Confession is Good for the Soul
The old preacher asked me one time, “Son have you seen any souls saved?” What he was asking was my ministry causing people to be repentant of their sins. The old saying that confession is good for the soul means we need to unburden ourselves on occasion for the wrongs we have committed in our lives.
We’re thankful, Lord, that when we fall
We can begin anew
If humbly we confess our sin,
Then turn and follow You. —Sper
Make things right with God and your fellow man today and walk in new freedom.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Unsaved Loved Ones
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is . . . longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
We all have family and friends that are unsaved. I hope you will join me in praying for them today. When given a chance to share your testimony with them, don’t miss the opportunity. Maybe your story will help them make a decision to follow God. When we share God’s Word and pray intently for others, their eyes will be opened to His love.
“The Lord is . . . longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
We all have family and friends that are unsaved. I hope you will join me in praying for them today. When given a chance to share your testimony with them, don’t miss the opportunity. Maybe your story will help them make a decision to follow God. When we share God’s Word and pray intently for others, their eyes will be opened to His love.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
According to His Will
I John 5:14-15 (NKJ)
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
I believe God loves His children and works on their behalf. So many times pastors have been guilty of preaching a prosperity gospel. By that I mean you tell God what you want and He will give it to you. The key to your answered prayers are the underlined words in verse 14, according to His will. So often we ask but don’t ask if it is His will to have it. That is a very hard lesson to learn and from it can come great disappointment.
While God hears your prayers He is not going to answer with something that will be detrimental to you. For that reason we thank God for answering prayer according to His Word!
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
I believe God loves His children and works on their behalf. So many times pastors have been guilty of preaching a prosperity gospel. By that I mean you tell God what you want and He will give it to you. The key to your answered prayers are the underlined words in verse 14, according to His will. So often we ask but don’t ask if it is His will to have it. That is a very hard lesson to learn and from it can come great disappointment.
While God hears your prayers He is not going to answer with something that will be detrimental to you. For that reason we thank God for answering prayer according to His Word!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Betrayal
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I am reminded of the story of Peter’s sorrow when he realized that he had betrayed Christ. In Luke 22:62 it says, “Peter went out and wept bitterly.”
To realize we have betrayed a friend, or sinned against God should bring us all to a sorrowful state of mind. Just remember this. God is a merciful God! He loves you and forgives you, and He has provided a method of restoration and redemption.
If we confess our sins, He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I am reminded of the story of Peter’s sorrow when he realized that he had betrayed Christ. In Luke 22:62 it says, “Peter went out and wept bitterly.”
To realize we have betrayed a friend, or sinned against God should bring us all to a sorrowful state of mind. Just remember this. God is a merciful God! He loves you and forgives you, and He has provided a method of restoration and redemption.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Obedience
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called . . . . And he went out, not knowing where he was going. —Hebrews 11:8
This month I am preaching a series based on Hebrews 11- the Faith Hall of Fame. This scripture is especially poignant to me because I have lived it out. I too went out, not knowing where I was going. It is kind of like God keeps us on a need to know basis. That is probably good because sometimes if we knew what He was calling us to we would be overwhelmed, balk or even refuse.
In Abraham’s case God called him to a new country that brought great wealth. He called Abraham to a new mission which made him the father of nations. And He called him obedient which placed him in the “Faith Hall of Fame” in Hebrews 11.
Listen up. When God is calling you He knows what He is doing. Your job . . . be obedient!
This month I am preaching a series based on Hebrews 11- the Faith Hall of Fame. This scripture is especially poignant to me because I have lived it out. I too went out, not knowing where I was going. It is kind of like God keeps us on a need to know basis. That is probably good because sometimes if we knew what He was calling us to we would be overwhelmed, balk or even refuse.
In Abraham’s case God called him to a new country that brought great wealth. He called Abraham to a new mission which made him the father of nations. And He called him obedient which placed him in the “Faith Hall of Fame” in Hebrews 11.
Listen up. When God is calling you He knows what He is doing. Your job . . . be obedient!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Reading
This year I am committed to reading more. The truth is I hate to read. That is strange because I love to write. I have never been a good reader. My mind seems to drift off into never, never land. However, reading is one way to really broaden your base of knowledge and gain new insights. My mentor Dr. Morris Sheats encouraged me to read outside my interest and my profession. In doing so, I have been exposed to a whole new world.
I find it interesting that when I read a book I gain new insight. I read it a second time and it reaffirms that insight. Yet, when I read the Bible, I may read a verse or passage over and over again and each time I receive new revelation. I urge you today to make a commitment to study God's Word daily and spend time reflecting on His work in your life.
I find it interesting that when I read a book I gain new insight. I read it a second time and it reaffirms that insight. Yet, when I read the Bible, I may read a verse or passage over and over again and each time I receive new revelation. I urge you today to make a commitment to study God's Word daily and spend time reflecting on His work in your life.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Halfheartedly
It is no secret to those who know me well that I am a procrastinator. It is really not that I don’t want to do things, I just do not want to start if I can’t finish the project completely in the allotted time frame.
I know a man who built a new house. He refused to go in debt for the house so he saved some money built the exterior walls and roof, put in the doors and windows and moved his family in. They built the interior walls and ran the duct work and electrical wiring but ran out of money before they could do any drywall or finish work. They put up drop cloths and sheets on the walls of the rooms and moved their furniture in. Their kids grew up in that setting, partially because the guy I know became comfortable living in that environment, and because they lost focus on getting the job done and done right.
Let me leave you with this today. When God gives you a task, follow through with it to completion. Don't settle for work done halfheartedly.
I know a man who built a new house. He refused to go in debt for the house so he saved some money built the exterior walls and roof, put in the doors and windows and moved his family in. They built the interior walls and ran the duct work and electrical wiring but ran out of money before they could do any drywall or finish work. They put up drop cloths and sheets on the walls of the rooms and moved their furniture in. Their kids grew up in that setting, partially because the guy I know became comfortable living in that environment, and because they lost focus on getting the job done and done right.
Let me leave you with this today. When God gives you a task, follow through with it to completion. Don't settle for work done halfheartedly.
A Servant's Heart
Matthew 7:16 CEV
" Jesus said, "You can tell what they are by what they do"
How can you know if you have the heart of a servant?
The other day looked out my office window and saw one of our deacons mowing the church yard. With him was a teenage boy picking up trash and moving things out of the way of the mower. I have watched these two do many acts of service, never calling attention to themselves, just working quietly for the Lord.
I had to chuckle because I remember serving as a deacon years ago and mowing the church yard. Singing and worshiping God as I rode the lawnmower, I never dreamed someday I would be a pastor. Now I am not speaking prophetically over these guys but I know God has a definite call on their lives. They may not be pastors someday but they will always be servants . . . it is in their heart and so it manifests in their actions.
" Jesus said, "You can tell what they are by what they do"
How can you know if you have the heart of a servant?
The other day looked out my office window and saw one of our deacons mowing the church yard. With him was a teenage boy picking up trash and moving things out of the way of the mower. I have watched these two do many acts of service, never calling attention to themselves, just working quietly for the Lord.
I had to chuckle because I remember serving as a deacon years ago and mowing the church yard. Singing and worshiping God as I rode the lawnmower, I never dreamed someday I would be a pastor. Now I am not speaking prophetically over these guys but I know God has a definite call on their lives. They may not be pastors someday but they will always be servants . . . it is in their heart and so it manifests in their actions.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Live Large for God
The book that was so popular years ago, “The Prayer of Jabez,” changed my way of thinking; in essence, a prayer asking God to enlarge his territory. It made me realize that God wants us to dream big, have great faith and work hard to accomplish the dreams that He has placed in our heart.
If you are in business it is not wrong to ask God to give you more business. If you are doing it God’s way, He is waiting for you to ask Him to Enlarge your Territory.
I am asking God today to enlarge my territory of influence. God give me the wisdom, strength and faith I need to be a strong leader and a good pastor. Grow our church and our circle of friends, so that You will be glorified.
If you are in business it is not wrong to ask God to give you more business. If you are doing it God’s way, He is waiting for you to ask Him to Enlarge your Territory.
I am asking God today to enlarge my territory of influence. God give me the wisdom, strength and faith I need to be a strong leader and a good pastor. Grow our church and our circle of friends, so that You will be glorified.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Delay Is NOT Denial
Delay is not Denial
I believe one of the things lost to the American people is the ability to wait patiently. I’ve noticed this in myself waiting for my computer to boot up or even frustrated at the microwave taking too long.
Many times God uses the element of time to help grow us spiritually. Through waiting we really prove the kind of tenacity we have and sometimes during those times our true character shows through.
Remember this today. God is not required to give us instant gratification. He is not subject to our time frames or constraints. God’s will is not determined by our desires. He loves you and wants to bless you. Be patient, persistent, and steadfast in your faith. A delay in your answered prayers is not a denial.
I believe one of the things lost to the American people is the ability to wait patiently. I’ve noticed this in myself waiting for my computer to boot up or even frustrated at the microwave taking too long.
Many times God uses the element of time to help grow us spiritually. Through waiting we really prove the kind of tenacity we have and sometimes during those times our true character shows through.
Remember this today. God is not required to give us instant gratification. He is not subject to our time frames or constraints. God’s will is not determined by our desires. He loves you and wants to bless you. Be patient, persistent, and steadfast in your faith. A delay in your answered prayers is not a denial.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Do Not Be Dismayed
I just felt like today I was to share this verse with you.
Joshua 1:9 (NKJ)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NKJ)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life
Lamentations 3:21-23
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
“This is the first day of the rest of your life.”
I am sure you’ve heard that saying before. It is amazing how we nonchalantly ignore that fact. So many times we get entrenched in our routine and never experience something new or exciting.
God is a creative being. Just look at the diversity in our universe. So many times we fail to ask, or experience His newness available to us on a daily basis. Some translations say compassions, others say mercies . . . I like the “Message” that says His Merciful Love. Regardless of the word the truth is His love never fails for you. His faithfulness is continual and today is a new day. Go out and make the best of it!
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
“This is the first day of the rest of your life.”
I am sure you’ve heard that saying before. It is amazing how we nonchalantly ignore that fact. So many times we get entrenched in our routine and never experience something new or exciting.
God is a creative being. Just look at the diversity in our universe. So many times we fail to ask, or experience His newness available to us on a daily basis. Some translations say compassions, others say mercies . . . I like the “Message” that says His Merciful Love. Regardless of the word the truth is His love never fails for you. His faithfulness is continual and today is a new day. Go out and make the best of it!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Masquerade
I have a friend of mine who says, “I am a servant of the Most High God masquerading as a salesman. I really like that. Some people think that only pastors can minister. That is not the case. You see there is no designation of secular and religious in the calling of God. We are all called to first be servants. So you too my friend are a minister of the Gospel.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Retirement Can Kill You
I have known of numerous people that once they retire not long thereafter they died. I wonder about things like that. You work hard your whole life so you can retire and poof! You would think that in retirement there would be no stress, you could live a life of leisure.
Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley did an experiment sometime ago that involved introducing an amoeba into a perfectly stress-free environment. Ideal temperature, optimal concentration of moisture, constant food supp—the amoeba had an environment to which it had to make no adjustment whatsoever. So you would guess that was one happy little amoeba. Whatever it is that gives amoebas ulcers and high blood pressure was gone. Yet, oddly enough, it died. Apparently there is something about all living creatures, even amoebas, that demands challenge. We require change, adaptation, and challenge the way we require food and air.
Here is your challenge for today do something out of the ordinary for someone you don’t particularly like. The results from this challenge will amaze you and surprise them.
Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley did an experiment sometime ago that involved introducing an amoeba into a perfectly stress-free environment. Ideal temperature, optimal concentration of moisture, constant food supp—the amoeba had an environment to which it had to make no adjustment whatsoever. So you would guess that was one happy little amoeba. Whatever it is that gives amoebas ulcers and high blood pressure was gone. Yet, oddly enough, it died. Apparently there is something about all living creatures, even amoebas, that demands challenge. We require change, adaptation, and challenge the way we require food and air.
Here is your challenge for today do something out of the ordinary for someone you don’t particularly like. The results from this challenge will amaze you and surprise them.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
STORMS
I was watching a show on the Science Channel a while back about storm chasers. These men and women intentionally track and physically go to many of the summer storms that occur in the Midwestern United States with the specific intent of going through the storm.
You have to wonder what drives people to place themselves in the midst of an F4 Tornado. Through their experiences they have obtained incredible scientific data and I would assume some really great stories.
When you go through the storms in your life you too will have some stories to tell. Many of us can reflect back and see how God has always had his hand upon us during those tumultuous times. While God has the ability to calm the storms, He can also help strengthen and guide you through safely to the tranquil and serene places of the soul.
You have to wonder what drives people to place themselves in the midst of an F4 Tornado. Through their experiences they have obtained incredible scientific data and I would assume some really great stories.
When you go through the storms in your life you too will have some stories to tell. Many of us can reflect back and see how God has always had his hand upon us during those tumultuous times. While God has the ability to calm the storms, He can also help strengthen and guide you through safely to the tranquil and serene places of the soul.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Undivided Attention
As a teacher I have found that the best students are the ones who pay attention and participate in class. In the business world the best employees are the ones who have received adequate training and apply that training daily to do their job. I am sure you have found that true in your life as well.
The same principle applies in our Christian walk. We can learn the most from God when we give him our undivided attention. Learning from God will enrich every area of your life.
The same principle applies in our Christian walk. We can learn the most from God when we give him our undivided attention. Learning from God will enrich every area of your life.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
My Hope Comes From Him
Psalm 62:5-6
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Friend, this is really the only answer to life's disappointments. Be encouraged today, He is with you.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Friend, this is really the only answer to life's disappointments. Be encouraged today, He is with you.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Seeking God
James 4:8a
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Psalm 27:8
When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
I have asked the members of our church to join me in starting the new year off with 21 days of prayer and fasting. This experience for me has been enlightening. As I have prayed for our church, I have prayed that God would show me some specific solutions to some situations we are dealing with.
Great comfort comes from embracing these two scriptures. As I have sought God, He provided a creative answer to my prayers. I am so appreciative that He is there for us and if we seek Him, we will find Him.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Psalm 27:8
When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
I have asked the members of our church to join me in starting the new year off with 21 days of prayer and fasting. This experience for me has been enlightening. As I have prayed for our church, I have prayed that God would show me some specific solutions to some situations we are dealing with.
Great comfort comes from embracing these two scriptures. As I have sought God, He provided a creative answer to my prayers. I am so appreciative that He is there for us and if we seek Him, we will find Him.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Don't Wait
Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT
The Bible says, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done"
Have you ever heard a couple say, “We're waiting to have children till the time is right?” Truthfully I have never known the time to be right to have your world turned completely upside down. But let me get to my thought for today.
We often want to wait to do something for God until the conditions are perfect. While our intentions are good, many times we never start. I believe that if you start, God will give you the grace, knowledge and ability to finish strong.
Noah wasn’t a master ship builder when he started on the ark. David wasn’t an accomplished worship leader/ song writer when he was strumming his harp for the sheep. Start where you are, with what you have and ask God to help you. He is more interested in your availability than your ability!
The Bible says, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done"
Have you ever heard a couple say, “We're waiting to have children till the time is right?” Truthfully I have never known the time to be right to have your world turned completely upside down. But let me get to my thought for today.
We often want to wait to do something for God until the conditions are perfect. While our intentions are good, many times we never start. I believe that if you start, God will give you the grace, knowledge and ability to finish strong.
Noah wasn’t a master ship builder when he started on the ark. David wasn’t an accomplished worship leader/ song writer when he was strumming his harp for the sheep. Start where you are, with what you have and ask God to help you. He is more interested in your availability than your ability!
His Plan for You
I enjoy the writings of Os Hillman. In one of his books he asked these questions:
• "Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life?
• Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost?
Think about it. What if you were Job and had the insight to see into the future plans for your life? Could you say, “yes?” What if you were John the Baptist knowing you would literally lose your head someday; could you say “yes?”
God has a plan for your life. Of course you can alter that plan because of your free will, but He has a plan for you. Let me encourage you to trust God and ask Him to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes."
PS: Today is my Dad’s birthday – Happy Birthday to Gifford Boswell. I love you Dad.
• "Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life?
• Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost?
Think about it. What if you were Job and had the insight to see into the future plans for your life? Could you say, “yes?” What if you were John the Baptist knowing you would literally lose your head someday; could you say “yes?”
God has a plan for your life. Of course you can alter that plan because of your free will, but He has a plan for you. Let me encourage you to trust God and ask Him to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes."
PS: Today is my Dad’s birthday – Happy Birthday to Gifford Boswell. I love you Dad.
Friday, January 8, 2010
For God To Guide Us. . .
I love my iPhoneTM.
One of the features I use frequently is the GPS system that helps me get from one point to the other. Being new to the Houston area I use it a lot when making hospital and visitation calls and going to business outings. You know something funny? When I forget my phone, I have no way to get the guidance I need. I must have my phone in order to get the directions from it.
The same thing happens in our Christian journey. If we want God to guide us, we must invite Him to be with us.
One of the features I use frequently is the GPS system that helps me get from one point to the other. Being new to the Houston area I use it a lot when making hospital and visitation calls and going to business outings. You know something funny? When I forget my phone, I have no way to get the guidance I need. I must have my phone in order to get the directions from it.
The same thing happens in our Christian journey. If we want God to guide us, we must invite Him to be with us.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Unconditional Love
Unconditional love is something that really isn’t logical yet as humans we experience and value it. I know that no matter what I have done, my parents love me unconditionally. I take great comfort in the unconditional love my wife has for me. With unconditional love comes confidence in those relationships. We know even when we fail we have the confidence that our loved ones will still be on our side, loving us in spite of our flaws.
We also can have this confidence, knowing that God loves us unconditionally. Now that my friend is pretty awesome!
We also can have this confidence, knowing that God loves us unconditionally. Now that my friend is pretty awesome!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Honest Seeker
Max Lucado says, "Mark it down. God never turns away the honest seeker. Go to God with your questions. You may not find all the answers, but in finding God, you know the One who does."
Now that is a good word!
Now that is a good word!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Thank God for His Blessings
Psalm 37:4-5 NKJ
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
When we commit our lives, our plans and way completely to the Lord Jesus, He will bless us with success. When that happens we must remember to thank God for prospering our endeavors. Show your appreciation to Him today. Thank God for His blessings in your life.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
When we commit our lives, our plans and way completely to the Lord Jesus, He will bless us with success. When that happens we must remember to thank God for prospering our endeavors. Show your appreciation to Him today. Thank God for His blessings in your life.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Prospering
Happy New Year!
3 John 2 NKJV
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
There is just something exciting about starting anew. I hate moving with all the packing and such but in a way I love it. It is exciting to move into a new home, to meet new people, to begin new challenges and start a new chapter in your life.
We look at January 1st and the new opportunities it provides for us to better ourselves by starting over. I love to look back as well.
Sometimes I say, “Thank God for blessings of the year gone by.” Other times I say, “Thank God that year has gone bye bye!”
In 2010 I pray you will be prosperous, happy and full of God’s joy and peace.
3 John 2 NKJV
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
There is just something exciting about starting anew. I hate moving with all the packing and such but in a way I love it. It is exciting to move into a new home, to meet new people, to begin new challenges and start a new chapter in your life.
We look at January 1st and the new opportunities it provides for us to better ourselves by starting over. I love to look back as well.
Sometimes I say, “Thank God for blessings of the year gone by.” Other times I say, “Thank God that year has gone bye bye!”
In 2010 I pray you will be prosperous, happy and full of God’s joy and peace.
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