I saw a news article this morning about an atheist group targeting a nativity scene and forced a small town to remove it from its town square. The news article then followed up on the New York subway ad campaign that said who needs god, just be good for goodness sake. As usual I was upset at the various groups who deny God and thought He sent his only son to die for their sins, he created them fearfully and wonderfully, he has given them life and loves them even though they are sinners and they, the atheist will not even admit God exists. He has done so much for them and they can't even do the most basic thing as a human and admit that there is a God.
Through the holidays continue to praise and thank God for what he has given us, and pray for those who do not believe.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Do Not Envy The Wicked
Psalm 73
Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
2: But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
3: For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4: For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.
5: They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men.
The passage continues to go on about the wicked and their actions and makes it seem like the way they lived was better. They could do anything they wanted without recourse.
17: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
18: Surely You have set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction
19: Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20: as a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
The passage then goes on to state that God is continually with him and He holds his right hand
24: You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
This passage really touched me today as I read. Many times we view the wicked the same way as the author. That they are getting away without punishment and are having a good time. Sometimes I even though why is it worth self sacrifice? But this passage shows truth and if we commit to God He will be our counsel and guide us and after our life of sacrifice and dedication He will receive us into his glory.
In these times of question we may feel like this
26: My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2: But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night.
3: He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.
Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
2: But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
3: For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4: For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.
5: They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men.
The passage continues to go on about the wicked and their actions and makes it seem like the way they lived was better. They could do anything they wanted without recourse.
17: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
18: Surely You have set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction
19: Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20: as a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
The passage then goes on to state that God is continually with him and He holds his right hand
24: You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
This passage really touched me today as I read. Many times we view the wicked the same way as the author. That they are getting away without punishment and are having a good time. Sometimes I even though why is it worth self sacrifice? But this passage shows truth and if we commit to God He will be our counsel and guide us and after our life of sacrifice and dedication He will receive us into his glory.
In these times of question we may feel like this
26: My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2: But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night.
3: He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Parable of the Wedding Feast
Starting in Matthew 22 is the parable of the Wedding Feast. When I first read this parable if went right over my head. It is a very familiar passage but for some reason I couldn't quite grasp its true intention. So the next day I read it again and didn't come any closer to understanding it. So I prayed that God would reveal to me what he meant in the scripture and re-read it but still couldn't understand it. I took a day off from reading and thought about this scripture. So today I though I am going to re-read it but now I'm going to underline the key words. This time I believe I understand what it means by taking it part by part.
Matthew 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
:3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
:4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "see, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding." '
:5 "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.
:6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
:7 But when the king heard about it he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
:8 Then he said to his servants, "The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy,
:9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding."
:10 "So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found,
both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
:11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
:12 "So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
:13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
:14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
I am going to recap this scripture with what I feel God revealed to me.
First God calls his servants, to go spread his word and invite as many people as possible to partake in the blood sacrifice of his son for the forgiveness of our sins.
The first people invited were people known by the king, people with great influence in his kingdom but they were not willing to accept the invitation. He then sent other servants telling these guests all the blessing He has in store for them, Fatted calth and oxen and all things are ready come to the wedding. But they made light of it. And went their way back to their job and their house to continue their life as usual.
Some people rejected the invitation to the point they treated God's servants spitefully and killed them. At this point God is going to send his armies against them and destroy those murderers and burn up their existence.
The blessing has already been prepared, Jesus already sacrificed his life but the ones who the king knew wouldn't answer the call.
At this point God will call others and then some will come others will not. It says the they found both good and bad and the wedding hall was filled.
We then see in verse 12 it isn't good enough to accept the invitation and the call then show up. We need to prepare ourselves for the wedding so we are not thrown out.
And lastly, "For many are called but few are chosen." We need to prepare ourselves for the wedding day and answer the call so we are chosen. It isn't good enough to just show up, to just be there. If we are not prepared we will be cast out into outer darkness.
This is what I feel God revealed to me that in our own lives we are called and not everyone answers the call, a lot of people don't want to take time away from their every day lives to live for God. There will only be so long until God stops calling us because of our continual rejection and moves on else where. This isn't necessarily exclusively the meaning of this scripture, but it is what I feel God has shown me to answer his call and step away from my daily routine.
Matthew 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
:3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
:4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "see, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding." '
:5 "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.
:6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
:7 But when the king heard about it he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
:8 Then he said to his servants, "The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy,
:9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding."
:10 "So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found,
both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
:11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
:12 "So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
:13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
:14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
I am going to recap this scripture with what I feel God revealed to me.
First God calls his servants, to go spread his word and invite as many people as possible to partake in the blood sacrifice of his son for the forgiveness of our sins.
The first people invited were people known by the king, people with great influence in his kingdom but they were not willing to accept the invitation. He then sent other servants telling these guests all the blessing He has in store for them, Fatted calth and oxen and all things are ready come to the wedding. But they made light of it. And went their way back to their job and their house to continue their life as usual.
Some people rejected the invitation to the point they treated God's servants spitefully and killed them. At this point God is going to send his armies against them and destroy those murderers and burn up their existence.
The blessing has already been prepared, Jesus already sacrificed his life but the ones who the king knew wouldn't answer the call.
At this point God will call others and then some will come others will not. It says the they found both good and bad and the wedding hall was filled.
We then see in verse 12 it isn't good enough to accept the invitation and the call then show up. We need to prepare ourselves for the wedding so we are not thrown out.
And lastly, "For many are called but few are chosen." We need to prepare ourselves for the wedding day and answer the call so we are chosen. It isn't good enough to just show up, to just be there. If we are not prepared we will be cast out into outer darkness.
This is what I feel God revealed to me that in our own lives we are called and not everyone answers the call, a lot of people don't want to take time away from their every day lives to live for God. There will only be so long until God stops calling us because of our continual rejection and moves on else where. This isn't necessarily exclusively the meaning of this scripture, but it is what I feel God has shown me to answer his call and step away from my daily routine.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Is It Right To Get A Divorce?
The simplest way to answer that question is no. I will explain why not in this posting and under what circumstances a divorce may be allowable.
Matthew 19: 4 And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female
:5 and said For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
:6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
This was Jesus' answer when asked by the pharisees if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife.
They then responded and said but Mosses allowed it Jesus then said
:8 He said unto them "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
:9 And I say to you whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
If a situation arises and your spouse does commit sexual immorality, it may be better to forgive and work through it as long as they are remorseful and repentant. Remember God has a strong commandment to forgive one another
Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Also when asked by Peter how many times he must forgive someone who sins against him in a day Jesus replied
Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
So even if you have a situation where it may be OK to get a divorce you still have to forgive your spouse for what they did. God will hold you accountable for this on your day of judgment Read Matthew 18:23-35
In closing it is always good to return to one of the famous marriage scriptures in the bible
Ephesians 5:22 Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the lord.
:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
:28 Husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
In a tough situation in marriage always put God first and seek his face, never make rash decisions or act on your emotions. Our emotions can change day to day based upon many circumstances so we should never decide we are not happy simply because we feel sad one day to the next.
Matthew 19: 4 And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female
:5 and said For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
:6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
This was Jesus' answer when asked by the pharisees if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife.
They then responded and said but Mosses allowed it Jesus then said
:8 He said unto them "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
:9 And I say to you whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
If a situation arises and your spouse does commit sexual immorality, it may be better to forgive and work through it as long as they are remorseful and repentant. Remember God has a strong commandment to forgive one another
Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Also when asked by Peter how many times he must forgive someone who sins against him in a day Jesus replied
Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
So even if you have a situation where it may be OK to get a divorce you still have to forgive your spouse for what they did. God will hold you accountable for this on your day of judgment Read Matthew 18:23-35
In closing it is always good to return to one of the famous marriage scriptures in the bible
Ephesians 5:22 Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the lord.
:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
:28 Husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
In a tough situation in marriage always put God first and seek his face, never make rash decisions or act on your emotions. Our emotions can change day to day based upon many circumstances so we should never decide we are not happy simply because we feel sad one day to the next.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Show Me The Money | An Interesting Perspective on Investing in His Kingdom
(Part 3 Final part)
After reviewing whether or not we should invest our money as Christians, I am going to go over a few investing tips and options for beginners.
1. Pray and seek God as to what you are suppose to do with your money.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.
:12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you
:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
As God has said he has plans for his people to prosper, he has our best interest in mind so if we seek him he will listen and guide us towards his will.
2. Seek guidance from your spouse or parents if you are not married
Colossians 3:18 Wives submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord
This doesn't exclude husbands Paul also states in Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another in the fear of God. Jesus also said Matthew 12:25 "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand".
Concerning unmarried individuals Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. :2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise:
If you seek guidance from your parents or your spouse and they disagree with you, you need to consider their guidance and not dismiss it. If you go behind your spouse's back God will not put his blessing on your actions no matter what your intent. Both spouses need to be on the same field and work together. God has also placed parents in our lives to give us guidance, there were many times I thought my Dad was wrong but obeyed his guidance and avoided scams and fraud. If you absolutely feel the other person is wrong seek God and ask him to change their perspective if He wants you to go through with it.
3. Consider your investment options and pick the best fit for your situation.
I am going to list a few common investment options and explain them each in a short summary
1. Stocks.
A stock is a part ownership in a company and your liability to the company is limited to the amount of money you invested. Meaning worse case scenario you lose 100% of the money you invested. What I like about stocks is you have the potential to have far greater gains then any other investment dollar for dollar. Research should always be done carefully, seek advice from professional analysts if possible many reports can be obtained through yahoo finance or online brokerage services. Before selecting a stock or brokerage service be sure to know all the commission costs and trading cost. Some websites will charge a monthly fee for inactivity so be sure to know all the possible costs.
When deciding how much money to invest take the commission price for a buy and sell say $10 for each so a total of $20 then say you only want to invest $300 you divide the commission by the dollar amount
1. Pray and seek God as to what you are suppose to do with your money.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.
:12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you
:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
As God has said he has plans for his people to prosper, he has our best interest in mind so if we seek him he will listen and guide us towards his will.
2. Seek guidance from your spouse or parents if you are not married
Colossians 3:18 Wives submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord
This doesn't exclude husbands Paul also states in Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another in the fear of God. Jesus also said Matthew 12:25 "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand".
Concerning unmarried individuals Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. :2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise:
If you seek guidance from your parents or your spouse and they disagree with you, you need to consider their guidance and not dismiss it. If you go behind your spouse's back God will not put his blessing on your actions no matter what your intent. Both spouses need to be on the same field and work together. God has also placed parents in our lives to give us guidance, there were many times I thought my Dad was wrong but obeyed his guidance and avoided scams and fraud. If you absolutely feel the other person is wrong seek God and ask him to change their perspective if He wants you to go through with it.
3. Consider your investment options and pick the best fit for your situation.
I am going to list a few common investment options and explain them each in a short summary
1. Stocks.
A stock is a part ownership in a company and your liability to the company is limited to the amount of money you invested. Meaning worse case scenario you lose 100% of the money you invested. What I like about stocks is you have the potential to have far greater gains then any other investment dollar for dollar. Research should always be done carefully, seek advice from professional analysts if possible many reports can be obtained through yahoo finance or online brokerage services. Before selecting a stock or brokerage service be sure to know all the commission costs and trading cost. Some websites will charge a monthly fee for inactivity so be sure to know all the possible costs.
When deciding how much money to invest take the commission price for a buy and sell say $10 for each so a total of $20 then say you only want to invest $300 you divide the commission by the dollar amount
Commission/Dollar amount = 20/300
= 0.067 or 6.7%
= 0.067 or 6.7%
This means you will have to have at least a 6.7% gain in value just to pay commission so unless you realistically feel you can achieve that you should consider investing more money in one stock
2. Mutual Funds
A mutual fund is a portfolio with a selection of stocks picked by professionals and managed. If you know nothing about the stock market and do not plan on learning this is your safest bet if you want to invest in stocks. I would recommend doing some research on the funds investment philosophy to insure they met your moral criteria for example as a Christian I would want to make sure they fund had a conservative or Christian investing style to avoid investment in the so called sin stocks, such as porn industry, tobacco, or alcohol companies. This can be done by searching the Mutual fund's name and looking for investment style or philosophy.
3. Bonds: Federal, State, Local and Corporate
A bond is basically a loan and you receive the interest payments as well as the final lump sum of the money you lended. There is less risk involved with this type of investment and you can receive monthly interest payments; but because of the less risk involved there is also less of a return say maybe only 4 or 5 percent. You may not always want to just pick a bond with a high interest rate because it may be adjusted for default risk. There are ratting systems for example AAA being the best and D being the worse. If the company defaults you could end up losing the majority of your money so if you want to take a riskier investment such as a B- you will want to research the company and determine if it has a chance of surviving.
4. Commodities
This is something that I am not as familiar with as others, but the general traded comodities are gold, silver, oil and wheat, corn or other grains. Then benefit of this is some may feel even if the value decreases the form of invest still holds some value. For example if the value of corn decreases 50% it can still be a valuable resource to a farmer even though he can now buy it half off. Gold has been very popular and has increased significantly over the last ten years but I generally being a contraian invester feel it may be overvalued.
5. Real Estate
Your house, land or rental properties are an investment. And many people have made a living out of investing in real estate. You have plenty of options and if ran properly owning rental properties can provide a high return or land or even your house. For example my parents bought a home for around $70,000 put around $30,000 into it and sold it for around $150,000 in 5 years they had a 50% return during those same 5 years the stock market was stagnent with only small returns. There is also a great risk to real estate investment because repairs and maintenance can quickly out weight your potential returns.
Each option has its pluses and minuses but if one of these stuck out to you more then the others do more research on it and decide which option suits you best. A lot of professional investors focus on two or three and sometimes all of these options. So you don't have to limit yourself to one.
2. Mutual Funds
A mutual fund is a portfolio with a selection of stocks picked by professionals and managed. If you know nothing about the stock market and do not plan on learning this is your safest bet if you want to invest in stocks. I would recommend doing some research on the funds investment philosophy to insure they met your moral criteria for example as a Christian I would want to make sure they fund had a conservative or Christian investing style to avoid investment in the so called sin stocks, such as porn industry, tobacco, or alcohol companies. This can be done by searching the Mutual fund's name and looking for investment style or philosophy.
3. Bonds: Federal, State, Local and Corporate
A bond is basically a loan and you receive the interest payments as well as the final lump sum of the money you lended. There is less risk involved with this type of investment and you can receive monthly interest payments; but because of the less risk involved there is also less of a return say maybe only 4 or 5 percent. You may not always want to just pick a bond with a high interest rate because it may be adjusted for default risk. There are ratting systems for example AAA being the best and D being the worse. If the company defaults you could end up losing the majority of your money so if you want to take a riskier investment such as a B- you will want to research the company and determine if it has a chance of surviving.
4. Commodities
This is something that I am not as familiar with as others, but the general traded comodities are gold, silver, oil and wheat, corn or other grains. Then benefit of this is some may feel even if the value decreases the form of invest still holds some value. For example if the value of corn decreases 50% it can still be a valuable resource to a farmer even though he can now buy it half off. Gold has been very popular and has increased significantly over the last ten years but I generally being a contraian invester feel it may be overvalued.
5. Real Estate
Your house, land or rental properties are an investment. And many people have made a living out of investing in real estate. You have plenty of options and if ran properly owning rental properties can provide a high return or land or even your house. For example my parents bought a home for around $70,000 put around $30,000 into it and sold it for around $150,000 in 5 years they had a 50% return during those same 5 years the stock market was stagnent with only small returns. There is also a great risk to real estate investment because repairs and maintenance can quickly out weight your potential returns.
Each option has its pluses and minuses but if one of these stuck out to you more then the others do more research on it and decide which option suits you best. A lot of professional investors focus on two or three and sometimes all of these options. So you don't have to limit yourself to one.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Show Me The Money | An Interesting Perspective on Investing in His Kingdom
(Part 2)
In part one I gave a brief outline of what happened in 2008 and the fact that people lost real money. A lot of people were planning on retiring and drawling out of their accounts. I also would not be surprised if some who have put money into the stock market and invested said that's it I'm not taking a chance like that again. In early May of this year I had a conversation with a young married man who had been storing up large sums of money in his retirement accounts and he said "what am I suppose to do when I lose almost 40% in one year, I'm thinking about taking all my money out and just holding it as cash in savings accounts." I plan to explore in this part what we are suppose to do with our money as Christians.
In Malachi 3:7 God is speaking about his people and he states that from the days of their fathers they have gone away from His ordinances; He then says "return to Me and I will return to you but you said in what way show we return to You."
Then reading into verse 8
Malachi 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
:9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.
:10 Bring all tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this." Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."
It continues on so you can look it up and read the rest. As Christians our first responsibility is tithing, and the word tithe actually means a tenth or 10% so right away before we even think about what we are going to buy or how much we're going to invest we need to set aside 10% for God's kingdom.
Now concerning investing, I have heard it said before that as Christians we are not suppose to invest our money because this means we put our trust in the stock market and money instead of trusting God
"Words of Christ."
Matthew 6:19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
:21 For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.
As Christians our focus should never be self wealth, or riches. We are called to preach the gospel and spread the good news of Jesus. Our focus should always be to advance to kingdom of God on earth and we should spend our money accordingly. How much better would it be to die with nothing but to have blessed everyone who had needs rather to die with everything neglecting God's call in our life. If we decide to invest we need to follow a strategy if we lose everything it won't hurt us, and if we have great gains we will use some of that money for furthering the kingdom of God. Leave it up to God to show you how to use it and what amounts. Keep in mind God wants to bless his people and it isn't wrong to have money and be successful as long as we are not using this money for evil.
Should we or shouldn't we invest our money?
Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
:15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
:16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
:17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
:18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money
:19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them
:20 so he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying Lord you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.
:21 His lord said to him well done good and faithful servant you were faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.
:24 then he who had received the one talent came and said, Lord I knew you had to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
:25 And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.
:26But his lord answered and said to him you wicked and lazy servant, you knew that i reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
:27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
:28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents...
It is God's desire to bless us as we bless others, it we do with our money as the servant with the one talent did we have no room for God's blessing in Ecclesiastes 11:1 it says "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." When God blesses us he wants us to take that blessing and have an increase so we can use our money to further his kingdom. Never put your trust in the stock market or your money and never let your money become to valuable to you that you cannot give any of it away. With finance being my profession, and being a God fearing Christian I believe God wants us to invest and invest wisely so we can have an increase and return advance his kingdom.
In part one I gave a brief outline of what happened in 2008 and the fact that people lost real money. A lot of people were planning on retiring and drawling out of their accounts. I also would not be surprised if some who have put money into the stock market and invested said that's it I'm not taking a chance like that again. In early May of this year I had a conversation with a young married man who had been storing up large sums of money in his retirement accounts and he said "what am I suppose to do when I lose almost 40% in one year, I'm thinking about taking all my money out and just holding it as cash in savings accounts." I plan to explore in this part what we are suppose to do with our money as Christians.
In Malachi 3:7 God is speaking about his people and he states that from the days of their fathers they have gone away from His ordinances; He then says "return to Me and I will return to you but you said in what way show we return to You."
Then reading into verse 8
Malachi 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
:9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.
:10 Bring all tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this." Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."
It continues on so you can look it up and read the rest. As Christians our first responsibility is tithing, and the word tithe actually means a tenth or 10% so right away before we even think about what we are going to buy or how much we're going to invest we need to set aside 10% for God's kingdom.
Now concerning investing, I have heard it said before that as Christians we are not suppose to invest our money because this means we put our trust in the stock market and money instead of trusting God
"Words of Christ."
Matthew 6:19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
:21 For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.
As Christians our focus should never be self wealth, or riches. We are called to preach the gospel and spread the good news of Jesus. Our focus should always be to advance to kingdom of God on earth and we should spend our money accordingly. How much better would it be to die with nothing but to have blessed everyone who had needs rather to die with everything neglecting God's call in our life. If we decide to invest we need to follow a strategy if we lose everything it won't hurt us, and if we have great gains we will use some of that money for furthering the kingdom of God. Leave it up to God to show you how to use it and what amounts. Keep in mind God wants to bless his people and it isn't wrong to have money and be successful as long as we are not using this money for evil.
Should we or shouldn't we invest our money?
Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
:15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
:16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
:17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
:18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money
:19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them
:20 so he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying Lord you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.
:21 His lord said to him well done good and faithful servant you were faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.
:24 then he who had received the one talent came and said, Lord I knew you had to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
:25 And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.
:26But his lord answered and said to him you wicked and lazy servant, you knew that i reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
:27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
:28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents...
It is God's desire to bless us as we bless others, it we do with our money as the servant with the one talent did we have no room for God's blessing in Ecclesiastes 11:1 it says "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." When God blesses us he wants us to take that blessing and have an increase so we can use our money to further his kingdom. Never put your trust in the stock market or your money and never let your money become to valuable to you that you cannot give any of it away. With finance being my profession, and being a God fearing Christian I believe God wants us to invest and invest wisely so we can have an increase and return advance his kingdom.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Show Me The Money | An Interesting Perspective on Investing in His Kingdom
(Part 1)
As many already know the entire world economy is having an economic meltdown. Businesses are closing, stocks are becoming worthless and the number of people unemployed is reaching unprecedented levels. Where does this leave us? I plan to evaluate the last year of economic activity, list several facts and then lead to a conclusion of what is to be done in the future as a God fearing Christian.
Looking at 2008 we saw in incredible loss of wealth in the US and also the world. Moving into the 21st century a trend began as people started investing more and more money into their retirement accounts which is usually comprised of mutual funds through 401K's According to the
Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) In 1980 only 16% of Employees invested in 401K plans this number rose to over 60% in the year 2000 and has maintained this high level.On average the American worker contributes 7.5% of their yearly earnings to their 401K
The average Household income in the USA is right around $50,000 this means on average a person puts $3,750 a year into their 401K
The stock market
On January 4th, 2008 the S&P 500 was worth $1,412 on December 31, 2008 $903
This was a 38.05% loss! to put it in perspective lets say you put $4,000 dollars in an account for 10 years starting in 1997 with a 10% return you would have built up around $46,000 and you say hey things are looking pretty good I have almost one year of income built up just in my retirement account. You then go into 2008 and lets say your retirement account outperforms the S&P 500 by 1% so you lose 37% which is $17,020 you now have just around $29,000
We started 2008 with $46,000 and ended it with $29,000. Lets say you were doing really well and could put $40,000 in per year. This changes your outcome to
We started 2008 with $460,000 and ended it with $290,000
This was a 38.05% loss! to put it in perspective lets say you put $4,000 dollars in an account for 10 years starting in 1997 with a 10% return you would have built up around $46,000 and you say hey things are looking pretty good I have almost one year of income built up just in my retirement account. You then go into 2008 and lets say your retirement account outperforms the S&P 500 by 1% so you lose 37% which is $17,020 you now have just around $29,000
We started 2008 with $46,000 and ended it with $29,000. Lets say you were doing really well and could put $40,000 in per year. This changes your outcome to
We started 2008 with $460,000 and ended it with $290,000
This is not a scenario, this actually happened in 2008 leaving a lot of soon to retire people with very sick feelings in their stomach. As well as new to the market people who were just starting out. The important thing to remember in these circumstances is to place your trust in God and seek his face. The next few days I will lay out ways to limit that sick feeling you get in your stomach once you see your 401K statement and what we should really be investing in.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What Truly Poisons a Man
As usual, the pharisees and scribes were trying to find fault with Jesus by attacking those closest to him, his disciples, but were surprised with his response when he pointed out they were the ones who needed correction.
Matthew 15:1 Then the scribes and pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying :2 Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.
:3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
:4 For God commanded, saying, honor your father and your mother; and He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.
:5 But you say 'Whoever says to his father or mother "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"
:6 'Then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.
The pharisees are saying if your parents have received any profit, or gifts from you it is a gift unto God and you no longer have to honor your father or mother because they have already profited from you. This was not the way God intended the commandment, He intended it to be used and followed throughout one's life to honor and respect those who brought life to you. And doing so you will receive a blessing
As stated in Ephesians 1:2-3 Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
The pharisees were telling Jesus 'Your disciples are defiled because they do not wash their hands before they eat bread.' After Jesus brought a counter claim against the pharisees he then added
Matthew 15:11 "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."
:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
:20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with un-washed hands does not defile a man.
The pharisees were more concerned with a man's outward appearance and the way he handled himself. They were very well mannered and behaved people who were at the top of the social class. But Jesus was not concerned with man's outward appearance but with his heart. He wanted to push the point mannerism is not righteousness but what comes out of a man determines if he is a righteous person.
Matthew 15:1 Then the scribes and pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying :2 Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.
:3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
:4 For God commanded, saying, honor your father and your mother; and He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.
:5 But you say 'Whoever says to his father or mother "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"
:6 'Then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.
The pharisees are saying if your parents have received any profit, or gifts from you it is a gift unto God and you no longer have to honor your father or mother because they have already profited from you. This was not the way God intended the commandment, He intended it to be used and followed throughout one's life to honor and respect those who brought life to you. And doing so you will receive a blessing
As stated in Ephesians 1:2-3 Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
The pharisees were telling Jesus 'Your disciples are defiled because they do not wash their hands before they eat bread.' After Jesus brought a counter claim against the pharisees he then added
Matthew 15:11 "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."
:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
:20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with un-washed hands does not defile a man.
The pharisees were more concerned with a man's outward appearance and the way he handled himself. They were very well mannered and behaved people who were at the top of the social class. But Jesus was not concerned with man's outward appearance but with his heart. He wanted to push the point mannerism is not righteousness but what comes out of a man determines if he is a righteous person.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
If Jonah Were Called to America
Reading through the book of Jonah I was surprised when I reached the end of the book and saw how a city of 120,000 people humbled themselves before God, repented and were saved from the wrath of God. I then compared the city of Nineveh to the current state of America and wondered what would happen if God called the prophet Jonah to America.
Most of us know the story of Jonah, he was called by God to go to Nineveh because of their great wickedness. But Jonah refused to go and instead fled from the presence of God. The Lord then sent out a great wind and storm against Jonah's ship until the other men on the boat were convinced by Jonah to throw him overboard. Jonah was then swallowed by a great fish where he repented and was spit up on land. He then traveled to Nineveh.
Jonah 3:4 And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk, Then he cried out and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh will be overthrown!"
:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.
As I read on even the king heard the word of God and humbled himself with sackcloth and declared the entire city to be put on a fast with sackcloth even the cattle and animals. He then said
Jonah 3:9 "Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?"
:10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
Going back to the beginning of the book of Jonah and changing the story to God called Jonah and said arise and go to America for their wickedness is great and has been brought up to me. Jonah would probably say they will never believe me and try to escape the presence of God but after God calls him he would eventually repent and head to the US.
Upon arrival Jonah begins declaring in forty days America will be destroyed unless they turn to God. He would get news coverage, be posted on the front page of many popular news papers across the nation and most likely the world but with many having humorous dialogue. Within one week the entire nation would have heard the news story.
Many Christians would discredit the prophecy believing this was just a crazy homeless person off of his rocker, Catholics would say if it doesn't come from the Pope we won't listen, many other religious denominations would discredit the prophet and probably say why didn't God speak to us. Atheists would say it is impossible there is no God and your violating my free right of speech by trying to push your religion on me. Physiologists and scientists would declare schizophrenia and lobby for detention in a mental institution. Economists would argue that detouring sin spending would have a detrimental effect on our ailing economy. Congress and the government would say there is a separation of Church and state so unless all religions agree and the ones with no religion we cannot do anything. Although separation of Church and state is non existent in the constitution.
Matthew 16:1-4 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Him and asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.
2: He answered and said to them, "When it is evening you say, it will be fair weather, for the sky is red; :3 and in the morning it will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening. Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky but you cannot discern the signs of the times. :4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah."
The problem with our country is to many people view themselves more highly then they ought to. We are to educated and to informed to listen to a crazy person who wants to interfere with the daily routines of our society. Jonah would eventually leave and wait in Mexico as God grows a plant for him in the desert for shade and then watches as God brings down his wrath and destroys a nation to great to humble itself and repent.
Most of us know the story of Jonah, he was called by God to go to Nineveh because of their great wickedness. But Jonah refused to go and instead fled from the presence of God. The Lord then sent out a great wind and storm against Jonah's ship until the other men on the boat were convinced by Jonah to throw him overboard. Jonah was then swallowed by a great fish where he repented and was spit up on land. He then traveled to Nineveh.
Jonah 3:4 And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk, Then he cried out and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh will be overthrown!"
:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.
As I read on even the king heard the word of God and humbled himself with sackcloth and declared the entire city to be put on a fast with sackcloth even the cattle and animals. He then said
Jonah 3:9 "Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?"
:10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
Going back to the beginning of the book of Jonah and changing the story to God called Jonah and said arise and go to America for their wickedness is great and has been brought up to me. Jonah would probably say they will never believe me and try to escape the presence of God but after God calls him he would eventually repent and head to the US.
Upon arrival Jonah begins declaring in forty days America will be destroyed unless they turn to God. He would get news coverage, be posted on the front page of many popular news papers across the nation and most likely the world but with many having humorous dialogue. Within one week the entire nation would have heard the news story.
Many Christians would discredit the prophecy believing this was just a crazy homeless person off of his rocker, Catholics would say if it doesn't come from the Pope we won't listen, many other religious denominations would discredit the prophet and probably say why didn't God speak to us. Atheists would say it is impossible there is no God and your violating my free right of speech by trying to push your religion on me. Physiologists and scientists would declare schizophrenia and lobby for detention in a mental institution. Economists would argue that detouring sin spending would have a detrimental effect on our ailing economy. Congress and the government would say there is a separation of Church and state so unless all religions agree and the ones with no religion we cannot do anything. Although separation of Church and state is non existent in the constitution.
Matthew 16:1-4 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Him and asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.
2: He answered and said to them, "When it is evening you say, it will be fair weather, for the sky is red; :3 and in the morning it will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening. Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky but you cannot discern the signs of the times. :4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah."
The problem with our country is to many people view themselves more highly then they ought to. We are to educated and to informed to listen to a crazy person who wants to interfere with the daily routines of our society. Jonah would eventually leave and wait in Mexico as God grows a plant for him in the desert for shade and then watches as God brings down his wrath and destroys a nation to great to humble itself and repent.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Difficult is the Way Which Leads to Life
Throughout the past several years I have seen strong Christians who were raised in the Church come and go, I have seen powerful out pourings of God's spirit and conviction on the lost who confessed turned and left again to their old ways and I have seen people humbly turn from their sin and serve God faithfully. Through all of these events and many more coming and goings I have learned one thing that couldn't be said any better then God himself
Matthew 7:13 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.
:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Being a Christian is hard, I now tell people that if I have a chance to witness to them. Recently I told someone it isn't going to be easy you have to give up a lot of things, sacrifice and learn self control but as stated by Paul
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
So these things we must give up are so small compared to the benefit of our sacrifice.
As I read my bible tonight God revealed something neat to me and I want to share it with whoever would like to read
Matthew 13:3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold a sower went out to sow.
:4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
:5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.
:6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
:8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
:9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
I saw that when people receive the world of God either one of these things could happen; it could be as if you had never said anything to them, they could receive and immediately spring up but because of no depth wither away or they could be set on good ground and yield a hundredfold themselves. This is the very reason we should not be discouraged when our seed falls on bad ground. Keep spreading the seed and eventually it will fall on good ground.
Matthew 7:13 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.
:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Being a Christian is hard, I now tell people that if I have a chance to witness to them. Recently I told someone it isn't going to be easy you have to give up a lot of things, sacrifice and learn self control but as stated by Paul
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
So these things we must give up are so small compared to the benefit of our sacrifice.
As I read my bible tonight God revealed something neat to me and I want to share it with whoever would like to read
Matthew 13:3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold a sower went out to sow.
:4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
:5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.
:6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
:8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
:9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
I saw that when people receive the world of God either one of these things could happen; it could be as if you had never said anything to them, they could receive and immediately spring up but because of no depth wither away or they could be set on good ground and yield a hundredfold themselves. This is the very reason we should not be discouraged when our seed falls on bad ground. Keep spreading the seed and eventually it will fall on good ground.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Treating All as Christ
Recently I had an experience with someone who had needs, this person had no money, no job and it was partly their own fault. The decisions you make in life will effect everything you do even your ability to be employed. This person had trouble with the law and was living in ways they should not have been. This is the kind of person you would say to yourself they have done this to their self, I'm not doing anything for them because it is their own fault; but then I remembered this passage
35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Saul's Transformation
Acts 9 starts the beginning of a great man Saul, who wrote much of the new testament. As you probably already know Saul was persecuting the saints of Jesus Christ and on his way to Damascus in verse 3 a light shone around him from heaven.
Acts 9:4 Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
:5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
:6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city and you will be told what you must do."
The first thing that Saul knew when he saw the light from heaven and fell to the ground that he was speaking to God. I don't doubt that he believed in many gods being taught and growing up under a Roman culture but when he heard God's voice he said Who are You Lord? And God told him Jesus whom you persecute. Other times in the Bible God told those who he was calling "I am God the only God." but in this case He said I am Jesus.
In verse 6 Saul asks what do you want me to do and God responded "go into the city and you will be told what you MUST do." Now after this encounter Saul was completely blinded and had to be lead by hand to Damascus. I believe this is how we all are when were called or receive a word from God. We have no idea of where to begin or even how to make our prophecy come to pass, this is when we need to allow those around us who also witnessed our word to lead us. God knew it was important for Saul's entourage to hear the word as well so they wouldn't persuade him to turn back or trick him into going somewhere else. But they had the fear of God instilled in their hearts and they probably said among themselves I don't know whats going on but we better do as God has told Saul or we may be next.
Acts 9:11 So the Lord said to him "being Ananias a disciple at Damascus." "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of judas for one called Saul of of Tarsus, for behold he is praying."
After receiving a word from God we need to follow Saul's example and be in prayer and seeking God's guidance. Saul sought and fasted for three days without food or drink as well as without his sight. Although Saul was without his physical sight he was also without spiritual sight and knew not the next steps God had for him so he sought the Lord and God called Ananias and also gave Saul a vision
Acts 9:12 "And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."
God then called Ananias to go to Saul..
:16 "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
And when Ananias arrived to laid hands on Saul
:18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Directly after this encounter Saul began preaching Jesus Christ in the synagogues that He was the Son of God.
As Saul was persecuting the church, God called him and Saul heard Jesus' voice and obeyed; but he wasn't told what to do next. For three days Saul fasted and prayed being blind both physically and spiritually until he received a vision of God's disciple laying hands on him to receive his sight after receiving his sight he was baptized and began fulfilling the call of God in his life. Saul didn't know everything he had to do to begin the work of God, but God spoke to him a little at a time and Saul even had to seek God for guidance. These small steps help Saul's faith begin to grow and little by little he became a great servant of God and wrote much of the New testament but he had to be lead by those around him who heard the word of God, he had to seek God for guidance and received a vision, his sight had to be imparted to him from Ananias a disciple of God and lastly he began preaching Jesus.
This process happened very quickly for Saul but each step was important and had to be taken one at a time. Imagine what Saul would have been if he had said "OK I received my word I'm going to begin preaching in the synagogues." before Ananias had imparted to him his sight?
Acts 9:4 Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
:5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
:6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city and you will be told what you must do."
The first thing that Saul knew when he saw the light from heaven and fell to the ground that he was speaking to God. I don't doubt that he believed in many gods being taught and growing up under a Roman culture but when he heard God's voice he said Who are You Lord? And God told him Jesus whom you persecute. Other times in the Bible God told those who he was calling "I am God the only God." but in this case He said I am Jesus.
In verse 6 Saul asks what do you want me to do and God responded "go into the city and you will be told what you MUST do." Now after this encounter Saul was completely blinded and had to be lead by hand to Damascus. I believe this is how we all are when were called or receive a word from God. We have no idea of where to begin or even how to make our prophecy come to pass, this is when we need to allow those around us who also witnessed our word to lead us. God knew it was important for Saul's entourage to hear the word as well so they wouldn't persuade him to turn back or trick him into going somewhere else. But they had the fear of God instilled in their hearts and they probably said among themselves I don't know whats going on but we better do as God has told Saul or we may be next.
Acts 9:11 So the Lord said to him "being Ananias a disciple at Damascus." "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of judas for one called Saul of of Tarsus, for behold he is praying."
After receiving a word from God we need to follow Saul's example and be in prayer and seeking God's guidance. Saul sought and fasted for three days without food or drink as well as without his sight. Although Saul was without his physical sight he was also without spiritual sight and knew not the next steps God had for him so he sought the Lord and God called Ananias and also gave Saul a vision
Acts 9:12 "And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."
God then called Ananias to go to Saul..
:16 "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
And when Ananias arrived to laid hands on Saul
:18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Directly after this encounter Saul began preaching Jesus Christ in the synagogues that He was the Son of God.
As Saul was persecuting the church, God called him and Saul heard Jesus' voice and obeyed; but he wasn't told what to do next. For three days Saul fasted and prayed being blind both physically and spiritually until he received a vision of God's disciple laying hands on him to receive his sight after receiving his sight he was baptized and began fulfilling the call of God in his life. Saul didn't know everything he had to do to begin the work of God, but God spoke to him a little at a time and Saul even had to seek God for guidance. These small steps help Saul's faith begin to grow and little by little he became a great servant of God and wrote much of the New testament but he had to be lead by those around him who heard the word of God, he had to seek God for guidance and received a vision, his sight had to be imparted to him from Ananias a disciple of God and lastly he began preaching Jesus.
This process happened very quickly for Saul but each step was important and had to be taken one at a time. Imagine what Saul would have been if he had said "OK I received my word I'm going to begin preaching in the synagogues." before Ananias had imparted to him his sight?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Giving Unto Our Ministers
Many times as I look at pastors, youth leaders and visiting pastors I automatically feel their needs are met and they have everything they need to carry the gospel and preach the word. But the fact is we are called to support our pastors and visiting pastors and provide nourishment for their needs. In Philippians 4 Paul talks about the Philippians sending aid
Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
:17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
:18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
Paul clearly stated I am not seeking your gifts, in fact I don't even need them but I seek to see God's fruit abounding for you. He also referred to the giving of the people as a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
This is a powerful scripture, how shall they preach unless they are sent? And also I believe there is more to this scripture, because many times in travel preachers would probably have to walk and had to wear uncomfortable sandals if any covering at all so their feet were probably covered with cuts, bruises, scars and blisters all filled with dirt. So originally Isaiah knew that they had to give up comfort and deal with pain and sacrifice to bring good news, and while many would say their feet were ugly Isaiah said "How Beautiful are the feet..."
Now back to Philippians 4 referring to giving to ministers
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Next time we are faced with a situation to give and bless our pastors remember what sacrifice they have made and how they depend on our support and that our gifts are a sweet-smelling aroma an acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God.
Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
:17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
:18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
Paul clearly stated I am not seeking your gifts, in fact I don't even need them but I seek to see God's fruit abounding for you. He also referred to the giving of the people as a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
This is a powerful scripture, how shall they preach unless they are sent? And also I believe there is more to this scripture, because many times in travel preachers would probably have to walk and had to wear uncomfortable sandals if any covering at all so their feet were probably covered with cuts, bruises, scars and blisters all filled with dirt. So originally Isaiah knew that they had to give up comfort and deal with pain and sacrifice to bring good news, and while many would say their feet were ugly Isaiah said "How Beautiful are the feet..."
Now back to Philippians 4 referring to giving to ministers
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Next time we are faced with a situation to give and bless our pastors remember what sacrifice they have made and how they depend on our support and that our gifts are a sweet-smelling aroma an acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Scripture Being Twisted
In my reading today in 2 Peter 3 I came across a scripture that sadly, is exactly what is happening in today's church.
2 Peter 3: 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
One concern you should have as a Christian is whether or not scripture is being interpreted the way it should. If there is anything that you have heard taught that didn't sit right with your spirit; right down the passage and read before the verse and after the verse slowly until you understand the context. Then put yourself in the seat of the writer and try to understand what he was trying to say in the context of the rest of the scripture around the verse. Look for symbols, themes or even irregularities. For example 1 Corinthians 14: 34, this scripture has been used for centuries as to why woman should be silenced in the church, but many biblical scholars have disagreed on this issue. If you read the entire chapter ever verse relates to speaking in tongues or prophesying but :34 and :35. The context can then be said to be woman should not be permitted to speak in tongues or prophecy not that they should not speak at all, and it can be further interpreted that maybe it was just in one incidence at the church or Corinthians. Because this one scripture is to hard to comprehend it isn't wise to base doctrines off of it.
2 Peter 3: 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
One concern you should have as a Christian is whether or not scripture is being interpreted the way it should. If there is anything that you have heard taught that didn't sit right with your spirit; right down the passage and read before the verse and after the verse slowly until you understand the context. Then put yourself in the seat of the writer and try to understand what he was trying to say in the context of the rest of the scripture around the verse. Look for symbols, themes or even irregularities. For example 1 Corinthians 14: 34, this scripture has been used for centuries as to why woman should be silenced in the church, but many biblical scholars have disagreed on this issue. If you read the entire chapter ever verse relates to speaking in tongues or prophesying but :34 and :35. The context can then be said to be woman should not be permitted to speak in tongues or prophecy not that they should not speak at all, and it can be further interpreted that maybe it was just in one incidence at the church or Corinthians. Because this one scripture is to hard to comprehend it isn't wise to base doctrines off of it.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Will There Only Be 144,000 People in Heaven?
I as well as many other Christians may raise an eyebrow when you hear only 144,000 people will be sealed and make it to Heaven, you may then ask well what about me? You are then told well God's going to create a new Heaven and a new earth. Why would only 144,000 people get to go to the real Heaven and then the rest of the saints a new Heaven? I am going to explain where this theory came from, and the real answer in this blog.
Revelation 7:3
"Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."
:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed.
Many people believe that this above scripture is talking about salvation but have very selective comprehension because immediately after this scripture in verse 9 it says
Revelations 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
Then in verse 14 John asks who these people are
Revelation 7:14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
:16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
:17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
So we know from this passage that the saints of God from all tribes, tongues and nations will be with God in heaven. These scriptures make it very clear and there is little interpretation to be done. This is not the case in verse 4 talking about the 144,000 the context seems to be for protection from the wrath of God while still on earth. I can't understand exactly what the 144,000 means, but I did notice that it is split evenly between the twelve tribes. Where before throughout the old testament Moses seemed to split things up between the tribes unevenly and even completely leaving out a tribe from time to time. But in this case the number is split entirely evenly.
I cannot give a definite answer as to what exactly this passage means but I can say beyond a doubt that it is not speaking of a limited amount of people for salvation. Every person who is washed by the blood oh the Lamb and has a white robe will receive salvation.
I don't know how someone can read the entire chapter and make that conclusion, or read the bible at all and make that conclusion. The 144,000 is in the bible but has been taken out of context and false doctrines have risen up about it that are just not true. Next time you hear something that doesn't sit right with your spirit, simply ask for the passage and read before it to find out the context it is in and read well after it to understand more about the passage. You can't just read one scripture and make a conclusion about salvation.
Revelations 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands
Revelation 7:3
"Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."
:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed.
Many people believe that this above scripture is talking about salvation but have very selective comprehension because immediately after this scripture in verse 9 it says
Revelations 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
Then in verse 14 John asks who these people are
Revelation 7:14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
:16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
:17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
So we know from this passage that the saints of God from all tribes, tongues and nations will be with God in heaven. These scriptures make it very clear and there is little interpretation to be done. This is not the case in verse 4 talking about the 144,000 the context seems to be for protection from the wrath of God while still on earth. I can't understand exactly what the 144,000 means, but I did notice that it is split evenly between the twelve tribes. Where before throughout the old testament Moses seemed to split things up between the tribes unevenly and even completely leaving out a tribe from time to time. But in this case the number is split entirely evenly.
I cannot give a definite answer as to what exactly this passage means but I can say beyond a doubt that it is not speaking of a limited amount of people for salvation. Every person who is washed by the blood oh the Lamb and has a white robe will receive salvation.
I don't know how someone can read the entire chapter and make that conclusion, or read the bible at all and make that conclusion. The 144,000 is in the bible but has been taken out of context and false doctrines have risen up about it that are just not true. Next time you hear something that doesn't sit right with your spirit, simply ask for the passage and read before it to find out the context it is in and read well after it to understand more about the passage. You can't just read one scripture and make a conclusion about salvation.
Revelations 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands
Monday, May 11, 2009
I Shall Never Be Moved
For the last week, Psalm 30 has been on my heart. Every time I have went to my bible I have felt to read it. It is a very short Psalm and has a few famous verses in it but some of the not so famous verses are the ones that are really speaking to me. Starting with
Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and you healed me.
:3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Verse 2 is so simple but at the same time powerful. "I cried out to You and you healed me." I can just imagine David crying out to God and God answering him like he did so many times.
Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
:6 Now in my prosperity I said, "I shall never be moved."
:7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face and I was troubled.
For any Christian verse 6 should be your promise to God, that no matter what success comes your way, blessings and prosperity that you will never be moved; you will always serve the Lord and seek his face. It's not that we say to ourselves "as soon as I arrive I am going stop serving the Lord." but what happens is we become caught up with our success and accomplishments we begin to lose sight of the things that really matter, serving God and living a righteous life. God wants us to rely on him and seek him, not only when were going through hard times and trials. But on a daily basis we need to say "Jesus I need you and I am so thankful that you have met all my needs."
:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
This Psalm ends very appropriately by saying to the end my glory will sing your praise and I will give thanks to the Lord forever.
Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and you healed me.
:3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Verse 2 is so simple but at the same time powerful. "I cried out to You and you healed me." I can just imagine David crying out to God and God answering him like he did so many times.
Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
:6 Now in my prosperity I said, "I shall never be moved."
:7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face and I was troubled.
For any Christian verse 6 should be your promise to God, that no matter what success comes your way, blessings and prosperity that you will never be moved; you will always serve the Lord and seek his face. It's not that we say to ourselves "as soon as I arrive I am going stop serving the Lord." but what happens is we become caught up with our success and accomplishments we begin to lose sight of the things that really matter, serving God and living a righteous life. God wants us to rely on him and seek him, not only when were going through hard times and trials. But on a daily basis we need to say "Jesus I need you and I am so thankful that you have met all my needs."
:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
This Psalm ends very appropriately by saying to the end my glory will sing your praise and I will give thanks to the Lord forever.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Let Your Requests be Known to God
Although we know God is all knowing and knows are needs and prayers before we ask him of them, Paul said in
Philippians 4:6 "Let your requests be made known to God;
:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
This is a very interesting situation, because God knows our hearts, our desires and needs so why would we have to let our needs or requests be known to God. Jesus said in
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
James said in James 4:2 ...You have not, because you ask not.
Sometimes in our lives it's not that God doesn't care or doesn't know our needs, it's just he wants us to voice our needs and communicate with him. If we got everything we needed just by simply knowing we needed it we would never ask God for anything or pray to him. God wants us to have a relationship with him in which we communicate with him everyday. There may be times where he lets needs go unanswered or hard times come, because he wants you to seek his face and depend on him.
So from now on if you need a job, or bills start to pile up, instead of saying I'm believing in God for these things; lay them out in front of God and ask him to meet these needs and provide.
Philippians 4:6 "Let your requests be made known to God;
:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
This is a very interesting situation, because God knows our hearts, our desires and needs so why would we have to let our needs or requests be known to God. Jesus said in
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
James said in James 4:2 ...You have not, because you ask not.
Sometimes in our lives it's not that God doesn't care or doesn't know our needs, it's just he wants us to voice our needs and communicate with him. If we got everything we needed just by simply knowing we needed it we would never ask God for anything or pray to him. God wants us to have a relationship with him in which we communicate with him everyday. There may be times where he lets needs go unanswered or hard times come, because he wants you to seek his face and depend on him.
So from now on if you need a job, or bills start to pile up, instead of saying I'm believing in God for these things; lay them out in front of God and ask him to meet these needs and provide.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Pressing Toward the Goal
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended "or laid hold of" but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
This is Paul writing to the Philippians, telling them basically he has counted all his gains in life as loss for the one true thing in life that has any worth Jesus Christ. He then says in verse 13 I haven't arrived yet, or I'm not perfect but one thing I do is strive towards forgetting the things which are behind and pressing for the prize of Jesus.
In Paul's life it was probably very difficult for him making the transition into the Kingdom of God and becoming like Christ because of his past. He not only did regrettable things but those regrettable things involved killing and persecuting Christians. I'm sure he even attended churches where he had killed peoples brothers or sisters. But take Paul's life as an example that if we repent and turn from our sins we are a new creation and old has passed away. Now look to verse 20
Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
It does not matter what we have done in the past, after we repent we have to same right and are citizens of heaven. There is no levels to heaven, your either in or out and the only way there is through Jesus Christ who was perfect and sacrificed his life so we can be forgiven. Just remember to put those things which are in the past behind you and press toward the prize of Jesus Christ.
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
This is Paul writing to the Philippians, telling them basically he has counted all his gains in life as loss for the one true thing in life that has any worth Jesus Christ. He then says in verse 13 I haven't arrived yet, or I'm not perfect but one thing I do is strive towards forgetting the things which are behind and pressing for the prize of Jesus.
In Paul's life it was probably very difficult for him making the transition into the Kingdom of God and becoming like Christ because of his past. He not only did regrettable things but those regrettable things involved killing and persecuting Christians. I'm sure he even attended churches where he had killed peoples brothers or sisters. But take Paul's life as an example that if we repent and turn from our sins we are a new creation and old has passed away. Now look to verse 20
Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
It does not matter what we have done in the past, after we repent we have to same right and are citizens of heaven. There is no levels to heaven, your either in or out and the only way there is through Jesus Christ who was perfect and sacrificed his life so we can be forgiven. Just remember to put those things which are in the past behind you and press toward the prize of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Daniels Vision (Part 2)
In Daniel chapter 7 I explained the overview of Daniels vision and now in the second part of the chapter there is a more clear explanation of his vision and interpretation.
In stead of going in order I'll jump around just as the scripture to lay everything out in order pointing out the main points.
Daniel 7:17 Those great beasts which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth
19 "then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet;
20 and the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.
23 Thus he said; the fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.
24 The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings.
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and the law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.
Although this seems like a terrible time, and I don't doubt that it will be lets look to verse 13
Daniel 7:13 "I was watching in the night visions and BEHOLD, One like the son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.
14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed
Before this all takes place something else is going to happen which will lead the way, lets skip to verse 21-22
Daniel 7:21-22 I was watching and the same horn was making war against the saints and prevailing against them
22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
More specifically that judgment was made by a court, lets look to verse 26
Daniel 7:26 But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.
This passage has a lot of interesting symbols and themes but the most important thing to remember is the persecution is only for a season, and then Jesus will rise up and allow man to make a ruling in favor of his saints and from there the saints will be given the kingdom and serve God who will have the dominion and all nations will serve him. There is a lot of other things that can be taken away from this chapter, and it makes you wonder when will this kingdom rise up or has it already? But when it does remember to keep yourself ready for the time to repossess the kingdom.
In stead of going in order I'll jump around just as the scripture to lay everything out in order pointing out the main points.
Daniel 7:17 Those great beasts which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth
19 "then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet;
20 and the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.
23 Thus he said; the fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.
24 The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings.
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and the law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.
Although this seems like a terrible time, and I don't doubt that it will be lets look to verse 13
Daniel 7:13 "I was watching in the night visions and BEHOLD, One like the son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.
14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed
Before this all takes place something else is going to happen which will lead the way, lets skip to verse 21-22
Daniel 7:21-22 I was watching and the same horn was making war against the saints and prevailing against them
22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
More specifically that judgment was made by a court, lets look to verse 26
Daniel 7:26 But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.
This passage has a lot of interesting symbols and themes but the most important thing to remember is the persecution is only for a season, and then Jesus will rise up and allow man to make a ruling in favor of his saints and from there the saints will be given the kingdom and serve God who will have the dominion and all nations will serve him. There is a lot of other things that can be taken away from this chapter, and it makes you wonder when will this kingdom rise up or has it already? But when it does remember to keep yourself ready for the time to repossess the kingdom.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daniel's Vision (Part One)
It has been awhile since I last posted, mainly because I have been over loaded with school work in my last two weeks of my junior year at college. But during these times I still try to find time to read and today's post is from my readings a few days ago.
At first when I read Daniel Chapter 7 I wasn't really paying attention, just reading and a few things stuck out to me but I didn't really grasp what I was reading. So I re-read it today and got a better understanding of the Chapter
In chapter 7 Daniel is explaining his vision, and it consists of a Eagle rising up, a Bear which arises and devours flesh, then a leopard which had dominion and lastly a fourth and dreadful beast exceedingly strong which had iron teeth and was devouring and breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. The beast had ten horns, and one little horn coming up among the ten and it plucked out 3 horns that were there before it. This horn was like a man and had a mouth speaking pompous words.
I wanted to just summarize the vision, and after the explaining of the 4 beasts Dainel saw God and his thrown and in verse 11 Daniel watched as the beast was slain because of his pompous words. then in verse 12 is what is of interest in this part.
Daniel 7: 12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
The point of this last verse I went over can mean many different things, but I feel it is kind of saying; God rose up and slayed the beast after he let him reign for a season. But people are going to see the other beasts lives prolonged for a season. In this season may be the most dangerous time because people are going to feel they lost and the saints may feel like their kingdom is on standby. The thing to take away from this is God works in steps and processes and we shouldn't question these steps but know the end outcome is always victory for his kingdom. Even though it appears the lives of the beasts are prolonged their dominion has already been taken away, they have no authority, they have already lost and there is no chance for them to win.
So remember God has a plan and his plan is usually to complicated for us to comprehend or understand. The only thing we need to know is it is in God's hands and we know the end outcome will be in our favor.
At first when I read Daniel Chapter 7 I wasn't really paying attention, just reading and a few things stuck out to me but I didn't really grasp what I was reading. So I re-read it today and got a better understanding of the Chapter
In chapter 7 Daniel is explaining his vision, and it consists of a Eagle rising up, a Bear which arises and devours flesh, then a leopard which had dominion and lastly a fourth and dreadful beast exceedingly strong which had iron teeth and was devouring and breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. The beast had ten horns, and one little horn coming up among the ten and it plucked out 3 horns that were there before it. This horn was like a man and had a mouth speaking pompous words.
I wanted to just summarize the vision, and after the explaining of the 4 beasts Dainel saw God and his thrown and in verse 11 Daniel watched as the beast was slain because of his pompous words. then in verse 12 is what is of interest in this part.
Daniel 7: 12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
The point of this last verse I went over can mean many different things, but I feel it is kind of saying; God rose up and slayed the beast after he let him reign for a season. But people are going to see the other beasts lives prolonged for a season. In this season may be the most dangerous time because people are going to feel they lost and the saints may feel like their kingdom is on standby. The thing to take away from this is God works in steps and processes and we shouldn't question these steps but know the end outcome is always victory for his kingdom. Even though it appears the lives of the beasts are prolonged their dominion has already been taken away, they have no authority, they have already lost and there is no chance for them to win.
So remember God has a plan and his plan is usually to complicated for us to comprehend or understand. The only thing we need to know is it is in God's hands and we know the end outcome will be in our favor.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Nation Turns Back to God
In 2 Kings 22 Josiah sent his servant to collect money that was given to the house of the Lord to be used to repair all the damages. When his servant went, the book of the Lord was found and Josiah's servant read it to Josiah.
2 Kings 22:11 Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes.
Josiah then sent his servants to inquire of the Lord and God said "I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods.. My wrath shall be aroused against this place and shall not be quenched."
After this Josiah humbled himself before the Lord and God decided to wait and not bring his wrath against Josiah.
in chapter 23 Josiah begins repenting and turning the nation back to God by tearing down the high places, removing idols and magicians from the house of God and tearing down idols located throughout his kingdom.
2 Kings 23:25 Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.
That last verse really sums up the life of Josiah, and how there has never been a king like him nor will there be. It was really something special to stand so strongly and not allow any gray areas or allow your people to persuade your beliefs. But Josiah said I am going to do the will of the Lord and nothing will turn me to the left or the right I'm looking straight ahead!
2 Kings 22:11 Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes.
Josiah then sent his servants to inquire of the Lord and God said "I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods.. My wrath shall be aroused against this place and shall not be quenched."
After this Josiah humbled himself before the Lord and God decided to wait and not bring his wrath against Josiah.
in chapter 23 Josiah begins repenting and turning the nation back to God by tearing down the high places, removing idols and magicians from the house of God and tearing down idols located throughout his kingdom.
2 Kings 23:25 Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.
That last verse really sums up the life of Josiah, and how there has never been a king like him nor will there be. It was really something special to stand so strongly and not allow any gray areas or allow your people to persuade your beliefs. But Josiah said I am going to do the will of the Lord and nothing will turn me to the left or the right I'm looking straight ahead!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Standing Up For Your Beliefs
In Daniel Shad'rach Me-shach and A-bed'Nego' were faced with a life threatening dilemma; Bow before the idol or stand up for their beliefs and be killed. Many times in our walk, we don't stand up for what we believe in to avoid embarrassment. But what would we do if standing up would cause death?
Daniel 3:16 S.. M.. A.. answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
17 If that is the case our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
18 But if not let it be known to you, O king that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
We all know the story, God did a marvelous miracle and saved the lives of his servants and change the kings heart.
Recently God has revealed to me to take a stand for what is right and not allow people to pressure you into doing certain things. Since my freshmen year in a business college I have been told that you will have to drink alcoholic drinks, now in my junior year I have decided under no situation will I and God revealed to me you don't want to work for someone whose going to pressure you into putting aside your moral standards. I have been told by professors and students "you wont get hired if you won't drink." but lets take a look at
Daniel 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
This really encouraged me because when we stand up for what is right we may not immediately be favored by man but God will show us favor and bring promotion.
Daniel 3:16 S.. M.. A.. answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
17 If that is the case our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
18 But if not let it be known to you, O king that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
We all know the story, God did a marvelous miracle and saved the lives of his servants and change the kings heart.
Recently God has revealed to me to take a stand for what is right and not allow people to pressure you into doing certain things. Since my freshmen year in a business college I have been told that you will have to drink alcoholic drinks, now in my junior year I have decided under no situation will I and God revealed to me you don't want to work for someone whose going to pressure you into putting aside your moral standards. I have been told by professors and students "you wont get hired if you won't drink." but lets take a look at
Daniel 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
This really encouraged me because when we stand up for what is right we may not immediately be favored by man but God will show us favor and bring promotion.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wisdom from God
Daniel was captured from Judah along with many other young men and taken to Babylon to Serve their king. Daniel and his friends made a stand against what their new rulers wanted and God granted them favor. In chapter 2 king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and none of his wise men could interpret it for him. So they called on Daniel who then sought God to give him the interpretation and when God did this is what Daniel said
Daniel 2:20 Danil answered and said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are hHis.
21 And He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knwoledge to those who have understanding
What I get out of this is God is all knowing and full of wisdom, he enjoys giving wisdom to those who serve him. If we only ask and seek God like Daniel did God will grant us wisdom.
22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him
23 I thank you and praise you O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made know to us the king's demand.
As Daniel said God reveals deep and secret things and also God has given him wisdom and might.
Daniel 2:20 Danil answered and said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are hHis.
21 And He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knwoledge to those who have understanding
What I get out of this is God is all knowing and full of wisdom, he enjoys giving wisdom to those who serve him. If we only ask and seek God like Daniel did God will grant us wisdom.
22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him
23 I thank you and praise you O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made know to us the king's demand.
As Daniel said God reveals deep and secret things and also God has given him wisdom and might.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Our Labor is Not in Vain
There are times as a Christian one may ask himself, is all the hard work and sacrifice worth it, or am I working in vain? The answer is NO!
Paul addressed this very issue several times in his letters to the Corinthians one such time was in
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
55. O Death where is your sting? O Hades where is your victory?
56 The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Remember God is our comfort, and remember to comfort those around you who need comforting in the love of Jesus as you have been comforted by God. And last but not least do not forget our labor is not in vain.
Paul addressed this very issue several times in his letters to the Corinthians one such time was in
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
55. O Death where is your sting? O Hades where is your victory?
56 The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Remember God is our comfort, and remember to comfort those around you who need comforting in the love of Jesus as you have been comforted by God. And last but not least do not forget our labor is not in vain.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Ruler Must be Just
In 2 Samuel Chapter 23, the chapter is titled in my bible The Last Words of David. At the end of David's life the last few things he was to say would be sure to be very important. One of the last things he touched on was how to rule effectively and how he ruled using what he learned.
2 Samuel Chapter 23:3 The God of Israel said, The rock of Israel spoke to me; He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.
As a ruler it can probably be easy to become caught up in the moment of power and feel as if you have no one to answer to. That is why it is so important to rule in the fear of God knowing that no matter how much power you have you will be accountable to Him.
2 Samuel Chapter 23:4 And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shinning after rain.
David knew if he ruled in the fear of God it would bring a glow around him and he would be a light to the darkness around him.
2 Samuel Chapter 23:5 Although my house is not so with God, Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire; Will He not make it increase?
The end of that scripture is really good because David knew if he ruled in the fear of God and was accountable to Him that he would increase David's covenant in all things and make his covenant secure.
This is just a small sample of the many scriptures dealing with being a leader and the blessings of God for fearing him.
2 Samuel Chapter 23:3 The God of Israel said, The rock of Israel spoke to me; He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.
As a ruler it can probably be easy to become caught up in the moment of power and feel as if you have no one to answer to. That is why it is so important to rule in the fear of God knowing that no matter how much power you have you will be accountable to Him.
2 Samuel Chapter 23:4 And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shinning after rain.
David knew if he ruled in the fear of God it would bring a glow around him and he would be a light to the darkness around him.
2 Samuel Chapter 23:5 Although my house is not so with God, Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire; Will He not make it increase?
The end of that scripture is really good because David knew if he ruled in the fear of God and was accountable to Him that he would increase David's covenant in all things and make his covenant secure.
This is just a small sample of the many scriptures dealing with being a leader and the blessings of God for fearing him.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Sign of Things to Come
"After posting this blog I looked at the image more and couldn't help but notice what appears to be a nail hole right in the spot where historically the Romans placed a nail to nail someone to a cross. I do not know how I didn't notice that before."This image is what is called a pulsar star which is spinning rapidly letting off light in its' dying stage and directly above it is a fire gas cloud. Being a Christian I cannot help looking at this image without a sense of the divine. I was looking at some science forums and noticed many people giving in to the itch in their hearts saying maybe this is divine; and others jokingly discrediting it and saying mark my words the religious crowed will blow this out of proportion and ruin science.
So I simply prayed God I know you show us signs and wonders and if this is from you let a sign follow. I then turned to Revelation and starting skimming in chapter 5 and this is what I came across.
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back sealed with seven seals.
2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"
5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep, behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah the Root of David has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.
The rest of chapter 5 describes how heaven reacted to Jesus being worthy to take the scroll. Now in Chapter 6 it describes Jesus opening the scroll and the seals
Revelation 6:2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
Now this is the scripture of interest.
Revelation 6:3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see,"
4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
Now in the end times, the moving of God will be obvious, but some will still dismiss it saying oh its just a coincidence. In this incidence I am not going to dismiss this event, or become self indulged in it. I know God moves in mysterious ways and whether or not he caused or allowed this to happen I do not know. But one thing I do know is God is real and far more capable of creating a dying star lighting up near by matter in the form of a hand.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Temporary Hardship for Eternal Glory
In my readings today I came across 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 which basically sums up and explains the entire Christian faith in 3 verses. Starting with 16
2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
This speaks of our daily walk with God and how our flesh must die and our spirit man must grow. Because of this it doesn't matter how we feel in our flesh but what truly matters is our growth spiritually.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
This scripture can mean it hurts and is against everything we feel to resist the desires of our flesh but this is only a light affliction compared to the eternal glory we will inherit. Also the weight of glory, or the amount of eternity vs. a few short years on earth is so much greater why wouldn't you want to endure such a short time for such a long reward.
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
This scripture can be applied to so many different situations and mean so many different things, which is why God's word is so amazing because it is alive and can be applied to so many different situations. In the context I'm reading this scripture it is saying not to focus on the world or our gains but to put our focus on God and the things of God. This can be very difficult because it requires faith and I feel this is the hardest thing to overcome to believe in God.
If God had a weekly press conference and appeared to man regularly there would be many more believers. God doesn't want this; he wants people who are capable of seeing past the present and temporary things and people who can take a risk and believe in something unseen for these are the things that truly matter and are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
This speaks of our daily walk with God and how our flesh must die and our spirit man must grow. Because of this it doesn't matter how we feel in our flesh but what truly matters is our growth spiritually.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
This scripture can mean it hurts and is against everything we feel to resist the desires of our flesh but this is only a light affliction compared to the eternal glory we will inherit. Also the weight of glory, or the amount of eternity vs. a few short years on earth is so much greater why wouldn't you want to endure such a short time for such a long reward.
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
This scripture can be applied to so many different situations and mean so many different things, which is why God's word is so amazing because it is alive and can be applied to so many different situations. In the context I'm reading this scripture it is saying not to focus on the world or our gains but to put our focus on God and the things of God. This can be very difficult because it requires faith and I feel this is the hardest thing to overcome to believe in God.
If God had a weekly press conference and appeared to man regularly there would be many more believers. God doesn't want this; he wants people who are capable of seeing past the present and temporary things and people who can take a risk and believe in something unseen for these are the things that truly matter and are eternal.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Years of Famine
2 Samuel 21:1 Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, "it is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites."
David had a problem, a famine for three years, and when he called on the Lord he answered and told David why they had the famine. So David asked the Gibeonites what shall I do for you and they answered in verse 6 Let seven men of his descendants be delivered to us, and we will hang them before the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, whom the Lord chose. And David said I will give them.
I'm sure it wasn't easy for David to give seven men of the descendants of Saul, David had nothing to do with Saul's sin but he is now the one who has to get his hands dirty to fix it. So David kept his promise and allowed these seven men to be hung and in verse 14 God heeded the prayer for the land.
David had a problem, a famine for three years, and when he called on the Lord he answered and told David why they had the famine. So David asked the Gibeonites what shall I do for you and they answered in verse 6 Let seven men of his descendants be delivered to us, and we will hang them before the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, whom the Lord chose. And David said I will give them.
I'm sure it wasn't easy for David to give seven men of the descendants of Saul, David had nothing to do with Saul's sin but he is now the one who has to get his hands dirty to fix it. So David kept his promise and allowed these seven men to be hung and in verse 14 God heeded the prayer for the land.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Time Value of Repentance
In finance there is an aspect to money called the time value of money which basically means time is money. If I offer to give you a 10% interest rate on $1,000 and you say well there are some things I may want to buy maybe next year. In one year if there are monthly compoundings your future value would have been $1,105. I then come back to you and say ok I really want to help you out the interest rate is up to 15% and you decline me again, your $1,000 would have increased to $1,161 in only one year, but if you would have invested the first time it would now be $1,282.
In God's kingdom a similar rule applies; if we accept the first option God pays interest on our lives and it is quite a high rate of return. If we keep our $1,000 dollars and go our own way only He knows how long he will wait until he says "OK, I'm done waiting for you, I'm going to find someone else to invest in me"
Revelation 2:21 "And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
And the results of the first option
Revelation 2:26 And he who overcomes, and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations
27 He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter vessels as I also have received from my Father
28 and I will give him the morning star.
In God's kingdom a similar rule applies; if we accept the first option God pays interest on our lives and it is quite a high rate of return. If we keep our $1,000 dollars and go our own way only He knows how long he will wait until he says "OK, I'm done waiting for you, I'm going to find someone else to invest in me"
Revelation 2:21 "And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
And the results of the first option
Revelation 2:26 And he who overcomes, and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations
27 He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter vessels as I also have received from my Father
28 and I will give him the morning star.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Current Economic Meltdown and Solution
I came across James chapter five, as a finance student who enjoys following the daily news and stock market and I have seen a lot of corruption. When reading chapter 5 I noticed that not much has changed throughout history and there truly is nothing new under the sun
James 5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.... 5 you have lived on earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
Their has been a lot of criticism of some of the larger financial firms, banks and the auto industry; and it is impossible for there to be corruption across the board in America but then it stops as it crosses into politics. All of these people whether politicians, investors or auto CEOs are corrupt, they are seeking their own interest, stepping on others along the way and blaming the person next to them. When in fact at the end of the day, all their hands reach into the same pot to feed their self interest.
The problem simply is, the righteous have stood aside and allowed the world to become bolder and dilute the truth on a daily basis. We have allowed the ways of this word to deny God and push him out of America and the World.
The rest of James chapter 5 gives some good advice starting with verse 7 Therefore be patient, brethren until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain
8 you also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand
9..... Behold the Judge is standing at the door!
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord that that Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray...
16 ... The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain. And it did not rain on the land for three years and six months
18 and he prayed again and the heaven gave rain and the earth produced its fruit.
It may be that the lord has lifted his hand and stopped the rain on the world’s economy. He may be allowing the saints an opportunity to stand up and offer what is right and what is wrong when so many people are looking for the answers. We need to make it very clear our problems are not caused by the lack of regulation and laws but by the sinfulness of man! Until this nation turns around morally and allows God back into our hearts God may not allow the rain to fall once again.
James 5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.... 5 you have lived on earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
Their has been a lot of criticism of some of the larger financial firms, banks and the auto industry; and it is impossible for there to be corruption across the board in America but then it stops as it crosses into politics. All of these people whether politicians, investors or auto CEOs are corrupt, they are seeking their own interest, stepping on others along the way and blaming the person next to them. When in fact at the end of the day, all their hands reach into the same pot to feed their self interest.
The problem simply is, the righteous have stood aside and allowed the world to become bolder and dilute the truth on a daily basis. We have allowed the ways of this word to deny God and push him out of America and the World.
The rest of James chapter 5 gives some good advice starting with verse 7 Therefore be patient, brethren until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain
8 you also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand
9..... Behold the Judge is standing at the door!
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord that that Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray...
16 ... The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain. And it did not rain on the land for three years and six months
18 and he prayed again and the heaven gave rain and the earth produced its fruit.
It may be that the lord has lifted his hand and stopped the rain on the world’s economy. He may be allowing the saints an opportunity to stand up and offer what is right and what is wrong when so many people are looking for the answers. We need to make it very clear our problems are not caused by the lack of regulation and laws but by the sinfulness of man! Until this nation turns around morally and allows God back into our hearts God may not allow the rain to fall once again.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Things Concerning Marriage and to Be or Not to Be
1 Corinthians 7:35 And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.
In chapter 7 Paul is giving advice on marriage but mentions several times that this scripture is not a commandment, but just his judgment; and that he has the spirit of God so he felt it was what God's spirit was speaking to him.
1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
This is a really good scripture, because I find in my own marriage there are times when my wife wants my attention and affection but offten I am to busy to offer her affection. Especially over this weekend because I have been studying for two exams. But I realized I can never be to busy to take a few minutes out of my day to hug, kiss and tell her I love her.
Right before verse 3 in verse 2 Paul says "Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her won husband." when I read this it seemed like the context is singular, meaning one for each not two or three. The reason I feel this is because if you have more than one wife or husband you will not render unto your spouse the affection due. Just a side note to let people know that this is in the bible.
Through the whole chapter Paul mentions the benefits of being unmarried, and the obligations to being married. He makes it clear as stated above that this is just his judgment and even says in verse 38 "So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better." Meaning it is still good to be married but there comes more responsibilities where one may become distracted from serving God.
This is a good chapter to read because a lot of the church society puts pressure on its' young people to be married so my advice is to read this and know that you do not have to be married and that it is a blessing to be single.
In chapter 7 Paul is giving advice on marriage but mentions several times that this scripture is not a commandment, but just his judgment; and that he has the spirit of God so he felt it was what God's spirit was speaking to him.
1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
This is a really good scripture, because I find in my own marriage there are times when my wife wants my attention and affection but offten I am to busy to offer her affection. Especially over this weekend because I have been studying for two exams. But I realized I can never be to busy to take a few minutes out of my day to hug, kiss and tell her I love her.
Right before verse 3 in verse 2 Paul says "Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her won husband." when I read this it seemed like the context is singular, meaning one for each not two or three. The reason I feel this is because if you have more than one wife or husband you will not render unto your spouse the affection due. Just a side note to let people know that this is in the bible.
Through the whole chapter Paul mentions the benefits of being unmarried, and the obligations to being married. He makes it clear as stated above that this is just his judgment and even says in verse 38 "So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better." Meaning it is still good to be married but there comes more responsibilities where one may become distracted from serving God.
This is a good chapter to read because a lot of the church society puts pressure on its' young people to be married so my advice is to read this and know that you do not have to be married and that it is a blessing to be single.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Revenge or Forgive?
2 Samuel 19 David's army has just defeated his sons army who took his kingdom away and sought his fathers life. David mourned his son's death and then begins returning to his kingdom when someone who caused David a lot of shame returns, Shimei.
2 Samuel 16 When David was ran out of his kingdom, Shimei a decedent of Saul cursed David, threw stones at him and kicked dirt at him. But David being of good character spared his life when he could have easily ordered him to be killed.
Back to chapter 19 David's kingdom has been restored and now he is the most powerful person in Israel when Shimei runs to him in verse 18 and then says
2 Samuel 19:19 "Do not let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember what wrong your servant did on the day that my lord the king left Jerusalem, that the king should take it to heart." 20 "For I your servant, know that I have sinned."
After this one of Davids servants asked should he not be put to death? and in verse 22 -23 David told Shimei what have I to do with you and said shall any man be put to death in Israel? He then swore to him in verse 23 that he shall not die.
In this situation I'm sure David was thinking "my, how the tables have turned." and it would have been an easy decision to kill this man or even throw him in prison for life or enslave him. But David simply said why should you be my adversary today? And promised not to kill him.
Even though Shimei didn't deserve to be forgiven, when does anyone deserve forgiveness? There are sometimes very hurtful things that can be done to us and people who could care less about you and even seek to hurt you on purpose. But the very fact is we ourselves did not deserve forgiveness when Jesus died on the cross for our sins but we can receive by the covering of his blood if we repent and ask for forgiveness.
If you are ever faced with a situation like David where you can take revenge in your own hands remeber the words of Jesus, the ultimate forgiver;
Mark 11:25-26 "And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
2 Samuel 16 When David was ran out of his kingdom, Shimei a decedent of Saul cursed David, threw stones at him and kicked dirt at him. But David being of good character spared his life when he could have easily ordered him to be killed.
Back to chapter 19 David's kingdom has been restored and now he is the most powerful person in Israel when Shimei runs to him in verse 18 and then says
2 Samuel 19:19 "Do not let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember what wrong your servant did on the day that my lord the king left Jerusalem, that the king should take it to heart." 20 "For I your servant, know that I have sinned."
After this one of Davids servants asked should he not be put to death? and in verse 22 -23 David told Shimei what have I to do with you and said shall any man be put to death in Israel? He then swore to him in verse 23 that he shall not die.
In this situation I'm sure David was thinking "my, how the tables have turned." and it would have been an easy decision to kill this man or even throw him in prison for life or enslave him. But David simply said why should you be my adversary today? And promised not to kill him.
Even though Shimei didn't deserve to be forgiven, when does anyone deserve forgiveness? There are sometimes very hurtful things that can be done to us and people who could care less about you and even seek to hurt you on purpose. But the very fact is we ourselves did not deserve forgiveness when Jesus died on the cross for our sins but we can receive by the covering of his blood if we repent and ask for forgiveness.
If you are ever faced with a situation like David where you can take revenge in your own hands remeber the words of Jesus, the ultimate forgiver;
Mark 11:25-26 "And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Little Leaven Leavens the Whole Lump
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul is addressing the church about abstaining from fellowship with sexually immoral people in the church. Paul clarifies he is talking about members of the church, because he says in
1 Cor 5:10 "Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world."
Paul knew it would be impossible for a Christian to avoid contact or fellowship with immoral people in the world that is why Jesus said "Go into the world and preach the gospel." in Mark 16:15; and Paul said,
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.
It also appears in verse 12-13 that the person who Paul was talking about had left the church and was trying to cause trouble Paul says it is not up to him to judge those who are outside and asked if they judge those who are inside. Then in verse 13 Paul says "those who are outside God judges. Therefore put way from yourselves the evil person."
Paul makes it clear in verse 11 not to have fellowship with a brother, meaning fellow Christian who is immoral. The reason for this is because I've seen so many times when a Christian is doing something in his life that is questionable and then when one of his friends knows hes doing it then excuses it for himself. This can spread like wild fire and before you know it everyone in a group is involved in the same sin. It is important to pray for these people and reach out to them but not go out for a beer to talk over their problems or you may find yourself excusing their sin for yourself.
If you are living right your friend who is in obvious sin will not feel comfortable being around you because they will know that you are strong in your position and won't accept their sin. This is not a bad thing, remember to let them know you are praying for them and last but not least do not tell them it is ok. The last thing you need is for your friend to excuse their sin because you told them it was ok, or they feel comfortable sinning around you or with you.
1 Cor 5:10 "Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world."
Paul knew it would be impossible for a Christian to avoid contact or fellowship with immoral people in the world that is why Jesus said "Go into the world and preach the gospel." in Mark 16:15; and Paul said,
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.
It also appears in verse 12-13 that the person who Paul was talking about had left the church and was trying to cause trouble Paul says it is not up to him to judge those who are outside and asked if they judge those who are inside. Then in verse 13 Paul says "those who are outside God judges. Therefore put way from yourselves the evil person."
Paul makes it clear in verse 11 not to have fellowship with a brother, meaning fellow Christian who is immoral. The reason for this is because I've seen so many times when a Christian is doing something in his life that is questionable and then when one of his friends knows hes doing it then excuses it for himself. This can spread like wild fire and before you know it everyone in a group is involved in the same sin. It is important to pray for these people and reach out to them but not go out for a beer to talk over their problems or you may find yourself excusing their sin for yourself.
If you are living right your friend who is in obvious sin will not feel comfortable being around you because they will know that you are strong in your position and won't accept their sin. This is not a bad thing, remember to let them know you are praying for them and last but not least do not tell them it is ok. The last thing you need is for your friend to excuse their sin because you told them it was ok, or they feel comfortable sinning around you or with you.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Being Optimistic in Difficult Times
As a person traveling through the journeys off life it is impossible to live with out tragedies. The most one can do is look to God for comfort and a guide to press on. A great example of this is King David who was ran out of his kingdom by his own son Absalom who took over as king and wanted to destroy David's very life.
In 2 Samuel 16 David has just escaped his son's plan and is traveling away from Israel when a man from the house of Saul "Davids former adversary." began following David and cursing him continuously as well as throwing rocks and kicking dirt at him. This man's name was Shimei and he was blaming Davids problems on the fact that he was bloodthirsty and that the Lord is punishing him and has returned his kingdom to his son.
In verse 9 a servant of David said "why should this dead dog curse my lord the kin? Please let me go over and take off his head!" In all of Davids frustration allowing his servant to kill a crazy man whom is insulting him would have been an easy task but David being of God character did not allow his misfortunes to dictate his behavior. Instead David said this:
2 Samuel 16: 12 "It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day."
This verse really speaks how we should behave in times of adversity and when we are cursed by others. To often our first response is to repay evil for evil and act on our emotions when in fact we should be lifting our problems up to the Lord and say I know this is only for a season and it may be that God will reward me for these troubles.
In 2 Samuel 16 David has just escaped his son's plan and is traveling away from Israel when a man from the house of Saul "Davids former adversary." began following David and cursing him continuously as well as throwing rocks and kicking dirt at him. This man's name was Shimei and he was blaming Davids problems on the fact that he was bloodthirsty and that the Lord is punishing him and has returned his kingdom to his son.
In verse 9 a servant of David said "why should this dead dog curse my lord the kin? Please let me go over and take off his head!" In all of Davids frustration allowing his servant to kill a crazy man whom is insulting him would have been an easy task but David being of God character did not allow his misfortunes to dictate his behavior. Instead David said this:
2 Samuel 16: 12 "It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day."
This verse really speaks how we should behave in times of adversity and when we are cursed by others. To often our first response is to repay evil for evil and act on our emotions when in fact we should be lifting our problems up to the Lord and say I know this is only for a season and it may be that God will reward me for these troubles.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
1 Corinthians 4
Paul starts off chapter 4 with a reference to Christians as stewards of the mysteries of God and that it is required that stewards be found faithful. With being faithful Paul noted that he should not be judged by the court, the people or even himself but that the true judge God would be the judge.
verse 7 is really good, Paul says
"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?"
To me this verse means that everything we are as humans has been given to us from God, and nothing we have has been achieved by our own strengths but has been granted to us by our creator. For example our looks, talents, charm and sense of humor are traits that God created us with. So if we are more talented in an area God does not want us to boast and put down others who lack that talent.
Paul also describes what it is to be an apostle versus 9 -17 and then ends the chapter dealing with complaints that Paul sent Timothy to teach rather then teaching himself, he states in verse 21 "What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?"
verse 7 is really good, Paul says
"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?"
To me this verse means that everything we are as humans has been given to us from God, and nothing we have has been achieved by our own strengths but has been granted to us by our creator. For example our looks, talents, charm and sense of humor are traits that God created us with. So if we are more talented in an area God does not want us to boast and put down others who lack that talent.
Paul also describes what it is to be an apostle versus 9 -17 and then ends the chapter dealing with complaints that Paul sent Timothy to teach rather then teaching himself, he states in verse 21 "What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?"
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