Give me JUST JESUS

With April fast approaching comes the celebration of Easter, and along with Easter comes Easter egg hunts, bunnies and all this other rainbow colored stuff for the kiddos.  This got me thinking about a scene in a movie from the late 90’s titled “Simon Birch,” basically the movie is about a young boy with stunted growth, he is convinced that God has a great purpose for him.  The scene I was thinking about goes like this:
 
SIMON: I said, what does coffee and donuts have to do with God?
REV. RUSSEL: They're merely refreshments so people can socialize and talk about upcoming events.     
SIMON: Who ever said church needs a continental breakfast?

So, Simon and his family were at their church on a certain Sunday when Simon noticed that everyone was too pre-occupied with donuts and coffee, especially the Reverend, they had forgotten why or for who they were really there for in the 1^st place.
 
Call me religious, but sometimes I feel like Simon, “What does coffee and donuts have to do with God!!!”  I feel that people have forgotten what being a Christian is really all about, or who and why we are here for…

“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
 
Don’t get me wrong, I get it why churches participate or put on an Easter egg hunt, Halleluiah night (in place of Halloween) etc. I understand, they do it as an outreach to reach the loss.  But, since when do we have to compromise with the world for souls to get saved???

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?”  2 Corinthians 6:14-15
 
One note about today’s posting, I’m not here to give you a history lesson or convince you that an Easter bunny or Easter egg hunt is bad, that’s up to you to decide.  However, I’m simply here to share my thoughts based on the word of God.  The bible teaches us to study to show thy self-approved unto God… (2 Timothy 2:15).
 
As a parent it breaks my heart to deny my children to participate in their school or even our own church’s Easter egg hunt.  However, they are too young to understand the true reason why we don’t allow them to participate.  To them all they see is the colorful eggs, a cute bunny etc. but, how can I allow them to participate when I know the true pagan roots of this activity.  As a child of God it is my responsibility to protect them and show them right from wrong.
 
“They (the priests) shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.”  Ezekiel 44:23

I’m not one to spiritualize everything, but there are certain things that you just can’t deny.  For example the symbol of a bunny, we all know it’s a symbol of fertility used by various cultures throughout history, it has no place in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord!  As for the Easter eggs, I admonish you please study its pagan roots as well.

Bottom line, if you truly love God you are not going to compromise with the world.  It doesn’t matter how cute something is or even if everyone else is doing it.  As for me and my house we are going to serve the Lord!  Not according to our ways, but His ways!!!
 
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' Matthew 22:37
 
Again, I ask “what does coffee and donuts have to do with God?”

 

Be Faithful In the Small Things

 

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:23

***You have been faithful over a few things...

Have you noticed that in today's time everyone's in such a rush in everything they do, that they have sacrificed quality for quantity?  Everything from the food we consume to the auto industry has suffered, because of this sinful disease known as “self.”

I catch myself from time to time saying; “I remember in the old days” this used to taste better, this was built better, people used to treat you better here and people used to be nicer there. 

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed an increase in divorces, child abuses, child negligence, murders and shootings?  Accidents in amusement parks, carnivals, airlines etc. has also increased.  Churches have become too robotic and cold.  The Pastors and leaders have made it too much about the program and numbers verses making it about what it’s really supposed to be about, “bringing God glory.” 

People have lost the main ingredient in their living and what they do, "love” (1 Corinthians 13).  People, "Christians in particular" have forgotten who they are living for and why we must remain faithful in the small things.

God has called us to be faithful in the small things; whatever he has gifted you with, whatever he has called you to, do it with all your heart.  Whatever it is, whether at home, work or play we must make it about our first love, "Jesus." It is in the small things that we give God all the glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

You’ve often heard the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” same is true with our servant hood for God.  Every building you see, every Oak tree you’ve seen, every victory/success story you’ve heard they all started small.  Persistence, dedication and faithfulness are the secret to our success in bringing glory to God in everything we do. 

Brick by brick, soul by soul continue in your faithfulness.  You might not be called to the whole world, but in the Kingdom of God it’s about being faithful with the one He did give you.

We remain faithful in all things, because we love Him, and we love Him, because He loved us first.


Hell Is Real

Friend,

If you were to die tonight do you know for a fact where you would spend eternity?  The truth is that everyone dies.  We are not promised tomorrow James 4:14.  The latest survey indicates that 10 out of 10 people die.  We are all eternal beings; the question is not whether we’re going to live forever? The question we should be asking is where are we going to spend eternity?  There is only one of two places that we will spend eternity and it is Heaven or Hell.  In  Hebrews 9:27 the bible clearly shows that we are all appointed unto death then immediately after we pass from this world to the next we will be judged based on one soul decision.  That one decision is whether we accept or reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life John 3:36.

Please understand that we do not get to heaven by being a good person or by good works, or even by the religion or denomination that we embrace.  We are all born in sin Psalms 51:5, because of the fall of man Genesis 2:16-17.  So you see friend it’s not a matter of works, but it’s a matter of choice, (Your Choice) Matthew 16:25 to accept or reject the price that was paid for our sins by Jesus on Calvary.   

Sadly many people will choose to reject Jesus Christ as their Savior and will die in their sinful condition Matthew 16:25.  God will give them over to what they have sowed in this lifetime 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 6:8.  Believe me this is not about me judging anyone that is for God and God alone.  My one hope for this post is for you to examine your own life and allow God to reveal the truth to you about heaven and hell.

HELL IS REAL!!! There is a parable in the Bible given to the religious leaders in Israel by Jesus Luke 16:19-31, the one true purpose for this story is to warn everyone about hell.  In this story Jesus tells about two very different individuals, a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus.  The rich man lived in all the comforts this world has to offer Matthew 16:26 and the poor man lived a miserable lonely life.  The story continues and both men die, the rich man inherits eternal damnation and the poor man eternal glory. 

The message is simple, it doesn’t matter who you are what race you are, how much money you have or don’t have it is still about a choice.  The choice whether you chose to believe in the messiah and whether you chose to live for God or not.  If you choose to live for him your life will reflect your decision.  Your life will align with your repentance Matthew 16:27. 

Friend once again hell is real and if your name is not found in the Lamb’s book of life, you will spend eternity in HELL Revelation 20:15 .  Our name is written in this book at the time of our Salvation.  Hebrews 3:7-11 warns us not to have an unbelieving heart, this warning is in love.  God created hell for Satan and his demons Matthew 25:41, but at the end it is our own decision that will cast us into hell.

Our High Calling

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)

As Christians our faithfulness and devotion to duty will have an eternal impact on many people's lives.  Whether we realize it or not we have been called to be a righteous influence on those that we come in contact everyday of our lives.  

Whether you are a mother of two, a teacher in a classroom, a policeman on duty, a soldier in the battlefield or a doctor in an emergency room our calling is one in the same.  If a doctor, policeman or soldier neglects their duty it can have dire consequences on the lives of many.  In the same way when a Christian neglects his or her duty or fails to live a life worthy of their calling it can bring an eternal deadly consequence on a person.

You do not have to be a missionary traveling deep into the jungles of Guyana or Ecuador to be counted worthy of your calling.  As you are faithful in the everyday little things of life this will bring a smile to God 1 Corinthians 10:31.  Sometimes we try to save the world and unknowingly neglect those whom God has placed within our four walls.  As a father I’ve learned to realize that it’s not about the quantity of time that I spend with my children but the quality of time that really matters.  Don’t get me wrong I try to spend as much time as I possibly can with them, but we all know that duty calls elsewhere.  However, when I’m with them I try to build memories that will last a lifetime in their little hearts Luke 16:10.

Every one of us has been called to lead and influence others; the question is how are we influencing people and where are we leading them to Heaven or Hell?  This is truly the question at hand.  Christians are called to be the light and salt of the earth, but if salt loses its flavor what good is it for? Matthew 15:13-16.

This reminds me of a quote from Francis of Assisi “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”  Our everyday life must reflect that which God has deposited in our hearts.  If the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts then our actions will reflect the heart of Jesus.  It is Christ in us that make it possible to love people unconditionally and share with them the truth of the Gospel by our testimony. 

Whatever you have been called to do in this lifetime, do it wholeheartedly unto the Lord and it will not be in vain.  When we place our eyes on our own selfish desires or when we make it about something else other than brining glory to God it will result in death to you and others Colossians 3:23.

My friends and last I leave you with this: Do not get tired in being faithful where the Lord has called you.  God is building greatness in you and through you so keep on running the race do not let anything or anyone distract you from the victory line ahead of you.  Pursuit all things with love and devotion for the Father and watch what He’ll do with a faithful and willing heart Galatians 6:9.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”
Albert Einstein                                        

God is our refuge

Psalm 46:1 (KJV) “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”. 

The word refuge in Hebrew means refuge, a shelter from rain or a storm and from danger or falsehood; it also has the same reference as to trust.  In this post I will be sharing with you a truth that has been diluted or all together ignored.  The truth is my friends that there is a storm coming our way and the only refuge is found in the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Good works, religion or denying the whole subject will not save you from the storm, (judgment of God).  This is not about a denomination or certain doctrine this is not even about trying to convince you to join or go to church; this is a truth that’s going to happen whether you believe it or not. 

AS IT WAS, IT IS AND GOING TO BE:

Matthew 24:37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

So how was it during the days of Noah?  The bible shows us in Genesis 6:5 that the heart of man was continually evil.  Every thought of man was evil; they only cared about themselves.  To them it didn’t matter what had to be done in order to get what they wanted; whether they had to kill, steal or rape to get it they were going to do it.  

In essence they forsook the law of God Jeremiah 9:12-14 .  So how is the law of God summarized? In one word LOVE Galatians 5:14.  When you truly love God you will automatically love other people and will not want to harm them in any way. 

God is a loving God that will never force anyone to love him.  On the contrary he will give you over to what you want Romans 1:28.  If God is a loving God why the storm then?  As I mentioned God is a loving God that because of his perfect love will punish all evil.  Just as we wouldn’t expect an honest judge in our courts to let go of criminals unpunished because he is a good judge on the contrary we expect because he is a good honest judge for him to deliver righteous judgment.

GOD WILL FULFILL HIS PROMISE:

So now what?  Many people have deceived themselves into thinking that God is not going to punish anyone for their sin.  Some have even convinced themselves into thinking that there is no God.  The truth is that there is a day coming when all this will become evident to all.  This storm is coming and God will fulfill his promise; his desire is that all will repent of their sin before this terrible day 2 Peter 3:3-9.

JESUS IS OUR REFUGE:

What must we do to be saved from this storm?  The answer is we must confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives Acts 4:12 and live for him.

Refuge is found in no one else; in the day of trouble He will shelter you and deliver you Psalm 27:5.  Trust in Him… 

       

Proverbs 10:25 "When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous endures forever."

VAIN PURSUITS

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

1 Tim 4:8 (NLT)

All the attention the 2012 Olympics have gotten from the media and everyone else has stirred up a question in me.  What if people were as committed to God as they are to physical training?  How better would this world be? 

Hearing and reading some of the personal testimonies from the athletes that are participating in the Olympics has honestly saddened my spirit.  Why?  Just look at the dedication and effort they put into becoming what they have become.  They’ve sacrificed their whole being!  A lot of them that’s all they’ve known since a very young age. 

All that hard work is done to receive a medal that will not last forever.  It reminds me of the passage found in, 1 Corinthians 9:25 where it also mentions that the work we do for God will last for eternity.  It saddens me to see that people will not even make an effort to go to church and set a godly example for their children, but they will spend all their time and effort to send their children to all the right schools and get trained by all the right coaches.

Don’t get me wrong I enjoy watching these athletes and what they’ve accomplished.  I respect their hard work and dedication, but the reason I get a little bend out of shape is because I know our life is but a mist, James 4:14 here on earth and no one is promised tomorrow.    

I see a lot of friends and family members get passionate about other pursuits other then God such as their careers, family or hobbies. Though some of these things are not evil or bad in themselves, but when we place anything before God we make that thing our god and that is called idolatry, Exodus 20:3-6. 

It’s funny that when a person is passionate about his career or skill he is called dedicated, but when a person is passionate about God he is called religious.      

When Jesus came to earth, he knew exactly why he came it was to do the will of the Father.  He had a plan and it was to redeem all of man kind by dying on the cross.  A great Pastor once said that the evidence of the desire is in the pursuit.  If we truly love God then why is he always second best?  Isn’t it time to get passionate about God, Matthew 6:33?     

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT HE IS?

 

THE MOST COMPELLING QUESTION OF YOUR LIFE!!!

Of all the questions in the world THE MOST compelling question that you will ever have to answer for yourselves in your lifetime is WHO IS JESUS?  The answer you give to this question will determine your eternal destination…

This question will be placed before ALL people in one way or another, and it is us not Jesus who will be judged by our answer.  My friend a lot of times our opinions and ideas are formed by someone else’s influence; whether it’s by our parents, our friends, spouses, our teachers/professors and now even by social media.  Please don’t let anyone else influence your decision on who Jesus really is. 

This same question was asked by Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 16:13-17.  He first asked them, who do people say that I am?  His disciples responded that the people believed that he could be John the Baptist come back to live or maybe even Isaiah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.  Regardless, this answer still proved the unbelief in the people’s hearts.  They were willing to believe he was a prophet come back to live, because of all the miracles he had performed, but to confess that he was the awaited Messiah would be unheard of.

Just as back then so it is today.  If you ask people who Jesus is the majority of them will respond that Jesus was a good man, a good teacher and even a prophet, but to confess that he is the Son of the Living God, (THE MESSIAH).  No way!!!

Of course Jesus was not really concerned with what other people tought about him.  He already knew what was in their hearts, in Luke 16:15 it shows us that God knows the hearts of men.  This question was a set-up question to place in contrast with the disciples’ answer to his real question.  He then asked his disciples, who do you say that I am?

The disciples’ answer made by Peter was only revealed by God 1 Corinthians 12:3.  Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”.  Salvation is a gift from God Ephesians 2:8.  It is God who by grace draws us to himself.  So today if you hear his voice do not harden your heart Hebrews 3:15.

It will be very sad on that day of Revelation 20:12 when everyone that stands before God will have to answer as to why they didn’t accept and believe that Jesus is the Messiah, (The Savior of the world).  We will have no one to blame, but truly only ourselves. 

On that day there will be many religious people that have deceived themselves into thinking they did know God and lived for him Matthew 7:22, but by their actions they showed otherwise Titus 1:16.

This Post is not intended to judge, scare or threat anyone my intention is only to share the truth about our belief or unbelief in who Jesus is.