Today's Text: Revelation 21:1-8

Sorry for missing the last two days.  Thelma Jo Sterling had surgery for an aneurysm and ran into trouble at the close of the process.  She had to be put into an induced coma.  The neurologists will meet with the family today and try to give answers and a prognosis.  I am headed up soon.  Please pray for mercy and God's will.  With Bill's death so recent, it is a double blow for the family.

The first heaven and earth were prepared for the first man and woman and their descendants. God had readied everything for them when He placed them in the Garden. Unfortunately, our first parents sinned, ushering death and decay into God's beautiful world. Creation is in bondage and travail (Rom. 8:18-23), and even the heavens "are not clean in His sight" (Job 15:15).

God has promised His people a new heaven and earth (Isa. 65:17; 66:22). The old creation must make way for the new creation if God is to be glorified. Jesus called this event "the regeneration" of the earth (Matt. 19:28), and Peter explained it as a cleansing and renewing by fire (2 Peter 3:10-13). Bible students are not agreed as to whether the old elements will be renewed or whether the old will be destroyed and a whole new creation ushered in. The fact that the Greek word translated new means "new in character" (Rev. 21:1, 5) may lend credence to the former explanation.

"No more sea" does not mean "no more water." It simply indicates that the new earth will have a different arrangement as far as water is concerned. Three fourths of our globe consists of water, but this won't be the case in the eternal state. In John's day, the sea meant danger, storms, and separation (John himself was on an island at the time!); so perhaps John was giving us more than a geography lesson.

But the most important thing about the city is that God dwells there with His people. The Bible gives an interesting record of the dwelling places of God. First, God walked with man in the Garden of Eden. Then He dwelt with Israel in the tabernacle and later the temple. When Israel sinned, God had to depart from those dwellings. Later, Jesus Christ came to earth and "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). Today, God does not live in man-made temples (Acts 7:48-50), but in the bodies of His people (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and in the church (Eph. 2:21-22).

In both the tabernacle and the temple, the veil stood between men and God. That veil was torn in two when Jesus died, thus opening a "new and living way" for God's people (Heb. 10:19). Even though God dwells in believers today by His Spirit, we still have not begun to understand God or fellowship with Him as we would like; but one day, we shall dwell in God's presence and enjoy Him forever.

Michael

Reading Text: Mark 6:30-34; 53-56

Jesus took His disciples to a secluded place so that they might rest after their labors. He wanted to discuss their ministry with them and prepare them for their next mission. As Vance Havner has said, "If you don't come apart and rest, you will come apart." Even God's Servant-Son needed time to rest, fellowship with His friends, and find renewal from the Father.

But the overzealous crowds would not leave Him alone. They followed Him to the area near Bethsaida, hoping to see Him perform some miraculous cures (Luke 9:10-11). In spite of the interruption to His plans, the Lord welcomed them, taught them the Word, and healed those who were afflicted. Having experienced interruptions many times in our own life and ministry, we marvel at His patience and grace!

Find some quiet time today.  Alone.  You could use it.

Michael

Thursday's Text:  Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43

The younger generation state that they like Jesus but they don't care that much for the church.  If we are to reach them, we must use the wisdom Jesus offers here about living in the kingdom.

Throughout the Bible, leaven is a symbol of evil. It had to be removed from the Jewish homes during Passover (Ex. 12:15-19; 13:7). It was excluded from the sacrifices (Ex. 34:35), with the exception of the loaves used at the Feast of Pentecost (Lev. 23:15-21). But there the loaves symbolized Jews and Gentiles in the church, and there is sin in the church.

Jesus used leaven to picture hypocrisy (Luke 12:1), false teaching (Matt. 16:6-12), and worldly compromise (Matt. 22:16-21). Paul used leaven to picture carnality in the church (1 Cor. 5:6-8) as well as false doctrine (Gal. 5:9). Sin is like leaven (yeast): It quietly grows, it corrupts, and it "puffs up" (1 Cor. 4:18-19; 5:2; 8:1).

Satan has worked hard to introduce false doctrine and false living into the ministry of the Word of God. From the very early days of the church, true believers have battled false doctrine and hypocrisy. How sad it is that some churches and schools that were once true to the Word have turned from the truth to fables. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" is sound counsel (1 Thes. 5:21).

The kingdom of heaven began with the sowing of the Word of God in the hearts of men. Much of the seed did not bear fruit; but some was fruitful. Satan opposed the work of God by sowing counterfeit Christians, by encouraging a false growth, and by introducing false doctrine. It would seem that Satan is winning! But the test is at the end of the age, not during the age.

Hold fast!  Michael

Tuesday's Text: Psalm 139:1-2;23-24

What we think about God and our relationship to Him determines what we think about everything else that makes up our busy world—other people, the universe, God's Word, God's will, sin, faith, and obedience. Wrong ideas about God will ultimately lead to wrong ideas about who we are and what we should do, and this leads to a wrong life on the wrong path toward the wrong destiny.

In other words, theology—the right knowledge of God—is essential to a fulfilled life in this world. David contemplated God and wrote for us a psalm whose message can only encourage us to be in a right relationship with Him.

This chapter teaches us that we cannot deceive God, escape God, or ignore God, so is it sensible to obey God.  Right?  But there are those who still prefer to oppose God and dispute what He says about them in His Word. David called these people wicked, violent, liars, blasphemers, and rebels, and he grieved because of them.

God also grieves over sinners—the Father does (Gen. 6:6), the Son does (Mark 3:5; Luke 19:41), and so does the Spirit (Eph. 4:30). Yes, it is difficult to love rebellious sinners and still hate their sins, but we need more "holy hatred" in this day when blatant sin is a popular form of entertainment.  If we don't see sin for what it is, it can easily infiltrate our lives.

You and I cannot be right every time and each of us is right in our own eye.  We need God's eye, Spirit and Word revealing the truth about our heart and our lives.  Only then can we stand with a clear conscience before God.

Michael

Wednesday Reading

Romans 8:12-25

It is not enough for us to have the Spirit; the Spirit must have us! Only then can He share with us the abundant, victorious life that can be ours in Christ. We have no obligation to the flesh, because the flesh has only brought trouble into our lives. We do have an obligation to the Holy Spirit, for it is the Spirit who convicted us, revealed Christ to us, and imparted eternal life to us when we trusted Christ. Because He is "the Spirit of Life," He can empower us to obey Christ, and He can enable us to be more like Christ.

But He is also the Spirit of death. He can enable us to "put to death" (mortify) the sinful deeds of the body. As we yield the members of our body to the Spirit (Rom. 6:12-17), He applies to us and in us the death and resurrection of Christ. He puts to death the things of the flesh, and He reproduces the things of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is also "the Spirit of adoption" (Rom. 8:14-17). The word adoption in the New Testament means "being placed as an adult son." We come into God's family by birth. But the instant we are born into the family, God adopts us and gives us the position of an adult son. A baby cannot walk, speak, make decisions, or draw on the family wealth. But the believer can do all of these the instant he is born again.

He can walk and be "led of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:14). The verb here means "willingly led." We yield to the Spirit, and He guides us by His Word day by day. We are not under bondage to Law and afraid to act. We have the liberty of the Spirit and are free to follow Christ. The believer can also speak: "We cry, Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15).  First, the Spirit says, "Abba, Father" to us (Gal. 4:6), and then we say it to God. ("Abba" means "papa"—a term of endearment.)

There is no need for the believer to be defeated. He can yield his body to the Spirit and by faith overcome the old nature. The Spirit of life will empower him. The Spirit of death will enable him to overcome the flesh. And the Spirit of adoption will enrich him and lead him into the will of God.

Thank you for your patience.  I had a surgical procedure yesterday to remove some spots on my face.  A little painful but better safe than sorry.

Michael

Today's Text: Genesis 28:10-19

On awakening, Jacob's first response was one of fear and surprise. God was in that place, and he didn't know it! But "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Prov. 1:7), so Jacob's response was the right one. He discovered that he could find God in unlikely places and that any place is "the house of God" (Bethel) because God is there. He would be away from his father's house for at least twenty years, but the Lord would be his "dwelling place" no matter where he went (Ps. 90:1).

His next act was to worship the God who had appeared to him. He turned the headpiece into a pillar to memorialize the great experience that had been his that night. By pouring oil on the stone, he consecrated it to the Lord. He didn't use the stone as an altar or make a sacrifice; he simply set it apart as a memorial. In later Hebrew liturgy, the pouring out of liquid was symbolic of pouring one's life out in devotion to the Lord (Ex. 29:38-41; see also Phil. 2:17; 2 Cor. 12:15).

But most important, Jacob dedicated himself to the Lord that morning and claimed the promises that God had made to him (Gen. 28:13-15). The "if" found in many translations of verse 20 can also be read "since." Jacob wasn't making a bargain with God; he was affirming his faith in God. Since God had promised to care for him, be with him, and bring him back home safely, then Jacob would affirm his faith in God and would seek to worship and honor Him alone.

Jacob didn't have an easy life in the years that followed; for though God forgave his sins and was with him in his journeys, Jacob suffered the consequences of his sins. God in His grace forgives us, but God in His righteous government sees to it that we reap what we sow.

Jacob had deceived Isaac, but his father-in-law Laban lied to Jacob and deceived him. Jacob used a kid to deceive his father, and Jacob's sons used a kid to deceive their father (37:29-35). During the years he worked for Laban, Jacob endured many trials, both as a shepherd and as the husband of four wives and the father of many children (31:36ff). The thing that kept him going when the going was tough was his faith in the promises of God. God promised to be with Him, and that's what Jacob depended on (31:42; 49:24-25).

And the Lord didn't fail him, nor will He fail us. "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Ps. 46:7).

What keeps you going in your walk this week?  Do you see God's hand in your life?  it's there and it will be found in the decisions you make.  Decisions matter.

Have a great week at the Fair!

Michael

Do the heavenly bodies have any influence over our lives? The millions of people who consult their horoscopes each day would say, "Yes!" In the United States, there are about 1,750 daily newspapers, and 1,220 of them carry astrological data!

Is there any relationship between diet and spiritual living?

Does God speak to us immediately, in our minds, or only through His Word, the Bible? Do the Eastern religions have something to offer the evangelical Christian?

These questions sound very contemporary. Yet they are the very issues Paul dealt with in his writings. We need this important letter today just as they needed it back in a.d. 60 when Paul wrote it.

It is possible to hear and not believe, even though the Word of God has the power to generate faith in those who hear (Rom. 10:17). Millions of people have heard the Good News of salvation and yet not believed. But those who believe in Jesus Christ receive from God the gift of eternal life (John 3:14-18).

We are not saved by faith in faith. There is a cult of "believism" today that promotes faith but has little to do with Jesus Christ. Even some popular songs carry the message of "faith in faith." The modern attitude is, "If you believe, you are safe." But the obvious question is, "Believe in what?" Their answer: "Just believe!"

We have adopted the world view of spirituality when we place the power of our redemption in our faith or any of our actions.  It is a pagan view that somehow we can coax or cajole the gods by our offerings and obedience.  The eternal God has made it clear.  He wants a personal relationship.  Our faith is a response to that offering. 

We cannot make our selves more spiritual.  Only God can do that by transforming us.  So put your trust in the one who can deliver the goods: Jesus.

Michael

Today's Text: Luke 10:25-37

Jesus did not say that this story was a parable, so it could well be the report of an actual occurrence. For Jesus to tell a story that made the Jews look bad and the Samaritans look good would either be dangerous or self-defeating. "You just made that up!" they could say. "We all know that nothing like that would ever happen!" So it is possible that some of His listeners, including the lawyer, knew that such a thing had really happened. Either way, the account is realistic.

The worst thing we can do with any parable, especially this one, is turn it into an allegory and make everything stand for something. The victim becomes the lost sinner who is half dead (alive physically, dead spiritually), helplessly left on the road of life. The priest and Levite represent the Law and the sacrifices, neither of which can save the sinner.

The Samaritan is Jesus Christ who saves the man, pays the bill, and promises to come again. The inn stands for the local church where believers are cared for, and the "two pence" are the two ordinances, baptism and Communion. If you take this approach to Scripture, you can make the Bible say almost anything you please, and you are sure to miss the messages God wants you to get.

The road from Jerusalem down to Jericho was indeed a dangerous one. Since the temple workers used it so much, you would have thought the Jews or Romans would have taken steps to make it safe. It is much easier to maintain a religious system than it is to improve the neighborhood.

Most of us can think up excuses for the priest and Levite as they ignored the victim. (Maybe we have used them ourselves!) The priest had been serving God at the temple all week and was anxious to get home. Perhaps the bandits were still lurking in the vicinity and using the victim as "bait." Why take a chance? Anyway, it was not his fault that the man was attacked. The road was busy, so somebody else was bound to come along and help the man. The priest left it to the Levite, and then the Levite did what the priest did—nothing! Such is the power of the bad example of a religious man.

By using a Samaritan as the hero, Jesus disarmed the Jews, for the Jews and Samaritans were enemies (John 4:9; 8:48). It was not a Jew helping a Samaritan but a Samaritan helping a Jew who had been ignored by his fellow Jews! The Samaritan loved those who hated him, risked his own life, spent his own money (two days' wages for a laborer), and was never publicly rewarded or honored as far as we know.

What the Samaritan did helps us better understand what it means to "show mercy" (Luke 10:37), and it also illustrates the ministry of Jesus Christ. The Samaritan identified with the needs of the stranger and had compassion on him. There was no logical reason why he should rearrange his plans and spend his money just to help an "enemy" in need, but mercy does not need reasons. Being an expert in the Law, the scribe certainly knew that God required His people to show mercy, even to strangers and enemies (Ex. 23:4-5; Lev. 19:33-34; Micah 6:8).

See how wisely Jesus "turned the tables" on the lawyer. Trying to evade responsibility, the man asked, "Who is my neighbor?" But Jesus asked, "Which of these three men was neighbor to the victim?" The big question is, "To whom can I be a neighbor?" and this has nothing to do with geography, citizenship, or race. Wherever people need us, there we can be neighbors and, like Jesus Christ, show mercy.

The lawyer wanted to discuss "neighbor" in a general way, but Jesus forced him to consider a specific man in need. How easy it is for us to talk about abstract ideals and fail to help solve concrete problems. We can discuss things like "poverty" and "job opportunities" and yet never personally help feed a hungry family or help somebody find a job.

Of course, the lawyer wanted to make the issue somewhat complex and philosophical, but Jesus made it simple and practical. He moved it from duty to love, from debating to doing. To be sure, our Lord was not condemning discussions or debates; He was only warning us not to use these things as excuses for doing nothing. Committees are not always committed!

Michael

Matthew 13:1-23

The Parable of the Sower does not begin with "The kingdom of heaven is like" because it describes how the kingdom begins. It begins with the preaching of the Word, the planting of the seed in the hearts of people. When we say, "Let me plant this thought in your mind," we express the idea of this parable. The seed is God's Word; the various soils represent different kinds of hearts; and the varied results show the different responses to the Word of God. Jesus explained this parable so there is no doubt of its meaning.

Why compare God's Word to seed? Because the Word is "living and powerful" (Heb. 4:12). Unlike the words of men, the Word of God has life in it; and that life can be imparted to those who will believe. The truth of God must take root in the heart, be cultivated, and permitted to bear fruit. It is shocking to realize that three fourths of the seed did not bear fruit.

Jesus did not describe an age of great harvest, but one in which the Word would be rejected. He was not impressed with the "great multitudes" that followed Him, for He knew that most of the people would not receive His Word within and bear fruit.

Fruit is the test of true salvation (Matt. 7:16). This would include holiness (Rom. 6:22), Christian character (Gal. 5:22-23), good works (Col. 1:10), winning others to Christ (Rom. 1:13), sharing what we have (Rom. 15:25-28), and praising God (Heb. 13:15). If a plant is to bear fruit, it must be rooted in soil and exposed to sunshine.

In the parable, the sun represents persecution that comes because of the Word. Persecution helps believers grow. But the sunshine will kill a plant with no roots. This explains why some "believers" do not last: Their faith was weak, their understanding was meager, and their decision was not sincere. It is possible to "believe" and yet not be saved (John 2:23-25). Unless there is fruit in the life, there is not saving faith in the heart.

Nineteen times in Matthew 13 we find the word "hear." The Parable of the Sower is found in the first three Gospels, and in each one, the closing admonition is different. It is important that we hear God's Word, because "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Jesus said, "Who hath ears to hear" (Matt. 13:9), "Take heed what you hear!" (Mark 4:24), and "Take heed how you hear!" (Luke 8:18)

Did you note the odds: 1 in 4 that what we do will bear fruit in others.  1 in 2 odds that people will start in faith but not finish their spiritual journey.  Every day we plant thoughts in the minds of others with a word or action.  Be patient.  Keep planting seeds.

Michael

Read the Text and the following Reflection.  Let me know what you think!

The Law condemns; but the believer has a new relationship to the Law, and therefore he cannot be condemned. Paul made three statements about the believer and the Law, and together they add up to: no condemnation.

The Law cannot claim you (v. 2). You have been made free from the law of sin and death. You now have life in the Spirit. You have moved into a whole new sphere of life in Christ. "The law of sin and death" is what Paul described in Romans 7:7-25. "The law of the Spirit of life" is described in Romans 8. The Law no longer has any jurisdiction over you: you are dead to the Law (Rom. 7:4) and free from the Law (Rom. 8:2).  Jesus Christ now claims jurisdiction over you. 

The Law cannot condemn you (v. 3). Why? Because Christ has already suffered that condemnation for you on the cross. The Law could not save; it can only condemn. But God sent His Son to save us and do what the Law could not do. Jesus did not come as an angel; He came as a man. He did not come "in sinful flesh," for that would have made Him a sinner. He came in the likeness of sinful flesh, as a man. He bore our sins in His body on the cross.

The "law of double jeopardy" states that a man cannot be tried twice for the same crime. Since Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sins, and since you are "in Christ," God will not condemn you.

The Law cannot control you (v. 4). The believer lives a righteous life, not in the power of the Law, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Law does not have the power to produce holiness; it can only reveal and condemn sin. But the indwelling Holy Spirit enables you to walk in obedience to God's will. The righteousness that God demands in His Law is fulfilled in you through the Spirit's power. In the Holy Spirit, you have life and liberty (Rom. 8:2) and "the pursuit of happiness" (Rom. 8:4).

The legalist tries to obey God in his own strength and fails to measure up to the righteousness that God demands. The Spirit-led Christian, as he yields to the Lord, experiences the sanctifying work of the Spirit in his life. "For it is God that works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). It is this fact that leads to the second freedom we enjoy as Christians.

If you have received Christ, follow Him.  God certainly isn't stopping you. You don't have to be perfect just loving.

Michael

Read and Reflect

At this point, David paused to meditate on the character of the Lord his God. After all, why pray to the Lord if He can't be trusted? But He can be trusted! To begin with, He is "good and upright" and what He says and does is always right. If we submit ourselves to Him in meekness, He will teach us His ways, but if we are arrogant, He will be silent.

In the New Testament, the word "meek" describes a horse that has been broken, a soothing wind on a hot day, and a healing medicine. Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control. God can be trusted to guide those who obey His Word (v. 10), for a willingness to obey is the first step toward spiritual understanding (John 7:17).

God can be trusted to be merciful and gracious to those who repent (v. 11), but we must walk in the fear of the Lord (v. 12). "He [God] will instruct him in the way chosen for him" (v. 12).

Knowing that the Lord has a plan for our lives, and that this plan is the very best for us, should give us great joy and confidence as we seek His will (Psalm 139:13-16; Eph. 2:10).

According to God's covenant arrangement, those who obey will receive His provision and protection, and there will be blessing also for the next generations in the family (Deut. 4:1-14). The word "children" is used nearly forty times in Deuteronomy, reminding us that our descendants can receive blessing from our obedience or sorrow because of our sins.

If we love Him, fear Him, and obey His Word, He will draw near to us and share His plans with us. "Secret" in verse 14 means "intimate conversation, plans and purposes," what Jesus spoke about in John 15:15 and what Abraham experienced in Genesis 18:16ff. (You can also look up Jer. 23:18 and 22, Prov. 3:32 and Amos 3:7.) As we "walk with the Lord in the light of His Word," we develop a close fellowship with Him and better understand His ways. Yes, the Lord can be trusted to help us; and when He helps, He does it in mercy and truth ("love and faithfulness").

It's a beautiful day.  I hope you can get out and enjoy it.

Michael

Daily Bible Reading

Imagine Rebekah's surprise when she learned that the two children would struggle with each other all their lives! Each child would produce a nation, and these two nations (Edom and Israel) would compete, but the younger would master the older. Just as God had chosen Isaac, the second-born, and not Ishmael, the firstborn, so He choose Jacob, the second-born, and not Esau, the firstborn. That the younger son should rule the elder was contrary to human tradition and logic, but the sovereign God made the choice (Rom. 9:10-12); and God never makes a mistake.

Esau probably means "hairy." He also had the nickname "Edom," which means "red," referring to his red hair and the red lentil soup Jacob sold him (vv. 25, 30). The twin boys not only looked different but they also were different in personality. Esau was a robust outdoorsman, who was a successful hunter, while Jacob was a "home-boy." You would think that Isaac would have favored Jacob, since both of them enjoyed domestic pursuits, but Jacob was Rebekah's favorite. Rebekah was a hands-on mother who knew what was going on in the home and could contrive ways to get what she thought was best.

It's unfortunate when homes are divided because parents and children put their own personal desires ahead of the will of God. Isaac enjoyed eating the tasty game that Esau brought home, a fact that would be important in later family history (chap. 27). Isaac, the quiet man, fulfilled his dreams in Esau, the courageous man, and apparently ignored the fact that his elder son was also a worldly man. Did Isaac know that Esau had forfeited his birthright?  The record doesn't tell us. But he did know that God had chosen the younger son over the elder son.

It has been said that "Faith is living without scheming." Jacob could have used that card. Before his birth, he had been divinely chosen to receive the birthright and the blessing; thus there was no need for him to scheme and take advantage of his brother. It's likely that Jacob had already seen plenty of evidence that Esau didn't care about spiritual things, an attitude that made Esau unfit to receive the blessing and accomplish God's will. Perhaps Jacob and his mother had even discussed the matter.

The name "Jacob" comes from a Hebrew word (yaaqob) that means "may God protect"; but because it sounds like the words aqeb ("heel") and aqab ("watch from behind" or "overtake"), his name became a nickname: "he grasps the heel" or "he deceives." Before birth, Jacob and Esau had contended; and at birth, Jacob grasped his brother's heel. This latter action was interpreted to mean that Jacob would trip up his brother and take advantage of him. The prediction proved true.

The fact that God had already determined to give the covenant blessings to Jacob didn't absolve anybody in the family from their obligations to the Lord. They were all responsible for their actions, because divine sovereignty doesn't destroy human responsibility. In fact, knowing that we're the chosen of God means we have a greater responsibility to do His will.

What are you responsible for today?  Be it high or low, do it as for the Lord.

Remember Judy today and Stan Thomas' son Jimmy.  His cancer has returned.  Also, praise the Lord, Teresa is back in the office. 

Michael

Today is the viewing for Mildred Greathouse (Judy Gilbert's mom) at Hague's in Medora from 4 to 8 PM.  Service is tomorrow at 3:00 PM.  Thanks to all who have provided encouragement and food for the family and staff at the Greenhouse.

Received great news yesterday for Bob and Rita Coates.  They are grandparents again.  Max Allen Campbell was born July 11 with a weight of 7'11" and length of 19.5 inches.  Congratulations.

Remember tomorrow to visit the blog daily for your scriptural reading and study.  We will follow the daily scriptures from your sermon insert.

Thank you.

Michael

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5

The more we come to know God, the more we are going to learn the way God works, the things God desires to do in our lives and in the lives of others, and the plans God has made for mankind’s eternal good. We are going to feel God’s heartbeat. What disappoints God is going to disappoint us. What brings joy to heaven is going to bring joy to us. What brings concern to the Lord is going to concern us. We are going to see things from God’s perspective, and we are going to grow in our desire to love others as God loves them.

What a blessing it is to grow old in the Lord.  His ways become your ways and His thoughts your thoughts.  Study the Lord well, Christian.  He will change you from the inside out.

Spent last night with Judy Gilbert.  Her mother (Mildred Greathouse) passed away.  Viewing will be at Hague's in Medora on Sunday beginning at 4 PM.  Service will be at the Medora Christian Church at 3 PM on Monday. 

Keep Paul Borden and family in your prayers.  Conducted their Aunt's service yesterday.  She had no children of her own but counted all her nieces and nephews as her own.  She was a loving lady that will be missed.

Hold to the faith.

Michael

 

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.  John 15:10

The change Jesus brings into our lives includes a tremendous challenge to become more than we presently are. Jesus is not a friend who leaves us in our weakness, winks at our sin, or allows us to continue in error. No! He accepts us where we are, but at the same time, He challenges us to move toward wholeness, perfection, and genuine excellence. He challenges us to become all that our Creator designed us to be and to do. He equips us with His presence so we can move from where we are to where He desires for us to be.

Where is God growing you today?  What is he asking you to do to keep His Word?  No day ever passes that we don't have the opportunity to show our devotion to Him by obeying His Word.  Perhaps you will lend a hand or resist a temptation.  Today, you will grow one way or the other.

I leave in a few moments to bid farewell to Bill Sterling.  Keep Thelma Jo and the family in your prayers.  He was a good man and worthy of a moment to remember.

I will speak more Sunday on how we will serve in flood relief.  Praise to Him that two families have stepped forward to be the friendly face for these we will serve.  Thanks again to all you have already done. 

Abide in His love.

Michael

Our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant.2 Corinthians 3:5–6

What good news that God is the One who makes us competent and that He is the One who makes all of our ministry efforts “sufficient.”

Can you fail in witnessing to others about Christ? Not if you give your witness to the best of your ability and with a heart motivated by love.

Can you fail in praying for others in the name of Jesus? Not if you pray the way God leads you to pray and with a heart motivated by love.

Can you fail in doing a work of ministry that is designed to help others? Not if you are acting as God has led you to act and you offer your services with a heart motivated by love.

Remember Paul Borden and family in your prayers.  His aunt Susie Williams passed away.  Services will be Thursday.  Judy Gilbert's mother (Mildred) is near death.  It has been a long road for all concerned.  Lift them up.

There is a reason God blesses our labor and keeps us in our trials.  You are faithful.  And faithfulness brings honor to His name. 

I have put a form on the website to submit volunteer information for help with flood relief.  Go to the Flood Relief page and fill out the form or wait till we collect the information at church. 

Michael

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and
knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.…
It is by faith we understand that the whole world was made by God’s command so what we see was made by something that cannot be seen.… Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.

Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6

The Good News shows how God makes people
right with himself—that it begins and ends with faith.
As the Scripture says, “But those who are right
with God will live by trusting in him.”

Romans 1:17

We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated.
We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us.
We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.…
So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming
older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new
every day. We have small troubles for a while now,
but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is
much greater than the troubles. We set our eyes not on
what we see but on what we cannot see.…

2 Corinthians 4:8–9, 16–18

Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good.… It is a choice to believe that the one who made it all hasn’t left it all and that he still sends light into the shadows and responds to gestures of faith.…

Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.

God says that the more hopeless your circumstances, the more likely your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. The darker the room, the greater the need for light.

God’s help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.

Our mission team is heading out this morning to Tennessee.  Pray for their safety but also their spiritual growth.   I meet with Thelma and the funeral service will be this Wednesday at 11 am at the church.  Viewing is Tuesday evening from 4 to 8 pm at Spurgeon's Funeral Home.  Bill was ready and finished his race well. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to use you this day and let me know what happens.

Michael

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit.  John 15:5

Jesus makes a clear distinction between the vine and the branch. The two are not the same. He is the vine; we are the branches. The two are joined but not one. The common denominator in nature is the sap. The sap is the life of the vine and its branches. Cut off the flow of sap to the branch, and it slowly withers and dies.

As the branch draws its life from the vine, so we draw life from Christ. To abide in Christ is to draw upon His life. His life is made available through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

I spent a few minutes today with Mildred Greathouse (Judy Gilbert's mom).   She is in her last days yet is grateful for every moment spent with her.  We are held by the promise that as she withers her, she will bloom there. 

FEMA, the United Way and the Red Cross met with us on Tuesday.  In addition to the Weavers, we will be encouraging two elderly couples whose house were affected.  I should receive the family information soon and will share them with you.

Begin to pray now for two people who will serve as contact persons for these couples.  They do better when they talk on a regular basis to the same person.  Doug is working with Carroll and Thelma and I would like to have two such advocates for our new families.

I cannot tell you how much of a difference the faith community is making.  God is being honored and you should be proud.  We will be enlisting people in service over the next few weeks, so step up and do your part.

Michael

Have a happy and safe 4th of July

COUNSEL FROM GOD’S WORD

Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.  Psalm 119:24

God’s Word showed David which alternative to take, which option to pursue, which strategy to employ. He knew when, how, and where to apply God’s Word in times of trouble.…

David had many counselors—brilliant and courageous “mighty men” who surrounded him with advice. But David relied first and foremost on God’s Word to be his counselor. He turned first to what God had to say anytime he faced bad news or difficult circumstances. He found not only comfort but also joy in what he read and studied—he found confidence that God was with him.

We have been asked by the Praying for America Initiative to join with Christian throughout the nation during this month of our foundation.  Each day I blog I will include a prayer focus for our nation.

Pray for a great outpouring of God's Spirit on our nation. (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17) Pray for the President and Vice President that their hearts would be guided by God, their decisions would be wise and their leadership would be principled.

Also pray for our nation as it suffers under the greed of men.  Oil abounds but those that hold the markets are bleeding this nation.  I was at a national artist colony this past weekend and the numbers there were tragic.  Our nation will pay a heavy price over the next few years.  May we learn what God has to say for us.

Michael