Should We Fear Death?

Death. It is something that both intrigues the world, and scares the world. It is something that we are faced with everyday, sometimes expectedly, and other times not. It is something that causes philosophers to sit and wonder, what really happens when someone dies. Is there a soul? Is there an afterlife? And if so, what is the afterlife like? Some people have set answers as to what happens after death. The very thought of death brings a deep conviction, a fear of the unknown. But for Christians, death is something else all together. There is a hope, a life existing with God. I remember reading about Cassie Bernall in "She Said Yes." When she was asked if she believed in God, she quickly replied "Yes," most likely knowing that answer would cause her death. Yet, at an extremely young age, Cassie died with a great hope. A hope that there was something more, something worth proclaiming.Because as sad as death is for us on earth, and as much as we mourn and miss those who have passed; the truth is, death is only the end of our life on earth. We pass from death to live with God, in Heaven, for eternity (2 Corinthians 5:15). We move on to a place where we can truly glorify our Lord, a place that is free from pain and suffering (Revelation 21:3-4). As Christians, we should not be ignorant, as Paul says, regarding those who have passed away. Rather we should rejoice that they are with the Lord, in a place more peaceful and joyous than we can ever imagine. And for ourselves, when darkness seems to surround us, we should remember that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39), and that we have absolutely no reason to fear death (1 John 4:17). Or as one person put it, "A Christian's life is really nothing more than a bus ticket to Heaven... sure it may be a bumpy ride now and then, but the destination is worth the price paid."

God's Word for Today

Beware of the Silent Killer

Exodus 15:23-26-"And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee."

Murmuring or complaining is one of those sins that are overlooked. Sometimes we get so focused on the “big sins” such as murder and adultery that we overlook this sin — but the Lord doesn’t give this sin a free pass — quite the opposite. It’s a hidden killer! This sin unleashed a plague that killed thousands of Israelites! [Numbers 16] In this passage, we read how the Israelites, who were desperately thirsty, looked only at the fact that the water they had come to was bitter and undrinkable. How quickly they forgot their God who had led them out of Egypt with signs and wonders. They had just witnessed His dividing of the Red Sea and destruction of those who had enslaved them. And yet, so quickly they returned to looking only with their natural eyes at the problem in front of them, completely forgetting the miracle working power of their God! And so they murmured against Moses. But honestly, weren’t they really murmuring against God? Once again, Moses interceded for them, revealing the faithfulness of His God to answer every impossible dilemma and provide for every need; and again, setting them the example: they simply needed to go the Lord! So often, just like the Israelites, we focus on our desperate situation with our physical eyes, and not with eyes of faith, and then fall into the trap of complaining. And if you’re like me, once I start, it can be really hard to stop…until the Lord stops me, right in my tracks, and He reminds me –- aren’t you really complaining against me? I have to remember to see that I actually hinder the Lord’s answers to my problems by unbelief…which leads to the sin of murmuring! Let’s not allow this sin to gain a foothold — because it can easily become a stronghold! The same wonder working God that led the children of Israel out of Egypt, is still at work today — but are we hindering Him? If we are grumbling and complaining, the answer is, “YES”! And in so doing, until we stop, we are missing out on His answers and blessings which are waiting in the wings to meet our faith in Him!

Sign of the Times....

I was surfing the internet and found something I think is funny. I have seen a lot of church signs....but this one takes the cake! I think even Larry the "Cable Guy" would attend this church. Assuming he attends church.

God bless and "Git R Done For God"

Monday Morning Cup of Joe

Well we are starting another week and I hope and trust that you enjoyed the weekend. It was cold here in Indiana and fall has definitely arrived. The air is crisper and we have begun using our fireplace and it's cold this morning as I write this blog. But I have to say that I love this time of year and I enjoy the changing of the seasons. I am just thankful God never changes and His mercies are new every morning. Great is God's faithfulness to us. I hope you have a great week and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. God bless.

Obedience

To God, obedience is extremely important, in fact, it's a big deal. And one of the best ways to see just how importantly He regards it is to learn from those who disobeyed God and the Bible has many examples of people who disobeyed God. One such person is King Saul. When he was told by God to make an end of the Amalekites and to destroy all of their property, he did not do it. Instead of obeying God, he saved the oxen and the sheep, along with some other things, and then claimed he had obeyed God. But when Samuel heard the oxen and the sheep, Saul knew he had been caught. So he changed his story. He said, “Well, these things are just a sacrifice to God.” In response to this act of disobedience, this is what Samuel, the prophet, said. We find it in 1 Samuel 15:22, So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” God does not want religious lip service. He wants obedience. Obedience is better than sacrifice. One reason for that is because you cannot make up by sacrifice what you lose through disobedience. Another reason why obedience is better than sacrifice is because it is preventative. In Saul’s day, sacrifices were made to cover sin, but if he had obeyed, there would have been no need for sacrifice. Obedience would have prevented his sin. So do what God desires. Obey what He commands. It is always better.

Sign of the Times...

We are about finished with this current election cycle which seems to have lasted forever, and in spite of who wins, I saw this church sign and it reminded me of who really "rules the universe." I am glad that God doesn't run for public office or need opinion polls or political ads to prove who He is to us. He says in the book of Isaiah 43:10-I am the Lord your God and beside me there is no other." I am so glad for that. God bless everyone. Have a great day.

God's Word for Today

Monday Morning Cup of Joe

I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed the cool weather. This week begins a two week fall break for my children, and today I am home on my day off spending the day with my kids. I was away last week at our denomination's annual district convention here in the state of Indiana and I was unable to make many blog entries. However, I am back in the swing of things and I am enjoying having some family time today. I hope you all have a great week and God bless.

Priorities

Choose my instruction instead of silver,knowledge rather than choice gold.— Proverbs 8:10

Focus on the Family's H.B. London conducted a conference for pastors and their spouses, and during the conference took a survey. One of the questions asked was, "If you could change one thing that would improve your present situation, what would it be?" Their answers:

More family time.
A more receptive laity.
Better management of time.
A regular program of physical exercise.
A trustworthy person in whom to confide.

These responses are a reflection of their priorities. Priorities are frequently ordered by preference. We have our likes and dislikes and we often do what we want to, when we want to. Priorities are also arranged by urgency. The urgency of the problem or dilemma has a way of dictating what matters. Finally, priorities are set by importance — the greatest good for the greatest number. A college professor in Oklahoma asks everyone he knows and teaches, "What is your philosophy of life?" Most are shocked at such a question, because it asks them to capsulize their priorities a bit too tightly. But it is a good question, for your priorities reflect your philosophy of life. Would you need to reorder your priorities to live according to your philosophy of life?

A New Day Dawns for the Rams

Halleluja! The St. Louis Rams finally turned the page on the horrific era of former head coach Scott Linehan and gave new head coach Jim Haslett his first victory as coach of the Rams. Josh Brown kicked a 49 yard field goal with 2 seconds remaining to give the Rams a 19-17 win over the Washington Redskins in the nations capital. This is also the Rams first victory this year and they are now 1-4 on the season. Maybe this is the start of good things ahead for the Rams. I am one happy fan....GO RAMS!

Thoughts for the Heart

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5)

If you are in a stressful or difficult time in your life right now, you know full well how difficult it can be to have any peace of mind. However, as these scriptures tell us, when we have the mind of Christ, and keep our hearts and minds focused on Him, he will give us peace. The kind of peace that transcends all human thought or ability and allows us to endure hardship, trials, sorrow, and difficulties. Always remember that you have peace because you are trusting in the Prince of Peace.

I Trust You

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. (Psalm 25:1-2)
We live in a world today that is very untrustworthy. We are afraid to trust anyone for fear that they may go back on their word. Which is why when someone expresses trust in me, I am very grateful. I know myself well enough to know there is a great capacity for falling short, but if someone else voices confidence in me, I am greatly encouraged to be and do my best. I know my power to do anything comes from Christ-I'm not trusting in my own abilities How do you think the Lord feels when we say to Him, "I trust You"? Knowing my unworthiness, I am very happy when someone trusts me. But the Lord is totally worthy of all our trust! No wonder Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your path." While others may fail you or disappoint you, God will never break our trust in Him. He is the only one we can fully trust for everything in our lives. I think this must be why He rejoices over us "with shouts of joy" (Zephaniah 3:17). Let's rejoice His heart today.

Forgiveness

If you're finding it hard to forgive yourself for something you've done in the past, it may be that you're reaping what you have sown. And it's particularly hard (but not impossible) to keep from feeling bad when you've condemned somebody else for doing the same thing. Here's a scriptural truth you need to understand, accept and live by; as long as you're alive you will have to keep forgiving – yourself and others!
When guilt and condemnation tell you your sins are too big for God's forgiveness, remember what Paul said: "Jesus…came…to save sinners. I'm proof – Public Sinner Number One…someone who could have never made it apart from sheer mercy…evidence of his endless patience." Before his conversion Paul persecuted the church, killing and torturing believers. It's how he made his living! And if he could learn to forgive himself, you can too! In fact, when you don't you're implying that your transgressions are beyond the scope of God's grace to forgive and Jesus' blood to cleanse. And that's a bigger sin – pride! Plus, when somebody always has "issues" with other people, they may be looking for somebody to offend them; that way they can point out how bad the other person is and feel better about themselves. Pride and a judgmental attitude feed off each other the way humility feeds off forgiveness. God said, "I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake. And I will not remember your sins" (Isa 43:25 NASB). When you adopt a humble attitude and work on forgiving yourself the way God has, it's a lot easier to overlook other people's mistakes. Give it a try; you'll be amazed!

God's Word for Today

Everyone have a blessed day as you worship the Lord in spirit and truth...

Why I Don't Gamble

Blessing of Tithing

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ..." says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
-Malachi 3:10 (NIV)

As a teenager, I asked stepfather why our family tithed. He told me that God commanded our tithes and that as faithful Christians we should give God 10% of our income. I asked him, "How did the rest of the money stretch for the things you needed?" He answered, "We don't need to stretch our earnings because the Lord will multiply them." I'm grateful to my stepfather and mother for teaching their children to tithe. I'm thankful that my parents helped me understand that the Lord will multiply whatever we give and use it to enrich others' lives as well as our own.