"The Rest Of The Story" was a radio piece I enjoyed for many years. His honest delivery of the ordinary made him extra-ordinary. This Tulsa OK native will be missed. :(
Spring Bible Study - Isaiah, Micah (March 2009)
*****************************
1 March 2009 – Meet Devine Expectations
Isaiah 5:1-14
A friend of mine is assisting me doing research into my family tree. One unexpected reality I have discovered in my unbridled curiosity into my dead relatives is, “one doesn’t always want to face up to the facts that, until now, the years have kept hidden.” Today we start a new series in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah boldly confronted sin in his day. He “called'em like he saw'em”. Through the Song of the Vineyard, Isaiah shed light on Israel’s wickedness and degeneration. God had made careful preparation and had supplied everything needed for Israel’s success as a people and a nation. But Israel had turned away from God and led an unproductive existence. These were facts that Israel hadn’t faced. The society that thrived in the Northern and Southern kingdoms of Israel had become “worthless”. Although they were the chosen people of God and they had been given every opportunity for success, they had instead become rebellious and demonstrated little regard for God’s Law. Some of the wealthy preyed on the weak and took advantage of them. They amassed large estates and acquired opulent possessions. Some were plagued by abuses of beer and wine and thrived in depraved revelry; eating, drinking, and partying day after day. Isaiah called out their insensitivity, their lack of respect for one another and particularly to their resistance to God’s authority. Their standards had become disconnected with God’s standards and, now, the bill was about to come due. Isaiah prophesied devastation. He voiced that God would make their homes empty, their fields yield insufficient crops. That everyone, from the “dignitaries” to the “masses” would suffer exile as a result of their lack of knowledge. How does Israel’s lack of discipline relate to us you ask? Verse 9: “...homes will become empty, grand and lovely ones without inhabitants,” and Verse 12: “...at their feasts they have lyre, harp…wine. They do not perceive the Lord’s actions, and do not see the work of His hands.” It sure sounds more like Main Street, USA than Main Street, Judah. In our society, we too call good evil and evil good (abortion, divorce, and homosexuality). Have you prayed recently that God would not turn His protective hand away from our country? Or, if He already has, that He might reconsider?
See you in the Pews! - JM
8 March 2009 – Honor the Lord
Isaiah 6:1-13
1 March 2009 – Meet Devine Expectations
Isaiah 5:1-14
A friend of mine is assisting me doing research into my family tree. One unexpected reality I have discovered in my unbridled curiosity into my dead relatives is, “one doesn’t always want to face up to the facts that, until now, the years have kept hidden.” Today we start a new series in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah boldly confronted sin in his day. He “called'em like he saw'em”. Through the Song of the Vineyard, Isaiah shed light on Israel’s wickedness and degeneration. God had made careful preparation and had supplied everything needed for Israel’s success as a people and a nation. But Israel had turned away from God and led an unproductive existence. These were facts that Israel hadn’t faced. The society that thrived in the Northern and Southern kingdoms of Israel had become “worthless”. Although they were the chosen people of God and they had been given every opportunity for success, they had instead become rebellious and demonstrated little regard for God’s Law. Some of the wealthy preyed on the weak and took advantage of them. They amassed large estates and acquired opulent possessions. Some were plagued by abuses of beer and wine and thrived in depraved revelry; eating, drinking, and partying day after day. Isaiah called out their insensitivity, their lack of respect for one another and particularly to their resistance to God’s authority. Their standards had become disconnected with God’s standards and, now, the bill was about to come due. Isaiah prophesied devastation. He voiced that God would make their homes empty, their fields yield insufficient crops. That everyone, from the “dignitaries” to the “masses” would suffer exile as a result of their lack of knowledge. How does Israel’s lack of discipline relate to us you ask? Verse 9: “...homes will become empty, grand and lovely ones without inhabitants,” and Verse 12: “...at their feasts they have lyre, harp…wine. They do not perceive the Lord’s actions, and do not see the work of His hands.” It sure sounds more like Main Street, USA than Main Street, Judah. In our society, we too call good evil and evil good (abortion, divorce, and homosexuality). Have you prayed recently that God would not turn His protective hand away from our country? Or, if He already has, that He might reconsider?
See you in the Pews! - JM
8 March 2009 – Honor the Lord
Isaiah 6:1-13
Sunday, March 1, 2009
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Faithwriters Daily Christian devotional
What's on Jim's iPod (CD Title - Artist)
- Addison Road - Addision Road
- Alive and Transported - Tobymac
- Awaken - Natalie Grant
- Beautiful Letdown - Switchfoot
- The Best - Nicole Nordeman
- Crystal Lewis Remember - Crystal Lewis
- Daylight - Needtobreathe
- A Different man - Phil Driscoll
- Even Heros Need A Parachute - This Beautiful Republic
- Expect The Impossible - Stellar Kart
- Finally Awake - Seventh Day Slumber
- Hawk Nelson Is My Friend - Hawk Nelson
- The Heat - Needtobreathe
- I Am Yours - Terry Clark
- Nothing is Sound - Switchfoot
- Oh! Gravity - Switchfoot
- Remedy - David Crowder Band
- Revelation - Third Day
- Smile, It's The End of World - Hawk Nelson
- Unbreakable - Fireflight
- Wake Up! Wake Up! - Everyday Sunday
- We Need Each Other - Sanctus Real
- What Life Would Be Like - Big Daddy Weave
- Who We Are - Lighthouse
- Without Condition - Ginney Owens
Favorite Christian Music
Winter 2008 Bible Study - 1 & 2 Thessalonians (February 09)
22 February 2009 – You Can Keep At It
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Georgia vs. Florida 1980 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhWVvsrq5k). What a classic! Up until that Saturday, it had been a banner year for the Bulldogs and their leader Coach Vince Dooley. The Gators were never an easy match for their SEC rivals and this year was no different. Florida stood smack in the way of an undefeated season. With 90 seconds left in the game, the Bulldogs were down 21-20. Georgia’s quarterback, Buck Belue (what a great name!), took the snap at his own eight yard line – it was a dismal third down and 8. He scrambled backward, into his own end zone and, barely escaping a tackle and safety, tossed a 17-yard pass to wide receiver, Lindsey Scott. And the rest is…well, we’ll get to that in a moment.
Have you ever wondered how the apostle Paul stayed motivated? Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica and encouraged them by describing their church as an example of successful missionary work. As a missionary, Paul had poured himself into the church there and it had taken off, growing and glorifying God in everything they did. But a few members had become irresponsible. And Paul had heard. Some quit their jobs, mooched of the benevolence of the church, and interfered with the work of others. Paul pleaded with the faithful to avoid growing weary in doing good. They should use the example Paul, and Silas and Timothy had lived for them. As a church they should persevere every day, working and serving God, earning a living and living for Christ. Overall, Paul encouraged them to pray that, like in Thessalonica, God’s message would spread rapidly – he used the Greek work “run”. He prayed God’s message would "run".
Run like Lindsey Scott.
Lindsey Scott caught that pass on his own twenty five yard line and ran 75 yards for a touchdown with time running off the clock. Georgia had been down, but was never out! They had dueled a tough opponent and suddenly they saw Lindsey Scott catch an improbable pass under extreme adversity and run with his sights set on the end-zone to win the game (26-21). They would go on to claim the national title against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
Paul had a similar situation in Thessalonica. He began his ministry in enemy territory with an improbable church under extreme adversity but he and the church remained focused on God’s promises and thrived. The Thessalonian church’s success is truly an encouragement for us, for Paul and for Christ. Have you prayed for a missionary today? Have you prayed that the gospel might continue run (like Lindsey Scott)? Why not do it today?
See you in the Pews – JM!
*****************************
15 February 2009 – You Can Stay Calm
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-17
Y2K. Some saw the roll-over into the new millennium as the certain date of Christ’s return. On the morning of January 1st 2000 that same group could be easily divided into two groups: the “relieved” or the “disappointed”. Paul experienced some members in the Thessalonian church who were troubled concerning teachings of Christ’s return. Some envisioned His return to be immediate, others were worried that it had already occurred and they were “left behind” (great concept for a book series!). Their worry had manifested itself as both mental and emotional instability. Paul reminded them not to be seduced by these false teachings. He pointed out that Christ’s’ return would be visible to all and that it would be characterized by other signs or prerequisites: a great falling away from Christ and the introduction of the Man of Lawlessness. Neither had occurred and thus provided simple “proofs” of the inaccuracy of those teachings. Today, we still have those who seek to define a very specific timeline for Christ’s return. As Bible-trusting Christians, we should not be alarmed by such false teachers. Satan will continue to work to blind the minds of those perishing until he is allowed by God to put into motion those events that will ultimately lead to Christ’s return in the clouds. Instead, we share in God’s faithfulness. We know God has loved us from eternity, gives us promise in our present situation, and provides us a hopeful future. We can find peace in standing firm, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, on the premises and truths we’ve been taught. Have no fear, Christ will return as Judge and Victor. We must stay alert and prepared for the day that is known only to God Himself. Have you found yourself off-balance or spiritually nauseous after hearing of another “theory” pinning down the date of the second coming? Need a little Dramamine for the soul? Just listen to Paul’s reassurances to the Thessalonians, or better yet, read them for yourself!
See you in the Pews! - JM
*****************************
8 February 2009 – You Can Feel Safe
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
“I don’t get mad, I get even!” It was a bumper sticker I remember from years ago. It is rather telling story of where one’s heart lies. Maybe just a bit too telling when you see that on the back of a vehicle belonging to fellow church member! In Thessalonica, the church wondered if life was fair. The church was experiencing persecution in many forms and clearly they needed a perspective of God focused on their future circumstance not their present. Paul responded to their concerns by explaining that they could look back at God’s blessing as an indicator of his future promises. He further explained that they could trust that God would be just and fair in His judgment of mankind and that it would result in a favorable outcome for Christians. He also reminded them that God would dispense justice by “afflicting those who afflict you.” His righteous judgment is one of everlasting destruction and separation from the Father for those who don’t trust in Him and His eternal “rest” for those who do. Do you find the experience of the Thessalonians resemble your own? We sometimes feel that life isn’t fair and that often evil seems to succeed and even prosper. What a wonderful reassurance we have in the promises of our heavenly Father; specifically the promise that our perseverance will be rewarded. Have you given thanks to God for just being who He has promised to be? Do it today!
See you in the Pews! – JM
*****************************
1 February 2009 – Do You Get Along With Others?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Isn’t it funny, I can’t remember the last time I worried if the electric bill at the church had been paid, or if my teaching materials had been ordered, or if the nursery worker schedule was up to date, or if the TV ministry was prepared to televise the weekly service? The seamless, and often overlooked, work of the church staff and lay leaders is easily taken for granted. Paul reminded the church that encouragement among the body of believers for these leaders is truly important. The Message uses clear language in its translation of vs.13. It says to recognize the efforts of our church leaders and workers to “overwhelm them with appreciation and love!” He goes on to express principles apply within the body when it comes to public worship. We should never allow our worship to become monotonous, predictable or a “square-filler” on Sundays and occasionally Wednesdays. Paul uses three words to describe the nature of our corporate activities that jump off the page: always, constantly, and everything. Our worship isn’t just from 10:50 – 12:00, our prayers aren’t just when we’re in trouble, our thanks can’t be just for the really good stuff. Using Paul’s insight will make worship an integral part of everything we do and a rewarding and strengthened experience. Last, he exhorted the church to “Test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every form of evil”. We too are wise to do just that. We live in a world that bombards us with all things opposed to our God. Remember the children’s story of the man who built his house on the sand and not the rock? Without testing ideas, words, and opinions against the bedrock of God’s Word, it becomes easy to sway whenever the wind blows or wobble whenever the tide rises. Do you stand on the level ground of scripture? If not you’d be wise to watch your step!
See you in the Pews! - JM
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Georgia vs. Florida 1980 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhWVvsrq5k). What a classic! Up until that Saturday, it had been a banner year for the Bulldogs and their leader Coach Vince Dooley. The Gators were never an easy match for their SEC rivals and this year was no different. Florida stood smack in the way of an undefeated season. With 90 seconds left in the game, the Bulldogs were down 21-20. Georgia’s quarterback, Buck Belue (what a great name!), took the snap at his own eight yard line – it was a dismal third down and 8. He scrambled backward, into his own end zone and, barely escaping a tackle and safety, tossed a 17-yard pass to wide receiver, Lindsey Scott. And the rest is…well, we’ll get to that in a moment.
Have you ever wondered how the apostle Paul stayed motivated? Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica and encouraged them by describing their church as an example of successful missionary work. As a missionary, Paul had poured himself into the church there and it had taken off, growing and glorifying God in everything they did. But a few members had become irresponsible. And Paul had heard. Some quit their jobs, mooched of the benevolence of the church, and interfered with the work of others. Paul pleaded with the faithful to avoid growing weary in doing good. They should use the example Paul, and Silas and Timothy had lived for them. As a church they should persevere every day, working and serving God, earning a living and living for Christ. Overall, Paul encouraged them to pray that, like in Thessalonica, God’s message would spread rapidly – he used the Greek work “run”. He prayed God’s message would "run".
Run like Lindsey Scott.
Lindsey Scott caught that pass on his own twenty five yard line and ran 75 yards for a touchdown with time running off the clock. Georgia had been down, but was never out! They had dueled a tough opponent and suddenly they saw Lindsey Scott catch an improbable pass under extreme adversity and run with his sights set on the end-zone to win the game (26-21). They would go on to claim the national title against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
Paul had a similar situation in Thessalonica. He began his ministry in enemy territory with an improbable church under extreme adversity but he and the church remained focused on God’s promises and thrived. The Thessalonian church’s success is truly an encouragement for us, for Paul and for Christ. Have you prayed for a missionary today? Have you prayed that the gospel might continue run (like Lindsey Scott)? Why not do it today?
See you in the Pews – JM!
*****************************
15 February 2009 – You Can Stay Calm
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-17
Y2K. Some saw the roll-over into the new millennium as the certain date of Christ’s return. On the morning of January 1st 2000 that same group could be easily divided into two groups: the “relieved” or the “disappointed”. Paul experienced some members in the Thessalonian church who were troubled concerning teachings of Christ’s return. Some envisioned His return to be immediate, others were worried that it had already occurred and they were “left behind” (great concept for a book series!). Their worry had manifested itself as both mental and emotional instability. Paul reminded them not to be seduced by these false teachings. He pointed out that Christ’s’ return would be visible to all and that it would be characterized by other signs or prerequisites: a great falling away from Christ and the introduction of the Man of Lawlessness. Neither had occurred and thus provided simple “proofs” of the inaccuracy of those teachings. Today, we still have those who seek to define a very specific timeline for Christ’s return. As Bible-trusting Christians, we should not be alarmed by such false teachers. Satan will continue to work to blind the minds of those perishing until he is allowed by God to put into motion those events that will ultimately lead to Christ’s return in the clouds. Instead, we share in God’s faithfulness. We know God has loved us from eternity, gives us promise in our present situation, and provides us a hopeful future. We can find peace in standing firm, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, on the premises and truths we’ve been taught. Have no fear, Christ will return as Judge and Victor. We must stay alert and prepared for the day that is known only to God Himself. Have you found yourself off-balance or spiritually nauseous after hearing of another “theory” pinning down the date of the second coming? Need a little Dramamine for the soul? Just listen to Paul’s reassurances to the Thessalonians, or better yet, read them for yourself!
See you in the Pews! - JM
*****************************
8 February 2009 – You Can Feel Safe
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
“I don’t get mad, I get even!” It was a bumper sticker I remember from years ago. It is rather telling story of where one’s heart lies. Maybe just a bit too telling when you see that on the back of a vehicle belonging to fellow church member! In Thessalonica, the church wondered if life was fair. The church was experiencing persecution in many forms and clearly they needed a perspective of God focused on their future circumstance not their present. Paul responded to their concerns by explaining that they could look back at God’s blessing as an indicator of his future promises. He further explained that they could trust that God would be just and fair in His judgment of mankind and that it would result in a favorable outcome for Christians. He also reminded them that God would dispense justice by “afflicting those who afflict you.” His righteous judgment is one of everlasting destruction and separation from the Father for those who don’t trust in Him and His eternal “rest” for those who do. Do you find the experience of the Thessalonians resemble your own? We sometimes feel that life isn’t fair and that often evil seems to succeed and even prosper. What a wonderful reassurance we have in the promises of our heavenly Father; specifically the promise that our perseverance will be rewarded. Have you given thanks to God for just being who He has promised to be? Do it today!
See you in the Pews! – JM
*****************************
1 February 2009 – Do You Get Along With Others?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Isn’t it funny, I can’t remember the last time I worried if the electric bill at the church had been paid, or if my teaching materials had been ordered, or if the nursery worker schedule was up to date, or if the TV ministry was prepared to televise the weekly service? The seamless, and often overlooked, work of the church staff and lay leaders is easily taken for granted. Paul reminded the church that encouragement among the body of believers for these leaders is truly important. The Message uses clear language in its translation of vs.13. It says to recognize the efforts of our church leaders and workers to “overwhelm them with appreciation and love!” He goes on to express principles apply within the body when it comes to public worship. We should never allow our worship to become monotonous, predictable or a “square-filler” on Sundays and occasionally Wednesdays. Paul uses three words to describe the nature of our corporate activities that jump off the page: always, constantly, and everything. Our worship isn’t just from 10:50 – 12:00, our prayers aren’t just when we’re in trouble, our thanks can’t be just for the really good stuff. Using Paul’s insight will make worship an integral part of everything we do and a rewarding and strengthened experience. Last, he exhorted the church to “Test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every form of evil”. We too are wise to do just that. We live in a world that bombards us with all things opposed to our God. Remember the children’s story of the man who built his house on the sand and not the rock? Without testing ideas, words, and opinions against the bedrock of God’s Word, it becomes easy to sway whenever the wind blows or wobble whenever the tide rises. Do you stand on the level ground of scripture? If not you’d be wise to watch your step!
See you in the Pews! - JM
Winter 2008 Bible Study - 1 & 2 Thessalonians (January 09)
25 January 2009 – Are You Ready?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
As I type the sleet is tapping on the roof and windows and the ground is covered in ice. It is winter. I’m not sure where the break occurred between fall and winter, what day or what hour the transition occurred, but it is clear to me that winter is here. We knew it would eventually arrive. The change of seasons is, for us in Oklahoma, a sure thing. As confident as we are about the change of seasons, we can also be assured that Christ will return to reclaim his bride (the church) just as He promised. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they had been mentored under his teachings of Jesus’ description of the end times. Jesus told the disciples that neither He nor the angles in heaven knew the day or the hour but that just as the fig tree gives evidence of the coming of spring, so God’s people should be alert to those characteristics of the coming season of His return. Paul went on to remind the church that they should be prepared for that day; they should live their lives in rapt anticipation of Christ’s return. His words no doubt struck a chord with the new church when he chastened them to avoid sleepiness and drunkenness but to remain alert and sober while awaiting Christ’s return. Do you live your life in anticipation of His return? It could be today, or 2 weeks or even 2 centuries from now but, as Christian’s, we must live as if it were the 2 minute warning; imminent and rapidly approaching! Have you taken inventory of your actions lately? Have you analyzed your heart? Do your daily activities, thoughts, and deeds reflect your assurance of Christ’s return?
As Crystal Lewis, a contemporary Christian artist, says in song:
“People get ready; Jesus is coming; soon we’ll be going home."
Are you ready?
See you in the Pews! – JM
1 February 2009 – Do You Get Along With Others?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
*****************************
18 January 2009 – Whose Life is Important?
Exodus 20:13; 21:22-25; 22:21-24/Deuteronomy 24:19/
Matthew 5:21-22/Luke 20:47
Steve Martin, the famous comedian, once had a skit he did where he explained that the perfect answer to provide in any circumstance is “I forgot”. When confronted with evidence of a murder the prime suspect could just tell the police, “I forgot murder was against the law!” Convenient perhaps, but God calls us understand the importance of life as He does. In God’s law, ‘Do not murder’ has specific connotations, specifically related to the pre-meditated or accidental type death resulting from malice, fury, rage, jealousy – you name the condition. Accidental death is a little different but still it still has consequences, outcomes, and in the Old Testament, requirements to repay the offended family. Jesus stepped up in the New Testament to inform the masses that murder as they understood and avoided was just a physical example of a physical act that had a physical result. Equally sinful to God is the man calling another person a moron, or fool and thus verbally murdering another. The non-physical example has a different, more emotional result but is equally offensive to God. Today, like in Jesus day, the inward condition of our heart is as important to God as the outward acts of our hands. Our hearts reveal much more murder, adultery, dishonor and immorality than our hands likely ever will. Do you regularly treat others as if their life is as important to you as it is to God? How will you respond when God calls you to account for how well you loved “the least of these”? My guess is “I forgot” won’t cut it. Ask Christ today for a glimpse of others through His eyes that we may love others as He loves us.
See you in the pews! - JM
*****************************
11 January 2009 - What Hope Do You Have?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The death of a family member, or a friend, or a familiar member of our church can leave us grieving and pained. How the church at Thessalonica must have reeled at the loss of mentors or leaders as they struggled to emerge as a thriving church under watchful eye of the apostle. One specific concern they had surrounded their fear that those devoted Christians that had recently died might miss out on the reward of Christ’s imminent return. Paul pointed out that those alive at Christ’s return would not have advantage over those who had died or “fallen asleep”. He painted a clear picture of Christ’s second coming. The shout, the loud voice and the trumpet of God would signal the resurrection of those dead in Christ and would precede, albeit momentarily, the rapture of living believers to meet Christ and those resurrected believers in the air! Paul preached these truths in order to comfort or encourage the faithful that their hope could be a certainty and their salvation was secure. These same truths can give us great comfort as well. We can look forward to seeing our neighbors, friends and loved ones again when we meet Christ on His return. The Bible tells us it will happen in the blink of an eye. Will you be prepared at the moment Michael raises his horn? There is still time to make your reservation – do it today.
See you in the pews! - JM
*****************************
4 January 2009 – What’s Your Goal in Life?
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
I’ve heard it said about one’s lifespan, “It’s what you do with the dash that counts.” The “dash” is literally the dash between the dates of your birth and your death. When it comes to our walk with Christ we are set apart to walk to please God. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that, as followers of Christ, God’s will, their sanctification (personal holiness), was to be obedient to His expectations and directives. They were to abstain from immorality (specifically sexual immorality), seek to demonstrate brotherly love, and to lead exemplary lives among their friends and neighbors. Today our society, our generation in particular, seeks to fulfill only our own selfish ambitions. Phrases like “If it feels good do it!”, “What’s in it for me?”, and my favorite “You’re not the boss of me!” all reflect attitudes of self-centeredness and autonomy. However, as followers of Christ we must resist the temptation to give in to such behavior. We serve a righteous and holy King and we will give account of our actions to Him on judgment day. Have you stepped back and examined your own attitude or behaviors as an outsider likely would? Do you exhibit characteristics of Christ, fruits of the Spirit, or the obedience demanded by God? It may be an early warning sign. Maybe your “dash” needs a little sprucing up!
See you in the pews! - JM
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
As I type the sleet is tapping on the roof and windows and the ground is covered in ice. It is winter. I’m not sure where the break occurred between fall and winter, what day or what hour the transition occurred, but it is clear to me that winter is here. We knew it would eventually arrive. The change of seasons is, for us in Oklahoma, a sure thing. As confident as we are about the change of seasons, we can also be assured that Christ will return to reclaim his bride (the church) just as He promised. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they had been mentored under his teachings of Jesus’ description of the end times. Jesus told the disciples that neither He nor the angles in heaven knew the day or the hour but that just as the fig tree gives evidence of the coming of spring, so God’s people should be alert to those characteristics of the coming season of His return. Paul went on to remind the church that they should be prepared for that day; they should live their lives in rapt anticipation of Christ’s return. His words no doubt struck a chord with the new church when he chastened them to avoid sleepiness and drunkenness but to remain alert and sober while awaiting Christ’s return. Do you live your life in anticipation of His return? It could be today, or 2 weeks or even 2 centuries from now but, as Christian’s, we must live as if it were the 2 minute warning; imminent and rapidly approaching! Have you taken inventory of your actions lately? Have you analyzed your heart? Do your daily activities, thoughts, and deeds reflect your assurance of Christ’s return?
As Crystal Lewis, a contemporary Christian artist, says in song:
“People get ready; Jesus is coming; soon we’ll be going home."
Are you ready?
See you in the Pews! – JM
1 February 2009 – Do You Get Along With Others?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
*****************************
18 January 2009 – Whose Life is Important?
Exodus 20:13; 21:22-25; 22:21-24/Deuteronomy 24:19/
Matthew 5:21-22/Luke 20:47
Steve Martin, the famous comedian, once had a skit he did where he explained that the perfect answer to provide in any circumstance is “I forgot”. When confronted with evidence of a murder the prime suspect could just tell the police, “I forgot murder was against the law!” Convenient perhaps, but God calls us understand the importance of life as He does. In God’s law, ‘Do not murder’ has specific connotations, specifically related to the pre-meditated or accidental type death resulting from malice, fury, rage, jealousy – you name the condition. Accidental death is a little different but still it still has consequences, outcomes, and in the Old Testament, requirements to repay the offended family. Jesus stepped up in the New Testament to inform the masses that murder as they understood and avoided was just a physical example of a physical act that had a physical result. Equally sinful to God is the man calling another person a moron, or fool and thus verbally murdering another. The non-physical example has a different, more emotional result but is equally offensive to God. Today, like in Jesus day, the inward condition of our heart is as important to God as the outward acts of our hands. Our hearts reveal much more murder, adultery, dishonor and immorality than our hands likely ever will. Do you regularly treat others as if their life is as important to you as it is to God? How will you respond when God calls you to account for how well you loved “the least of these”? My guess is “I forgot” won’t cut it. Ask Christ today for a glimpse of others through His eyes that we may love others as He loves us.
See you in the pews! - JM
*****************************
11 January 2009 - What Hope Do You Have?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The death of a family member, or a friend, or a familiar member of our church can leave us grieving and pained. How the church at Thessalonica must have reeled at the loss of mentors or leaders as they struggled to emerge as a thriving church under watchful eye of the apostle. One specific concern they had surrounded their fear that those devoted Christians that had recently died might miss out on the reward of Christ’s imminent return. Paul pointed out that those alive at Christ’s return would not have advantage over those who had died or “fallen asleep”. He painted a clear picture of Christ’s second coming. The shout, the loud voice and the trumpet of God would signal the resurrection of those dead in Christ and would precede, albeit momentarily, the rapture of living believers to meet Christ and those resurrected believers in the air! Paul preached these truths in order to comfort or encourage the faithful that their hope could be a certainty and their salvation was secure. These same truths can give us great comfort as well. We can look forward to seeing our neighbors, friends and loved ones again when we meet Christ on His return. The Bible tells us it will happen in the blink of an eye. Will you be prepared at the moment Michael raises his horn? There is still time to make your reservation – do it today.
See you in the pews! - JM
*****************************
4 January 2009 – What’s Your Goal in Life?
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
I’ve heard it said about one’s lifespan, “It’s what you do with the dash that counts.” The “dash” is literally the dash between the dates of your birth and your death. When it comes to our walk with Christ we are set apart to walk to please God. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that, as followers of Christ, God’s will, their sanctification (personal holiness), was to be obedient to His expectations and directives. They were to abstain from immorality (specifically sexual immorality), seek to demonstrate brotherly love, and to lead exemplary lives among their friends and neighbors. Today our society, our generation in particular, seeks to fulfill only our own selfish ambitions. Phrases like “If it feels good do it!”, “What’s in it for me?”, and my favorite “You’re not the boss of me!” all reflect attitudes of self-centeredness and autonomy. However, as followers of Christ we must resist the temptation to give in to such behavior. We serve a righteous and holy King and we will give account of our actions to Him on judgment day. Have you stepped back and examined your own attitude or behaviors as an outsider likely would? Do you exhibit characteristics of Christ, fruits of the Spirit, or the obedience demanded by God? It may be an early warning sign. Maybe your “dash” needs a little sprucing up!
See you in the pews! - JM
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