Archived Devotions 
from the Pastor's desk...

Many Americans are celebrating the birth of our nation during this period while
others continue to criticize our society and attempt to change us into something
they think is better. Change is not necessarily better or worse, it’s just different.
However, before we agree to change, perhaps we should first remember how we
started. Our journey as a nation began with the Pilgrims who desired to establish a
better approach to serving God than what they had experienced to that point.
Although they were not the first settlers, they were among the earliest and about 20
years later were followed by the Puritans. The stated purpose for the coming of the
Puritans was, “…to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the
liberties of the gospel in purity and peace.” What a grand experiment these men
and women of God from both groups believed in even though we have often come
short of the reality of that ideal. We must continue to strive to be Godly.

I recently spoke with someone who was constructing a list of deceased
ministers who had impacted his life, some more than others, but all to
some degree. When we consider those who have left us and their
influence on our lives, we realize how powerful their relationship was
upon us. This reminds me of a verse of scripture where God points out
what He had done to reach His people with a message of repentance.
“And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers,
rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his
people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of
God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath
of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy” (II
Chron. 36:15-16). Please listen to the ministers God has put in your life
to help you and guide you. Their lives and influence will be of great
benefit to you. Failure to listen results in sad consequences.

Parents, we need to focus on our children to establish good memories that last a
lifetime, building a bond that spans decades. It takes effort, but it especially
requires time. There is no substitute for spending time with your kids doing things
they enjoy, showing them how important they are to you. Begin at an early age
teaching them the Word of God and Biblical principles, demonstrating those
lessons in your daily lives. “And these words, which I command thee this day,
shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children”
(Deut. 6:6-7).
So many life lessons came from my father, but none greater than to be honest, to
have integrity and be a dedicated servant of the Lord. The Apostle Paul said, “For
though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers” (I
Cor. 4:15). Young people have many life instructors, some good, others not so
much. You are the only father your kids have. Be one, be a good one!

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” (Psalms 121:1-2).  Help is the assistance that comes during the time of need.  Someone or something helps bring about a change that is needed but that you cannot do alone.  People are able to perform many things, but there are always problems too great for humans to resolve.  In those times Jesus is able to step in and provide whatever is needed, even the miraculous.  

When the Psalmist “lifts up” his eyes, he is meditating, or reflecting.  In this moment he admits that only the Lord can truly help us in our time of need.  With great faith and confidence he proclaims that his help comes from the Creator.  Therefore, there is no greater One who can help us than He.  “Trust in the Lord, and do good” (Psalms 37:3).

We live in a noisy world. From television, radios and cell phones in our homes to
traffic, sirens and people talking, noise is everywhere. Often the sounds are not
pleasant, but irritating and annoying. Are you looking for a quiet place? Here’s a
word from the Lord. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect
of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” (Isaiah 32:17). Have you
considered surrendering your life to Jesus? It is the only path to a quiet place of
peace. “The work of righteousness” – living a godly life – will remove you from
much controversy which disturbs the soul, disrupts sleep at night and steals joy
from all the good in your life. God really wants you to be happy and enjoying His
blessings. Try living a righteous life and you’ll find peace, quiet and joy!

The Book of Proverbs is not one from which we often hear sermons nor daily
devotional references. However, it is hard to find any better direction for our lives
than that which we uncover in Proverbs. Our lesson text comes from Proverbs 6:6-
8. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no
guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food
in the harvest”. The word sluggard is used in reference to someone who is a
slacker, one who is lazy or idle. The Bible frequently contrasts the differences
between the hard-working and the idle. The importance of hard work is often
stressed in the Bible, with blessings promised to those individuals. A home that is
cursed with a “sluggard” is in deep trouble. Be careful whom you choose to marry.
The Bible gives us the example of the ants as diligent workers. These tiny
creatures were honored for their hard work and preparation for the future in many
cultures. They never seem to be discouraged and just immediately return to work
if their home is destroyed. As the Bible teaches wisdom, it is not just a head
knowledge but the application of lessons learned that align us with God’s will and
blessings. Wisdom can be learned by observing God’s creation. Learn from the
ants and just go to work, never quitting, never discouraged but always pushing
forward. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the
diligent maketh rich” (Prov. 10:4).

When we look at our country today we see many troubling events
occurring. Our nation seems as divided as ever. America has always
been home to diverse opinions, often tearing at the very seams of our
structure. Issues such as breaking free from Great Britain had Tories and
revolutionaries hating each other, the slave-holders and abolitionists
could never settle their differences without war, and don’t forget the
Temperance movement which resulted in a Constitutional amendment
that was later repealed. Life is not so different today! We have
protestors taking over roads and bridges while Anti-Semites block
Jewish students from attending classes. Shop-lifting is now acceptable
because the courts and jails are overrun with criminals.
Where does all this stop? It seems as if America has chosen a road to
destruction. The remedy is found in the Word of God. A verse taught to
me by my father comes to mind. I hope it encourages parents to fight
against the tide of evil by teaching their children the Lord’s pathway.
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”
(Proverbs 14:34). May the Lord strengthen our families and churches to
teach His Word to our children.

Here we are about to celebrate another Mother’s Day. Twelve months
have come and gone so quickly that it amazes us. No doubt several of
you said goodbye to your mother this year while others have doubts
about whether there will even be another celebration as age takes its
inevitable toll on our elderly loved ones. If you have your mother with
you please visit, call or reach out in some manner this Mother’s Day
while it still matters.
Paul gave instructions to a young pastor to teach his followers
concerning successful homes and marriages. For an older widow to be
fully respected and received into the church’s care program she had to
have obeyed the church’s teaching which included the following: “Well
reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have
lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved
the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work” (I Tim.
5:10). Paul gave specific guidelines for younger women also. “I will
therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house,
give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully” (I Timothy
5:14). If you have been blessed to have such a mother or wife you
should be thankful everyday of your life.
We live in a world where many women have no desire to even be a
mother. You see, it would interrupt their career, or cramp their social
life. No wonder we have so many abortions in this country. Just
remember, the greatest role of any woman is to be a mother. It is
probably the most challenging and most rewarding position anyone
could have. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28). Nothing compares to this!

REPENT!

 

This command has resonated throughout the generations of mankind, has been preached in churches around the world, but only heeded by some.  The definition of repent is to manifest sorrow and contrition over a destructive lifestyle.  Full application of repentance is to amend the decisions that offend God and place Him in control of one’s life. 

The first time the word repent appears in the New Testament is in the preaching of John the Baptist.  As a point of fact, the very first recorded word by him was, “Repent.”  It is also notable that when Peter preached that powerful message on the Day of Pentecost the people were so afraid and convicted of their sin they cried out and asked what they needed to do.  The first word from Peter at that critical moment was, “Repent.” Every relation with God must begin with repentance.  The Lord wants to be your Savior, your healer, your “help in time of trouble” (Psalms 46:1), but it all begins with Repentance.  Nothing really happens until then.  

Perhaps you have seen some awful sins occurring and you wondered why judgment did not come from God.  Just because it doesn’t happen quickly doesn’t mean it’s not coming.  “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Eccl. 8:11).  In other words, because judgment is not swift on the unrepentant does not mean punishment is not coming.  Some think a wicked life has a lot of good times, perhaps a lot of money, a lot of excitement, but let me remind you that failing to repent means an eternity without God.

Some experience much trouble and sorrow during their lives while others seem to cruise along happily.  Because one struggles much and another does not is no guarantee repentance has occurred in the hearts of the fortunate. Jesus pointed out two examples in Luke 13 where people died during tragic circumstances, but warns they were no worse than anyone else.  His words were,  “And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2-3).  

“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the
region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Mat 4:16). These words were
written by Matthew in his gospel and speak to the power of the ministry of Jesus
Christ. The world had lost its way, crying for a savior, but finding none. The
Roman Empire had been in existence for some 5oo years at this point but was so
filled with idolatry and spiritual confusion that people sometimes worshipped men
as gods. The Roman gods were understood to be arrogant, often plotting and
fighting with one another. They were described as getting drunk and committing
adultery. Their behavior was so similar to humans that it was no great leap to
eventually worship leaders as gods. Any leader who could bring peace, security
and safety might easily receive the title of Savior. The darkness simply grew
worse as did the actions of the people. A real Savior was needed, and one came.
No doubt there was still a consciousness of sin and moral failure, but there existed
no ability to change and leave their sins. Their gods had failed. There was
nowhere to turn for deliverance. As has been stated in various forms perhaps, no
nation has ever survived the loss of its gods (Barclay). Into such a world came this
announcement to a lowly carpenter who lived in Nazareth concerning his espoused
wife: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he
shall save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).
It should be pointed out that there are 8 occasions where it is God who is called
Savior. He is called such by Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:47), by the Apostle
Paul (I Tim. 1:1, 2:3, 4:10, Titus 1:3, 2:10, 3:4) and by Jude (v.25), author of the
book by his name. Both Christ and God the Father are called Savior. This is
important because it reveals the love of the Father. He is not shown to be just a
God of wrath, but one of love and forgiveness. However, it teaches us something
else about God. Jesus’ death does not change God at all, but it demonstrates what
God’s attitude toward sin really is. Jesus undergoes agonizing pain and then death
because of sin, not His, but ours. The Father will not overlook sin but will punish
it. The cross teaches us that we must repent and turn from sin or we will suffer the
judgment of Almighty God. There is a way out of sin: “Wherefore he is able also
to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to
make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).

JESUS THE SAVIOR (pt 2)

Perhaps the best way to open this discussion is to ask what does it mean to be
saved? To be a Christian and to be saved are the same thing. Go with me to the
book of Acts where we read, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).
Those who received the preaching and teaching of the apostles were baptized and
continued in the doctrine taught them (Acts 2:41-42). Remember that Peter was
sent to Cornelius’ house to tell him words that would save him and all his house.
Following the message by Peter, the Holy Ghost fell on the congregation and then
they were baptized (Acts 10:48). In other words, they became Christians.
Being saved is another way of stating there has been a definite lifestyle change.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us
that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Titus 2:11-13). There
are several points of interest in this scripture selection. Salvation comes by grace,
thus telling us it is God’s work and not ours. You can’t earn it, you can’t buy it, it
only comes by grace – this means it is undeserved. Secondly, there is a change
that occurs in a person’s daily life. He acts differently, talks differently, because
he is different. A Christian is a “new creature” (II Cor. 5:17). This all happens
because of what occurred at Calvary. Jesus died for our sins so we could be set
free from the power of sin.
Dying for us, however, was not good enough. Paul stated clearly, “But for us also,
to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord
from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our
justification” (Rom. 4:24-25). The point I am making is that there had to be
something more than dying, there had to be a resurrection. Jesus died for our sins
but was raised again for our justification. This is the act of declaring man free
from the guilt of sin. We are justified by Christ’s rising from the dead and by His
possessing the keys of death and hell. As a result, death has no power over our soul
and spirit, only our body. We even read of a day when even that power will also
be broken. As we go through the Easter season this year, please remember the real
reason for this holiday. Jesus arose from the grave, breaking the power of death,
and making a way for our justification before God Almighty.