GOD'S LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17

Every person has an innate desire to be loved.  We never outgrow the longing to be wanted, appreciated & loved.  God created us to seek & enjoy relationship with others. 

Despite our desire for love, we must confess that our world is an unloving environment.  Selfishness is prevalent due to sin.  We often get suspicious of strangers who show concern or care for us because we imagine that they have an ulterior motive.  Many do have secret motives, wanting a "favor" in return. 

It is refreshing to open the pages of Scripture and find that God cares for His people.  His love is an unconditional love.  When we think about God's love, we must not confuse His love with His approval.  God's love for His people is unconditional, but His approval may vary, based upon their obedience to Him.

In Zephaniah 3:17, God directed the prophet write the following words to His people, Israel: "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."  Israel had been disobedient to God, but He still loved His people.

Look at the verse again and meditate on the love God has for His people.

1.  GOD'S PRESENCE

First of all, the prophet wrote, "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty."  God was in the midst of His people, Israel.  Today, His people have the promise of His presence, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."  God has not forsaken His people.  Friends may forsake you.  Foes will oppose you.  But God remains the same.  He is present with us right now. 

2.  GOD'S PROMISE

Furthermore, God's love is extended to His people with this promise, "... he will save."  We have Someone who can and will deliver us.  God has not forsaken His own, but offers hope and help to His people through His Word.  It is time for God's people to believe His Word, obey His Word and stand on His Word.

3.  GOD'S PASSION

God cares for His people.  Zephaniah wrote, "... he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."  God's people are very important to Him.  God is not a politician, simply seeking support from people & then dump them when He gets what He wants.  God is always available for His people.  Notice that he rejoices over his people.  Just as an earthly father enjoys watching his children, God enjoys us.  We are His and He is ours.  I believe He enjoys our obedience to Him.  I believe He enjoys seeing us love others in His Name.

Furthermore, His love is not boisterous.  The Bible says, "... he will rest in his love."  In other words, His love is a strong love.  Often, those who have a "boisterous love," don't really love at all.  It is one thing to be noticed for loving others, it is another thing to love for love's sake.  God loves us, not because we deserve it, but because He is love.  Love is the essence of His being.  While I believe that God is holy, righteous, and perfect, it is wrong to forget His loving kindness and tender mercy.

Finally, God expresses His love.  Even though His love is a strong type of love, that does not mean that He refuses to demonstrate His love.  Zephaniah wrote, "... he will joy over thee with singing."  God sings?  That's what this verse seems to indicate.  Some believe that the translation should be more like, "shouts of joy."  In any case, God is not ashamed to demonstrate His love for His people.  We shouldn't be ashamed to demonstrate & declare our love for Him either.

God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son to die for us.  "But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  God declared His love for us.  God demonstrated His love for us.

The One who knows us best loves us most.  He knows our faults, flaws and sins, & yet He loves us in spite of it all. 

He is a Father who truly loves His children.

HELP FOR HOPELESS TIMES

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." - Habakkuk 3:17-19

I live in the mountains of West Virginia.  I love my home state.  There's no place like West Virginia.  In spite of the beauty of this area, we are facing great challenges here.

On one hand, the southern counties of this state have been in an economic depression for some time.  Many have left the area due to a lack of jobs.  The financial strain has been felt at every level.  Things have been rather bleak in this region.

Secondly, many in this area struggle with substance abuse.  Drug use is out of control.  Overdoses are a regular occurrence in this region.  Many of the deaths in our area are due to overdoses.  It is sad to see so many dying without hope.

Finally, and most importantly, we need a spiritual awakening in this region.  There are churches on nearly every corner, but most people do not attend a church.  Although this is a religious region, many are religiously lost.  It is sad that many confuse religion with righteousness.  In spite of good churches regularly preaching the solid Gospel, it seems like most people know the talk of Zion but lack a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

It would be easy to get down, distraught and discouraged.  Some may have given up on the people of this region.  It could be that many see no hope for West Virginia.  Here's my opinion:  apart from God's intervention, this region (like the rest of our country) has no hope.  Yet, I know that God is able to turn things around.  My faith lies in the power of God and not the opinion of men.

Habakkuk faced a similar situation as he wrote his prophetic book.  Notice the hopeless tone of Habakkuk 3:17:  "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls."  This verse shows that it is possible for a region to face dire circumstances. 

What should we do when times get so bleak?  Look at Habakkuk's response in the following verse:  "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."  Habakkuk lived by faith instead of by sight.  Instead of looking around in despair or looking down without hope, he looked up --- he looked up to the One who would turn things around. 

My faith is anchored in the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ.  I trust the One who holds the future in His hands.  He can do far more than any politician or human "expert."  I know that God can turn things around.

The final verse of the book of Habakkuk demonstrates the kind of faith we need during hopeless times:  "... he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."  God can lift you up from the lowest position of despair and cause you to experience heights of joy.  Just as a deer can maneuver a steep rock cliff and reach the top of a hill, God can lead you from the lowest valley, through the overwhelming obstacles, and enable you to enjoy the exhilarating pinnacle of victory.

I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I believe God can turn things around.  I trust Him to do that in our region.  Will you trust Him to do the same with your life?

CONSOLATION DURING TRIBULATION

"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." - Nahum 1:7

So many people that I know are experiencing difficult times.  Some need employment.  Others have severed relationships that seem impossible to restore.  Many have physical problems that are severe --- and in some cases, terminal.  These are wonderful, God-fearing Christians.  They love Jesus and long to please Him.  In spite of what is taught by some televangelists, pain and problems do come to people of faith.

A popular televangelist was quoted as saying, "Your best years are ahead of you."  That is a trite statement that is lacking validity.  The truth is that pain and problems seem to intensify as we get older.  Certainly, eternity is looking brighter all the time for the Christian, but this life can get more difficult as time passes.  Perhaps the pain and struggles we face increase our desire for heaven.  We are not here on earth to stay.  Our affection should be on things above, not on the things of this world.  It is easy for us to consider this world to be our home, but that is a dangerous trap to fall into.  Pain tends to free us from that trap.

It may be that someone reading this message is going through the worst of times.  I offer no prophetic insight concerning your situation.  It may be that the pain you suffer will remain with you until you die.  It could be the terminal disease you've been diagnosed with will take you from this world very soon.  Perhaps the relationship you yearn to preserve will not survive.  I offer no false hope for your situation.  I do know that God is able to reverse the most impossible situation, if He so chooses. 

Instead of offering some stale, useless jargon, I want to point you to the Scripture.  In Nahum 1:7, the Bible says, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."  I want you to dwell on this verse today.  Rather than dwelling on your situation, meditate on the Lord.  

Notice what Nahum wrote about God.  First of all, we learn that God is good.  God is good ... all the time.  The Bible does not tell us that life is always good.  Many times, life is not good.  Yet we can find comfort in the fact that God is always good.  He can be trusted during the most difficult times.  You can trust Him with your problems.  You can trust Him with your future.  In fact, you can trust Him with everything.

Secondly, we learn that God is a hiding place during trouble.  Our text refers to Him as a "strong hold in the day of trouble."  In Biblical times, a strong hold was a place of security, a place of safety during a battle.  We have a hiding place when trouble comes.  We are secure in Him.  You can confide in Christ.  You should abide in Christ.  You should hide in Christ.

Finally, we learn that God knows those who believe in Him.  Nahum wrote, "... he knoweth them that trust in him."  God knows the ones who belong to Him.  He knows you personally.  You are more than just a speck on the seashore of time.  The Lord knows you intimately.  You may feel all alone, dwelling far from your closest neighbor.  You may not receive many phone calls or Christmas cards.  You may be feeling very low.  Yet the Lord knows you.  In fact, He is there with you.  The One who loves you most is always by your side.  Your faith in Him is not in vain.  Your pain may seem unbearable.  Your plight may seem hopeless.  Your problems may seem overwhelming.  Yet God cares about you.  You are not going through these trials alone. 

Life is not easy.  Life is not fair.  But it is reassuring to know that God is with you.  He cares about you and your situation.  He is working in your life, making you more and more like Jesus.  One day, He will deliver you from this veil of tears.  What lies ahead is so glorious that words can hardly describe it.  Paul put it this way, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Dwell on the goodness of the Lord today.  He never disappoints those who trust in Him.

GOD'S REQUIREMENTS

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" - Micah 6:8

We live in a world of requirements.  When a child is born, a birth certificate is required.  Later, the child is required to have specific inoculations before he is permitted to attend school.  While he is in school, the child is expected to meet or exceed specific requirements before promotion. 

Once he gets to the required age, he must meet certain requirements before getting a driver's license.  He must meet or exceed specified requirements before graduating from high school.  If he attends college, numerous requirements must be met before a college will permit him to enroll.  Then he must meet more stringent requirements before earning a degree.  The college graduate must meet certain requirements before getting a job.  Once he has the job, he must meet or exceed requirements before he advances in his career.

All these requirements seem overwhelming at first glance, but it takes over 20 years to meet them.  Proper planning, self discipline and hard work will help a person meet these requirements.

Most of us never consider that God has requirements that we must meet.  We are so busy trying to meet the requirements set by others that we fail to consider that God Himself requires certain things of us. 

In Micah 6:8, God lists the things He requires of us:  "... what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"  Notice three requirements that God sets:

1.  DO WHAT'S RIGHT

First of all, we are expected to do what is right.  The Bible says, "... what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly..."  Perhaps you think you are meeting this requirement.  Every day you probably make decisions that you think are right.  We need to heed the caution from the book of Proverbs:  "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."  God does not require that you do the things that you consider to be right, but instead, you are required to do the things that He knows to be right.  

2.  TREAT OTHERS RIGHT

The second requirement of the Lord is to treat others right.  We are told to "... love mercy..."  We are expected to treat others the way we want to be treated.  The word, "mercy," indicates that we do not seek revenge or judgment on others.  We are expected to treat others with kindness and grace.  These days, people are committing acts of violence in the name of "racial equality," or "social justice."  Still others are quick to speak unkind words because of political differences.  Americans are far from being kind one toward another.  In fact, we are living in a scary world. 

3.  WALK WITH GOD

Finally, God expects us to walk humbly with Him.  There is a difference between going to the house of God and walking with God.  Religion is much different than righteousness.  It isn't difficult to find someone who is willing to share his or her religious views.  It is a far different thing to find someone who is actually walking with God day by day. 

As we ponder God's requirements, here's what we need to know.  We don't measure up to God's requirements.  The Bible states, "For all have sinned and come short ..."  We always fall short of God's requirements.  How can we ever measure up?  We never can.  In fact, we have no righteousness whatsoever. 

Here's the good news, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ.  Through His death upon the cross, Jesus met the Father's requirements on our behalf.  He did what we could not do.  There is a false teaching that goes like this:  We do our best and God makes up the difference.  Here's the Biblical truth:  we have NOTHING good to bring.  Jesus does EVERYTHING for us because we are morally and spiritually bankrupt on our own.

When we repent of our sins and trust Jesus alone for salvation, His righteousness is imputed to our case.  He doesn't dilute His righteousness with ours.  We are saved by His righteousness alone.  On the cross, Jesus met the requirements that we could never reach.

Now as followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit resides within us.  As we permit the Spirit to fill us, the fruit of the Spirit is exhibited in and through our lives.  In a very overt way, He enables us to do what is right, treat others right and walk humbly with the Father. 

We don't have to live with worry from day to day about meeting the requirements of God.  We simply should allow the indwelling Spirit to demonstrate the requirements that Jesus has already met for us.

What a joy to walk in the Spirit!

  

WHAT MATTERS MOST

"Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:  And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?" - Jonah 4:10-11

I doubt that many people consider Jonah to be among the best preachers of all time.  He rebelled against God, ran from God & stubbornly refused to repent.  It wasn't until a great fish swallowed Jonah that he began to repent.  His repentance led to a second chance at preaching to Nineveh.

Why did Jonah have such a bad attitude?  Throughout the book of Jonah, the preacher seemed to always have a wrong state of mind.  His heart clearly was not where it should have been. 

Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because it was a Gentile city.  Jonah, like many Jews, looked unfavorably at Gentiles.  Jonah did not have a problem with God's judgment upon Nineveh; he just had a problem with going to the city and preaching to them.  Why?  Jonah knew that God was merciful and that if the people believed the message & repented, God would forgive & not destroy them.  Jonah did not want that to happen.

These days racism has become a major news item once again.  It is important to note that racism existed in Biblical times.  God is opposed to racism.  Jonah was a racist preacher.  After he reluctantly preached God's message of judgment to Nineveh, he went upon a hill that overlooked the city, hoping to get a good view of their destruction.  He had a cold, calloused heart, didn't he?

In response to Jonah's message, the entire city of Nineveh believed and repented.  While we don't think of Jonah as being a great preacher, he is among the few preachers who've preached & seen an entire city be saved.

While waiting on Nineveh's destruction (which never came), God caused a plant to grow quickly.  This plant became a shade tree for Jonah, shielding him from the hot sun.  He was happy to have the plant.  However, God caused a worm to feast upon the plant and it died.  Jonah's frustration reached a peak.  He didn't want to go to Nineveh in the first place.  He didn't want to preach to them.  He didn't want to see them saved.  Just when things seemed to improve with the comfort provided by the plant, its soon demise made him mad.

That's right, Jonah got mad at God.  He even justified himself in his anger.  When God challenged Jonah about his anger, Jonah told the Lord that he felt he had a right to be angry.  Clearly, Jonah's heart wasn't right with God.

In response to Jonah's selfish, rebellious words, the Bible says:  "Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:  And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?"

In essence, God told Jonah that the people of Nineveh were far more important that a measly plant.  A lot of people need this message today.  We treat careers, education, politics, sports, and money with such great dedication, but we do little to help others, encourage people or make the Gospel known to the lost.

Nineveh would have been considered a mega city in Biblical times.  Over 120,000 people lived in Nineveh and all of them were perishing.  God cared for the people of Nineveh ... but Jonah didn't. 

Today, churches are more focused on programs, politics and personalities than the Gospel.  People are dying and going to hell while most church members are playing church.  We are not much better than Jonah.  God have mercy on the American church!

What matters most are the eternal souls of men, women, boys and girls.  A thousand years from now, it won't matter who won a Presidential election this year or who won the World Series.  A thousand years from now, the only thing that will matter is where people will spend eternity.

God has commanded us to go into the world and reach people with the Gospel.  It is not our job to convict or convert sinners.  It is our job to make the Gospel available to them. 

Do you live daily with a passion to make Jesus known to those around you?  Does this passion lead to tangible action? 

There are people around you who need the very same Jesus that you know.  Will you introduce them to the loving Savior? 

That is what matters most.

THE SIN OF PRIDE

"Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD." - Obadiah 4

Pride is celebrated in our country.  Many are proud of their achievements. Some are proud of their heritage.  Sadly, a few are proud of their "sexual preference."  I have heard it said that some are so proud that they could strut sitting down!

While I've heard of churches that exercise discipline on members because of sexual sin or drunkenness, I've never heard of anyone being expelled from church membership because of pride.  Yet pride is a dangerous sin.  When God revealed seven things that He hates, pride was the first sin He named (see Proverbs 6:16-19).

Despite God's hatred of pride, our nation (including the Church) celebrates pride.  Some preachers have the reputation of being arrogant and self-centered. Church congregations tend to proudly publicize their church name.  Denominations seem more interested in having statistics to brag about rather than fulfilling the Great Commission.  Gospel music artists tend to "show off" at times ... and crowds love it.  Have we gone mad?

The Bible says, "God resists the proud."  Is it any wonder that He is resisting the Church in America?  While the Church is growing in other nations, God's hand of blessing seems to be withheld from the American Church.  It is time that the American Church woke up and repented of her sinful pride. 

Pride is a sin that God hates.  Shouldn't we hate it, too?  It is easy to spot pride when it comes to someone else, but it is tougher to notice pride in your own heart.  Yet it is the pride within that you and I are responsible for.   

When Obadiah was commanded to write to Edom, he shared God's condemnation of their pride in verse 4:  "Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."  The people had exalted themselves to great heights, which God compared to be similar to an eagle's ascent.  Notice God's response to their pride, "... (from) thence will I bring thee down..." 

Jesus said, "Whosoever exalts himself shall be abased."  God brings those down who exalt themselves.  The proud ultimately are brought to ruin and shame. 

The flip side to this truth is one we need to remember:  "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:10).  Rather than exalting ourselves, wouldn't it be better to experience God's exaltation?   

As you look back at your spiritual pilgrimage, you must confess that humility always preceded your mountaintop experiences.  When you got saved, you had to humbly face your sin, repent and come with child-like faith to Jesus.  Humility preceded blessing.  Look at the high points of your walk with Christ.  Did they not begin with humility?   If you were honest, your greatest failures and humiliating experiences came during times of pride, arrogance and self-reliance. 

I believe that the great need facing America is for a spiritual awakening.  This will not come because of our pride.  Instead, it can only occur as God's people humble themselves.  Many like to quote 2 Chronicles 7:14:  "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  Although this verse was given to Israel and not America, I think there is a lesson to be learned.  God will not bless a nation until that country approaches Him with humility.

In the aftermath of our recent Presidential election here in America, one side has gloated while another side experienced unexpected humiliation.  Some angrily deny the process and seek to take matters in their own hands.  America is a nation that is dying because of pride.  America needs to humble herself.  America needs to repent.  Our pride will ultimately be our undoing.  The book of Proverbs reminds us that, "Pride goeth before destruction." 

It is time that we seek the face of God.  We can't do this while we admire ourselves.  Instead, we need to recognize the sin within and repent with great humility.

We need God's grace.  There is a grace place available.  James 4:6 teaches us, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."  We can either receive God's grace or be rejected by Him.

God's grace is available to those humble enough to receive it. 

  

FAMINE IN THE LAND

"Behold, the day­­­­s come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." - Amos 8:11

Here in America, famines are very rare.  We've had times of recession, depression & drought (and some areas are experiencing severe drought right now), but a widespread famine is uncommon for our country.  There are nations and regions that endure long periods of famine.  International relief is often supplied to help alleviate the situation.

When Amos wrote to Israel, he wrote of a different type of famine.  As our text states, "... not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD."  The famine Amos wrote about is part of God's judgment on a nation that had turned its back on Him.  In their desperation, the people would seek a word from God but would be unable to get a word from Him.

Right now, there is no shortage of God's message.  In the area where I live, there are numerous churches; each proclaiming God's Word.  Like most of America, the Word is available for those who wish to hear it.  Despite the availability of God's Word, I feel that we are on the threshold of a spiritual famine, a famine very similar to the one that Amos wrote about. 

I believe several things lead to a spiritual famine.  First of all, rejection of God's Word leads to a famine.  When people deliberately reject God's Word, He tends to withdraw His Word from them.  When a plate of food is placed before a man, he has the option of eating or rejecting the food.  If he rejects the food, eventually, the plate will be removed.  I feel that many in America are rejecting God's Word.  Some are rejecting His Word outright, rejecting God's existence and authority.  Others are rejecting His Word by agreeing only with passages that are in harmony with their own pre-conceived biases.  Many Americans give positive affirmation to the "positive" words of the Bible, while rejecting passages that they feel are "negative" or "outdated."  When you reject any part of God's Word, you are rejecting God Himself, since the entire text is His Word.  Partial rejection of the Bible is the first step in the downward spiral of spiritual ruin.  When people reject God's Word, a spiritual famine is inevitable.

Secondly, disobedience leads to a spiritual famine.  It is one thing to hear God's Word but it is another thing to obey God's Word.  You may hear a preacher proclaim God's Word, but unless you obey the Word, it has not benefited you at all.  Disobedience is a sign of rebellion.  We should be doers of the Word and not just hearers of the Word.  If God's people would obey the truth, I believe we'd see a genuine revival in America.  Instead, most church members treat God's message as an option to be considered rather than a command to be obeyed.  When a believer zealously seeks to obey God's Word, most church members look down upon such a person as being a "religious nut."  This shows how far off track we are in our country.  Our disobedience to God's Word reflects a lack of holy respect for God Himself.  Disobedience always leads to serious consequences.  A spiritual famine often comes when people disobey God's Word on a regular basis.

Also, apathy often produces a spiritual famine.  Most church members treat the Bible with indifference.  They may bring their personal copy of the Bible to church on Sunday morning ... but the Bible is neglected the rest of the week.  Despite the availability of God's Word, most professing Christians neglect the Bible.  There is so much ignorance of the Bible today.  No wonder that false teachers and heresy are tolerated in this generation.  Neglect of God's Word occurs when we treat it lightly or consider it be of less importance than "other things."  We are living in a time of spiritual apathy.  How do I know this?  Most professing Christians in America do not attend church on a regular basis.  There is no hunger for God's Word.  Most are satisfied with political speeches or positive motivational lectures.  Few have a holy desire to hear the man of God preach the Word of God in the power of the Spirit of God for the glory of God.

When a spiritual famine comes, the consequences are severe.  As in the prophecy of Amos, many will desperately seek a word from God, but won't find it.  The Word that had been treated with disdain, disobedience and neglect will be a word they will desperately seek & it won't be available to them.

How can we avoid a famine in our land?  It must begin on a personal basis.  First of all, believe God's Word.  Receive the Bible for what it is ... God's Word to you.  Secondly, read God's Word daily.  You don't neglect meals do you?  Well, don't neglect your spiritual food either.  Feast from God's Word each day.  Third, obey God's Word.  Treat God's message seriously.  Obey the Word of God daily.  Fourth, go to church regularly.  Be fed from the Word.  Your opportunities to attend church are limited, so make the most of the opportunities you have left.  Also, store God's Word in your heart.  Meditate on the Word.  Memorize key verses.   Next, stand on the Word of God.  Mark the promises of God and trust them.  Depend on God to keep His Word.  Finally, spread the Word to others.  Hungry souls need the Bread of Life.  Share the Good News they desperately need.

Do you have a spiritual hunger within?  Let me recommend that you feast on God's Word.  You don't have to experience a spiritual famine yourself.  Open your Bible and begin reading the Gospel of John.  "O taste and see that the Lord is good."

GREAT THINGS

"Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things."

- Joel 2:21

Fear is a powerful emotion.  During the recent Presidential election here in America, both sides used fear in their effort to win.  Their attempt to motivate people by fear was successful to varying degrees.  The entire election process was overshadowed by a sense of fear and foreboding. 

Even now, there is still emotional fallout from the election, including protests and social media anxiety.  Some fear what may unfold during the next administration.  Others fear that the ongoing protests will get out of control, producing violence and social unrest. 

The prophet Joel wrote to Israel during a time of great anxiety.  The people were suffering because of their sin.  The consequences of their sin were very severe, affecting every aspect of their lives. 

Despite the ongoing chastening of the Lord, God offered His people comfort.  Joel wrote, "Fear not."  The people had reason to fear, but Joel's message of assurance was from the Lord Himself.  Even more amazing was the message that followed:  "... be glad and rejoice:  for the LORD will do great things."  God was going to turn things around.  He would do great things.

There is great debate whether the President-elect will do great things during his Presidency, but most refuse to consider the fact that God does great things.  We tend to take God's actions for granted.  We often give credit to humans when God does great things.  Consider three things about our Lord:

1.  GOD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS

First of all, consider that God has done great things.  He created the universe.  That was a great thing.  He created mankind.  That was another great thing.  When Adam rebelled and brought death upon mankind through sin, God did another great thing:  He sent His Son to pay the debt of sin.  He has done great things. He has done great things for America in the past.  He has done great things for your family through the years.  God has done great things for you, personally.  If you are a follower of Jesus, your salvation was a great thing that God has done in your life.  God has done great things.

2.  GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS

Secondly, God is doing great things.  Right now, the Lord is doing great things & we are guilty of overlooking these things or taking them for granted.  If great things were not being done right now, all of us would be in a mess.  In our high-pace society, it is often said, "Forget about what you've done in the past ... what are you doing now?"  I disagree with this attitude.  The past does matter.  God has done great things in the past, but His faithfulness continues right now.  He is still saving souls.  He is still changing lives.  He continues to reign.  He blessed you with another day.  That's a great thing.  He has given you a portion of good health today.  That's a great thing.  You still have family and friends who care for you.  Those are great things.  You have food, shelter and provisions.  These are great things that God gives you every day.  He is doing great things.

3.  GOD WILL DO GREAT THINGS

Also, we know that God will do great things.  God has made many promises concerning the future.  His past faithfulness should energize our faith in Him today --- but it also should fuel our expectations as we remember His promises.  God will do great things in the days, weeks and years to come.  God will take care of you through this life.  That is something great.  Jesus is coming soon.  That will certainly be a great thing.  He will take His children home to stay.  That will be a great thing.  We'll enjoy heaven throughout eternity.  That will certainly be a great thing.

Whether you are excited or scared about the President-elect, you can be sure that God is still on the throne.  God's power has not diminished.  He is evermore the same. 

We have reason to be glad and rejoice.  Our God does great things.

  

SOWING & REAPING

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." - Hosea 10:12

Tuesday will be Election Day here in the United States.  The future of our country hangs in the balance as Americans go to the polls.  This has been a controversial election filled with accusations, innuendos and corruption.  Most Americans are highly emotional with their political opinions.  With all of the talk about assault allegations, criminal investigations and personal verbal attacks, this has been the most vile, corrupt and disgusting Presidential election in our nation's history. 

The world around us sits amused and amazed at the events that have unfolded in our land.  I can't help but think that enemy countries are laughing with scorn at our foolishness.  Watching the Presidential campaign has been like watching a bad episode of Laurel and Hardy.  Neither of the leading candidates can shake the publicity of their bad behavior & decisions. It prompts me to ask this question:  How did our standards for leadership sink so low?

The fact is that we are reaping what we have sown.  In many ways, we, as Americans, are responsible for the trash that we see on the news.  We have sown to the wind and now we're reaping the whirlwind.  We've embraced sin, selfishness and compromise without thinking about the ultimate consequences.  The fact is that we deserve exactly what we're getting. 

The answer for our nation is not found in the ballot box.  If we want to reap a different kind of harvest, we need to start sowing different seed. 

Israel was a nation that had sunk to the lowest point of shame and dishonor.  When God spoke through Hosea the prophet, the Lord compared unfaithful Israel to a prostitute.  In Hosea 10:12, God told Israel, "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you."  God invited Israel to seek forgiveness, cleansing and restoration. 

Regardless of the outcome of our national election, America needs to repent.  As Americans, we need to quit pointing the finger of blame at others and accept responsibility for our own decisions and actions.  Instead of seeking to be politically correct or pleasing the crowd, it is time that we start sowing the right seed. 

The principle of sowing and reaping is described in both the Old and New Testaments.  It is a personal principle as well as a principle for a nation. 

Look again at Hosea 10:12 and note the stages of this principle:

1.  PREPARE

First of all, there is the preparation stage.  The Bible says, "Break up your fallow ground."  Before you can plant good seed, you need to plow the ground.  The plowing process includes stirring the ground, making it soft and ready for planting. 

The same is true for us as a nation.  We need to break up the fallow ground.  This is referred to as repentance.  As Americans, we tend to be hard-hearted, stiff-necked, independent people.  We celebrate such stubbornness.  However, the only things that grow in unbroken ground are weeds.  That is why we see such a rotten display of weeds in political circles.  The fact is that weeds are everywhere.  It is easy to spot sinful weeds during a political debate, but we fail to notice the weeds in our own lives. 

If we want to see a better harvest, we must sow the right seed, and this can only occur once the fallow ground is broken.  

2.  PLANT

Secondly, we need to plant the correct seed.  "Sow to yourselves in righteousness," was the challenge God gave to sinful Israel.  It is advice that America should take to heart also. 

These days, people are sowing seeds of politics, religion, finance, career and family.  In their right place, these things aren't necessarily bad.  The problem is that these are not the seeds we need to be planting.  We need to sow "in righteousness."  Even in "Christian" circles, righteousness is not a virtue that many desire.  Without righteousness, a nation will rot to death because of sin. 

On a personal level, sowing to righteousness stems from a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  When a man repents of sin and trusts Christ alone for salvation, God declares him righteous.  From the moment of conversion, the born again believer seeks to honor God with righteousness.  Jesus instructs us to, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).  So many sow the wrong seed, then pray for crop failure on judgment day. 

You must sow the right seed if you expect the right harvest.  You reap what you sow.

3.  PROCESS

Next, there is a process.  The Bible says, "It is time to seek the Lord."  When a farmer plants seed, he works hard to keep weeds away.  Furthermore, he tries to provide the necessary conditions for the seed to grow.  Spiritually, as we seek the Lord, the weeds of sin are continually dealt with as we repent and pray.  Nationally, God works in the hearts of people and moves them to publicly seek God in one accord.  When the body of Christ unites in prayer and purpose, widespread revival could break out! 

4.  PATIENCE

Next, there is patience.  A farmer must be patient as he waits for the harvest to come.  When we start trusting God for results instead of looking to politicians, our nation will begin to experience a tremendous turnaround. 

5.  PRODUCTION

Finally, a harvest comes.  Notice several things about the harvest God promised Israel if they would repent.  First of all, it was a harvest of mercy.  God told Israel that if they would sow in righteousness, they would, "reap in mercy."  Instead of getting the results they deserved, they received God's mercy.  Lately, my prayer has been, "Lord, have mercy on America."

Secondly, it was a harvest of God's divine grace.  God told Israel to keep seeking the Lord, "... till he comes."  That is the challenge for the American church.  Seek God until He comes.

Finally, it was a harvest of God's rich blessings.  When God comes, He will, "...rain righteousness upon you."  We need that kind of rain to fall upon the dry, crusting soil of America today.

I'm tired of this political season. I'm tired of the advertisements.  I'm tired of the verbal accusations.  I'm tired of the strife among Americans over the election.  I am bothered that most Christians I know on social media spend more time, emotion and energy on political issues rather than the Gospel. 

I would rather be part of the solution rather than contribute to the problem.  The answer is not found in the voting booth, but in the prayer closet.  Let's starting sowing in righteousness today.

We'll reap what we've sown.

  

THE GREATEST FIREMAN

"...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king." - Daniel 3:17

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a fireman.  I admit that I loved to see fire trucks, whether they were parked outside a firehouse, led a parade or rushed to the scene of a fire.  Even now, I must admit that a fire truck gets my attention.  Maybe it's the boy in me.

My future career as a fireman came to a screeching halt when I was in the sixth grade.  One night, my parents went to visit some friends and left my brother & I alone at home.  As we were beginning to watch a TV show, we noticed something intense through the curtains in the living room.  As we opened the curtains, we learned that the house next door was on fire.  The house was rather close to the home we lived in at the time.  Watching our neighbor's house burn was terrifying.  Making the whole situation more troubling was the fact that our home was so close to the burning house.  Fortunately, the volunteer fire department arrived moments later and extinguished the fire before it could spread to our house.  The whole situation rattled me.  I learned quickly that a fireman is called to duty only during horrible situations.  I decided that night to abandon my dream of being a fire fighter.

Due to the nature of their work, I have a great deal of respect for firemen.  They sacrifice their lives to save others.  The greatest fireman of all time is the Lord Jesus Himself.  He was the One who created fire and He knows how to save people from fire.

In our text, three Hebrews defied the king's evil edict.  The consequence for their action was execution in a fiery furnace.  Their faith stirs us to this day.  Read again what they told the king:  "...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king." 

As we remember their courageous act, we must remember a few things.  First of all, they believed that the only One worthy of their worship was God.  They refused to compromise their faith even though the cost would be great.  They risked their very lives for the sake of their faith.  They stood alone for God.  It is refreshing to see believers stand for their faith --- especially when they are willing to risk everything for the sake of the Gospel. 

Secondly, the three Hebrew men did not have assurance that they would be spared from the fire ... they just knew that God was able to deliver them.  Ultimately, they were thrown into the fiery furnace.  You and I will face our own fiery trials.  We may face a furnace of persecution, a furnace of pain, or a furnace of trials.  Although God is able to spare us from the fire, He still may permit us to go into the furnace.

Third, when they entered the fire, a fourth man arrived to aid them.  The Fireman had arrived.  He saved these men from certain death.  If you are a born-again believer, you may be sure that God is there with you when you enter the furnace & He'll stay with you the entire time you're there.

Finally, God brought them out of the fiery furnace.  For the believer, fiery furnaces will come ... but they are all temporary.  God always brings His people out of the fire.  God delivers today.

If you are not a born-again believer, fire is in your future.  Revelation 20:11-15 describes the Great White Throne Judgment.  Verse 15 gives us the grim outcome of that judgment:  "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."  If you die without saving faith in Christ, your eternal future will be in a lake of fire.  Yet that does not have to be your future.  Like a good fire fighter, Jesus Christ sacrificed His life so you could be saved from the fire.  On the cross of Calvary, Jesus took your place and received the punishment you deserved.  He paid the price for your sins with His own life.  Through repentance and faith, His payment may be applied to your case.  Jesus didn't come to earth to make your life miserable.  Instead, He came to give you life.  He cared enough to do everything it took to keep you from the eternal fire you deserve.  How glorious He is to love you to the extent that He'd take your place!  Why continue to dishonor and disgrace the One who loves you the most?    Why continue on the road to the eternal lake of fire?  Turn from your sins right now and receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.

I'm glad that Jesus, the greatest fireman, still saves people from the fire!

A CHANGE OF HEART

"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:  That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." - Ezekiel 11:19-20

We live in a wicked world.  Our society is sinfully depraved and getting worse by the day.  Racism, murders, thefts, substance abuse, lust, gossip, and lies have saturated our culture.  Political change is, at best, a band-aid fix to the problem.  Most of the time, politics are part of the problem.

Most Americans tend to see themselves as good people, living moral, ethical lives.  Perhaps you see yourself that way. 

It is important for each person to have an annual checkup.  When your family doctor performs a routine checkup, he or she may find medical problems that you are unaware of.  Discovery and proper treatment of a medical problem may save you a lot of pain ... and may even save your life.

Whether you know it or not, you have already received a spiritual checkup.  Our Lord is the Great Physician.  He has examined your life.  His diagnosis is grim, but true.  He has found that you have a bad heart.

Most people think that they have sincere, good hearts.  Maybe you think the same thing.  Sometimes I hear people say, "God knows my heart."  That is true.  God does know your heart and here is what He says about it, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9).  Notice two things about the human heart:  it is deceitful and desperately wicked.  That statement is the diagnosis of the Great Physician.  He has examined your heart and found it to wicked. 

You have received the Great Physician's diagnosis.  Now it is time to receive His treatment.  The only answer for a wicked heart is a heart transplant.  You must have a change of heart.  The Great Physician, who is a specialist in this line of surgery, is the only One who can accomplish this.

Ezekiel 11:19-20 shares how the Great Physician performs a heart transplant in the lives of people:  "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:  That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God."

Here are a few facts about the change of heart that God provides:

1.  GOD IS THE ONLY ONE WHO PERFORMS THIS SURGERY

A change of heart cannot be performed by anyone else by God Himself.  You can't change your own heart.  Your family members or friends can't change your heart.  Watching a talk show, seeing a movie, or listening to self-help CD's will not change your heart.  A human doctor can't perform the kind of heart transplant that the Lord provides.  Only God can change your heart.

2.  GOD HAS A PERFECT RECORD

God has never lost a case.  Despite the life-and-death situation of His patients, God has never lost a patient on the operating table.  Every patient He has treated has survived and lived a better life than before.  His patients give continual visible and verbal testimony of His great work.  When a person receives a change of heart, he knows it!

3.  GOD NEVER CHARGES FOR HIS WORK

The heart transplant that God performs is expensive, but His patients are never charged for the surgery.  Jesus paid for the operation through His death upon the cross.

4.  A PATIENT MUST SURRENDER TO GOD

You cannot come to God on your own terms.  A patient does not tell a doctor how to do his job.  Instead, a patient is expected to heed his doctor's instruction.  You must give yourself to the Great Physician and let Him do His job.

5.  WITHOUT THIS HEART TRANSPLANT, YOU WILL DIE

The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."  Many people treat this procedure as an optional surgery, but the heart transplant you need is a matter of life and death.  At any moment, you could leave this world.  If you hesitate, you are gambling with your eternal future.

6.  HIS PROCEDURE PRODUCES PROFOUND RESULTS

Not only will this procedure save you, it will change your life.  "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."  The old heart, which was selfish and sinful, will be replaced with a heart of love.  You will have love for God.  Your love for others will be at a greater level.  You will have purpose for life and hope beyond the grave.

7.  GOD ONLY OPERATES TODAY

This surgery is only performed when the Great Physician calls you to come.  You cannot come to Him just any time you wish.  Too many people think that they will come to Jesus, "some day."  The only day that God operates is today.  "Today is the day of salvation."  You must come to Him today.

There is no greater need in a person's life than to have a change of heart.  Without a change of heart, you will die in your sins.  The Great Physician's office is open right now.  Come humbly to the Lord Jesus Christ, by faith.  Submit yourself to His surgical touch.  He will provide a change of heart that will change your life today.