Category: Faith

The Christmas Lodge

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Christmas is certainly my favorite time of the year. The birth of Christ is on the forefront of people’s thoughts. Family gatherings often become priority. Mankind is more giving. The air is filled with excitement and laughter. Songs are sung that exalt our Most High God and speak of His gift to the world. And people’s hearts are warmed by a spirit of love, joy, and peace. Then you have the warm fires, hot chocolate, decorations, lights, falling snow, extraordinary food, friends, family, parties and celebrations.

We are still two months away from Christmas and I do not like celebrating too early. In fact, I have a “No Christmas music until after Thanksgiving!” rule in my home. However, the children and I watched Thomas Kindake’s Christmas Lodge this week. It was cold out so we lit a fire, popped some popcorn, and cuddled up in the living room together. We all enjoyed the movie and definitely were put in the Christmas mood. I was impressed with all the references to Jesus and faith in Him. The importance of family was certainly emphasized. And overall it was just a warm, feel-good movie.

Synopsis from the website:   Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge…a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now run-down lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

If you are looking for a great Christmas film to watch with the family, check out the trailer here. I have one copy of the Christmas Lodge DVD to give away. Just leave comment telling me your favorite holiday tradition and I’ll draw a name on November 7th and have it sent to you.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:11-14

 

Disclaimer: I received Christmas Lodge to review in exchange for an honest product review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.

Keeping up with the Joneses

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It is easy to say that we are not striving to keep up with everyone around us, but a simple look at the average person’s lifestyle says otherwise.  While the saying might just be an idiom, to fail to “keep up with the Joneses” is perceived in our culture as demonstrating socioeconomic inferiority.  We are content with our current cell phone until our neighbor gets a smart phone.  We are content with our paid for used car until our friends buy new ones.  We are content with our modest home until a family member moves into a nicer neighborhood than ours.  What is it about “the Joneses” that stir our hearts toward discontentment?

As a believer in Christ I am told in scripture that I brought nothing into the world and that I will certainly take nothing out (I Timothy 6:7).  I am reminded that if I have food and clothing I should be content (I Timothy 6:8).  I am warned to not covet other’s things and to be content with what things God has given me (Hebrews 13:5).
Therefore, it would seem that contentment would be easy for a Christian, but that is not always the case.  It helps to realize that material things and stuff can be very deceiving.  The fact is that Americans are in debt.  We are not buying newer and better things because we have more money.  Living a facade, we are simply buying stuff and going deeper in debt.  From 1997 to 2007, America’s credit card debt
balances increased 75%.  In 2010, the US census bureau reported that US citizens have over $886 billion in credit card debt and that figure was expected to rise to $1.177 trillion by the end of the year.  The report stated that each card holder had an average credit card debt of $5,100 and that number was projected to reach $6,500 by the end of the year.  We are not as prosperous as we look.  According to the Wall Street Journal 70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and the Department of Commerce says that the US savings rate is (negative)  -.6%.  I heard Dave Ramsey say on the radio the other day that “normal is broke!”

So the question is, Do I really want to keep up with the Joneses? Do I really want to be “normal” according to society?

Let’s be realistic, some might say.  We live in this world.  We are a part of this world.  This world and its things are a reality that we must deal with.  All of this is true.  We do live in this world.  The Bible says that there are cares of this world (Mark 4:19).  There is also a wisdom that is of this world (I Corinthians 3:19).  There is a course that people follow in this world (Ephesians 2:2).  And there is a god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).  But the Bible also says that the “cares of this world” causes us to become unfruitful.  The “wisdom of this world” is foolishness with God.  The “course of this world” works in the children of disobedience. And the “god of this world” blinds the minds of people who do not believe.  This is why we are told in Romans 12:2 to “be not conformed to this world”.

So whether we are talking about conforming to the “Joneses” materialistically or conforming to the “Joneses” physically or conforming to the “Joneses” mentally, we should not desire to keep up with them.  A Christian should not be “normal”.  We should be a peculiar people, set apart, and not conformed to this world and its way of thinking.  Instead “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:2.

Loving, Learning, and Living!

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It’s quiet this morning.  Facing a busy day, my husband tiptoed out of the bedroom well before the sun came up.  I slept in.  In fact, the children are still sleeping in (hence the quietness).  I wanted to take advantage of this time alone so I gathered up my books and headed to the office with a cup of coffee.  Tomorrow I start a new weekly ladies Bible study at our church.  Teaching women the Word of God is one of my favorite things to do.  I’ve missed it since we moved a few months ago and now I’m excited to get started back.  This Bible study will be unique in that there will be a wide variety of women there.  There will be women from our church attend and from the community that have been invited but also mom’s whose children are attending “The Consortium” (contracted classes through a local homeschool group) that is held at our church.  I’m expecting a diverse group of women all coming under the banner of God’s love and the authority of His Word to learn more about our faith in Him.  Isn’t that what it’s all about? 

~Loving our God, Learning of Christ, and Living out Faith~

Sounds like a great ministry philosophy, doesn’t it?  Actually it is.  You can check it out here.  Are you involved in a weekly Bible Study?  Christians need that weekly encouragement in the Word and the accountability with one another.  If you are not, let me encourage you to plug in somewhere or start your own.  Ladies, I have two books written just for women.  There are links to them on the right side of this blog.

I still believe the best way to learn something is to teach it.  This explains why I teach; there is still so much to learn from God’s Word.  That is my greatest desire, flowing from my love for God, I truly want to learn more and more of Christ each day and take what I’ve learned and live it out for other’s to see.  God’s Word is so powerful.  In fact, without it we cannot grow in our faith.  It is His Word that works in those who believe.  “…when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

Start today.  Dive into God’s Word and let it work in your life!

Blessings!

My Brother’s Keeper

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As people were standing around visiting last night after church services a comment was made that people need to “mind their own business”.  We were joking around and the comment was made in a light-spirited way but it made me contemplate a serious topic that permeates the modern church.  There is a notion going around that when it comes to one another in the church, people should “mind their own business” so to speak.  The idea of accountability, looking out for one another, exhortation, discipleship, admonishment, and being answerable to one another is gone.  This thought is foreign, especially when it comes to a brother or sister who is sinning.  After all, who are you to point out the faults and failures in others? 

 But as we read the Bible we see a theme of accountability of believers to one another.  We are to love one another, honor one another, edify one another, admonish one another, care for one another, serve one another, restore one another, bear one another’s burdens, and be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another.  We are to teach one another, comfort one another, exhort one another, and consider one another.  The Bible says we are to confess our sins to one another, have compassion with one another, be hospitable to one another, minister to one another, and fellowship with one another.  (John 13:34, Romans 12:10, Romans 14:19, Romans 15:14, I Corinthians 12:25, Galatians 5:13, Galatians 6:1-2, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:16, I Thessalonians 4:18, Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:24, James 5:16, I Peter 3:8, I Peter 4:9-10, I John 1:7)

 God designed us for accountability.  We need each other.  It was never intended for the believer to be an island off to themselves.  Coming to the faith in Scriptures always meant coming to a local fellowship of believers (the church or assembly).  Salvation is personal but the Christian life is not; we are not to be lone rangers.  When we are born into this world we are born to a family; when we are “born again” we should be joined with a family of believers.  In this family, the older are to teach the younger (Titus 2).  The strong in the faith should help to restore those overtaken in faults (Galatians 6:1).  The brethren should lovingly exhort and warn the unruly (I Thessalonians 5:14).  We are called to encourage one another daily so that sin will not harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:12-13).  And we are to love those in sin enough to have compassion and make a difference in their life.  Jude 22-23 says, “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”  We are our brother’s keeper!  It was the first murderer who said, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9.  Do we, as believers, really want to associate with this line of thinking?

There are several reasons that believers do not get involved in the lives of other believers.  One reason is that we are busy and it takes a lot of effort and time to be accountable to one another.  But that should not be an excuse.  We should make time for one another.  Another reason is that we have sin in our lives that we do not want to deal with.  Therefore, we cannot deal with sin in other people’s lives.  King David had sin in his life (a lot of sin) but when he repented and confessed his sin before God he said in Psalms 51 that he would use his experience to teach others.  “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee,” Psalm 51:13.  Another reason we do not exhort others is because we fear that if we do we will be seen as “judging” them.  It is here people quote, “Judge not that ye be not judged,” (Matthew 7:1).  This is the problem we have when Scripture is taken out of context.  The Bible does not say we cannot judge the sins of others but that we are to first cast the beam out of our own eye “and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye,” (Matthew 7:5).  We are not to be hypocritical but in love and concern for our brother tell him his fault.

 I have found through social media, (like fb) that there are many professing Christians that have no qualm about sharing their sins with the world.  In pride and without shame they are puffed up and boast about sinning against God.  This greatly concerns me.  The testimonies of these charlatans are ruining the name of Christ.  When Christ’s name is slandered His church looses the ability to influence society.   This is partly the reason the church is relegated to the corner of society.  These people might have a “form of godliness” but they deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5).  What power are they denying?  They are denying the power of the Word of God to work in their life, (I Thessalonians 2:13).   They are denying the power of Christ to crucify the old man, (Romans 6:6).   They are denying the power of God to keep them from practicing a lifestyle of sin (I John 3:9). They are denying the power of the Holy Ghost to teach them spiritual things, (I Corinthians 2:10-13).

 Like so many issues in the Bible, this one is clear.  The truths found in Scripture are absolute.  The Bible is black and white.  But regardless of this reality, they are not always easy to receive.  Accountability is hard.  It is hard to submit to the authority of others in your life.  But when we submit to that authority we are submitting to the will of God, (I Peter 5:5).  And likewise, sometimes it is hard speaking God’s Word into the life of others.  But if we truly love our brothers and sisters in the Lord we will be their keeper and exhort, rebuke, edify, and admonish them when it is necessary.

Just What Kind of Wife Am I?

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Last Sunday we began a new small group study from the book of Job.  I am sure most of you are familiar with the tests, trials, and temptations Job faced.  As you read in the first chapter you see the dialogue between God and Satan that initiates his afflictions. 

 “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Job 1:8.  

 Satan accuses God of creating a hedge of protection around Job.  In response, God allows Satan to take all he has (except Job’s life, Job 2:6).  Satan takes the lives of his 10 sons and daughters, takes all of his wealth, and eventually his health.  Job is left with nothing but accusatory friends and his wife.

 I have always found it interesting that Satan did not take the life of Job’s wife.  It would seem to me that would be the quickest way to destroy a man.  But as the story unfolds we see one potential reason for leaving her behind. In the midst of affliction, the advice Job’s wife gives her husband is rather dreadful.  “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die, But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips,” Job 2:9-10.

 However, before we are too hard on Job’s wife, we should remember that these troubles came to her as well.  Imagine losing all your children, in addition to your wealth and security.  Job’s tragedy was her tragedy.  So I do not want to be too judgmental.  But what I do want to look at is how she was used as an instrument of Satan.  Satan’s intent was to destroy Job, his life, and his faith.  In his attempt, he took all Job had.  Satan had the authority to take the life of Job’s wife, yet he left her behind.  Could it be that Satan knew she would be more of a hindrance to him alive than dead?

The influence of a wife is great.  A wife can make a good man greater or bring a good man down. The Bible explains it this way. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands,” Proverbs 14:1.  One of the easiest ways to destroy your husband, your marriage, or your home is with your words.  Proverbs 18:21 says that, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.”  What power the words of Job’s wife must have held.  There is much we can learn from the example of Job’s wife.  I must ask myself, if Satan were to set out to destroy my husband, am I the kind of wife that could be used in his devilish plot? In the midst of tests, trials, and temptations am I a wife that is a help or a hindrance to my husband.  Am I building him up or tearing him down? 

 Job was under spiritual attack, just as all Christian men are under attack.  As spiritual leaders, Satan wishes to destroy their life, testimony, and family.  It is during these spiritual attacks in a man’s life that he needs the loving support from his wife the most.  Often times, Satan will use the troubles of this world to divide husband and wife.  Our eyes become fixed on our problems; words get spoken in haste and fighting begins.  Sometimes it may even seem that our husband is the enemy.  But it is important to remember that believers do not fight against flesh and blood but against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12.  Recognizing this, when we face those hard times husbands and wives need to come together in unity and not fight each other but together fight the Evil One.  

 So, just what kind of wife am I?  Well, you would probably have to ask my husband to get the truest answer.  But I can tell you what kind of wife I desire to be.  My greatest desire is to be a true help meet (Genesis 2:18) that is as a fruitful vine by the sides of his house (Psalms 128:3) and a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10) that is a crown to her husband (Proverbs 12:4) whose words are edifying and only minister grace (Ephesians 4:29).

Should Christians Vote for a Woman President?

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As the 2012 election approaches there is a lot of talk about potential candidates.  Who will be the next United States president?   Will a woman make history by being elected?  Perhaps it is too early to decide.  However, it is not too early to discuss the possibility.  And more importantly, what biblical stand should Christian people take on the matter.  Does God’s Word address such issues?

God ordained three institutions upon this earth.  He ordained the family, the church, and government.   The Scriptures are clear about the hierarchy within the family.  The husband is the head of the family; the wife is to submit to him as unto the Lord; and the children are to honor and obey their parents. (Ephesians 5:33-6:3)  The Scriptures are clear about the hierarchy within the church.  I Timothy 2: 9-15 and I Corinthians 14:33-35 explains this clearly.  Men are to be the spiritual leaders not only within their home but also within the church.  I realize that even within Christian circles today that this is not taught.  However, the authority of the Scriptures still stands.  We can accept the truth or deny the truth, but we cannot change it.  So if God has established men to lead in the institution of the home and within the church.  Why then, would we think that God would not have a hierarchy within the institution of government? 

When tackling the subject of women in political leadership, often Christian’s will point to two particular passages in the Bible – Esther and Deborah.  Esther is the heroine of the Old Testament book named after her.  She was the young Jewish Queen of the Persian King Ahasuerus.  She was responsible for saving her people from mass slaughter.  Esther was placed in her position, “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)  The account of Deborah is found in the book of Judges Chapter 4.  She was a prophetess who judged her people.  She was the only female judge of Israel.  Deborah led a successful attack against Jabin, the King of Canaan.

Those that contend that God is pleased with women in leadership often use these examples from history.  In looking at the story of Esther it is important to remember that she did not have a choice in the matter.  She was not seeking a position of political leadership.  She did not purposely forsake her family in order to become Queen.  She was not given an option.  Look at Deborah from Judges Chapter 4, many others will say.  God used her to lead the nation of Israel to great victory.  This is a convincing argument other than the fact that people forget to take the story in context.  When you look at the whole passage contextually the children of Israel “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” (Judges 4:1).  God was not pleased with them and put them in bondage.  It was a shame to the men of Israel for a woman to judge over them.  Isaiah 3:11-12 says, “Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.”   There is a lot to this passage.  But simply put, God gave the wicked people what they wanted.  It could be that God, in His sovereignty, will allow a woman President.  Romans Chapter 13 tells us that there is no power but of God.  God Himself will place our next President.  But Christians must remember that sometimes God gives His people what they want, not what is best for them, (I Samuel Chapter 8).

 When sharing this view with a young lady, the other day, I was asked, “What if the vote comes down between an unrighteous man for President and a Christian woman?”  Wouldn’t we have to vote for a woman in this case?  Many believe that we must often choose the “lesser of two evils.”  The assumption is that God will not give His people the right option.  However, I believe that God always gives His people a way to make the right choice, (I Corinthians 10:13).  It was John Quincy Adams that said, “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”  

 Whether we are speaking about the home, the church, or government, the issue has never been if women were capable of leading.  Of course women are capable of leading.  There are many talented women who have a great gift of administration.  The issue has never been if they were smart enough.  There are many women who are well educated and skilled above even men.   The issue has never been if they could lead.  It is true that there are women that could lead very well.  But these are not the issues.  The biblical issue is whether women should lead.  Christian people can rationalize woman leading in the home, in the churches and within our government.  However, they cannot from the Scriptures establish that this is God will.  He did not design women to lead in any of the institutions He has ordained.  The fictitious principle is just not there.  The modern feminist movement has caused many Christian’s to err.  I pray that we will lay aside this fallacy and come back to Scripture.  May the pure Words of God be our standard for our beliefs.

The Grace Card

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The Grace Card releases today (August 16) on DVD.  I have wanted to see this movie since it came out in theaters.  Friends had told me it was very good.  Last night I watched it with great expectations.   In a powerful way, the film dealt with sin on many levels such as race, pride, and anger. But in contrast, the film showed the prevailing love of God through grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

The message of grace flows throughout this movie.  It is a beautiful picture of the ultimate grace that was given to mankind.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8.

The movie is rated PG 13 for violence. Parents will need to use discretion in allowing younger children to watch the movie.  However, it can be used as a great teaching tool for older children in that it shows the reality of this sin laden world and consequences that follow. 

*I am giving away a DVD of The Grace Card to one of my readers on Monday, August 22nd.  To enter, just leave a comment on this blog about what God’s grace means to you and I will draw one winner.

  Movie Synopsis:

 Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel.

When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else.

Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

Mac’s home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school.

Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling—to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn’t always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate.

Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one?

Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love

 

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:32.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15.

The Root of the Problem

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 Have you ever let something go? You knew that it needed attention but due to lack of time and priorities it just got ignored. That’s what happened to the landscaping at our house. These past 5 weeks, since we’ve moved in, have been busy. And pulling weeds were at the bottom of the list of things to do. Frankly, even if it had taken precedence it has been just too hot outside to spend hours working in the yard.

But like everything else that gets ignored, eventually you have to deal with the problem. So yesterday morning Abigail and I decided to attack our overgrown garden. An hour into pulling weeds we were both covered in dirt. The looks of our garden was beginning to improve and opportunity sprung up for a spiritual lesson.

“Abigail” I said, “You have to pull the roots up with the weeds so that they will not grow back.”

I explained to my daughter that while it was easier to just pull the tops off the weeds, that if she did not dig down deep in a few days they would pop back up. I continued to explain that the same principle applied to our spiritual life.

“Take for example the problem of jealousy. A person can say in their heart that it is wrong to be jealous and that they will try to stop their behavior. However, unless the root of the problem is dealt with – SIN – jealousy will return in a few days.”

Like ugly weeds, a Christian will have to deal with many thorns during their life – anger, bitterness, selfishness, covetousness, deception – just to name a few. Our flesh desires to cover up the problem by removing the outward part that shows. After all, our prideful nature does not want others to see us as we really are. But hiden in our heart there is an underlying root at each problem that must be dealt with. And because this root is SIN only God can uproot it. Only God can cleanse us from these sins. Only God has the power to forgive and cast them as far as the East is from the West. Only God can give us the ability to overcome our sins and properly deal with them.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:14-18.

I am thankful that my Lord is a better gardener than I am. If we allow Him, He will continually uproot the sins in our life that cause us to stumble. He will carefully plant into our hearts faith in that we can be rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17) and become a beautiful creation for His glory alone.

The Unbalanced Gospel

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It was an interesting conversation.  My husband and I were talking with a pastor who was sharing with us about the ministry of an evangelist he knew.  This man made the statement that the evangelist had claimed to win hundreds of thousands of people to the Lord during his ministry.  In defense of his ministry the evangelist said, “If only 50% of the conversions are true conversions, that’s still a lot of people.  And if only 25% are true conversions or even only 10% are true conversions that is still more people won to the Lord than most.”  I said to this pastor, “This may be true but my question is, What about the other 90% who live under a false sense of security?  That is a lot of people who believe that they are saved and unless they repent they will die and go to hell.” 

Judgment is a reality.  And as a child of God and a disciple of Christ who is commanded to “go into all the world…” I sure do not want to be responsible in leading people astray.  In talking with people about eternal life, I have found that it is easier to talk to ungodly people who do not claim any religion than to people who believe they are saved yet live unregenerate, unholy lives. These people are blinded because at one time they made a profession of faith, prayed a prayer, and joined a church.  Now they rest alone in that false security.

Studies show that 80% of Americans will say they are Christian.  Yet the same studies show that of those 80% only 20% believe that Jesus is the only true way to God.   What is the problem?   If we look deeper we would probably find that even less of those are living Christ-like.  Our churches are filled with people who claim salvation yet have never repented.  This fact plays out in their lives (Matthew 7:20).  Again I ask, what is the problem?  Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (or practice lawlessness),” Matthew 7:22-23.  Jesus is saying that you live as though I have never given you a law to obey.  A few statements before this one Jesus said that strait and narrow is the gate that leads to life and very few will find it (Matthew 7:14).

 It seems as though the modern evangelical movement is facing a crisis.  What makes it worse is that few are willing to acknowledge it.    Part of the problem can be attributed to the unbalanced gospel that is so often proclaimed.  What I mean by unbalanced is that only half the truth is taught.  The modern message is that God is love, Heaven is waiting, and Christ wants to bring you joy, fulfillment, and happiness in this life.  It appears as if fewer and fewer pastors, preachers, and evangelist will share the whole, unadulterated gospel anymore.  While God is love; He is also perfectly Holy and Just.  All sin must be accounted for.  And while Heaven is waiting for the redeemed; judgment is waiting for the unrepentant.  And while Christ does give peace and joy unspeakable to the saved; He also promises trials, troubles, and tribulation in this world.  The unbalanced gospel is at best a misrepresentation and thus becomes man-centered and not God-centered.

  The worse part of this out of balance gospel is that repentance is completely left out.  The gospel has been reduced down to ABC’s of accept, believe, and confess.  How many thousands have been told that if they would just believe in Jesus and repeat a sinner’s prayer that they would be saved?  The problem is that belief will not save anyone.  The devils believe (James 2:19) and they tremble before God.  In addition, you cannot find the “sinner’s prayer” in Scripture.  Interesting enough when the rich young ruler came to Christ (Luke 18) and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Jesus did not give him the ABC’s of salvation.  Some would say, what about being sorry for your sins.  Isn’t that enough to save you?  Try that in a court of law.  “Judge, I know I robbed a bank 20 years ago but that was a very long time ago and I haven’t done it since.  Plus, I’m really, really sorry.  I believe that you are a good judge and I’m hoping you will let me go.”  God is the perfect Judge and just being sorry is not enough.  Listen to what the Apostle Paul said about being sorry.  “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.

 Sorrow brings repentance which leads to salvation.  A person cannot be saved without repentance.  Repentance involves a turning.  To repent of sin is to turn from it and to turn to God.  A truly repentant person will seek God, accept His grace, and strive to follow His will.  “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him,” 1John 2:3-4. 

Why is it then that so many leave repentance out of the gospel message?  John the Baptist’s sermon was, “REPENT.”  (“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 3:1-2.) Perhaps, we should not worry about the prophet’s message and focus on what Christ said.  But wait, His message was the same.  “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 4:17.   When Jesus sent out his disciples he instructed them to preach repentance.  “And they went out, and preached that men should repent,” Mark 6:12.  And after His resurrection, one of the last messages Christ gave to His disciples was how they should preach repentance.  “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” Luke 24:47.

 Why is it that we think man’s plan of evangelizing the world is better than God’s?  I believe the Enemy is rather satisfied when the unbalanced gospel is preached and false professions of faith are made.  When our churches become filled with the unsaved they lose their effectiveness.   They become powerless organizations that have been relegated to the corner of society.  This gospel will produce numbers, but numbers can be very deceiving.  On Judgment Day, just ask those 90%, who think they are saved, how deceiving numbers are.

Otis (The Runaway Dog)

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Our dogs were use to being able to run free in Mississippi.  We lived in the middle of a National Forest consisting of thousands of acres.  But now their environment is somewhat different.  Annie is confined to a small backyard and leashed walks around the neighborhood.  Otis (Abigail’s Maltese) has free range of the house as well as the backyard.  However, in the one month we’ve lived here Otis has escaped several times.  The little fugitive will slip out the front door when no one is looking.  We’ll send out a search party and find him wandering all over the neighborhood.  The scenario has quickly become old.

A few days ago Otis attempted to runaway again.  I caught him this time at the next door neighbor’s house.  When I called for him, he looked at me in disdain.  He had no intentions of returning home until he had made his rounds.  Determined to not be outwitted by a dog I said the magic word – TREAT.  “Otis, Do you want a treat?”  Would you believe that he was in the kitchen before I could turn around?  He sat with his tail wagging and eyes fixed upon the cabinet where treats are found.

As I was sharing this story with my husband this morning, he made a profound statement.  He said, “How many times are we just like Otis?  When our Master calls we ignore Him and do what we want to do, that is, until there is hope for a blessing.”  I know this has been true in my life.  Often my obedience is based on the amount of blessings I expect to receive.  While we are promised blessings through obedience, (A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day, Deu 11:27) should that be our only motive?  Psalms 32 paints a striking picture of the relationship between us and our Master.  “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee, Psalm 32:8-9.  What exactly is the Lord saying here?  Simply put I believe He is saying that we should not act like a dumb animal that must be bribed or enticed to come near.  Our eyes should be fixed upon Him and not upon what He can give us.  Scripture tells us to seek Lord’s face (I Chronicles 16:11, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalms 24:6, Psalms 27:8, Psalms 105:4, Proverbs 7:15, Hosea 5:15) not His hands.  Yet, many times I come to Him seeking only what He can give.

 I am thankful that my Master is much more understanding than Otis’ master.  This dog is in the doghouse!  He is not in good graces with me.  But I can learn something from him.  His actions can serve as a great reminder.  Lord, help me to seek Your face.  Help me to draw near.  Help mine eyes to stay fixed upon You.  And let my obedience come from a heart’s desire to please You in all things.

 “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us, Psalm 123:1-2.