James 4:2
. . . You do not have, because you do not ask.
Years ago I loved the TV show MASH. One character I liked was Corporal “Radar” O'Reilly.
Radar’s ingenuity intrigued me. He could get anything the MASH unit needed through his “network” of suppliers. If he didn’t have it, he knew where to get it.
As a pastor in a small church we do not have the luxury of being overly wealthy. There are many needy people in our community and when they come to me for help, I have to be creative in finding the resources they need. Fortunately I have a “network” of people and organizations I can turn to in order to help those in need.
What I have learned throughout the years it that Father God is also a great resource. His supply is inexhaustible, His creative provision boggles our imagination, His willingness to meet our need is eternal. Ask, and you shall receive. That is God’s promise to you today.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Goal Setting
Jeremiah 29:11, 13 TEV
I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for . . . You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart.
As a business owner and as a sales consultant this time of year I always looked back over the past year and looked forward to the next. I was very much into goal setting. I believe I attained a measure of success because I set goals and accomplished them each year.
After years of goal setting, I set a goal one year of setting no goals. A funny thing happened; I had my best sales year ever. I worked just as hard but relaxed because I wasn’t under that constant pressure of meeting my daily goals. That year I didn’t limit myself to my own goals and the results were a record setting year.
Since then I have gone back to setting goals. But now, I realize it is foolish to set goals without first seeking God. He's the only one who knows the future - and He's willing to guide you through it successfully if you just ask.
I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for . . . You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart.
As a business owner and as a sales consultant this time of year I always looked back over the past year and looked forward to the next. I was very much into goal setting. I believe I attained a measure of success because I set goals and accomplished them each year.
After years of goal setting, I set a goal one year of setting no goals. A funny thing happened; I had my best sales year ever. I worked just as hard but relaxed because I wasn’t under that constant pressure of meeting my daily goals. That year I didn’t limit myself to my own goals and the results were a record setting year.
Since then I have gone back to setting goals. But now, I realize it is foolish to set goals without first seeking God. He's the only one who knows the future - and He's willing to guide you through it successfully if you just ask.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Prayer
Psalm 63:1 (NKJ)
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
Psalm 5:3 (NKJ)
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.
In college I took a course on World Religions. It was an interesting study. Did you know that Muslims salah (pray) 5 times a day? Salah, Muslims prepare themselves by performing Wudu (Ablution) which involves cleaning the hands, face, arms, head and feet.
Some would call that radical. I call it devotion. I wonder how much stronger Christians we would be if we prayed 5 times a day? Truthfully I think we would see dramatic changes in our life if we just prayed once a day.
The Psalmist David knew the importance of communicating with God. As you think about setting your New Year’s resolutions, consider praying each day. Let’s be a people of prayer!
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
Psalm 5:3 (NKJ)
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.
In college I took a course on World Religions. It was an interesting study. Did you know that Muslims salah (pray) 5 times a day? Salah, Muslims prepare themselves by performing Wudu (Ablution) which involves cleaning the hands, face, arms, head and feet.
Some would call that radical. I call it devotion. I wonder how much stronger Christians we would be if we prayed 5 times a day? Truthfully I think we would see dramatic changes in our life if we just prayed once a day.
The Psalmist David knew the importance of communicating with God. As you think about setting your New Year’s resolutions, consider praying each day. Let’s be a people of prayer!
Monday, December 28, 2009
A Low Profile
A Low Profile
I often have people come to me and offer assistance or bless our church and want to remain anonymous. Their intent is not to receive praise or recognition but simply to serve the needs of others by giving generously of their time, talents or treasures.
Sometimes people will serve in obscurity maybe feeling unknown, unrecognized and unappreciated for their efforts. Know this today. If man doesn’t recognize your sacrifice, God does and you are where you are for a purpose. Your reward will be much better than public recognition, it will be eternal so be of good cheer. Your heart is in the right place.
I often have people come to me and offer assistance or bless our church and want to remain anonymous. Their intent is not to receive praise or recognition but simply to serve the needs of others by giving generously of their time, talents or treasures.
Sometimes people will serve in obscurity maybe feeling unknown, unrecognized and unappreciated for their efforts. Know this today. If man doesn’t recognize your sacrifice, God does and you are where you are for a purpose. Your reward will be much better than public recognition, it will be eternal so be of good cheer. Your heart is in the right place.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Have Nots and the Haves
Each year millions of Americans open their hearts and wallets during the Christmas season. I was watching the news the other night and the Salvation Army reports a number of gold coins valued at $1500 each were placed in their red kettles around the Houston area. Locally a there is a ministry called HIS Ministries that gives away literally tons of food during the holidays and toys to needy families.
I have had the privilege to be an “elf” during these toy giveaways. What a joy it is to walk around with a mom or dad and pick out toys for them to give their kids for Christmas. Many of these people are down on their luck or have lost their jobs due to the economy. Because of the generosity of the “haves,” the “have not’s” will be able to enjoy Christmas.
We were all “have not’s” at one point but, God made special provision for us to have the greatest gift ever. This Christmas if you have not received Jesus Christ as your personal savior, my prayer is that you too will be a “have.” Please ask Him into your heart this day.
I have had the privilege to be an “elf” during these toy giveaways. What a joy it is to walk around with a mom or dad and pick out toys for them to give their kids for Christmas. Many of these people are down on their luck or have lost their jobs due to the economy. Because of the generosity of the “haves,” the “have not’s” will be able to enjoy Christmas.
We were all “have not’s” at one point but, God made special provision for us to have the greatest gift ever. This Christmas if you have not received Jesus Christ as your personal savior, my prayer is that you too will be a “have.” Please ask Him into your heart this day.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Best Christmas Gift
Christmas gifts are wonderful. One of the most memorable Christmas’ I ever had was a few years ago when I was still in college and my daughter and son-in-law were between pastoral assignments and had moved in with us. None of us had money to buy Christmas gifts so my wife suggested we give virtual gifts.
That year we exchanged pictures of the gifts we would like to have given if we had the money. We all got some great gifts that year. Maybe the greatest gift was the realization that we loved each other and were fortunate we were together that year.
God gave the gift of His Son. Many times we forget the real reason for the season. This year take time during your Christmas gift giving to thank God for His gift of His Son.
That year we exchanged pictures of the gifts we would like to have given if we had the money. We all got some great gifts that year. Maybe the greatest gift was the realization that we loved each other and were fortunate we were together that year.
God gave the gift of His Son. Many times we forget the real reason for the season. This year take time during your Christmas gift giving to thank God for His gift of His Son.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Perfection
1 John 3:2 NLT
2 Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.
So many times we struggle trying to be perfect. We know what to do yet, we don’t do it. And the things we shouldn’t do somehow we end up doing them. I love the ministry at our church called Celebrate Recovery. I think I love it so much because it helps us recognize that no one can obtain perfection here on earth. We all struggle with hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
What is so very important to remember is that you are a work in progress. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect; he knows you will make mistakes. I take great solace in this verse in 1 John that says we won't be perfectly like Jesus until we’re able to see Jesus perfectly. That day is quickly approaching, the Second Advent . . . Christ coming after His Bride.
2 Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.
So many times we struggle trying to be perfect. We know what to do yet, we don’t do it. And the things we shouldn’t do somehow we end up doing them. I love the ministry at our church called Celebrate Recovery. I think I love it so much because it helps us recognize that no one can obtain perfection here on earth. We all struggle with hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
What is so very important to remember is that you are a work in progress. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect; he knows you will make mistakes. I take great solace in this verse in 1 John that says we won't be perfectly like Jesus until we’re able to see Jesus perfectly. That day is quickly approaching, the Second Advent . . . Christ coming after His Bride.
The Brightest Hope
The other night it was a beautiful clear night here in Southeast Texas. I looked up and saw the stars shining brightly. In the winter sky the star Sirius or the “Dog Star” shines brightly.
During Advent we often hear the story of the Bethlehem star. I know that was the star in the sky that guided people to Jesus but let me offer this. Jesus was the Bethlehem Star.
As a matter of fact when you look through the Bible at different names denoting Jesus, “the Bright and Morning Star” is one of the most common. Jesus brings light into a darken world. Take comfort in this today, even in the bleakest times, Christians have the brightest hope. That hope is Jesus Christ the Savior.
During Advent we often hear the story of the Bethlehem star. I know that was the star in the sky that guided people to Jesus but let me offer this. Jesus was the Bethlehem Star.
As a matter of fact when you look through the Bible at different names denoting Jesus, “the Bright and Morning Star” is one of the most common. Jesus brings light into a darken world. Take comfort in this today, even in the bleakest times, Christians have the brightest hope. That hope is Jesus Christ the Savior.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Digging for Treasure
A few years ago I ask my wife to get me a metal detector for Christmas. She did and I was so excited. I went out and began seeking for treasure in our yard. I ended up exhausted, with no treasure and a yard full of holes.
I didn’t realize that it was going to be so much work digging for treasure. Now living near the coast I look forward to taking my old Christmas gift to the beach where the digging will be easier and the treasures greater.
Did you know there are treasures in the Bible? No, not those kinds of treasures that you would find with a metal detector, but the treasures of God’s promises. The key in finding those treasures is digging into God’s Word. The greatest treasures are not usually found on the surface, you need to dig deeper. It takes some effort on your part but the Bible's treasures are found by those who dig for them. Dig in and stake your claim today!
I didn’t realize that it was going to be so much work digging for treasure. Now living near the coast I look forward to taking my old Christmas gift to the beach where the digging will be easier and the treasures greater.
Did you know there are treasures in the Bible? No, not those kinds of treasures that you would find with a metal detector, but the treasures of God’s promises. The key in finding those treasures is digging into God’s Word. The greatest treasures are not usually found on the surface, you need to dig deeper. It takes some effort on your part but the Bible's treasures are found by those who dig for them. Dig in and stake your claim today!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Who Are You?
I find it interesting that many times our identity is tied in to our job or title. Many people look at me as a pastor. That is my calling, that is my occupation but it is not my identity. I am reminded of this especially during the holidays when I am with family and they know me as for who I really am. To them I am a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather or uncle who works as a pastor.
My occupation is a clergyman. I hope my identity is that of a servant. Jesus said, "You can tell what they are by what they do." Matthew 7:16 CEV. Who are you?
My occupation is a clergyman. I hope my identity is that of a servant. Jesus said, "You can tell what they are by what they do." Matthew 7:16 CEV. Who are you?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
God is Not Against Us Because of Our Sin
I recently heard a statement that stopped me dead in my tracks. “God is not against us because of our sin, He is with us against our sin!” Wow!
So many of us believe that God is standing there waiting to whack us every time we mess up. That is not the case at all. Sin separates us from God. He loves us and does not want to be estranged from us. You see He gave His Son because He loves us and wants to have an ongoing relationship with us. So, as long as we are repentant He will stand with us.
So many of us believe that God is standing there waiting to whack us every time we mess up. That is not the case at all. Sin separates us from God. He loves us and does not want to be estranged from us. You see He gave His Son because He loves us and wants to have an ongoing relationship with us. So, as long as we are repentant He will stand with us.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Does That Always Work?
Does that always work?
Mark 11:24 NKJ
"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
I remember one time in my life that I prayed and believed and didn’t receive. What happens when God doesn’t answer our prayers? Should we quit praying?
In that instance in my life, I put myself in a situation where I had to have a miracle to get me out of it. We seem to have a tendency to do that don’t we? I didn’t get the answer even though I had all the faith in the world. The result was a crisis of faith in my life. But through that experience I learned a valuable lesson.
Simply put . . .don’t be stupid. Use your head, don’t get yourself in those messes. God is a miracle working God but I don’t believe for a minute that He is running a janitorial service just to clean up our messes.
Mark 11:24 NKJ
"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
I remember one time in my life that I prayed and believed and didn’t receive. What happens when God doesn’t answer our prayers? Should we quit praying?
In that instance in my life, I put myself in a situation where I had to have a miracle to get me out of it. We seem to have a tendency to do that don’t we? I didn’t get the answer even though I had all the faith in the world. The result was a crisis of faith in my life. But through that experience I learned a valuable lesson.
Simply put . . .don’t be stupid. Use your head, don’t get yourself in those messes. God is a miracle working God but I don’t believe for a minute that He is running a janitorial service just to clean up our messes.
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