Tue, Jun 21st - 4:22AM
The Final Act
 by Tracy Nunes
The quiet darkness of the mountain around him settled into his bones. Though still strong and hardy, he felt the vitality of him leak out like air through a tiny pinhole. He could see down into the valley and into the land. Little points of light dotted the landscape as the tribes moved forward. Like a runner whose heart was set on the finishing line, he yearned to charge down the mountainside and lead them on like he had done for so many years before.
Instead, he turned back to his own small campfire and eased his frame down in resignation. He stared at the flame for some time, thinking over the years as recollections passed through his weary mind.
To be so close..
His heart broke to be withheld from the final victory and to see another lead on in his place, but even more he was anguished at the cause of the judgment. He had forgotten why he was here. Years of grumbling and arguing from the Israelites about the difficulties and silence from them about the miracles, made him want to use his staff to beat them all. Couldn't they see how Yahweh had provided for them? But instead, he took out his anger on the rock that Yahweh had instructed him to speak to and bring forth water.
Because he had walked so long with his Lord, he instantly knew what he had done. The trouble wasn't so much with his disobedience or his anger, Moses knew that it was as the Lord said. In that moment, he had exchanged God's glory for his own self satisfaction. Murdering a man had not disqualified him from leading the Israelites out of bondage, but not honoring God as holy kept him out of the Promised Land.
But, as his heart fluttered its last, there alone on the mountain, his God showed him the plan of redemption. Moses would be drawn to his Lord in an eternal embrace and only missed out on the terrestrial Land of Milk and Honey. But, his final act, his final opportunity to shine light on his God, was to be the ultimate example of why the law cannot save us.
Moses epitomized the Law. He was its poster child, its mascot even. The Jews would later taunt Jesus with their knowledge of Moses and his commands. But, the ones who recognized that even Moses could not keep the very law that he brought down from the mountain, also understood that he only pointed the way. They understood that God's Shekinah glory rested on Jesus, the only one able to make us right in God's sight. No amount of good would ever be good enough, especially when the heart of mankind trades God's glory for his own in a thousand little and big ways every day.
Moses, because he understood this more than anyone, surrendered himself to the hand of His God; a willing example, an arrow, a road marker showing others the way. He wanted more than anything to honor His God and his final act was more important to him than his own success, his own agenda or his own triumph.
It may appear that Moses' final act was a resounding failure, falling so short when he was so close. In truth, it was his biggest success, showing that Moses is not the way, nor is his law. Humanity at its best couldn't touch glory without a way being made.
Jesus, oh precious Jesus, Lead us into the way everlasting. Keep us in close relationship with you. We trust that Your glory alone is all that matters and by it we are healed.
Please read Numbers 20:1-13 and Deuteronomy 32:48-52 and explore for yourself how seriously we are to take God's Glory and how Moses ultimately pointed the way through his failure more than through success.
Tracy lives in Hawaii with Richard, her husband of 25 years. She has 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. Writing ministry came after homeschooling her girls and a career in real estate management.
Read her blog at: tracynunes.blogspot.com and find out why she is a self-described "Mess for Jesus." |
Comment (0)
|
|
Mon, May 30th - 4:23AM
Getting Ready To Go
by Ramona Cook
Today I begin packing for yet another move. My current location was to be a temporary one and for an indefinite period of time. The time has come. Oh, oh, what a job it is to get things into boxes, and to call the movers, and to do the seemingly gazillion things that all demand attention at one time, being the same time! However, when it is over and all things are once again in place, it will have been worth the move, because I am going to a better location.
I see parallels in this experience to preparing for our final trip, that time when we relocate for the final time, so far as this earth no longer being our home.
We are "getting" ready every day for that trip however, sending a little "stuff" ahead of good deeds and bad. "Stuff," that will be building up our heavenly account or taking away some of it. In that way the moving analogy is different; but the work of preparing to move catches, and reflects, the work we experience as we make our way toward our heavenly home.
At this juncture, it is a good thing to mention that we do have a destination, do we not? We cannot move without a destination. Going through life with no destination is equivalent to the definition used by the Bible called "LOST." Wandering through life with a bunch of "stuff" and no place to put it down and no destination for the trip is a heavy and unsettling thought, but to live it, to experience it, makes life a burden too much of the time. So before we can move, we must determine the place, to where we are intending to go. It is also true for our final trip.
We don't have a wide variety of choices about our final relocation, you realize, (don't you?) there are only two. There is Heaven and there is Hell. We have to decide which Final Home we choose to move into. It is a serious choice.
Before I began today's activities of getting packed, I had the tedious job of finding a place to move. I had reasons for the place I chose. Location was one of them. It is convenient to my work location and not too far from my Church. I am fairly close to my grandchildren, the neighborhood seems safe, and yet the price is always more than I want to pay. The fact is I have to pay it if I choose to live there. If I had chosen another of the places I considered, there was still a price to pay, and although the dollar amount was less, I would have paid a daily price of discontent with my location and surroundings. Yes, there is a price to pay.
In thinking about our 'final move' it has never been clear to me why anyone would neglect the benefits of Heaven for the Horrors of Hell. It is simply a poor decision, and probably not one that is a firm choice, but rather one that folks just slide into by not doing the work of choosing. We cannot live nor can we exist, and not be constantly engaged in making decisions. Some people say that if they don't make a decision the thing will work out someway and so, they don't have to decide on some given subject. But to decide to not decide is to make a decision. Joshua of the Bible says, "Choose this day, whom you will serve. Choose life or choose death." Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father except by Me, and any man who comes to Me, I will not turn away." The Bible says that "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." (In Heaven)
I can only guess that the biggest reason some people decide not to reach out and take God's offer of a home in Heaven, is that they don't want to pay the price of humbling themselves and confessing to God that they have sinned and cannot save themselves. That is called "Pride." Then too, maybe they didn't know that the doing of humility, of admitting "I cannot save myself,"is all that is required. Talk about a deal! Jesus has paid the entire price of our future home, all we must do is to accept it. To receive it all we do is to tell Him we want to live with Him forever and we are not able to pay the price, because we have nothing with which to pay, that we are helpless, destitute, and need a savior. He offers Himself as that Savior and we say yes, I want it, or no I'll keep looking. But recall the choices for you are limited. There are only two choices for your final residence, there is Heaven and there is Hell. It is a serious choice. To not decide is to decide for Hell. Hell, what is it and where? There are many thoughts on this, but the one thing that is the common and widely agreed upon answer is that Hell is where God is not. We do not want to live where God is not.
So, today, right now, decide that you want to live in Heaven with God. Jesus is the Door into Heaven, so just tell Him that you want Him to save you from wandering around, being lost, and from ever making Hell your final home. Jesus says that anyone who comes to Him asking to be saved will absolutely be saved and He will turn no one away.
I have settled everything about my final home and for that I am so thankful. I must now get to preparing for this next earthly home but in time, when we are all gone from this earth home, I hope I see you in Heaven.
Assurance of a home in Heaven because of accepting Jesus and what He has purchased for us, is a really good deal; don't pass it up by failing to prepare for it with the right decision!
Ramona 08/24/2010
Ramona, Master of Arts in Ministry, BA in Biblical Studies, I am an Ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Also see - Thoughts on Discernment |
Comment (0)
|
|
Mon, Apr 25th - 4:18AM
All Under Control
by John Owens
How's the world treating you? It's all under control we say, but have you ever wondered whose? As an experiment try a break from the routine, just five minutes alone somewhere. Are you there yet? Guaranteed, those voices do drop inwell-meaning mentors ("If you really wanted help "), family ("When are you ever going to"), and others ("Guess what worked for Jim.."). Add to this all the visual garbage, complements of our beloved media. The hard truth is we're being worked from all sides - dishrags with no time to dry. Frayed thoughts and images from a myriad of sources grip and tug with guilt and emotions too strong to resist. And since most of our friends are in the same spiraling vortex, we don't give it much thought. The bills take too much attention.
Five, ten, twenty years pass till we wake up one morning suddenly bothered by the impression that our lives lack meaning or purpose. So what do we do? Continue on like "the organization man", careful to keep in step, following the time-worn rules of success. There could be a cash award waiting, a framed certificate, and an admirable nod from some silver haired gentlemen. We may go to our graves presuming that we did our best, given the circumstances. No satisfying answers. For now we'll ignore the possibility of that dark door with its disturbing question mark and try to keep our chin up.
Where's the real referee in this game of life? What really matters? Has a game-planner left us any clues? At this point do we even care, or have we shelved the subject in exchange for a pre-hospice injection - anything to occupy our minds - numbing, amusing, time warping aids, maybe even a mantra. As the world wobbles on, have we given up too soon what seems to be a futile search?
A curious revelation comes from a verse in the Bible - "and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) Oh, but that's the Bible, and such thinking should be programmed out of the progressive mind - or so they say. Ever wonder just who "they" are who manage so well to keep us from considering the application of the most unique book in the world, a collection of history, prophecy and letters that bare the divine fingerprint from God to man?
A "wicked one" who sways and plays the masses of humanity - Such a thing, if true, starts to explain a world gone evil with no apparent referee - A world where thoughts are maliciously engineered to drive mankind to dead-end pursuits, dismay and destruction. This flies in the face of "ying-yang" and "karma" revealing a personal adversary with a beef against his Creator, the fallen angel called Satan. Another place in the Bible (Ephesians 2: 2-3) refers to this one as "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (which includes all of us, either past or present). His power and hatred is supernatural and said to be unleashed upon those who have turned away from the God of love. But, hey, that's the Bible, and some aren't ready for that. Some other kind of evidence is needed.
Then consider a people, strangely in the minority, who affirm these revelations and claim to have found the one Way to break free from the devil's dark vortex. About them outwardly there's no show or desire for worldly success or the prideful marks of most achievers - just the opposite, a vulnerable and disarming humility. It's what one would expect from Jesus Christ and "true" Christians. But we are bothered with the "false", those who claim to be Christians but who continually break God's laws - mere professors who lack the fruit and have no real belonging among the changed. Such a mixture within church ranks adds to the challenge of a truth-searcher. Like the tares within the wheat fields, they are there, but so are the genuine and these are worth considering, though regarded by the world as a peculiar people. They are generally characterized as peaceful, compassionate, content in the midst of stressful circumstances, and having a sacrificial sense of purpose. When these true worshippers gather, often few in number, there is scant comparison to most orthodox services - their meek, yet joyful expressions convey a gift worth the greatest price. And their praise communicates the heavenly glory.
Their secret, as the Bible declares, can be opened by anyone who comes as a child with a searching heart. They implore outsiders on Christ's behalf to be reconciled to the one true God, now that the separation of sin (disobedience) has been removed by the cross - yes, God made Jesus to be our sin sacrifice, shedding His own sinless blood in our place that we might be forgiven. The sad news of a crucifixion became incredibly good news with the resurrection - an event historically witnessed by over five-hundred (1 Corinthians 15:6). And now, a Holy God is willing to clothe with the righteousness of His Son all those who are willing to confess their sins and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior (Acts 4:12).
In quick conclusion, a battle for our souls is being fought in the invisible realm. The mystery of the ages has been revealed: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). The question now is, "Do we really want to stay in control (try to be Lord) of our own lives?"
John L. Owens and his family were full-time missionaries to the former USSR in the early 90's. He continues to teach and write from his home in Coastal Georgia.
His website, www.theninthgeneration.com, features his published novel on the pre-flood earth. |
Comment (0)
|
|
Mon, Mar 28th - 7:48AM
There's More to Salvation Than John 3:16
by Edward Mrkvicka
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
To many, the matter of salvation begins and ends with John 3:16. Sadly, if that's all we know, our salvation is most likely a doomed illusion, a casualty of our own spiritual ignorance. For we can seldom make doctrine of a single verse of Scripture. We need instead to read the Bible contextually or we will fail to see the breadth of God's intended Word. It's akin to one of those pictures at the shopping mall that at first glance seems to be nothing more than a gazillion colorful dots that have no discernible form. Yet others looking at the same picture are talking about seeing the face of Christ. They explain that you have to "look beyond" the canvas to see what you cannot now see. And when you do, suddenly the face of Jesus appears. Likewise, while God does not hide from us, we can only comprehend The Word when we take the time and reverence to read and understand the whole Word. Then, and only then, will we be able to see what is right in front of our previously blinded eyes.
A single verse of Scripture is seldom a stand-alone, and without its companion verses almost assures we will miss the enlightened meaning of what God is actually telling us. We need not be a 24/7 life-long Bible student to understand God, but we do need to give Him and His Word the respect they deserve; and, in part, that means avoiding taking the path of least spiritual resistance and making doctrine out of a single verse that is intended to be but a part of a scriptural tapestry.
Perhaps this is never more true than on the matter of salvation.
John 3:16 is most certainly a good place to start, as without a belief in the Son, as well as an acceptance of Him as our Lord and Savior, little else matters. That without question is the genesis of our faith, but it is only just that, the start of the journey that leads to spending eternity in His holy presence.
To make the point, let's review salvation in its biblical entirety.
We are to hear the Word: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:25)
We are to believe the Word: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
We are to repent: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)
We are to confess and witness: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32)
We are to be baptized: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16)
We are to obey: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Hebrews 5:9)
We are to endure: "And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22)
Do any of these verses supersede John 3:16? Are any in conflict with John 3:16? The answer to both questions is no. Not one verse of Scripture trumps another, and all verses are in harmony, not conflict.
Yet we can clearly see how easy and dangerous it is to make spiritual life decisions on but a part of the totality of biblical wisdom God offers His children. As God says what He means, and means what He says, we have every reason to believe that all requirements biblically outlined must be followed to honor our Father in heaven and the sacrifice of the Son. Salvation is perhaps the quintessential example of the importance of the principle of contextual biblical knowledge; e.g., we may believe John 3:16, but if we fail to be baptized, or refuse to repent, we will not spend eternity in heaven. But we will only know that biblical certainty if we take the time to read and understand everything the Bible teaches us about salvation.
We must read our Bible to know the truth of the Lord. We cannot simply pick and chose a verse or two, we must know the complete truth. And when we do, we will read the Bible with new enthusiasm, as when we abide in His truth we are truly free, never to be deceived again. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)
Ed is a life-long Bible student, lay minister, retired bank president, and author of the award winning book, "The Prayer Promise of Christ." ISBN: 978-1-61739-021-0
Web site: www.EdwardFMrkvickaJr.com |
Comment (0)
|
|
Thu, Dec 2nd - 10:14AM
Christian Salvation
Do You Have Christian Salvation or Simply Good Religion? by Robert Baines
Christian salvation is to be safe from the penalty of sin, which is going to Hell, and having the promise of eternal life (see Jn. 3:16). The following four statements and prayer are helpful in understanding Christian salvation, which is the ground for Christian growth:
1. God loves you and wants to bless your life (see Jn. 3:16; Jer. 29:11). No matter how difficult things may be in your life, it is so important to remember that God loves you and has a plan for your life.
This can be difficult to remember, when bills are overdue, relationships have turned hostile, and health is falling apart. But it is true, none the less.
2. Your sin separates you from the blessings of God (see Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Whether there is a little or large amount of poison in a glass, it is unacceptable to drink. In like manner, whether we have a little or a large amount of sin in our lives, we are unacceptable to God and separated from His blessings.
When we say we are not perfect, we are admitting that we have imperfections/sins in our lives. Our sins separate us from the
blessings that God wants to give us (see Mt. 23:37).
3. Jesus' death satisfies your sin debt (see Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:21). A grocery store cashier is willing to accept my friend's payment for the debt I owe. In similar fashion, God the Father accepts Jesus' death, as a substitute payment for the debt that I owe because of my sins.
The wages of our sins is death. But thank God, Jesus died to pay the price for our sins.
4. You must accept Jesus as your savior by faith (see Rom. 10:9-13; I Jn. 5:11-13). If you ask God and trust God to save you from going to Hell because of Jesus' death for your sins, you will be saved from going to Hell.
Saying the prayer of acceptance, without believing it, will not help. If you really believe then say the following prayer and receive God's salvation:
"God please save me from Hell because of Jesus' death for my sins. Help me to live right. Thank You. In Jesus' name, amen."
Before I close, notice the following four things from 1 John 5:11-13 (NIV):
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
1. In verse 13, we can know that we have eternal life.
2. Eternal life is in the Son of God (i.e., Jesus; see vs. 11).
3. Whoever has the Son has eternal life (see vs. 11).
4. Since you have accepted the Son/Jesus into your life, the word of God (see vs. 12) teaches that you have what? (see vs. 12) . You got it eternal life salvation. If we were in my church, I would say, "Praise the Lord!"
In summary, Christian salvation is about God's love, our sins, Jesus' death, and our acceptance. Trusting and asking God to save you because of Jesus' death for you sins is foundational to Christian growth.
Dr. Robert E. Baines, Jr. uses his doctorate of ministry degree and twenty years of pastoral experience to provide quality and helpful Christian living information to 1,000's of visitors a month.
Make sure you secure your free copy of his ebooklet, "How to Encourage Yourself: 21 Practical Tips," and sign up for his newsletter that features great articles, helpful devotionals, and Bible based teaching notes at www.robertbaines.com.
|
Comment (0)
|
|
|
| June 2011 |
| |
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
|
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
|
19 |
20 |
21
|
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
|
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
|
|
|
prev
|
|
next
|
|
Invite
