Tuesday - September 25, 2007
I just did a memorial service for a woman who attended our church for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband who went to be with the Lord a few years ago. She had a large family who came here from the Philippines; sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and distant relatives. The family outnumbered the friends who were present. The great number of family who attended were all saved and dedicated to the Lord.
It made me stop and reflect on what is really important in life. We often get wrapped up in pursuing things. There is nothing wrong with things. Jesus even told us we can desire them (Mark 11:24). But they are far from being the most important aspect of life. When Paul died, he was not surrounded by many possessions in life. He only told Timothy to bring his manuscripts and coat to his prison cell. Paul had the greatest earthly treasure—saved family and friends in the ministry.
How great it is to see your family serving God and be surrounded by friends who all know the Lord. They are not only a treasure on earth, but will be with us when we go to heaven. Saved people are eternal, things are not!
Friday - September 14, 2007
Have you ever noticed that materials, books and CDs on the importance of vision do not sell well with older people? That’s because the older we become, the less we want to make plans for our own future. We want everything to be fairly secure by the time we reach retirement so we can relax and leave short term and long term planning to others who are younger. When we were twenty, we had sixty or more years ahead. Our personal vision for our future was important at that time. So it is when we reach thirty and forty and even fifty. After that it is usually a different story.
Does the Word of God teach us a need for a vision later in life? The answer is yes. Psalm 45:16 says, “In place of your fathers shall be your children, whom you shall make princes in all the earth.” Our vision should shift from our eyes to the eyes of our children and even grandchildren. We can suddenly have sixty or more years added to our vision for the future as we prepare and help our children become leaders, princes in the earth. As I see Christian young people today, I am excited for the future. They may not dress like their parents, sing the same songs or look at technology like the previous generation, but they have a greater love for the Lord at their age than their moms and dads did. As I look at the future of our country, government, industry and the Church, I get excited. My vision and my faith are renewed for the days to come. I think the future is being placed in good hands.
Tuesday - September 4, 2007
Everything needed for life and godliness has already been given to us by the work of the cross. The blood of Jesus has been shed and remission of sins has been given. The stripes of Jesus have already been given to us and healing and natural blessings are surrounding us at this very moment. There is not one need you can have, spiritual or physical, which has not already been met by the work of Jesus on the cross.
Knowing everything has been given may bring comfort to your heart, but it still does not guarantee the meeting of your needs. Just because you are surrounded with blessings from God does not mean they will automatically jump on you! And just because God has made everything available to you doesn’t mean will He give them without you ever asking. Although God knows what you need before you ask, He has still told you to ask. Jesus said, "Whatever you ask in my name, that will I do." James said, "You don’t have because you don’t ask.”
Think about it: Salvation was yours for the asking. God would no more force His will on a Christian for healing, financial prosperity, or heart desires simply because these blessings are available than He would force His will on a sinner to be saved just because the gift of salvation is present and available. God has given you everything as a gift to be received, but you receive by asking in faith. So, what do you want from God today? Ask!
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