Monday, September 30, 2019

Teach Us To Realize The Brevity Of Life, So That We May Grow In Wisdom.


Teach Us To Realize
The Brevity Of Life,
So That We May Grow In Wisdom.
Scripture
Psalm 90
4 For you, a thousand years are as a passing day,
    as brief as a few night hours.
5 You sweep people away like dreams that disappear.
    They are like grass that springs up in the morning.
6 In the morning it blooms and flourishes,
    but by evening it is dry and withered.
10 Seventy years are given to us!
    Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
    soon they disappear, and we fly away.

12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
    so that we may grow in wisdom.

Observation
I was asked this past weekend to give the invocation at our 50th high school reunion (Hillsborough High School - “Go Terriers!” … Go Big Red!)
As part of the invocation I was asked to lead the group in a moment of silence, to remember our classmates who had already passed away.
Our graduating high school class was very large, just over 700 students, and sadly over 90 of us have already exited this life and have entered into the next.
In my prayer, using a football analogy, I mentioned that we are in the 4th quarter of life and were now playing in the final 2-minute warning!
Now, none of like to think about death, especially our own death or the death of a loved one, but the reality for all of us is this ... our life is brief.
The Bible describes the length of our life as a vapor, like grass that springs up in the morning and is dry and withered by evening, as the morning fog, like a breath, and like a shadow. All of those are very short!
If American football had been around back then when the Bible was written the writers might have used the “The final 2-minute warning” as an illustration!
So let's make the most of every minute – let's focus our attention on our relationship with God, our spouse, our children and grandchildren, (great-grandchildren for some of you), our friends and on those who still need a relationship with Jesus.
Psalm 39:4
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
    Remind me that my days are numbered—
    how fleeting my life is.
Job 8:9
For we were born but yesterday and know nothing.
    Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.
Psalm 78:39
39 For he remembered that they were merely mortal,
    gone like a breath of wind that never returns.
James 4:14
14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
Psalm 102:11
11 My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows.
    I am withering away like grass.
Application
My life is short. I plan to use wisely the time I have left.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. Don't let me waste my time.
I pray for any person who is reading this blog today. Help them to live their life in a way that brings You glory and honor. Help me to do the same.
Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 7,8,9; Luke 13; I added: Psalm 30, Psalm 90; Proverbs 30



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Sunday, September 29, 2019

“Yes, A Person Is A Fool To Store Up Earthly Wealth But Not Have A Rich Relationship With God.”


“Yes, A Person Is A Fool To Store Up Earthly Wealth
But Not
Have A Rich Relationship With God.”
Scripture
Luke 12
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 

17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 

18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 

19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 

23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 

24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 

25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 

26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 
28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 
30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 
31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 
34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Observation
I don't care where you and I are in life, Jesus, speaking in Luke 12 has something to say to us. 
I hope that you take a couple of minutes to open up your Bible today and read over this entire chapter and think about what Jesus is saying. 
It is exactly what I am doing right now.

Application
I will seek the Kingdom of God above all else and I will hold on to His promise that He is going to provide for me everything that I need.
How about you? Will, you put Him first in your life?
Luke 12:31
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don't let me think for a minute that I can live this life without You. Don't let me be a fool. Above everything else what I desire most is a rich relationship with You. Don't let me worry about everyday life. I know that You are concerned about every detail of my life and I know that You will provide for every one of my needs as I put You first.
I pray for any person who may read this blog. Help them to put You first in his or her life. Help them to trust in You and not worry about what is going on in their life.
I pray for those who are sick and for those who are grieving. You are the God of all comfort and all compassion. Take care of them, Lord.
Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 4,5,6; Luke 12



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Saturday, September 28, 2019

And So I Tell You, Keep On Asking, And You Will Receive What You Ask For. Keep On Seeking, And You Will Find. Keep On Knocking, And The Door Will Be Opened To You.


And So I Tell You, Keep On Asking, And You Will Receive
What You Ask For. Keep On Seeking, And You Will Find.
Keep On Knocking, And The Door Will Be Opened To You.
Scripture
Luke 11
5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 

6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 

7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’

8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 
10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 
12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 
13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Observation

Last night Kathy and I had the opportunity to attend the first night of our 50th High School Reunion. I have to admit that we were a bit nervous. Our high school senior class was huge – someone said last night that we had 700 in our senior class. But it was so good to see old high school friends and meet some people that graduated with us that we never had the opportunity to get to know. It was also sad to hear that over 90 that graduated with us had already exited this life into the next!
I love this story that Jesus taught his disciples. He was teaching them about prayer in Luke 11. I hope that you take the time to read it. It is only nine verses long.
What Jesus is saying to me is that Eddy should never give up praying for the people that God has placed on my heart! Maybe you are one of those people!
This story also reminds me that I have a Good, Good Heavenly Father, who wants to answer my prayers!
Application
I will be persistent in prayer. I will not give up.
How about you? How can I pray for you?
Luke 18:1
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us the privilege of seeing so many of our old friends from high school last night. Bless them, Lord. May Your face shine brightly on them. Help me to pray for them as You place them on my heart. Help me use my time, the time that I have left on this earth wisely. I want to count for you.
Help me and any person that may be reading this short blog, help us to finish well. You are a Good Good Father. You love to answer my prayers.
Bless the person who helped Kathy and I attend the reunion. Smile on him, Lord!
Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 1,2,3; Luke 11



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Friday, September 27, 2019

Lord, Doesn't It Seem Unfair To You That My Sister Just Sits Here While I Do All The Work?


Lord, Doesn't It Seem Unfair To You
That My Sister Just Sits Here
While I Do All The Work?
Scripture
Luke 10
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 

39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 

40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 
42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Observation
When we compare ourselves with others we will always come up short!
Martha thought she was doing the most important thing that day and she was very upset that her sister Mary wasn't helping her, but actually Mary was doing exactly what she should have been doing – she was spending time with Jesus.
Busyness might seem important, it might make us feel important, but taking the time to spend with Jesus, sitting at the Lord's feet, is the most important thing that you and I can do. For me, what I am doing right now is the most important part of my day.
There is only one thing worth being concerned about today - have you discovered it?
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Psalm 37:7
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Application
I will start every day by being still in the presence of my Lord.
How about you? Will you make a commitment to the Lord to spend time with Him every day?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, don't ever let me get so busy that I neglect to spend time with You in Your Word every day. Don't let me go a day without opening up Your Word and spending time with You.
I pray for any person who may read this blog today. Help them to spend time in Your Word every day. Help them to grow in Christ. May Your face shine of them today.
Daily Bible Reading: Haggai 1,2; Psalms 129; Luke 10



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Thursday, September 26, 2019

Let The Spiritually Dead Bury Their Own Dead!


Let The Spiritually Dead
Bury
Their Own Dead!
Scripture
Luke 9
57 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”
The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”
61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Observation
God is pursuing each one of us. He wants each one of us to have a personal relationship with Him.
Jesus is saying to each one of us, “Come, follow me.”
Will you and I do what God is asking us to do or will we make excuses for not following Him?
Excuses are just that … what God wants from me is obedience, not excuses and I think that is exactly what He wants from you too!
To be a follower of Jesus I must give up living my own way and follow Him and go where He wants me to go.
John 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
Application
I will say, “Yes, Lord!” ... I will not make excuses.
How about you?
1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
Proverbs 24:12
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know me. You know my thoughts even before I do. You know everything about me. So making excuses for not being obedient to You will do me no good at all. Help me to walk close to You today. Help me to clearly hear Your voice and help me to be obedient and not make excuses.

Psalm 119:60
I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.
Psalm 119:115
Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 4; Psalms 113; Psalms 127; Luke 9



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Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Where Is Your Faith?


Where
Is
Your Faith?
Scripture
Luke 8
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 
23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Observation
So I ask you today, “Where is your faith?” All of us are putting our faith into something, for some of us it might be in ourselves, for others maybe it is in the government, or maybe you are placing your faith in another human being, like a parent, grandparent or a husband or your best friend.
All of those mentioned above will eventually let us down – maybe you find yourself disillusioned with life because someone didn't come through for you?
If that is the case let me recommend that you place your faith in Someone who will never let you down. He will always be there for you.
His name is Jesus.
Trust Him today!
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.
Application
My faith is in Christ alone.
How about you? Where is your faith?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I have been let down by people in the past and I know that it will happen again in the future. When things get rough and life is difficult I will place my faith and my trust in You. I know that the stories that I read in Your Word are there to help me to trust in You and to trust in You alone.

I pray for those who are going through difficult times. Help them to look to You for help.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 2,3; Luke 8



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Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Better Is One Day In Your Courts Than A Thousand Elsewhere;


Better
Is One Day In Your Courts
Than A Thousand Elsewhere;
Scripture
Psalm 84
10 Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Observation

Some people miss church on Sunday at the drop of a hat to do something else: birthday parties, football games, kid's sports activities, Disney World, Busch Gardens, fishing, hunting, etc.
This past Sunday we had to miss church at our church because we were at a wedding in Savannah, Georgia, so we went to a friend's church one hour and fifteen minutes outside of Savannah.
It was good to see our friends and hear my pastor buddy Russell Lyle preach, but we missed being at our church.
We missed seeing a lot of you!
My favorite thing to do on Sunday morning at our church is to greet people as they come up to the church from the parking lot. I guess that is why this verse jumped out at me today because “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God” just like the Psalmist would!
Application
I will look forward to being back at our church this coming Sunday!
How about you? Hope you don't let any other activities keep you away from church this Sunday!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, church and church attendance is Your idea. You have told us not to neglect meeting together. Help me to have the right attitude when I am at church this Sunday. Don't let me be distracted by stuff that is not the main thing. Give me a heart to hear and obey Your Word. I pray for my pastors today. Give them wisdom and the strength to lead us. Bless them, Lord. May Your face shine on each one of them and their families.
Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 1; Psalms 84,85; Luke 7



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Monday, September 23, 2019

Why Do You Call Me, “Lord, Lord,” And Do Not Do What I Say?


Why Do You
Call Me, “Lord, Lord,”
And Do Not Do What I Say?
Scripture
Luke 6
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 

47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 

48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 

49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

Observation
In one ear and out the other is not a good thing especially when it comes to hearing the Word of God.
Jesus tells us exactly what we can expect if we do not live out what we hear – devastation and destruction.
After Hurricane Michael hit Mexico Beach up in the panhandle of Florida (2018) I remember seeing everything wiped out except one house that was left standing. It was the only house that was still standing. I remember when they interviewed the owner of the house, I remember what he said, “I built this house to withstand a CAT 4 or CAT 5 hurricane!” I doubt that he laid the foundation on rock, but he definitely built a house with a strong foundation! And I am sure that he was glad that he built his house stronger than all of the others.
All of us are going to experience storms in life and some of them will hit us harder than a CAT 5 hurricane. Putting God's Word into practice and living it out day after day is the anchor that will hold us and sustain us in the midst of life's storms.
Let's anchor ourselves with the Word of God. Let's put it into practice. Let's live it out today!
Application
I will read God's Word every day and I will strive to live out what I read.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to apply Your Word to my life today. Don't let me read it and not put it into practice. Keep me away from stupid sins that mess up my walk with You.
Psalm 119:9-11,105  
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
James 1:22-25 
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 11,12; Luke 6



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Sunday, September 22, 2019

But If You Say So …


But
If
You Say So …
Scripture
Luke 5
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 
6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 
7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 
9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 
11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Luke 5
18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 
19 but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”
21 But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 
24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
25 And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. 
26 Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”
Observation
If you are not reading your Bible every day you might miss stories like these today in Luke chapter five!
I wanted to write about both of them. They are both favorites!
I would have loved to have been there when Jesus said to Simon Peter to go out and let down his nets!
It was a test. It was a faith-building test for Peter and the other disciples!
I think that Simon Peter knew that you fished at night with nets and you normally wouldn't catch fish in those nets in the day time. Plus they had already fished all night and had caught nothing.
“But if you say so ...” Some things we need to do just because God says so … for example: like going to church even when we don't feel like it!
The other story is just as powerful!
Four men carried their crippled friend to Jesus. But the crowd was so great that they couldn't make their way inside the house. So these very determined men made a hole in the roof of the house and lowered their friend down to Jesus. Jesus said that it was the faith of this man's friends that caused Jesus to heal him.
Who do you and I need to help get to Jesus?
Application
I will do things because God says to do them. I will walk by faith and not by sight. I won't make decisions based on how I feel.
How about you?
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we live by faith, not by sight.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to obey even when I don't feel like it. Give me the faith of those four friends who carried the crippled man to Jesus. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Don't let me operate by how I feel.
I pray for any person who might read this blog today. Help them to get to church whether they feel like it or not.
Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 9,10; Psalms 123; Luke 5



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Saturday, September 21, 2019

Watch Your Tongue And Keep Your Mouth Shut, And You Will Stay Out Of Trouble.


Watch Your Tongue
And Keep Your Mouth Shut,
And You Will Stay Out Of Trouble.
Scripture
Proverbs 21
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
    than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert
    than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
    and you will stay out of trouble.
Observation
I am so thankful that I don't live with a quarrelsome, complaining wife! I feel sorry for the guys who do! I also feel sorry for the godly wives that live with quarrelsome, complaining husbands.
Drama … Drama … Drama … day in and day out!
So how do we avoid getting that label? How about by practicing Proverbs 21:23, “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Proverbs 10:19
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Proverbs 13:3
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Application
I will be careful what I say to Kathy and the tone in which I say it.
How about you? Are you verbally abusive?
Here are 3 super important phrases … memorize them and use them frequently: I love you. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to control my words, especially my words to the one that I love the most. Don't let me be abusive. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Help any person that may read this blog today to do the same. Give them control over their tongue. Give them a gentle and quiet spirit. Help them to learn how to fight fair and to deal with problems in a way that honors You!
Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 7,8; Psalms 137; Luke 4; I added: Psalm 21, Psalm 51; Proverbs 21



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