What never changes...

The New Year is in full swing! Now that the holidays are over; I’m sure many of you have taken down your decorations by now. Trees have been dismembered and either tossed or tucked away. Wreaths and lights are probably bundled up and safely stored in basements or attics. Soon the event of the holidays will be mere memories.

The weather will change; time will pass and for those of us who remain, life will go on. But before you know it, the pages on your calendar will once again read December and it will be time to do it all over again. So many things can transpire and change in a year’s time. Technology evolves, babies are born and people pass away. However, there is one thing that remains constant and consistent, that is GOD.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” You can’t count on your I-phone to be efficient for the next forty years. You can’t depend on your parents to be around for the next century. 

You can’t even guarantee that you will be alive and well tomorrow! We cannot predict the events of our day no matter how hard we try or how good we are at scheduling.

God is the one person we can depend on to never change. His love is unfailing and His power is immeasurable. Since we know this, why do we change on Him so often? Have you ever declared your love for the Lord to others one day and the next day curse Him in your heart because things didn’t work out the way you desired them to and you blamed God?

Why are people so quick to stop trusting God? If your bank makes a mistake on a transaction, do you immediately switch banks, maybe but not always?  Sometimes it seems we have more confidence in man than we do in God, even if that “man” is ourselves. Remember this, “man” (including yourself) can and will let you down or change on you. But our mighty Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

Think about it! 

Let's eat it all!!

How many of us know someone who will grab a bag of mixed nuts and pick through it, eating all of them, leaving only the cashews? When you and your family order pizza does anyone leave the crust behind? As a child did your mother constantly reprimand you for refusing to eat your peas, spinach or any other green “disgusting” food?

My three- year-old has to be one of the pickiest eaters on the planet! Recently however, she has cooperated and tried new foods after my many attempts to broaden the horizons of her taste buds.

We may not realize it but often times when it comes to the word of God, many of us are “picky eaters.”  We attend church on a regular basis only to pick and choose what we actually receive. Now, let me be clear, you should only eat at a table (church) where the word is spread in fullness, holiness and truth.

I wouldn’t tell you to receive from a hypocrite preacher any more than I would tell you to eat off a dirty plate! However there are some who declare that all preachers are hypocrites to justify their poor diet. Woe unto any who refuse to receive God’s word when it is declared by one of His chosen servants.

If you think I’m “off my rocker” with all my “eating” analogies when it comes to the word I do have a scripture to back me up.  In Matthew 4:4 Jesus Himself is quoted saying, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

It safe to say that if food sustains us in life and if Jesus Himself said that we need more than natural food to live, then we need to consume or receive the “bread” or Word of God.  

Jesus further solidifies His point in John 6:35 where He says, “I am the bread of life, He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

So let’s remember the next time we pull up a seat at the table (go to church), when the plate is set before us, (the word of God), we should say grace (be thankful) and eat it all (receive God’s proclaimed word).

Think about it.

Be a Billboard in 2013

Billboards are common place not only in America but pretty much worldwide. They can be seen on a daily basis as we commute to and from home, church or work. They stand towering over us, boldly declaring their messages. They don’t care whether or not we agree with what they have to say. They don’t water down or try to reword their message for fear we will shun them. Nope! They are proudly screaming their messages to us without our permission. Some of them even have the nerve display more than one message. Better yet some eliminate their message not even to be hidden by the dark of night. 

Gospel artists Lecrea and Mali Music have a song called "Tell the World", here are some of the lyrics. "I'ma tell the world, tell em, tell it everywhere I go. Tell the world tell it, yeah I'm a billboard." I love this song and it's message. Isn't it past time for us to become billboards for the Lord?

II Timothy 4:2-5 says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering a d teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

No we are not all “called preachers” per-say, but we should all strive to do the work of evangelists and witness to non-believers. The latter part of Proverbs 11:30 says, “and he who wins souls is wise.” We may all have different methods of witnessing to others. Some of us may use blogs. Some of us may use our personal testimony. No matter how you do it, in 2013 I urge all believers in Christ to make it their business to be a billboard, and proclaim the word of the Lord everywhere you go! Do so standing proud, strong, and bold, without sugar coating or being fearful. Illuminate the word of God so that others can see His light shine through your life, walk and talk.

I’m sure we have all seen billboards we didn’t like for one reason or another, but our dislike for them didn’t cause them to fall. So remember everyone is not going to like what you have to say about God’s divine word, but that should not stop you from sharing it anyway. Stand boldly on the promises of God and watch them “speak for themselves.’”

Think about it.

"Don't do it yourself!"

There are countless numbers of DIY networks, blogs, and magazines circulating today. When it comes to just about anything, a Google search can teach you how to “do it yourself.”

From mixing a weight-loss smoothie to restoring a classic car, you can pretty much figure out how to save money and just “do it yourself” by using Google and other internet search engines. I have to admit, if I can avoid spending money unnecessarily, I will. If I can figure out how to do something myself or Google it, I usually do - especially if I can avoid driving all over town only to arrive at the store and either not find what I need or have to wait forever. Remember we are a “microwave society” so to speak, and I don’t think I’m the only one guilty of being impatient. Often times we choose to do things ourselves simply because we don’t want to wait for someone else to do it, even if waiting means we get it done better than we can “do it ourselves.”

However, there are some things we should not venture into doing ourselves. For example, I wouldn’t recommend trying to do surgery on oneself; that’s what doctors are for. Some things need to be left to the professionals.

In the same respect, some situations in our lives can only be handled and corrected by the ultimate problem-solving professional…Jesus Christ. No matter how knowledgeable we may be or how many degrees we may obtain, there are just some things that only God can handle. Psalms 121:1 says, “I will lift my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Don’t you think someone who was intelligent enough to create heaven and earth is well equipped to handle your situations? Need more proof? Matthew 6:30 says, “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, o you of little faith?” Just like we have faith in Google to have the answer to our most searing questions, we must trust God a thousand times more. After all He created us and no one knows us better than He does.

So the next time you are looking to solve your own problem, stop before “doing it yourself” makes it worse.

Don’t do it yourself; trust in The Expert.

Think about it.

"Do you see what I see?"

Said the night wind to the little lamb, “Do you see what I see?” Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, “Do you hear what I hear?”

Today that is my question to anyone reading this post. Do you see what I see; and do you hear what I hear? I see Christmas trees decorated with lights and tinsel; I see children fogging up department store windows longing for the toys inside to be their own. I hear moms and dads planning surprises and special dinners for their families. This Christmas let us take time to stop, look, and listen.  What do you hear? What do you see? Are you surrounding yourself in the true spirit of Christmas?

The holiday season is packed with family plans, pictures, outings, vacations, shopping and other activities. Somewhere between putting up trees and wrapping presents, I wonder if the world is really stopping to realize the true meaning of Christmas. The miraculous birth of Jesus took place for the benefit of all mankind. The news of His birth should be spread like a computer virus posted on statuses and featured on TMZ! We must not allow the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to cause us to forget the true meaning of Christmas.  Matthew 1:21 says, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

We should acknowledge our Savior’s arrival and purpose every day not just during the holidays. I believe the best way to show that acknowledgement is by living a Christian life so that not only Christ but also others can see that we do in fact know why He came.

We are unsure of so many things and so many things in the world today are unpredictable. However, there is one thing that will forever remain and that is God’s word. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will by no means pass away.”

Gifts and dinners are wonderful. Every family should take time out on Christmas and every day to love each other and share special time. But let us not omit sharing the story of our savior and living according to His divine plan for us.

Think about it.

Jesus' Christmas List!

Tis the season of giving! However, in our “microwave” society sometimes it seems we just don’t have or don’t take the time to give. People often seem too caught up in “getting.” Some are trying so hard to get money or fame that they rarely take the time out to give. Also this time of year some are so are worried about getting the perfect gift for everyone that they become stressed and that dulls the joy of giving meant to be felt during the holidays. But as we wrap and ship gifts to distant relatives, or purchase the special toys our little ones have pointed out, is there something that we are forgetting to give?
Matthew 19:16-22 tells the story of a rich young ruler who desired eternal life; this is a gift not just anyone can give. He approached Jesus and asked, “What good thing must I do that I may have eternal life.” Jesus answered by giving him a list of commandments to follow. To which the young man replied in (so many words) “Been there done that.” So Jesus challenged him, by saying “If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, and come follow me.”
At that point the conversation was over. The young ruler didn’t even respond verbally. We all know that actions speak louder than words. I’m sure there were many thoughts that crossed that young rulers mind as he walked away one being, “Is this dude crazy?” The scripture says he simply turned and walked away from Jesus in sorrow for he had great possessions. Doesn’t this still happen today? Wealthy people and people in general are often sorrowful despite what they have, especially (in my opinion) when they don’t have Jesus. The old saying is true “Money cannot buy happiness,” no matter what time of the year it is.
Luke 10:27 says “You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.” If you have ever been in love before, you know it takes energy to love someone fully. And if you do love them fully, you also know that in order for them to know that you love them, you give them time, gifts, and words of expression among other things.
But this year, I implore you to forget about waiting to make a New Year’s resolution. Jesus was born and died to afford us a gift that no amount of money will ever be able to buy, eternal life. So why not give to a God who has done so much for you, already even though you have never even met, face to face. Why not give Him your heart, mind, soul and strength as well as your time, talents, prayers and faith? After all when you give to God it’s a guarantee that you will “get” much more in return. Don’t be like the rich young ruler; step up to the plate and be a true giver. Be like the wise men who followed a star into the unknown seeking a savoir and when they found Him they not only laid gifts but their hearts at his feet.
Give…Christ...you! That’s all He has on his list!
Think about it!

Mirror Image!

One of the first things people want to know when they hear a birth announcement is, “Who does the baby look like?” Parents often quarrel about whose eyes, nose, or smile the baby has.  Relatives and friends debate over their opinion on which parent the baby like the most.

When my youngest daughter was born everyone declared that they saw only her father and none of me in her. I begged to differ and searched for a picture of myself as a baby. Once I found one I was able to prove that in fact my baby girl looks a lot like me.

Recently a friend of mine posted a picture of himself as a child alongside a picture of his son at the same age.  (picture shown) It is almost shocking to me how much the little boy looks like his father at the same age. I found myself looking for differences in the pictures and having a hard time finding them.  They appear to practically be a mirror image of each other.

Looking at the pictures made me think about Genesis 1:26a.-27 which say, “Then God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” “So God created man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Would you look at yourself in the mirror and see something on your face like crumbs and just leave them there all day for everyone else to see? Or would you look into your child’s face and see a scratch or something on their face that didn’t need to be there and just leave it? Of course not!

Then when God looks at us He fully expects to see His image. What does this mean? Do you think God’s image is that of a murderer, liar or hater? Do you think God’s image is the same as one who hold grudges, curses others or sows discord among their peers? Again I say, of course not!

Just as we parents are proud to say of our children; “he looks just like me,” or “she got that from me,” God desires to see Himself in His children.

So the next time you look at yourself in your “spiritual mirror,” make sure you see the image of your heavenly Father looking a back at you!

Think about it!