Exodus 3 and 4 record the conversation between Moses and the God of his fathers. God desired to send Moses to Pharaoh and demand the children of Israel be let go to return to their God-given homeland. Moses, a fugitive of Egypt and now a shepherd of some forty years, is reluctant to respond and obey.
Moses’ first objection was “who am I?” God never said Moses was anyone special only that He would certainly be with him and he would return to Mount Horeb to serve the LORD.
The second of these objections was concerning the Israelites themselves. They had been so long in Egypt (the world) that they either had forgotten God or doubted that He truly was God. Moses knew they would ask of His name. “I AM hath sent me unto you” was to be the response. They were to be reminded that God is God...there is no other.
The third objection was Moses concern over his authority to bring such a message, even though the LORD had stated that they would hear Moses. God brought his attention upon what was in his hand. Moses said, “A rod.” God would take the contents of Moses hand to prove his authority from God.
The fourth objection Moses presented to God was the lack of his ability as a speaker. Again God responds by reminding Moses that He is the creator of men and the giver of abilities to men. Utterance would come to him as he needed it.
The fifth objection was that God should send someone besides Moses. I do not know if God’s patience wore thin with Moses or that He was offended by Moses casting doubt upon the wisdom of choosing a man such as Moses. But God had preserved his life from destruction, prepared him on the back side of the desert for forty years, and presented the plan to bring Israel out of bondage. If God had wanted someone else to go, He would have asked them.
Now, what’s your excuse?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
THE FEAR OF GOD
Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Fearing God sounds so negative to most folks. But I have found it to be the most positive of attitudes one can have. An experience early in my life caused me to have an appreciation for fearing the authority God placed over my life. My father gave me strict instructions concerning a route I was to travel with a friend to a youth meeting. I was not to detour from the specified route my father laid out. Because I feared my dad, I obeyed his instructions even though tempted to do otherwise by my companion. The detour would have been faster, but the path that Dad had given was safer. Consequently, I avoided a riotous and dangerous situation that could have cost my life and the life of my friend. Fear of the authority God put over my life was a good thing.
The only alternative to not fearing God is to fear man and that is never good. The fear of man leads to sin, ungodly alliances, and eternal damnation. The fear of God leads to salvation and obedience that produces good fruit and blessings. The book of Proverbs teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Liberal Pharisee-ism has stolen the key to knowledge from many today. In the name of liberality they circumvent the fear of God. It perverts the Gospel message and turns it into a religious experience rather than a conversion to Christ. It perverts the worship of our Lord by its carnal speech and music. It perverts the redemption of a soul into a “feel good about yourself” experience which is hollow and meaningless. Why? Because man by nature “will not have this man (Christ) to rule over us.” No fear of God.
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Fearing God sounds so negative to most folks. But I have found it to be the most positive of attitudes one can have. An experience early in my life caused me to have an appreciation for fearing the authority God placed over my life. My father gave me strict instructions concerning a route I was to travel with a friend to a youth meeting. I was not to detour from the specified route my father laid out. Because I feared my dad, I obeyed his instructions even though tempted to do otherwise by my companion. The detour would have been faster, but the path that Dad had given was safer. Consequently, I avoided a riotous and dangerous situation that could have cost my life and the life of my friend. Fear of the authority God put over my life was a good thing.
The only alternative to not fearing God is to fear man and that is never good. The fear of man leads to sin, ungodly alliances, and eternal damnation. The fear of God leads to salvation and obedience that produces good fruit and blessings. The book of Proverbs teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Liberal Pharisee-ism has stolen the key to knowledge from many today. In the name of liberality they circumvent the fear of God. It perverts the Gospel message and turns it into a religious experience rather than a conversion to Christ. It perverts the worship of our Lord by its carnal speech and music. It perverts the redemption of a soul into a “feel good about yourself” experience which is hollow and meaningless. Why? Because man by nature “will not have this man (Christ) to rule over us.” No fear of God.
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Not a creature was stirring, not even a RAT.
Pr 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
I think we give too much attention to what our enemies think than what the Lord thinks. I believe the Gospel has been watered down by pastors and evangelists because they are trying in there own power and way to reach the lost. While the endeavor of fulfilling the great commission is noble, modern preaching has compromised the message of salvation so much the lost end up in confusion and in more darkness after they have heard it.
I see a great need for pleasing God over making peace with our enemies. Our text promises that if we will be faithful to Him, He will take care of the rest. I believe we should enjoy our time in church, cherish our fellowship with brothers and sisters in the Lord and “have a good time” in God’s house, but when it turns into a fleshly party for the sake of entertaining the lost, COUNT ME OUT!
Until we get back to preaching the message of Christ with clarity and conviction, letting the “chips fall where they may,” we are not going to witness any “rats stirring.” Oh, the numbers may be down. We may not get to brag about the people who came to the altar. But when a soul gets under the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God, we will see our churches filled with men and women who truly love God.
“It easy to lead the church into apostasy, it’s not so easy to lead them out.”
I think we give too much attention to what our enemies think than what the Lord thinks. I believe the Gospel has been watered down by pastors and evangelists because they are trying in there own power and way to reach the lost. While the endeavor of fulfilling the great commission is noble, modern preaching has compromised the message of salvation so much the lost end up in confusion and in more darkness after they have heard it.
I see a great need for pleasing God over making peace with our enemies. Our text promises that if we will be faithful to Him, He will take care of the rest. I believe we should enjoy our time in church, cherish our fellowship with brothers and sisters in the Lord and “have a good time” in God’s house, but when it turns into a fleshly party for the sake of entertaining the lost, COUNT ME OUT!
Until we get back to preaching the message of Christ with clarity and conviction, letting the “chips fall where they may,” we are not going to witness any “rats stirring.” Oh, the numbers may be down. We may not get to brag about the people who came to the altar. But when a soul gets under the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God, we will see our churches filled with men and women who truly love God.
“It easy to lead the church into apostasy, it’s not so easy to lead them out.”
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I'm Just A Beggar
Lk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Sometime I believe I should change my name to “Lazarus” because it seems I am always begging. Nearly everyday I beg the lost to come to Christ or the saints of God to obey the will of God. I beg the church member to honor God with his substance, that is to say, be honest with tithes and offerings. I beg the young people to remain pure and seek after their Creator in the days of their youth. I beg the wayward to repent and turn back to God. I beg the absentee to return to the house of God.
And I beg God to be merciful to me, to forgive my sins and restore unto me the joy of His salvation. I plead for strength to stand aright and not compromise. I ask for His grace to go on another day, to beg some more. And though I am “full of sores” I beg to see the completion of my redemption…the rapture. Or perhaps, some day it will be said of me, Lk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom…
I do not know which shall be my exit from this world, but I know the eternal fate of this old beggar. 1Sa 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
Amen!
Sometime I believe I should change my name to “Lazarus” because it seems I am always begging. Nearly everyday I beg the lost to come to Christ or the saints of God to obey the will of God. I beg the church member to honor God with his substance, that is to say, be honest with tithes and offerings. I beg the young people to remain pure and seek after their Creator in the days of their youth. I beg the wayward to repent and turn back to God. I beg the absentee to return to the house of God.
And I beg God to be merciful to me, to forgive my sins and restore unto me the joy of His salvation. I plead for strength to stand aright and not compromise. I ask for His grace to go on another day, to beg some more. And though I am “full of sores” I beg to see the completion of my redemption…the rapture. Or perhaps, some day it will be said of me, Lk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom…
I do not know which shall be my exit from this world, but I know the eternal fate of this old beggar. 1Sa 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
Amen!
Foolish Words
Pr 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
There is an old adage that states, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Even the best of us will struggle from time to time trying to control that little member known as the tongue. I remember my father telling me that some things are better left unsaid.
Words spoken, even in jest, can be damaging to others as well as to our own testimony for Christ. I was reminded of this just recently when words were exchanged by some folks during a volley of comments and were taken the wrong way. Once words are let loose they can never be recovered. It is difficult to guard our feelings when the spirit has been wounded so.
Pr 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
There is an old adage that states, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Even the best of us will struggle from time to time trying to control that little member known as the tongue. I remember my father telling me that some things are better left unsaid.
Words spoken, even in jest, can be damaging to others as well as to our own testimony for Christ. I was reminded of this just recently when words were exchanged by some folks during a volley of comments and were taken the wrong way. Once words are let loose they can never be recovered. It is difficult to guard our feelings when the spirit has been wounded so.
Pr 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Friday, November 14, 2008
A Little Bird Told Me
Ecc 10:20 “…for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.”
Every morning, before my four grandchildren which live with me go to school, I sit at the dining room table and read the Scriptures to them. Recently, we have been reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. This morning we read chapter ten. I explained to them that when I was a boy folks had an expression they used when someone would ask, “How do you know that?” or “How did you find that out?” The response would be with a smile, “A little bird told me.”
I wondered many times in my childhood how my mother knew exactly what I was doing. If I had been mischievous she knew it. If I had mistreated my younger brother she knew it. If I had gone somewhere without permission she knew it. How? A little bird had told her.
The principle is a Biblical one. “Be sure your sins will find you out.” No one escapes the watchful eye of God. He is ever present to witness our actions, thoughts and spirit. And He uses our very transgression to tell on us. For example, the liar must cover his lie with another, and then another, until the lie is so big it is unbelievable by even the most gullible person. The thief is never satisfied with what he steals, he must steal again. The hypocrite who cries, “Don’t judge me!” finally becomes judgmental himself.
If we would be reminded that our sins tattle on us, we may become more cautious in our character. Because…the little bird is always there to tell.
Every morning, before my four grandchildren which live with me go to school, I sit at the dining room table and read the Scriptures to them. Recently, we have been reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. This morning we read chapter ten. I explained to them that when I was a boy folks had an expression they used when someone would ask, “How do you know that?” or “How did you find that out?” The response would be with a smile, “A little bird told me.”
I wondered many times in my childhood how my mother knew exactly what I was doing. If I had been mischievous she knew it. If I had mistreated my younger brother she knew it. If I had gone somewhere without permission she knew it. How? A little bird had told her.
The principle is a Biblical one. “Be sure your sins will find you out.” No one escapes the watchful eye of God. He is ever present to witness our actions, thoughts and spirit. And He uses our very transgression to tell on us. For example, the liar must cover his lie with another, and then another, until the lie is so big it is unbelievable by even the most gullible person. The thief is never satisfied with what he steals, he must steal again. The hypocrite who cries, “Don’t judge me!” finally becomes judgmental himself.
If we would be reminded that our sins tattle on us, we may become more cautious in our character. Because…the little bird is always there to tell.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Likeable Liars
1Ti 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
Recent events have once again affirmed that there are a lot of folks who believe what they want to believe regardless of how much truth you present to them. All the campaigning that was done, all the warning that was given, had little or no effect upon the presidential election. There is no convincing one who has misguided loyalties. He will reject the truth in favor of his false belief almost every time. Why? Because he is faithful to the flesh and does not walk after the spirit.
So it is many times in the ministry. Christians will accept one who is talented, charismatic, dynamic, and personable over that person’s walk with God and testimony or the lack thereof. Tragically, the pastor in a church may even have lived a life of holiness, faithful service and personal sacrifice for the cause of Christ only to be rejected by the very sheep over which he has been charged to shepherd, all because the eyes of the members were blinded by a likeable liar.
In our text above we are cautioned to be careful about approving and recommending anyone without first observing their life and learning of what type they are. Doctrine is too important to overlook and personal holiness will effect the eventual outcome of any ministry. “Suddenly” is the red flag here. The test of time proves many things. Concerning man, if it does not make sense, it is probably wrong. A likeable liar will eventually be revealed.
Our church conducts a Reformers Unanimous ministry. We have learned that there are people who have sincere desires to get better, be happy, do the right thing, but they lack the consistency to do so. It takes time working with people to instill the Word of God within them so that those things will happen in their life. Many of them need to begin with salvation to get started right. Others know Christ but have made very poor decisions in life. There is the occasional deceiver who just wants to fulfill their desires at the expense of others, in this case, God’s people.
We must be careful not to fall for the likeable liar.
Recent events have once again affirmed that there are a lot of folks who believe what they want to believe regardless of how much truth you present to them. All the campaigning that was done, all the warning that was given, had little or no effect upon the presidential election. There is no convincing one who has misguided loyalties. He will reject the truth in favor of his false belief almost every time. Why? Because he is faithful to the flesh and does not walk after the spirit.
So it is many times in the ministry. Christians will accept one who is talented, charismatic, dynamic, and personable over that person’s walk with God and testimony or the lack thereof. Tragically, the pastor in a church may even have lived a life of holiness, faithful service and personal sacrifice for the cause of Christ only to be rejected by the very sheep over which he has been charged to shepherd, all because the eyes of the members were blinded by a likeable liar.
In our text above we are cautioned to be careful about approving and recommending anyone without first observing their life and learning of what type they are. Doctrine is too important to overlook and personal holiness will effect the eventual outcome of any ministry. “Suddenly” is the red flag here. The test of time proves many things. Concerning man, if it does not make sense, it is probably wrong. A likeable liar will eventually be revealed.
Our church conducts a Reformers Unanimous ministry. We have learned that there are people who have sincere desires to get better, be happy, do the right thing, but they lack the consistency to do so. It takes time working with people to instill the Word of God within them so that those things will happen in their life. Many of them need to begin with salvation to get started right. Others know Christ but have made very poor decisions in life. There is the occasional deceiver who just wants to fulfill their desires at the expense of others, in this case, God’s people.
We must be careful not to fall for the likeable liar.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER!
It seems a long time since I sat down and wrote out an entry to this blog. I do apologize for my tardiness in doing so. Some of you have asked several times when there would be another addition. Not to make excuses, but I have started a second job to add to our family’s income, as have my wife and daughter-in-law. I am sure you are feeling the financial pinch as we are.
Now that the election is over I have a few suggestions for the believer in Christ to consider. First, this is not a time to "duck and cover." What I mean by that is, we are to continue on serving our Lord under the same mandate we have always been under – win the lost and train the saved. The labourers are still few and the harvest is still plenteous. So remain faithful.
Second, we have children that are still in our ward. God expects us to raise them in His nurture and admonition. They should be taught to love God, honor God and serve God. Their has never been a day when it is more needful for parents to give spiritual attention to their children.
Third, we are still in a race. Our heavenly Father has left us here to live for Him. Hebrews 12 reminds us that the world is never going to understand us or help us, but we are to remain in the race until Jesus comes. In this race what matters is not who finishes first but how each of us runs.
Let me conclude this offering with something I read from another periodical just this morning:
TOP TEN PREDICTIONS NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. God will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
Upon these we can rely.
Now that the election is over I have a few suggestions for the believer in Christ to consider. First, this is not a time to "duck and cover." What I mean by that is, we are to continue on serving our Lord under the same mandate we have always been under – win the lost and train the saved. The labourers are still few and the harvest is still plenteous. So remain faithful.
Second, we have children that are still in our ward. God expects us to raise them in His nurture and admonition. They should be taught to love God, honor God and serve God. Their has never been a day when it is more needful for parents to give spiritual attention to their children.
Third, we are still in a race. Our heavenly Father has left us here to live for Him. Hebrews 12 reminds us that the world is never going to understand us or help us, but we are to remain in the race until Jesus comes. In this race what matters is not who finishes first but how each of us runs.
Let me conclude this offering with something I read from another periodical just this morning:
TOP TEN PREDICTIONS NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. God will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
Upon these we can rely.
Friday, October 3, 2008
PLAGIARIZE
Ecc 1:9
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
I am told that one of the vice-presidential candidates has been accused of plagiarism. I do not know if this is correct or a fabrication of some political “spin doctor.” I do know that it is considered to be a serious accusation. To plagiarize something is to take what has been written or put forth by someone else and represent it as being original to oneself. In other words, not giving credit where credit is due.
This certainly was not the case with the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. The prophets put forth there message with a resounding “Thus saith the LORD!” The Apostle Paul said, 2Co 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
I have been a child of God for over forty-eight years now. I have been privileged to hear some of the greatest preachers of the twentieth and twenty-first century. Nearly every day it crosses my mind that I have heard the truth proclaimed from the most anointed and spirit-filled men of God born within the last hundred years. And I have heard them echo the old, old story thousands upon thousands of times. The best have been those who humbled themselves and admitted that what they were about to preach was original only from God.
Recently, I had the joy and honor of preaching during a campmeeting in the south. I love to go just to be blessed by the spirited singing and enthusiastic preaching of the Word. But on occasion I am asked to preach. After the morning meeting concluded and younger preacher approached me to ask if he could use the outline and thoughts of my message. Without hesitation I responded that he should take them and use them as the Lord leads for nothing is original with me, the message came from God.
We dare not rob God of His glory. It belongs to Him alone.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
I am told that one of the vice-presidential candidates has been accused of plagiarism. I do not know if this is correct or a fabrication of some political “spin doctor.” I do know that it is considered to be a serious accusation. To plagiarize something is to take what has been written or put forth by someone else and represent it as being original to oneself. In other words, not giving credit where credit is due.
This certainly was not the case with the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. The prophets put forth there message with a resounding “Thus saith the LORD!” The Apostle Paul said, 2Co 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
I have been a child of God for over forty-eight years now. I have been privileged to hear some of the greatest preachers of the twentieth and twenty-first century. Nearly every day it crosses my mind that I have heard the truth proclaimed from the most anointed and spirit-filled men of God born within the last hundred years. And I have heard them echo the old, old story thousands upon thousands of times. The best have been those who humbled themselves and admitted that what they were about to preach was original only from God.
Recently, I had the joy and honor of preaching during a campmeeting in the south. I love to go just to be blessed by the spirited singing and enthusiastic preaching of the Word. But on occasion I am asked to preach. After the morning meeting concluded and younger preacher approached me to ask if he could use the outline and thoughts of my message. Without hesitation I responded that he should take them and use them as the Lord leads for nothing is original with me, the message came from God.
We dare not rob God of His glory. It belongs to Him alone.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Peace Be To Thine Helpers
1Chr 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
A few years ago, my dear friend, Dr. John O’Malley, preached a message at our church entitled “Helpers of the War.” It was a reminder that even though David was a great and blessed man of God, he needed the help of others to accomplish victory over the enemy. God provided that help through his mighty men. I am sure in every ministry there must be helpers of the war for none of us are sufficient within ourselves. We need God’s help and we need the help of might men. These would be men who have the same heart and love for the Word of God and the work of God.
As we serve God we will encounter those who question the war we wage for the souls of men. There will be those who oppose the war. But praise God for the helpers of the war.
Principle #6 of the Reformer’s Unanimous program states, “Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord.” No one really expects the world to aid in the service of God. But how wonderful it would be if our churches were filled with believers who have given themselves to be “helpers of the war.”
A few years ago, my dear friend, Dr. John O’Malley, preached a message at our church entitled “Helpers of the War.” It was a reminder that even though David was a great and blessed man of God, he needed the help of others to accomplish victory over the enemy. God provided that help through his mighty men. I am sure in every ministry there must be helpers of the war for none of us are sufficient within ourselves. We need God’s help and we need the help of might men. These would be men who have the same heart and love for the Word of God and the work of God.
As we serve God we will encounter those who question the war we wage for the souls of men. There will be those who oppose the war. But praise God for the helpers of the war.
Principle #6 of the Reformer’s Unanimous program states, “Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord.” No one really expects the world to aid in the service of God. But how wonderful it would be if our churches were filled with believers who have given themselves to be “helpers of the war.”
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