they enjoy the gifts God has given a particular artist. You would think a Christian video would be fully of Christianity. But there is another group that post on there. The non-believers, who are looking to stir the pot. Get Christians to argue so they can confuse those who are not solid in their faith. When I read the above passage, I thought about how these non-believers fit into it.
The non-believers are searching for something. They see Christians and how we live so securely, yet because they have built their lives on the world, they can't understand it. So, as humans do, they put pride in the way and attack those who are prosperous. You see all the time people who are successful how quickly the less successful people begin to try and find fault in them, to make them feel better. We Christians are prosperous, we have inherited the kingdom of God. We have it all! The non-believers do not. So what do the non-believers want to do, they start finding the faults, to find that happy place for themselves. Sadly for them, as the above passage says, unless they build their lives upon the foundation of Christ, their lives will be forever crumbling, because the world will continue to change and rot away.
We as Christians need to continue to be strong in the foundation of Christ, those who are becoming believers need to see the strength of God's foundation. The more these non-believers see it, the more they will come to believe. We know not all will accept Christ, but we must believe that they will. Never know who you might see come to Christ!
Don't know if this rambling makes sense, but it does to me. Maybe it was meant for me!
The above passage is pretty much self-explanatory. For the believers, who have built their life's foundation on the Holy, Unchanging, promises of God, and follow Him, their lives will stand STRONG. For those non-believers, who have built their lives on the world that is constantly changing and constantly wicked, their lives will CRUMBLE. God says this world will not last forever, but Heaven will be forever. Thats not the point of this blog.
I like to watch Worship videos and other Christian videos on YOUTUBE and I become more intrigued at what I see in the comments section. There are Christians typing praises to God for helping them, how the theme of the video touched their lives, or how they enjoy the gifts God has given a particular artist. You would think a Christian video would be fully of Christianity. But there is another group that post on there. The non-believers, who are looking to stir the pot. Get Christians to argue so they can confuse those who are not solid in their faith. When I read the above passage, I thought about how these non-believers fit into it.
The non-believers are searching for something. They see Christians and how we live so securely, yet because they have built their lives on the world, they can't understand it. So, as humans do, they put pride in the way and attack those who are prosperous. You see all the time people who are successful how quickly the less successful people begin to try and find fault in them, to make them feel better. We Christians are prosperous, we have inherited the kingdom of God. We have it all! The non-believers do not. So what do the non-believers want to do, they start finding the faults, to find that happy place for themselves. Sadly for them, as the above passage says, unless they build their lives upon the foundation of Christ, their lives will be forever crumbling, because the world will continue to change and rot away.
We as Christians need to continue to be strong in the foundation of Christ, those who are becoming believers need to see the strength of God's foundation. The more these non-believers see it, the more they will come to believe. We know not all will accept Christ, but we must believe that they will. Never know who you might see come to Christ!
Don't know if this rambling makes sense, but it does to me. Maybe it was meant for me!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Christians
I know its been awhile since I posted a blog, but had a quick word to share! Enjoy!
At work, our building likes to do something called, "The Word of the Day". Everyone gives a positive word for everyone else to think about. Some say something silly and others quote a deep statement from someone in the past. I tend to make mine Biblical. This morning I had planned on sharing a scripture, but it was more a message for a person in the building about how they acted. I instead changed it to another quote I had heard years before. It still fit the message I wanted to get out towards the one person, yet was a message all those Christians present could think about.
The quote was paraphrased as "The single greatest cause of unbelief in Christ are Christians, they acknowledge Him with their lips but deny Him by their lifestyle." If we are ever going to win the lost to Christ we MUST start living as Christ would have us! Why would a non-Christian want what we have if we live no different than them! Just some food for thought!
At work, our building likes to do something called, "The Word of the Day". Everyone gives a positive word for everyone else to think about. Some say something silly and others quote a deep statement from someone in the past. I tend to make mine Biblical. This morning I had planned on sharing a scripture, but it was more a message for a person in the building about how they acted. I instead changed it to another quote I had heard years before. It still fit the message I wanted to get out towards the one person, yet was a message all those Christians present could think about.
The quote was paraphrased as "The single greatest cause of unbelief in Christ are Christians, they acknowledge Him with their lips but deny Him by their lifestyle." If we are ever going to win the lost to Christ we MUST start living as Christ would have us! Why would a non-Christian want what we have if we live no different than them! Just some food for thought!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Seasons of Change
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
"Everything happens for a reason", we have heard that quote many many times. Its used practically everywhere. For Christians it has a deeper meaning. Not just that something happens because something else is going to happen. Its God, HIMSELF, placing His hands in the middle of our lives and molding us for something great!
This morning God did just that in Victory Missionary Baptist Church. Our pastor, Sam Higgs, announced his resignation this morning following the service. For almost 7 years he lead Victory out of some very trying times and during his leading saw around 500 people come to Christ through various programs and services. Those were wonderful seasons, seasons to rejoice! But now Victory enters into a new season, a season of sadness and almost a "gut-check". This season can last as long as WE allow it. God has plans for Victory, what those are no one can say for sure, but as long as we allow God to have total control we know it will be GREAT!
Psalm 30:5 "..... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"
Joy WILL come in the morning! My God doesn't lie!
p.s. Remember Bro. Sam and his family as they adjust to the position God has given him!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Bible, hide its word in your heart, you might not have it one day!
" Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11
Recently I was ask to teach the Wednesday night teen class, with little time to prep, I decided to ask those there some basic stuff about the Bible. I first asked them if they know all the books of the Bible, they knew some of them, but not all. Then I asked what their favorite scripture was, and I was happy to hear some had one while some didn't know have an answer. Then I asked how often they read scripture, sadly they all said they don't read at all, or just when things go bad.
That brought the future to mind. I explained to the teens that one day we may not have a Bible to turn to when we are in times of trouble. Jesus told His disciples that the world would hate those who follow Him. We are already seeing more and more persecution every day. God, Jesus, prayer, and anything holy to God is being taken away or forgotten by those who do not believe in or trust in Him. So it is reasonable to think that one day The Bible will be "outlawed".
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Who Do You Follow?
" And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
Am I following the world? Am I following God? Am I following a lot of the world and a little of God? Am I following a little of the world and a lot of God?
These questions should be apart of our everyday thought process. When you wake up in the morning you should make a decision on who you will devote yourself to. As Christians we probably say I will follow you God, but within a few moments or hours we have got to following a little of the world and a lot of God, then by days end many are thinking little about God and a lot about this world.
Where we work, what we listen to, what we watch, who we hang around will determine the answers to those questions. Its saddening to see professed Christians daily compromising their faith and beliefs to satisfy those whom they are around. That compromise eventually leads them to saying the wrong things to those who are lost or living in a way that turn the lost from Christ. I read a lot of internet articles and when I stumble upon an article with religious implications, I begin to browse comments left by readers. There are many professed Christians who begin posting compromised statements about abortion, homosexuality, vulgarity, and mocking or taking God's name in vain. Just this past week I read an article about a proposed show on Comedy Central titled "JC" that is basically a mockery of Christ and God, and while I wasn't shocked it was still sad to see many "Christians" telling other Christians that "its just a show", "God has a sense of Humor" and other remarks that showed their indifference. Revelation 3:16 came to mind where Jesus said "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." The world is tearing Christians a part, the more we conform to the world the more lukewarm we become.
Recently in a sermon, my pastor, Bro. Sam Higgs made a wonderful, yet sad analogy of Christians and the world. Using the pulpit as God, his right first as Christians and left fist as the world, he explained how God never changes, and Christians are staying just far enough away from the world to keep out of it. YET the world is constantly moving away from God and the Christians are still staying the same distance from the world. As he took several steps to his left the analogy showed that we Christians are getting further and further from our God, because we want to keep dabbling our finger in the world.
Who are you following today? The opening passage gives us the key to living a life God has for us. Why do we keep getting more and more into the world? Why not seperate from it. While it can be hard to just be in the world, it isn't impossible. If we put all we are and have into God's call on our lives, we can accomplish it. Others are watching and waiting for Christians to mess up, and boy have we done it. Its time to change the perception and really start living for HIM. The return of Christ is closer than anyone can imagine, don't let our lives be a stumbling block to those who don't know Christ. To those who are wondering if Christ is lord of you life, just as yourself who am I following? What consumes my time? You will get your answer quickly.
Again I ask......Who Do You Follow?
Am I following the world? Am I following God? Am I following a lot of the world and a little of God? Am I following a little of the world and a lot of God?
These questions should be apart of our everyday thought process. When you wake up in the morning you should make a decision on who you will devote yourself to. As Christians we probably say I will follow you God, but within a few moments or hours we have got to following a little of the world and a lot of God, then by days end many are thinking little about God and a lot about this world.
Where we work, what we listen to, what we watch, who we hang around will determine the answers to those questions. Its saddening to see professed Christians daily compromising their faith and beliefs to satisfy those whom they are around. That compromise eventually leads them to saying the wrong things to those who are lost or living in a way that turn the lost from Christ. I read a lot of internet articles and when I stumble upon an article with religious implications, I begin to browse comments left by readers. There are many professed Christians who begin posting compromised statements about abortion, homosexuality, vulgarity, and mocking or taking God's name in vain. Just this past week I read an article about a proposed show on Comedy Central titled "JC" that is basically a mockery of Christ and God, and while I wasn't shocked it was still sad to see many "Christians" telling other Christians that "its just a show", "God has a sense of Humor" and other remarks that showed their indifference. Revelation 3:16 came to mind where Jesus said "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." The world is tearing Christians a part, the more we conform to the world the more lukewarm we become.
Recently in a sermon, my pastor, Bro. Sam Higgs made a wonderful, yet sad analogy of Christians and the world. Using the pulpit as God, his right first as Christians and left fist as the world, he explained how God never changes, and Christians are staying just far enough away from the world to keep out of it. YET the world is constantly moving away from God and the Christians are still staying the same distance from the world. As he took several steps to his left the analogy showed that we Christians are getting further and further from our God, because we want to keep dabbling our finger in the world.
Who are you following today? The opening passage gives us the key to living a life God has for us. Why do we keep getting more and more into the world? Why not seperate from it. While it can be hard to just be in the world, it isn't impossible. If we put all we are and have into God's call on our lives, we can accomplish it. Others are watching and waiting for Christians to mess up, and boy have we done it. Its time to change the perception and really start living for HIM. The return of Christ is closer than anyone can imagine, don't let our lives be a stumbling block to those who don't know Christ. To those who are wondering if Christ is lord of you life, just as yourself who am I following? What consumes my time? You will get your answer quickly.
Again I ask......Who Do You Follow?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Have you found a House for the Lord?
"LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob." Psalm 132:1-5
I was in the midst of my reading through the scriptures, wondering when I would get a new blog topic. I hadn't felt the Lord impressing anything upon my heart( my fault for not being as in tuned as I needed to be ) But finally He spoke! It seems like the Lord gives me these topics when I start to stray, of have strayed from His path for me. We, as Christians, all have those moments..some longer than others...where we start doing things our way and before long we find ourselves say "WHOA how did I get way over here?!" That's when we then have to get on our knees and humble ourselves before our Father and let Him bring us back to where He wants us. Well enough of the rabbit chasing!
The above passage, from what I can gather, was probably written by Solomon, David's son. While David was not allowed to build the temple, the Lord did allow him to set the stage for Solomon to. The scripture accounts for how David searched day and night, seeking God's permanent site for the Tabernacle, which God instituted after Israel was released from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness. David searched and worked tirelessly, not sleeping or even entering his own bed until He did as he vowed unto the Lord. Because of that, the Lord blessed Him by allowing Solomon to complete the task.
There is a great message in that for us today! God seeks for a dwelling place. Its not in a building, behind a curtain. Its in our hearts. If you have accepted Christ you have already opened the door, if you have not Christ is waiting!
We must ask ourselves though, if we have accepted Christ, did God become Housed in our hearts? Many Christians have fallen into the trap of thinking they are ok because we have accepted Christ, yet we still have not let God have His home. We have the closets in the house filled with junk that we have collected because of our sin nature as humans. God can not and will not share His home with anything thats not pleasing to Him.
David had that problem to, he sinned mightily against the Lord, yet he was still called "the man after God's own heart"
How can we apply what happened in Davids life with ours? Well we must be tireless! We have to work hard to empty those nasty closets and throw out the trash. The Lord wants his tabernacle clean. He will do it but we must be willing to let Him work in us. We have to spend hour after hour, minute after minute, second after second striving to follow Him. Through scripture, prayer, and meditation. When complete, God will have built a house you found for Him. Like I am sure happened with David, the place was right in front of him, God just have to inspire him to find it. God does that when He calls us to be His child. We find a home that's in need of the GREATEST tenant of all time and when we open up the door things will never be the same!
God Bless!
I was in the midst of my reading through the scriptures, wondering when I would get a new blog topic. I hadn't felt the Lord impressing anything upon my heart( my fault for not being as in tuned as I needed to be ) But finally He spoke! It seems like the Lord gives me these topics when I start to stray, of have strayed from His path for me. We, as Christians, all have those moments..some longer than others...where we start doing things our way and before long we find ourselves say "WHOA how did I get way over here?!" That's when we then have to get on our knees and humble ourselves before our Father and let Him bring us back to where He wants us. Well enough of the rabbit chasing!
The above passage, from what I can gather, was probably written by Solomon, David's son. While David was not allowed to build the temple, the Lord did allow him to set the stage for Solomon to. The scripture accounts for how David searched day and night, seeking God's permanent site for the Tabernacle, which God instituted after Israel was released from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness. David searched and worked tirelessly, not sleeping or even entering his own bed until He did as he vowed unto the Lord. Because of that, the Lord blessed Him by allowing Solomon to complete the task.
There is a great message in that for us today! God seeks for a dwelling place. Its not in a building, behind a curtain. Its in our hearts. If you have accepted Christ you have already opened the door, if you have not Christ is waiting!
We must ask ourselves though, if we have accepted Christ, did God become Housed in our hearts? Many Christians have fallen into the trap of thinking they are ok because we have accepted Christ, yet we still have not let God have His home. We have the closets in the house filled with junk that we have collected because of our sin nature as humans. God can not and will not share His home with anything thats not pleasing to Him.
David had that problem to, he sinned mightily against the Lord, yet he was still called "the man after God's own heart"
How can we apply what happened in Davids life with ours? Well we must be tireless! We have to work hard to empty those nasty closets and throw out the trash. The Lord wants his tabernacle clean. He will do it but we must be willing to let Him work in us. We have to spend hour after hour, minute after minute, second after second striving to follow Him. Through scripture, prayer, and meditation. When complete, God will have built a house you found for Him. Like I am sure happened with David, the place was right in front of him, God just have to inspire him to find it. God does that when He calls us to be His child. We find a home that's in need of the GREATEST tenant of all time and when we open up the door things will never be the same!
God Bless!
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