Is It Dead or Alive?

‭‭‭‭James‬ ‭2:24, 26 [24] You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. [26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Is our faith a faith that is alive, and evident to those around us? More importantly, is it a faith that is evident to the Lord, and glorifying Him? It's very easy to say we have faith, and to boast of our faith. However, faith that isn't lived out is a dead faith. How often have we been left wanting when someone gave us lip service without works to back up their words or promises? The fact of the matter is that we often claim to trust God, and announce our faith for others to hear, but we fail to do those things that truly demonstrate our faith. We allow fear, pride, selfishness, love for the things of this world, and our unwillingness to step out of our comfort zones, to keep us from living out our faith by our actions. Abraham was willing to sacrifce his son of promise to prove his trust in, and love for, God. Rahab was willing to risk her life in order to prove her faith in the God of Israel. Sadly, many of us are not willing to sacrifice our time, talents or material things to prove that we trust, and have faith in, our God. What is God asking us to do today to prove our faith? What is He calling us to do that would loudly proclaim to the world that Jesus is not just our Savior, but also our Lord, and that we trust Him implicitly? What act of faith are we refusing to perform that could potentially open a door of opportuntiy to share the Gospel with one or many in our circle of influence? Is our faith in God just lip service and in need of being revived, or is it a faith that is alive and active for the glory of God?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 10:13).

A Demonic Example

Mark‬ ‭5:6‬ [6] When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.

If we read only this verse, we could point out how wonderfully this person responded to seeing Jesus, and being in His presence. We could talk about their dedication to Jesus and how much this person must love the Lord. They surely must be a great servant of God. Wouldn't we all agree? What if I told you that this person, in actuality was rotten to the core? What if I told you that this person was, and is, actually an enemy of you, me, and Jesus? You would probably raise an eyebrow, as you are right now. Well, it's true. But this is what happens when we pull just one verse of Scripture out of context. This verse, in the context of Mark 5, is the response of an unclean spirit named Legion, because there were many of them who possessed this man. Now for the rest of the story:

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5:1‭-‬10‬ "Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. [2] And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, [3] who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, [4] because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. [5] And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. [6] When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. [7] And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” [8] For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”  [9] Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” [10] Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country."

There are many who say they believe in God. ‭‭James‬ ‭2:19‬ tells us, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" The sad truth is that not everyone who claims to believe in God is saved. Not every "Christian" who claims to be one is one. Today is the day to come face to face with that truth and turn to Jesus. It's not too late to call on Him, by faith, and accept eternal life. For those of us who are born again and claim to love Jesus, but are best friends with the world, I say, "Isn't it a crying shame that demons fall down before Jesus and worship, but we refuse to bow our knees in prayer and surrender?" How sad is it that a demon is sometimes a better example than a so-called follower of Jesus in regards to how we should respond to being in the presence of the Lord?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 10:13).

Upside Down for Jesus

Acts 17:6 ”But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.“

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In Acts 11, the Bible tells us that in Antioch was the first time that followers of the Way (believers) were called Christians. This was meant to be a derogatory term, but in actuality it was a compliment, because it meant “a little Christ”. What earn them such an honor? Was it because they attended a local church? Was it because they performed religious rituals? Was it because they “believed” in God? Today, many people claim to be Christians, but get offended when we talk to them about Jesus. They want to talk about a “general” God, but have no desire for the Son of God, our Lord, Savior, and King, the One true God, Jesus Christ. You see, there in lies the difference. The Christians of chapter 11 were born again believers who were not only proclaiming the Gospel message about Jesus boldly, but they were also living life for Jesus boldly; so much so that they were turning the world upside down. Although persecution had scattered them, wherever they went the Good News was preached. So how are we doing? I mean, those of us who have believed and called upon the Name of Jesus, trusting only Him for eternal life? Stop and look around. Are we turning the world upside down, or are we turning our back on Jesus? Would the world around us recognize us as someone who not only claims to be a Christian, but also lives like one? Are we intentionally looking for opportunities to share the good news with a lost and dying world, even if it means that we’ll be persecuted and rejected; even by those closest to us? We are in a time when Christians are so afraid to offend others with the truth of God’s Word, that we are remaining silent and allowing loved ones and friends to perish without Jesus. We are so in love with the world and all the emptiness it has to offer, that people are actually surprised when they learn that we are followers of Jesus. To be called a Christian is to be an ambassador for Jesus. It means that we are taking up our cross daily, serving Him and others, and letting His light shine through us in this dark world. It means that we should be living in such a way that we are turning the world around us, our circle of influence, upside down for Jesus. How are we really doing?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 10:13).

Whose "Stuff" Is It Anyway?

‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24:1‬ [1] The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.

Today, let us stop and take inventory of all that we have. How much of what we have is truly ours? The short answer? None of it! That's right, I said, "None of it!" Everything we have, we have because God has provided it. He was the One who gave us our talents and abilities. He is the One who gives us the health and strength to get up every single day, and enables us to go to work. There is not one single thing that we gained or obtained that we did of our own strength. Therefore, whatever we have, we have on borrowed time. Don't believe me? Try taking any of it with you when you die. What does that say about everything we have? It says that we are called to be good stewards of all God allows us to gain. It says that one day we will stand before the Lord to give account for how we used what He allowed us to have. Did we use it to bless others? Did we use it for the furtherance of His Kingdom, or did we hoard it and refuse to help and bless others? It's sad to say, but far too often we who are called God's children quickly recoil in disgust when the subject of giving is brought up. Yet, Jesus gives us eternal life. He gave His own life and spilled His own Blood for us, and in response we become angry and argue when the subject of giving is brought up in personal conversations or when we hear sermons on the matter. We hold on so tightly to the things of this world, when we have a God who gives us so much so freely. I remind all of us, again, that one day soon we will all give account for what we did with God's "stuff", because in reality none of this "stuff" is really ours; you know, the "stuff" that can disappear and be taken from us in the blink of an eye. The stuff that will be left behind on the day we die or the day that we are taken up out of here to be with Jesus. Yeah, that "stuff".

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

What Would Change?

‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭21:22‬ [22] And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in all that you do."

What geater words can be heard by one of God's children, here on earth, than the words spoken to Abraham by Abimelech? As I read them, I was reminded of the Lord's promise to us in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." As we rise up each day and go about living them out, do we remember that God is with us? If so, how does it, and how should it, affect our daily lives? If God is always with us, that means He is with us from the very moment we open our eyes each day. Shouldn't He then be the One we first think of and spend time with each day?  It means He is with us in the early morning hours when we awake for no apparent reason, other than for the purpose of lifting up much needed prayers for someone in desperate need of them. It means that when we go about our day, He is with us and sees all we do, and hears all we say. How should that affect how we live? How should it affect our attitude, how we treat others, and what we say? Would we live each day with greater faith, with a  willingness to step out in such faith to bless others and live sacrficially for our Lord? Would it cause us to trust Him more and not lean on our own understanding? Would we trust Him more when the unexpected storms of life suddenly rise up? Would we lean on, and trust the One who calmed the storm with the three simple, yet powerful words, "Peace be still."? What would change in our lives if we truly believed, and were intentionally mindful of God's presence in every moment of our daily lives?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Luke‬ ‭9:57‭-‬62‬ [57] Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” [58] And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” [59] Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” [60] Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” [61] And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” [62] But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Just recently I read that God took Enoch, and he (Enoch) did not experience physical death. In a very corrupt and sinful world, before God destroyed every living thing with a worldwide flood, only Noah was found to be righteous. What set these two men apart? In both instances, Enoch and Noah walked with God. They both lived in obedience to God, preaching of the judgment that was to come. Today, we have the same opportunity to walk with God in obedience, and preach the Good News of what Jesus did for us, and warn of the coming judgment for those who reject the free gift of salvation being offered. What is stopping us from walking with God? What excuses are we giving the Lord for not walking with Him? Are we lacking faith? Are we more concerned with the things of earth than we are the things of heaven? Sadly, many of us will lose out on much heavenly reward, and miss out on the great blessing of having a true intimate relationship with Jesus because we refuse to let go of the things, and concerns, of this world. Far too many of us start to walk with the Lord, but then start to look back, much like Lot's wife did when God graciously and mercifully allowed Lot and his family to escape God's judgment upon, and destruction of, Sodom and Gomorrah. Today, let us stop and take inventory of our lives and ask God to show us what is hindering our walk with Him. What is keeping us from walking with and following after Jesus? It's time to stop making excuses and start making disciples. But before we can make disciples, we need to be disciples who don't make excuses for why we ourselves can't be disciples.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

Small Steps to Know A Big God

Zechariah‬ ‭4:10‬ [10] For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”

Each year many of us start off by making a resolution that is aimed at improving who we are, and possibly moving closer to being who we desire to be. We make resolutions that we believe will improve our lives. We set goals and begin with great determination. What usually happens? We start out with great enthusiasm, only to eventually fizzle out. Quite often it is because we set unrealistic goals or become discouraged when our goals start out as fun, but end up being more work than we anticipated. Today's verses are an awesome reminder that the Lord rejoices even when we make small advances; when we take small steps. The Israelites had been released from captivity and were back in their land, rebuilding the Temple. However, when opposition came, the work stopped. Now they had another opportunity, and were restarting the work, but it was a major task that lie ahead for them. The Lord was encouraging them to move ahead, taking small step, as even the small steps were pleasing to the Lord because they were steps of obedience. My friends, I would challenge each of us who have called on the Lord to take the small steps necessary to get to know the God, who gave Himself for us, better. Rather than make resolutions that are aimed at "self", let us focus on taking small steps to get to know Him, and let Him take care of improving "self". Let us commit this year to the best outward goal that will do wonders to accomplishing inward goals. Get to know God by taking the small steps, like reading and studying God's Word, and praying. It might mean waking up a bit earlier than we did last year, or dedicating less time to thing that waste our time, and life; and dedicating that time to having intimate moments with Him. Do you want a resolution that will top any resolution any of us have ever made? Take the small pleasing steps of faith that will help us know the Big God who gave Himself for us. It will not only carry us through this year, but also the many years to come; should He tarry.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).