Yesterday, September 11, 2011 marked the 10th Anniversary of one of the most brutal attacks on American soil in many years. Nineteen Islamic Terrorist took the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2001. My question has been and still remains, What have we learned? Tragedy in our lives is inevitable, meaning at some time across the span of our life, there is the potential for tragedy to strike, and strike it did on that horrific day in 2001. Thousands of families were affected in just a few short hours. The hurt still continues, though some, maybe many have found closure to their hurt, their grief, and their deep rooted pain. But, what have we learned?
According to the list of invitees to New York City's Ten Year Anniversary Memorial Services, we have learned nothing. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg continued to keep religion, and people of faith from speaking at the memorial service. No prayer would be prayed, and no scripture would be read, and to top it off, the brave men and women that responded first to save lives when the towers had fallen were not even invited, God have Mercy on us!
The Bible has a lot of history recorded within it's context. Much of it has been recorded and preserved for centuries for our example, our benefit, and for our learning. Unfortunately, we consider it very little in the decisions we make in our everyday lives. Credible statistics reveal a nightmarish fact that states the majority of individuals that call themselves Christian have no real, consistent relationship with the Word of God.
John 1:1,14 NASB"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."
We have failed to put God first in our lives, a fact so clear just simply looking at the invitee list of yesterday's memorial services, not even looking at the moral decay of our country and world. With the greatest tragedy in years being remembered, we have failed to acknowledge God who is the Answer for everything in life. I encourage you to develop a relationship with the Lord through faith, by reading His Word and prayer. John 1:14 describes the Lord Jesus Christ as the Word who became flesh. It is my belief no one can have a relationship with Christ, or at the very least maintain that relationship without reading and allowing the Word to abide in your heart. King David said he would hide the Word in his heart, that he would not sin against God.
We are living in sifting tides, there is a definite change of season in our world, one I have never felt in my life. I compel you by the grace of God to seek the Lord, and if you do the Bible says you will find Him. I pray you'll do so starting today!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior
From an audio sermon I heard tonight - "As Obedient Children" A. W. Tozer taken from 1 Peter 1:14
His intro was to explain the word "As" as in "As Obedient Children", not Be or Become, but As Obedient Children, to assume the ones He (Peter) was speaking to knew what was expected of them as Christians, which included moving beyond their former way of living. Tozer makes the point that Christians should not think we are "saved" without making Jesus Lord of all. He mentioned a false teaching that was present in his day (he passed 1963), and that teaching surfaces in many churches today as well; that teaches a man could be saved by believing in Jesus as Savior, and later when he was ready, he could make Him Lord of his life. A. W. Tozer says it's serving a divided Jesus, either He is Savior and Lord, or He is nothing at all.
A. W. Tozer confessed he had taught that at times, and in many occasions by the words or phrases we use, many a preacher today (including myself) has taught or teaches the same. We say at Altar services, "many of you have accepted Christ as Savior in times past, but have never made Him Lord", that teaching can be understood in error and can give some soul a false security in a desired relationship with Christ. He goes on to say much more, but I thought it interesting his description of Heaven and Hell. Heaven is place filled with Obedient Children, and Hell is a Well for the disobedient, in fact the bible says hell enlarges itself to contain the multitudes.
Let us as Men and Women of God, pray for clarity of scripture and teach with accuracy the plan of salvation, by hungering and thirsting for the truth of God's word. If you seek, you will find, if you seek with ALL your HEART. Jeremiah 29:13
Love you!
David
His intro was to explain the word "As" as in "As Obedient Children", not Be or Become, but As Obedient Children, to assume the ones He (Peter) was speaking to knew what was expected of them as Christians, which included moving beyond their former way of living. Tozer makes the point that Christians should not think we are "saved" without making Jesus Lord of all. He mentioned a false teaching that was present in his day (he passed 1963), and that teaching surfaces in many churches today as well; that teaches a man could be saved by believing in Jesus as Savior, and later when he was ready, he could make Him Lord of his life. A. W. Tozer says it's serving a divided Jesus, either He is Savior and Lord, or He is nothing at all.
A. W. Tozer confessed he had taught that at times, and in many occasions by the words or phrases we use, many a preacher today (including myself) has taught or teaches the same. We say at Altar services, "many of you have accepted Christ as Savior in times past, but have never made Him Lord", that teaching can be understood in error and can give some soul a false security in a desired relationship with Christ. He goes on to say much more, but I thought it interesting his description of Heaven and Hell. Heaven is place filled with Obedient Children, and Hell is a Well for the disobedient, in fact the bible says hell enlarges itself to contain the multitudes.
Let us as Men and Women of God, pray for clarity of scripture and teach with accuracy the plan of salvation, by hungering and thirsting for the truth of God's word. If you seek, you will find, if you seek with ALL your HEART. Jeremiah 29:13
Love you!
David
Monday, August 22, 2011
"many are called, FEW ARE CHOSEN" Mt 22:14
This short verse of scripture scares the daylights out of me, knowing many people will be invited to serve the Lord, and to be a part of His bride (the church), but will in fact turn the invitation down because the demands are too much. You might say, "I thought salvation was free, wouldn't cost me anything, just believe in Jesus and I'm in...right?"
Listen to the story about a rich ruler from Luke 18 who obviously had lot's of money. He came to Jesus one day asking the Lord "how can I inherit eternal life". Jesus told him "You know the commandments" and the young ruler probably at that time felt a huge sigh of relief, knowing full well he had religiously served and obeyed the Torah (the law) all his days. But then Jesus said something that many refuse to listen to, or we've interpreted the meaning to lessen the impact of it's demand on our life. Jesus said "Sell all you have, and distribute the money to the poor, then come and follow Me". Lk 18:23 says it all, "when he heard this, he was very sorrowful" knowing it was too big a price to give up to follow Jesus.
I've recently preached a message entitled "The Harzards of Being Chosen", talking about the subject above and the challenge the Lord has to fully reach the heart of man. Three hazards I mentioned included:
The Spirit of the Lord is compelling the Chosen to Respond...will you respond?
Listen to the story about a rich ruler from Luke 18 who obviously had lot's of money. He came to Jesus one day asking the Lord "how can I inherit eternal life". Jesus told him "You know the commandments" and the young ruler probably at that time felt a huge sigh of relief, knowing full well he had religiously served and obeyed the Torah (the law) all his days. But then Jesus said something that many refuse to listen to, or we've interpreted the meaning to lessen the impact of it's demand on our life. Jesus said "Sell all you have, and distribute the money to the poor, then come and follow Me". Lk 18:23 says it all, "when he heard this, he was very sorrowful" knowing it was too big a price to give up to follow Jesus.
I've recently preached a message entitled "The Harzards of Being Chosen", talking about the subject above and the challenge the Lord has to fully reach the heart of man. Three hazards I mentioned included:
- Being chosen demands separation - Light and darkness cannot dwell together. You cannot serve two masters. The Old man is dead, having been crucified with Christ, and now the Newly Created Man lives, but Christ now liveth in me. The Chosen will fight against this, because until we see Jesus face-to-face we will fight against our flesh. Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak.
- Being chosen demands abandonment of independence - James 1:1 says it clearly "James, a slave of God" meaning he became a "love slave to Jesus". Testimony has it, when James was buried, calouses were found heavily on his knees having been a man devoted and dependent on prayer to his God.
- Being chosen demands bearing one anothers burdens - God will require of you your life for His. Let a man lose himself that he may find himself in Christ. He will place the burden of souls on the chosen, they will give ear to the last words of Jesus and take it serious "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations..." He will send you to the weak, the poor, the rich, the messed up, the well to do, He will send you to everyone for He is unwilling that any should perish, and that means "ANY".
The Spirit of the Lord is compelling the Chosen to Respond...will you respond?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
We make time for everything, but Prayer
James 5:16 "...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." That word "availeth" means to accomplish much. Think about the resources, tools, abilities it takes to get most major projects accomplished today. Not only things, but time is critical to get things done today. What we fail to realize as Christians, is that we possess the ONE resource, tool, or ability that can change a world around us, and it's PRAYER.
Leonard Ravenhill, one of my favorite Preachers & Writers, says "God doesn't answer prayer, He answers desperate prayer". Our world today is in a crisis, financially, spiritually, and socially. Our churches are lukewarm, focused on entertainment, presentation, and cool style rather than seeing souls pour their hearts out before God. Our worship has become canned, it's become ineffective to reach the heart of man. It's become self centered, and flesh driven, not reaching the spirit of man. It's not a lack of talent, and great lyrics, it's a lack of Prayer! Make a new commitment to pray, seek the face of God, repent of sins in your life, and complacency that you've allowed to settle in your soul. Pray that God will move again in our Churches in America, that people will once again sense an urgency to get right with God, for Judgment stands at the door. God help us to pray, GOD HAVE MERCY!
Leonard Ravenhill, one of my favorite Preachers & Writers, says "God doesn't answer prayer, He answers desperate prayer". Our world today is in a crisis, financially, spiritually, and socially. Our churches are lukewarm, focused on entertainment, presentation, and cool style rather than seeing souls pour their hearts out before God. Our worship has become canned, it's become ineffective to reach the heart of man. It's become self centered, and flesh driven, not reaching the spirit of man. It's not a lack of talent, and great lyrics, it's a lack of Prayer! Make a new commitment to pray, seek the face of God, repent of sins in your life, and complacency that you've allowed to settle in your soul. Pray that God will move again in our Churches in America, that people will once again sense an urgency to get right with God, for Judgment stands at the door. God help us to pray, GOD HAVE MERCY!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Why I preach the message of Repentance!
Why I preach the message of repentance! When I, we, you, in fact everyone stands before Jesus Christ, the only thing that will matter is; DID I make the CHANGE of DIRECTION in my life when the Savior of mankind came calling and beckoned me to follow Him. The Savior who took all my sins to the Cross, forgave me of everything, and made me a new creation in HIM. That will matter most!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
His Word to me for 2011
Simplify, Position myself to hear His Word, and Raise the level of my expectation for the things of God.
These three things, the Lord has spoken to my heart to accomplish early in 2011. If I can, and if I DO what He has encouraged and challenged me to do, amazing advances will we see regarding the Kingdom, our Family, and our influence to others.
What are you doing that the Lord has spoken to you on? Whatever He says, do it...that's what Mary told the servants at the wedding at Cana. Whatever He (the Lord) says to do, do it and don't delay.
Follow Him in 2011, you won't be disappointed.
These three things, the Lord has spoken to my heart to accomplish early in 2011. If I can, and if I DO what He has encouraged and challenged me to do, amazing advances will we see regarding the Kingdom, our Family, and our influence to others.
What are you doing that the Lord has spoken to you on? Whatever He says, do it...that's what Mary told the servants at the wedding at Cana. Whatever He (the Lord) says to do, do it and don't delay.
Follow Him in 2011, you won't be disappointed.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
When I think about what the Lord has done…
I just finished making my final preparations for tomorrow's sermon at The River in The Woodlands, and put in a worship album to unwind with as my mind settles in on the message and I sit to ponder what God will do for our folks tomorrow. As I sit here by the fire, still listening to this music, I am overwhelmed with the Lord's goodness to me and my wife. I think I'm the most blessed person in the world, obviously you all would say the same I'm sure about your life. But I just have to give God praise tonight. I love Him so much. He's done so much in my life. Oh how I pray others feel this way when you think about Jesus and what He's done for you.
Please know that whoever you are, I'm praying for you to hear His voice, feel His love and embrace in your life. If you don't have a home church, I invite you to ours. You can find us at www.TheRiverAG.org. The Lord is moving in this very hour, your life is dependent on His grace and forgiveness. I hope you find this as a help. Jesus saves, heals, delivers, and is coming again SOON! I love You!
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