In Love, "Fear God!"

"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."        (1 Peter 1:13-17) It is very clear by Peter's words in our text, what kind of people we are to be. We are to be law-abiding, and respectful, of those who are in authority. Last week the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriages in all 50 states, challenges this position. Many who hold to the traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman will be called to abide by the ruling. If they, don't, will they be going against what Peter writes here? To me this is a ruling that is against the Word, and will of God, who is the supreme authority. Peter says two words in our text, that defines what our position should be: "Fear God". In other words, we are to obey the moral standards of God's Word, first and foremost. But that being said, we are to still stand in love, and respect, not in selfishness, hatred, and hostility. When a law comes in conflict with the law of God, we are called to honor everyone. We are to love the brotherhood, honor the emperor (or president) but most of all, we are to "Fear God", and "In love" stand up for His truth!  GP
 Photo by imagerymajestic. Published on 23 November 2012 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Symbols

"...When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying 
"What are these stones" then you will let your your children know, saying "Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land". (Joshua 4:21-22)
There is much debate over the removal of the Confederate Flag from government buildings because of racial implications. I agree that it is a piece of our nation's history, and not to be considered as a symbol for our future. For many it will be a memorial piece. God gave the nation of Israel these twelve stones to help the next generations remember what God did, when He separated the waters at the Jordan river, so the people could cross over. Today we have the cross, and the emblems of the unleavened bread and the grape juice, to remind us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us at Calvary. Symbols are important, to help us remember where we've been, and where we are going. To help us remember the most important matters in our lives. To help us share concerning the lessons we have learned, and to be reminded of the goals that are set before us to accomplish. May we always as one nation, embrace the symbol of our flag, as a symbol of freedom, and unity, for as long as God will keep us upon this land. GP
 Photo by Felixco, Inc.. Published on 27 March 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

If It Depends On You

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18) You may come in contact with circles of people where pride and arrogance show their ugly heads. To be excluded, or to be a victim of rudeness, may be a regular encounter. How is a Christian to act in response to this type of behavior? We could act this way ourselves, or try in various ways to get even. The Apostle Paul encourages us to try as much as we can to "live in peace with all men" In some cases that may take a lot of patience. It's not easy to be around people who think more of themselves than they ought. If you are not a native in the area, or community you live in, it may take a long time, before people accept you, as being apart of their circle. Whatever the social enviroment is where we are, we as Christians are called to be people who care, and have a desire to live in peace with all men. We must remember that everyone in some way is struggling with the challenges of life. If we could break them down and look inside their hearts, we would see the reasons why they behave the way they do. The important thing is to be there, when we can, and when the opportunity comes to minister in some way, we need to take advantage of it. GP
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 21 June 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.com

"Fire Up"

"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, But God gives the increase." (1 Corinthians 3:7) The seed, the ground, the rain, the sunshine, all belong to God. The farmer uses the resources God makes available for growth of a crop. In the process of spiritual growth, we rely upon the resources that God makes available, in order to grow our faith, hope, and love. We can't help it, if at times there is too much rain, and not enough heat from the sun to help the crops to have an excellent harvest. And there are times when temptation and trials will try to weaken a person, and to get them off course, in the process of Christian maturity and productivity. I have always wondered what farmers meant when they talked about their corn being "fired up" *"Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient; deficiencies are most often observed on sandy soils following long periods of heavy rainfall or when all the nitrogen provided to the crop is applied before planting. Deficiency symptoms include thin, spindly stalks and yellow-orange V shapes on leaves. The color becomes more intense as the problem develops and leaves eventually begin to die at the tips. Symptoms are most obvious on lower leaves; the plants "fire up," with deficiency symptoms rapidly moving from lower to upper leaves with time."* Nitrogen is a powerful nutrient that the corn plant needs to develop healthy growth. It makes me think about how dependent we are on the powerful Word of God. Without it, we will not look like healthy Christians, but we will "fire up" with the color of the world, leaving us weak, and headed for destruction. The question we need to ask ourselves is: Do we want to grow into the person God wants us to be? If so, than we need to make the most of His resources, in order for us to be spiritually healthy now, and forever. GP *http://ipm.ncsu.edu/corn/Scouting_Corn/troubleshooting_corn.html Photo By gardener.wikia.com - 767 × 492 Search by image

The Failure To Function

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint working by which every part does its share, causes growth by the body for the edifying of itself in love."(Ephesians 4:15-16) It takes more than one organ, and more than one part to help the physical body function efficiently. It's the same way with the body of Christ. Each member has a gift, and an ability to use, to help the body of Christ operate effectively for the the Kingdom of God. If just a few are doing all the work, and the majority are just being spectators, that body of believers will not gain much ground for our Lord Jesus Christ. And it's not just those in the limelight that are important, but those who are behind the scenes, who are just as important. It cannot be like it is at a sporting event. With a team of 9 players, or 22 players, out on the field, in good condition, playing the game, and 80,000 spectators who are are out of shape, just watching. The church is to be made up of players, not spectators, working on being in good condition to serve the Lord. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men." (Colossians 3:23) GP Photo by stockimages. Published on 19 December 2013
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The Answer

Our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. I listened to a number of news reports after this tragic event, and heard a lot of people giving their ideas on the issues of race, mental health, and gun control. The question came up over and over: What is the answer to the violence we have been seeing lately in this country? To me, the answer has been, and will always be, our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our acceptance of Him as Savior, and our submission to Him as Lord.
If we would strive to live for Jesus, and strive to be like Him, we would find peace in our relationships with those of a different color and culture. The Apostle Paul wrote "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him." (Romans 10:12) No doubt we all are different. There isn't one of us that has the same thumb-print. But In Jesus Christ we find our common ground, living out the teaching He has given us. We believe that we have only ourselves to answer to. But that is a selfish delusion. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you." (John 15:12) This is the answer, we cannot avoid! GP Photo by digitalart. Published on 24 May 2011
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A Deep Dark Tunnel Of Despair

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even for life." (2 Corinthians 1:8) We are not sure what trouble the Apostle Paul is referring to here, because he encountered a number of events that were troubling. It was heavy enough that he said that he, and those with him "were burdened beyond measure, above strength, to the point of being in deep despair." Some may ask: Why get involved in the Christian life, and Christian service, when it leads you through a deep dark tunnel of despair? The Christian life & service, is not always a dark tunnel. There are many blessings that God provides in this life. But every Christian must remember that this life is a battle, against Satan and the world. And although we may be going through an easy time right now, be prepared, because trials and persecution is just around the corner. There were times in the life of Jesus, where He enjoyed being with the children, and being with the disciples, even with their competitive debates. He enjoyed His time, with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. But always in the back of His mind was the cross that He knew was on His Journey. To be discouraged is a typical experience, for all of us as Christians. And Satan is counting on it to really break us, and bring us down. But the Apostle Paul had the answer, as do we. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) GP
 Photo by David Castillo Dominici. Published on 13 March 2012
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Honor In The Midst Of Abuse

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3) How do we honor parents who are abusive? I have read that honoring our parents involves two things. First we are to honor their position over us. Leviticus 19:3 "Everyone one of you shall revere his mother and father, and keep My Sabbaths:" Even though we do not agree with the behavior of our parents, we must respect the role they are to have in our lives, and work to help them maintain it, in a healthy way. It may mean stepping out from the abuse, and working to get help for both them, and us. Second we are to honor their person. "Her children rise up and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28) The children may not like the person their parents have become. And it will take guidance from the Holy Spirit to help a child forgive, and pray that their parents will become the people that God wants them to be. Honor, may not be the feeling that some children have. But it is a choice that all of us must make. Because the promise is still there, when we obey God in fulfilling this commandment. 'That it may be will with you, and that you may live long on the earth." God is faithful in keeping His promises. GP Photo by Ambro. Published on 04 October 2012
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Insight For The Insecure

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear[a] when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8) The face of severe insecurity is generally the face of fear, but not all the time. Insecurity shows itself through the attitudes of pride, conceit, and arrogance. One may hide behind a wall of pride, conceit and arrogance, to fool the public in believing that one is the most valuable and confident person around, when it reality they are a deep well of fear and low self-esteem. What is the answer to a need such as this? The answer lies in what the prophet Jeremiah says in our text. "Blessed is the man who trusts the Lord, and places hope in Him. Where does our true security lie? Nothing in this life is a guarantee. People, circumstances, things, have, and will, let us down. But God is faithful. Whatever happens to us, you can count on God to be there to get us from point A to point B, every time. Instead of working so hard at proving to ourselves, and the world, that we are special, and confident in this world. Why not trust God to just work in us, and through us, and He will do amazing things we never thought possible. And in so doing, we will feel confident, as we place ourselves in the care of the greatest person and power in the universe. GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 01 May 2015
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Working At Our Worth

...that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:18) What do we need, to help us feel good about ourselves? Do we need popularity, pleasure, or power to feel good about ourselves? Do we always need to be with the right people in order to feel good about ourselves? Do we constantly have to do great things, to earn our value in this life? As a Christian, the Apostle Paul says that we are apart of God's inheritance. We are apart of His great wealth. This is so amazing that God would look at us this way. But then again, look what He did for us at the cross at Calvary. He sent His only begotten Son to be the sacrifice for the penalty of our sins. He paid the price for us to be with Him for eternity. What more do we need, to feel good about ourselves? What more do we need, to feel valuable in this life? It seems that we work so hard to look good in the eyes of people. We will do whatever it takes to be in the right crowd, or do those things that will draw attention to us. We will go so far as to hurt other people, to gain the approval, and applause of the world. If God values us, that's all we need. But God is counting on us to help others to feel His love as well. To feel that God values them, as much as He does us. People will not always value us, will not always provide the affirmation we long for. I am so thankful that God does.
(Read Romans 8:37-39, and rejoice with me. (GP)
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 05 June 2014 www.freedigitalphotos.com

Dealing With Our Distractions

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14) Worldly distractions! We have a number of them, that keep us from doing what the Apostle Paul encourages us to do in our text. The Apostle John wrote about three big distractions that hinder us from getting the prize of the upward call of of God in Christ Jesus. John writes: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16) If our focus in on these distractions, we will fail miserably in doing the will of God, and failing to receive the blessings of the upward call of God. God calls us to a better happiness. We may be happy with the worldly pursuits for awhile, until they disappoint us. God calls us to a better home. To be home with God forever, is much better than tying ourselves to this world, and than being eternally separated from Him. He calls us to a better hope.
A living hope because of our living Lord Jesus Christ.(1 Peter 1:3) In the midst of trials, what does the world have to offer us, compared to that of our Lord? Paul says, I lay aside the distractions, and I press toward the goal of God in Christ Jesus. Wow, How exciting and fulfilling is that? GP
 Photo by stockimages. Published on 05 November 2013
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Plugging Into The Power

"Being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." (Colossians 1:11-12) Several years ago I heard this analogy, that we as Christians must be like small appliances. In order to work, we have to plug into the power. The Apostle Paul talks about we as Christians living a life that is worthy of the Lord (v.10) In order to do that, we must be "strengthened with all power" that comes from the Lord. There is no way that we can live the Christian life, and be involved in Christian service, on our own wisdom and strength. If we think we can, we are only deceiving ourselves. I will admit, that I am not in the Word of God, and do not pray as often as I should. And because of that, I find my weaknesses, and fail to accomplish the Lord's expectations for me. Do you admit to this too? We are vulnerable to the enemy's tactics and strength, when we let him get a foothold in our lives. The spiritual strength we need is found in our abiding in the True Vine (John 15) His Words, His example, and His presence in our lives, is so needed for us to have victory, and success. Yes, let's plug into the Power! GP Photo by renjith krishnan. Published on 24 September 2011
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When You Make A Mess Of Your Life

Several years ago, I remember a young lady who gave a speech at my brother's graduation.She shared three things she remembered learning in Kindergarten. Such as:
1. Learning to share.
2. When you are tired, take a nap.
3. When you make a mess, clean it up.

The last one is probably more of a challenge than the first two.
In Psalm 119:83 the Psalmist uses an illustration of what we look like when our life is in a mess."Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. 1* "As a wine skin hangs in the smoke, and heat above a fire, it becomes smudged and shriveled, so the Psalmist bears the marks of his affliction."(NIV Study Bible)This is how we look, and feel inside, when our lives have become a mess. And the question that constantly nags at our heart is: "How can I clean up this mess? How can I make things right again? The answer is in the Psalmist's words, in the last part of the verse. Even though my life is a mess,"I do not forget your decrees."The Psalmist in essence is saying, The only way to make things right, is to remember, and obey God's Word, that is right. God's Word is the tool of correction. The medicine that heals us from the sinful infection inside of us.We must never operate out of passion, but rather by principle.God's principles will set us on a course that is right, that will lead to peace, and hope for tomorrow. Yes, when we make a mess in our lives, let's clean it up. But let's use God's Word to do it. (GP) Photo by ningmilo. Published on 02 April 2011
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O My Soul

"For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) What is this thing about a soul? What is our soul? and why should we be more concerned about it, than our pursuit of the world? The word "soul" comes from the Hebrew word "nephesh" meaning "a breathing creature" The Greek term "Psuche" has the simple meaning of "Life". "And the Lord God formed man or the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) "By soul we mean only one thing,i.e.,incarnate spirit, a spirit with a body." (Hodge)* To me, the soul is that spiritual part of us, our mind, heart, emotions, personality, that is destined to live forever, apart from the body, which will return to the earth, when the separation of body and spirit will occur. And our soul must be connected with Jesus Christ (at conversion) nourished by the Word of God, and maintained by the application of His Word, through this life. To neglect this, and do damage to this, by the pursuit of worldly endeavors, will ruin our spiritual health. The gift of God's Son is given to us, to enable us to have hope for our souls. But the choice is ours, and the responsibility is ours. Will we connect with our Savior Jesus Christ, and keep our souls safe with Him? GP
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 04 June 2014 www.freedigitalphotos.net
* Bible Study Textbook - C.C. Crawford-College Press

Lost And Found

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing." 
(Luke 15:4-5) 
We don't know the answer to the question: Why would a good shepherd leave 99 sheep by themselves, unattended, to search for one lost sheep? *"Even in today's world, the herdsman would call a friend or family member to watch over the flock if he expected to be gone for an extended period. Or perhaps the shepherd knows the area where the sheep are grazing to be safe for the few hours he would be gone. If the herd would be in danger, he probably would not leave all of them to search for just one." But the objective of this parable is to teach the truth, that our Lord Jesus cares about even one lost sheep. He would do whatever is necessary to bring that sheep back to the fold. As Christians we are to care, (as our Lord does) about lost souls. This life is fleeting, and many are dying without a saving relationship with our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. The question for us is: In these moments of opportunity, to reach out to lost souls we know, are we doing all we can to encourage and lead people to our Lord's fold? To have people sing with us: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see." Whatever we can do, let's do it, because people's eternal destiny is at stake. GP
 Photo by James Barker. Published on 21 July 2009
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ALL THINGS?

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful; All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify." 
(1 Corinthians 10:23) It is an on-going experience; the constant indulgence of worldly goods, and the reaping of severe disappointment. When will I learn? When will I exercise strong discipline, and develop a continual appetite, for that which is always helpful, and edifying, to my body, and spirit? Physically eating the wrong food, is only a small part of this dilemma. It involves all that we see, read, hear, and touch. And all of this, is powerful motivation for our actions. These words of the Apostle Paul, relate very well to us, who live in America. We have an enormous amount of worldly goods to feed the mind and body. But a lot of what looks, feels, and tastes good, is far from being good for us. I remember when I was a child, my parents placed restrictions on me, because they knew that as a child, I would not exercise proper judgment. Our heavenly Father tells us in His Word, what His restrictions are for us. He knows that by ourselves, we will not use proper judgment. How many times have we asked ourselves; When will we learn? When will we choose the right things, instead of giving in to our flesh. I believe it will be, when we, like the Prodigal Son,
end up like the pigs, and realize that with God's restrictions,we could do so much better. (GP)
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 01 November 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

For The Sake Of Others

"For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 5:15) Someone has written: "We may be at our wits end, but never at our hope's end." For the Apostle Paul, his hope was always in the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew that in all things, even in death, that the Lord Jesus Christ would take care of him. But there is work to do in the Kingdom of God, to encourage others to maintain this hope as well. "For all things are for your sakes." This statement by Paul confirms, his desire for ministry, and his longing to make a difference in the lives of others. As Christians, is this our objective as well? Too much of the time, it's all about us. And we use others, as a platform to elevate ourselves, with our selfish ambitions and goals. The Lord will take care of us. You can count on that. But can the Lord count on us, to take care of those who are needing help and encouragement. After Peter affirmed a third time that He loved Jesus, Jesus told Him. "Feed My sheep." (John 21:17) For the sake of the sheep under our care, are we feeding ourselves, or them? GP Photo by stockimages. Published on 14 November 2012
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Is Jesus In Your Heart?

"And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32) I remember a story I heard of a little boy who was being examined by a doctor, and the doctor let the little boy listen to his heart through the stethoscope, and when he heard the beating of his heart, the little boy responded, "Is that Jesus knocking?" The disciples that walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, were very stirred in their hearts, when He was present with them. This asks the question: What is our relationship with the Lord Jesus right now? Do we feel Him present in our hearts, as we read His Word, and fellowship with Him in prayer? Do we have a strong desire to live for Him, and serve Him, with all of our being? If a piece of charcoal is taken away from the fire, it turns gray and cold. Is that how our hearts are towards Jesus right now? It's not too late to rekindle the fire for Jesus in our hearts. It's not too late to renew a wonderful fellowship and partnership with Him, as we travel down life's path. It only takes a match to get things started. Why not start today? GP Photo by stockimages. Published on 21 August 2012
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