THE SIN OF SHOWING OFF

“And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.” - Isaiah 39:2

Hezekiah had been shown great mercy by the Lord. The Lord had protected him and his people from enemy invasion. God granted Hezekiah 15 extra years of life. Despite all of this, Hezekiah failed miserably when the Babylonian king sent an envoy to visit him. Hezekiah, in his pride, showed them the glory of his kingdom. In fact, the Bible says, “there was nothing in his house, nor in his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.” In other words, Hezekiah showed off to his visitors.

There is a tendency within our fallen nature to please or impress others. It is easy for us to show off. We are never too young or too old to show off. Youngsters show off to their peers. Adults show off their possessions. Businessmen want to flaunt their success. Rich people exhibit their excesses. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all guilty of showing off.

The Christian community is not immune to showing off. Pastors like to show off the size of their ministry. Authors like to brag about the number of books they have written. Those with a social media presence are quick tell about their large following. I love Southern Gospel music, but I have to admit that bass singers often show off the depth of their vocal range --- usually at the end of a song. I've even known some who seem to brag about their humility!

Internationally, people have a dim view of Americans. They see us as proud, arrogant and gaudy. I have to admit that their view is rather accurate. We do seem to be rather pushy and flashy. We like to show off.

I've never heard a sermon about the sin of showing off. Hezekiah's failure is a Biblical lesson about this sin. Hezekiah's people had to pay dearly for his sin. Sadly, Hezekiah didn't have the remorse he should have. When he learned that the consequences of his actions would come to the nation after his death, he comforted himself that his image would be untarnished. Wow! That sounds like politicians today! They are more concerned about their image than the people they are serving.

Hezekiah's example proves that sin has far reaching effects. It is wrong to assume that personal sin only impacts your life. The penalty for sin may devastate many people around you. It did in Hezekiah's case.

Why is showing off such a bad thing? First of all, we show off because of pride. We want to draw attention to ourselves. We want to be noticed. We like to be praised. We enjoy the accolades of peers. Pride is a deceptive sin, because it based upon a false assumption that we deserve the applause of others.

Secondly, showing off is sinful because it robs God of the glory due Him. You see, if anything noteworthy is accomplished in your life, the Lord is the One who is responsible. James wrote that EVERY good and EVERY perfect gift comes from the Lord. God has given us unique gifts, talents and abilities. He has arranged circumstances to work in our favor. He has done miraculous things in our lives so that He will be glorified through us. What do we do with these blessings? We want to flaunt them arrogantly in front of others --- as if we are self-made individuals. How would you like it if someone took credit for something you did? That is exactly what we are doing when we show off.

Finally, showing off is sinful because it taints our Christian testimony. If we are honest, we must admit that what we really deserve is hell. We are God's children only because of His grace. We have nothing to boast of. As His children, we are called to be like Jesus. Of all people, Jesus had reason to show off --- but He didn't. Yes, He performed miracles. He drew large crowds. He met numerous needs. Yet He often retreated from the crowds. His ultimate mission was to go to a cross and die in shame. Jesus didn't show off and we shouldn't either.

Although Jesus didn't show off during His earthly ministry, be aware that one day He is coming in glory. He has a glorious home that His children will see. Remarkably, He is going to share it with us. When we behold Him that day, we will have nothing to brag about. We won't be showing off. Instead, we'll be giving all the praise to Jesus.

Instead of showing off, let's tell people about our wonderful Lord. Let's brag on Jesus. And may we live in such a way that He will be seen in us!!!

WHAT'S WRONG WITH CHURCH?

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:25

These days, it isn't uncommon for most professing believers to be absent from church on Sunday morning. If the truth were told, a large percentage of church members rarely, if ever, attend their own church.

It is rather common to hear excuses like, “I don't have to go to church to be a Christian,” or “I can worship God just as well while I'm fishing as I can in church.” They think these are spiritual arguments. What they fail to understand is how far off the mark their thinking really is.

To be honest, local churches are imperfect. Each church has an imperfect pastor, imperfect deacons, imperfect Sunday School teachers and imperfect members. A few churches have strayed from the Biblical truth and should be avoided at all cost. However, most churches in the area where I live have good pastors who are faithfully preaching the Word. Yes, mistakes are made by churches and those who lead them. However, the key is to follow the perfect Son of God. If you are a critic of local churches, I have a word for you. You aren't perfect yourself, so stop nitpicking about imperfections that you see in a church.

To be rather blunt, some church members have dropped out of church because they were never saved to begin with. You can't expect wheat and tares to enjoy fellowship together. Some aren't satisfied unless they are entertained and have an emotional “high” every week. For many, Jesus is no longer the main attraction. Instead, His Name is used as a means to an end. They want the main attraction to be entertaining music, exciting programs and a brief motivational speech.

But that is not what Church is for. Church is not about having religious fun or spiritual entertainment. At least it shouldn't be. The local church is a place where believers of that community gather to worship publicly, experience Christian fellowship and hear God's Word proclaimed. The local church is place where the ordinances of communion and baptism are observed. The local church is place where believers may use their spiritual gifts for the glory of God.

Many want the church to be available for family weddings and funerals. They expect to use facilities for social or civic functions --- but they are noticeably absent when it comes to public worship. They want the church to be there for them, but they have no intention of being there for the church. Hypocritical, isn't it?

I think it is time for all professing Christians to put up or shut up. If you claim to follow Jesus, then act like it. It is time for every believer to be in church on a regular basis. Here are a few reasons why you get back in church.

1. JESUS ESTABLISHED THE CHURCH

Sometimes I hear people say, “I don't believe in organized religion.” I feel like responding, “Do you believe in unorganized religion?” The fact is that Jesus established the church, not men. The Church is a God-ordained organism. If He started the church, shouldn't you be part of it?

2. JESUS DIED FOR THE CHURCH

Jesus loved the church to the extent that He died for the church. If Jesus loved the church, shouldn't we? Shouldn't a believer be passionate about the same things Jesus was? He died for the church. That is how important the church is to Him.

3. GOD COMMANDS THAT WE ATTEND CHURCH

Hebrews 10:25 instructs believers to assemble publicly. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Churchless Christianity is really nothing more than rebellion and sin.

4. EARLY BELIEVERS WERE PART OF A LOCAL CHURCH

When you read the book of Acts, you'll see that believers were involved in a local church. We don't read of churchless believers in the book of Acts. The early saints felt that the local church was important. Their example should inspire us.

5. THE CHURCH IS A PLACE FOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

We need the encouragement and inspiration that other believers offer. Furthermore, there are times we need to be giving the encouragement. We need each other. No Christian is meant to go through life alone.

6. CHURCH ATTENDANCE GIVES TESTIMONY TO YOUR FAITH

I can't see how professing believers can be very effective in winning souls to Jesus if they are not even faithful to a local church themselves. What a horrible testimony it is to claim to be following Jesus and yet not be a faithful church member.

7. CHURCH IS IMPORTANT FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME

It is important for you to BRING your children to church with you each week. If you don't attend church regularly yourself, you are teaching your children to do the same. If you aren't faithfully attending church, don't be shocked to see your children and grandchildren living sinfully … and dying without Christ.

I am sure there are many more reasons I could give, but why should I? Aren't these enough? You may agree with me in theory, but you need to do more than just agree. You need to get in church yourself. Plan ahead. Get your clothes ready. Have your mind set. Attend the next service … and continue to do so in the future.

I realize that there are bedridden people who are physically unable to go to church and others who have jobs that demand that they work while church services are being conducted. This message is not aimed for these individuals. However, most people who are out of church do not fall into these categories and if you are among them, it is time to change your ways.

What's wrong with the church? There's nothing wrong with the church. However, if you continue to stay out of church, there is something wrong with you.

CATCHING NOTHING

“... that night they caught nothing.” - John 21:3

There is nothing more frustrating for a fisherman than to spend hours fishing and never catching a fish. Some fishermen are known for embellishing the truth when it comes to their fishing expeditions. They come back with these long yarns about the size of fish they caught or dramatic stories of the fish that got away. Yet John 21:3 records that the disciples went fishing and “that night they caught nothing.” The late Vance Havner said that this was one fishing story he believed!

Keep in mind that most of the disciples on board the ship that night were professional fishermen. They fished for a living. They weren't amateurs who simply dabbled in the sport. These were men who had years of experience at fishing. Yet this night, they had empty nets.

Have you ever felt that way about life? Perhaps you feel that way now. Maybe you are discouraged because things aren't going well with your job or career. It could be that you are disheartened as you see your plans and dreams crumble around you. Perhaps you're in ministry and you feel that you are seeing little or no fruit after years of hard labor. It may very well be that you are very depressed as you look at your life and feel that nothing good has come from your years of hard work. If so, there is much to learn from the disciple's awful night of fishing.

One thing we learn about their frustrating night is that they were not in the will of God. You see, several of them had left their nets to follow Jesus. Now that Jesus had died, they went back to fishing. Does this sound familiar? It could be that you are not doing what you know you should be doing. These men were disciples of Jesus. He had called them to fish for men, not casting a net in the sea. One reason that we have empty nets is because we are casting our nets for all the wrong things.

Secondly, they failed miserably because they were fishing in their own effort. When they heeded the words of Jesus, things changed drastically. Another reason that we may be having empty nets is because we are laboring in our own strength. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” It is an exercise in futility for a follower of Jesus to do things apart from the Lord's blessing and help. We need to seek the Lord, respect His Word, and obey His commands. When we trust God and obey His Word, we will find the nets getting full.

Next, they failed because they refused to learn from the past. In Luke chapter 5, Simon Peter met Jesus as he was finishing a night of fishing. Simon Peter had fished all night and had caught nothing. As Peter expressed his frustrations, Jesus told him to launch out into the deep and cast his net. When he obeyed the Lord, his nets were full. Now, some time later, Peter is at it again. He has fished without the Lord's help and ended up with empty nets. He failed to learn from his past experience. It is truly a foolish thing to repeat failed procedures and expect positive results. We are in the schoolroom of life and the Lord is our teacher. Some of us need to finally learn the lessons He's been trying to teach us.

Also, the disciples found that the Word of the Lord makes a difference. Jesus spoke the word, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” After a long night of futile fishing, it didn't make sense to simply cast the net on the right side of the ship. Yet a word from God makes all the difference in the world. When the disciples obeyed the word of the Lord and cast their net on the right side of the ship, they caught so much fish that their net was overwhelmed with fish. Many people are catching nothing in their nets and yet their Bibles continue to collect dust. No wonder their nets are empty.

Finally, when their net was full, they recognized that it was the Lord who was behind their great catch. How many of us have seen God do miracles … and then failed to give Him proper praise? When your nets are full, do you give God the glory, or do you simply brag about your fishing skills? If you fail to give God the praise for past victories, don't be surprised if your victories get few and far between.

What should you do when you have empty nets? Certainly there may be a myriad of answers to this question because every person's situation may be different. I think there are some basic things that we should do when we have empty nets. First of all, seek the Lord. Start your day in God's Word. There is great insight in His Word. Every morning, get on your knees and ask Him for help and wisdom. Secondly, learn from the past and learn from others. More than likely, you've had empty nets before. What lessons did you learn from these experiences? Also, others have had seasons when their nets were empty. What can you learn from their experiences? Third, keep your nets in the water. You'll never catch fish when your nets are in the boat. Keep the nets in the sea. In other words, keep living for Jesus and obeying His Word. Finally, give God all the praise when your nets get full again. He deserves all the credit.

Never be content with empty nets. Seek God. Trust Him. Obey His Word. Let God fill your nets once again!

POLITICS AND THE PULPIT

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." - 2 Timothy 4:2

I am seeing an alarming trend among churches in America.  During an election cycle, more and more pastors are permitting politicians and politically driven people to occupy their pulpits.  Some would argue that these "guest speakers" are people of faith who are simply giving their testimony.  Some of these men may even be ordained ministers who are political activists.  These men tend to be very vocal on political views and very silent on the Bible.

Am I the only one who finds fault with this?  Politics should be kept out of the pulpit.  The pulpit should be reserved for the preaching of the Word and not the spreading of political dogma.  A pastor should zealously protect his flock and pulpit from being led astray from the Gospel.  We are called to go and make disciples of men, not make Republicans (or Democrats) of men.

The local church should be a sanctuary from the political upheaval of our day, not a facilitator of it.  At church, people should hear the Good News, not political views.

Let me be clear about something, lest I be misunderstood.  Some hot-button issues of our day may be addressed from the pulpit.  It is never wrong to condemn evil in our society.  It is not wrong to preach against sin, even sins that may have political overtones (such as abortion, same-sex marriage and transgender issues).  However, it is wrong for a church to publicly endorse a political candidate. 

The church used to be considered a sacred place.  People used to respect the church.  Now, because of our departure from the Bible, the church has lost her respectability.  The world no longer respects the Church because the Church resembles the world.  We cannot reach the world by acting like the world.

In the Gospels, we read that Jesus cleansed the temple.  I believe that churches need to be cleansed today.  I believe that if Jesus walked to and fro today, He would not be pleased with what He sees in churches.  He would not even be welcome in some churches.  If He were to cleanse the temples in America today, politics would be among the things He would cast out.

Read carefully the Gospels and the book of Acts & you'll find that political opposition and hostility was a regular occurrence.  Despite this, Jesus and His disciples shared the Word with the people, not political opinions.  By the way, political opinions are just that ... opinions.  We have a sure word from the Lord.  That is the Word that is needed desperately today.  Let us not be guilty of feeding the flock pig's slop when they could be nourishing on the meat of the Word.

Although He spoke to specific issues of His day, Jesus refused to get deeply involved in politics.  Instead, He came to meet a greater need --- the spiritual need of precious souls.  Since when has the temporal affairs of this world become more important than the eternal souls of men?

If you play with fire, you will be burned.  Billy Graham learned this the hard way when he aggressively supported Richard Nixon's presidential campaign.  Nixon's private life and political corruption taught Dr. Graham to stay faithful to the Word and stay away from politics.  Today, many preachers are going down a similar path, but the ultimate result will be same.  Let's keep our ministries away from politics and avoid being burned.

The preacher needs to be heard and respected for his preaching ministry.  He needs to keep his ministry clean from worldly influence.  The pulpit is the place where God's Word should be heralded. 

What the world needs desperately today is God's Word, not political rhetoric.  

POLITICS AND THE CHRISTIAN

"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's." - Luke 20:25

The political climate of our country is toxic.  It feels like any moment our nation may erupt into civil unrest and chaos.  In the past, differences of opinion were tolerated for the sake of civility, national unity and pride.  These days, manipulation, anger, hostility and even violence explode when friends discuss their political views.

Sadly, I find many Christians being swept into the angry tide of political mayhem.  I am disappointed and disheartened to see Christians get hostile on social media over political differences.

While I have strong political views, I am not naive.  I know that politics is a dirty business.  Corruption abounds in politics on both sides of the isle.  Hypocrisy is the norm in American politics.  Those who preach the highest morals on the campaign trail are often guilty of the worst criminal activity themselves.  We should never place too much faith or confidence in a human being, especially those in politics.

While many may disagree with my view about politics and politicians, I want to challenge my Christian friends to exercise common sense about a few issues in regards to politics.

1.  DO YOUR CIVIC DUTY

Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's."  As Christians, we are not immune to civic responsibility.  We are to pay our taxes.  Also, when we are chosen, we are to serve on a jury.  Plus, it is vitally important that we vote every time there is an election.  Don't just complain about the course of our country, do your part and vote!  Vote according to Biblical convictions.

2.  A CHRISTIAN MAY GO INTO PUBLIC SERVICE

It isn't wrong for a Christian to go into politics.  He or she needs to be forewarned, however, that the higher a person climbs on the political ladder, the more he or she will be tempted to compromise in the area of integrity.  Certainly, Christians are needed in our government, but they should never compromise their faith.

3.  DON'T BE CONSUMED BY POLITICS

I find too many Christians are consumed by politics.  They can't hold a rational conversation about the issues without getting too emotional.  While it is important to have political views, don't let these matters be your main passion.   Some may object to this, but I believe that there are more important matters for a Christian to be consumed with.  Do people know you more by your politics or your faith? 

4.  AGREE TO DISAGREE

I think there are certain basic issues all Christians should agree on.  However, there is room for disagreements on numerous issues.  When a fellow believer expresses views that are different from yours, it is important to agree to disagree.  Don't belittle the other person or get into a hostile exchange. I find it ironic & sad,  that some will object to bullying tactics of a politician, then turn around and bully the ones who support that politician. It is time for Christians to act like Christians, especially when we disagree on politics.

5.  GIVE MORE ATTENTION TO GOD'S KINGDOM

Finally, give your passion and allegiance to God's kingdom.  Jesus said, "Render ... unto God the things which be God's."  I don't think the Lord is impressed with Christians trading verbal barbs on social media about politics.  I don't think He is pleased with those who rarely go to church but will drive hundreds of miles to see a politician.  I doubt that the Lord is satisfied with those who complain about the length of a preacher's sermon, but will speak glowingly of a politician's speech that runs more than an hour.  The Bible does NOT say that there is rejoicing in heaven over one soul that changes political parties. 

If you read the Gospels, it is obvious that many Jews had high expectations that the Messiah would deliver them from Roman oppression.  To the disappointment of many, Jesus refused to get involved in political issues.  Instead, His focus was on the mission He was sent to accomplish.  Jesus was focused on the Kingdom of God, not politics. 

His own disciples wanted Jesus to commit to a timetable when a political revolution would occur.  Rather than encouraging their political ambition, Jesus said, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Jesus challenged His disciples to be busy with evangelism, not politics.  That's what they did.  Against all political pressure, the disciples got busy spreading the Gospel.  Shouldn't we?

 

Paul wrote, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."  While many are passionately pushing a political agenda, Christians are called to zealously proclaim the Gospel.  Which are you doing?

A thousand years from now, it won't matter who won a Presidential race or captured a congressional seat.  The United States probably won't exist a thousand years from now.

It is time for Christians to passionately labor for the things that will last forever.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE CHRISTIAN

"... whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Social media is a blessing in many ways.  It allows me to stay in contact with family, old school chums, former co-workers and friends.  Social media also keeps me encouraged and inspired by those in ministry.  I find my soul being enriched with the wisdom that is sometimes shared on social media.

Despite all the positive potential that social media offers, it is also a place where people show their evil nature.  Profanity, accusations, name-calling, bullying and threats are not uncommon on social media.  For me, the worst part of social media is the conduct of professing Christians.  So let me share some common sense tips with my Christian friends.

1.  DON'T USE PROFANITY

First of all, a Christian should not use profanity.  Ever.  Posting filthy language on social media is totally inexcusable.  Think before you post something on social media.  Remember that unbelievers read your words.  How can you be an effective witness to the lost when your language is just as bad as theirs?  Secondly, remember that God sees the words you post on social media.  Don't use profanity.  Don't use God's Name in vain. 

2.  BE KIND

You will not always agree with the opinions of others.  That's fine.  Be courteous.  It is true that our nation has become angry, hostile and downright mean.  That is no excuse for a Christian to act this way.  Sometimes the best thing you can do is to agree to disagree.  Jerry Vines once said, "A Christian does not have the luxury to be unkind."

3.  DON'T AIR YOUR DIRTY LAUNDRY

Too many professing Christians use social media to express their frustrations.  Whether it is work-related problems, family issues, marital disharmony, or disagreements with the neighbors, some vent their raw emotions on social media.  This only deepens wounds and makes problems worse.  Sure, some may take "your side" on the issue, but in the end you are part of the problem and not part of the solution.  The Bible instructs us how to handle disagreements.  It is time for Christians to obey the Bible. 

4.  DON'T LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Also, don't spend all day on social media.  You have a life to live, so live it!  John Piper said, “One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.”  Don't waste your life consumed by social media.   Let me recommend that you spend more time every day in God's Book, the Bible, than you do on Facebook.

5.  USE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOD'S GLORY

Finally, Christians should use social media for the glory of God.  Do the things posted on your Facebook wall glorify God?  As your "friends" look at your social media accounts, is it obvious to them that you are a Christian? 

There is nothing wrong with sharing family pictures or clean humor on social media.  Ultimately, social media should be used to glorify God.  Paul wrote, "... whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."  Notice that Paul instructs us to do ALL to the glory of God.  I believe that in 2018, this includes social media.  

Social media is a great tool, but it must be used correctly.  Use social media for the glory of God.

ARE YOU HUNGRY?

"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." - Psalm 107:9

It has been said that every man needs a hobby.  I suppose my hobby is eating.  I love good food!  My weight testifies to that fact. 

When I was growing up, most of our family meals were based on Dad's work schedule.  But there were times when Dad wasn't working.  At these times Mom would sometimes ask, "Are you hungry?"  Our response would give her an indication when to prepare the next meal.

I think it is important to ask ourselves the question, "Am we hungry?"  Are we spiritually hungry?  In a very technical sense, every person is spiritually hungry.  Most are feasting at the wrong table.  The devil has a banquet table where worldly desires are fed.  Those who feast there leave hungry and empty.

For the Christian, there is only one place where we can find nourishing spiritual food.  The Bible says, "O taste and see that the Lord is good."  Do we have a real hunger for the Lord and the things of God?  I really don't think many people recognize their spiritual hunger.  Yet for those who hunger after God, there are four things that are true of them.

1.  A HOLY DISCONTENT

First of all, they have a holy discontent.  They are not satisfied with the status quo.  They aren't impressed with religion, tradition or rituals.  Those who hunger for God and the things of God will not be content with anything less than close communion with Christ.

2.  A HOLY DISCRIMINATION

Secondly, there is a holy discrimination.  Those who hunger for the Lord avoid the junk food of this world.  When I was growing up, Mom always told us to avoid eating potato chips near suppertime.  She knew that junk food, like potato chips, would ruin our appetite.  The same is true of many church members.  Most pastors would admit that a shocking percentage of their church membership is not faithful to attend.  Perhaps too many are eating the junk food of this world rather feasting on the good things of God.

3.  A HOLY DETERMINATION

Third, there is a holy determination.  When a man hungers for the Lord, he seeks to have his hunger satisfied.  A hungry man pursues intimacy with the Lord.  He is not passive about his hunger.  He doesn't have to be nagged into going to church.  He doesn't have to be reminded to read his Bible.  His hunger drives him closer to God.

4.  A HOLY DESPERATION

Finally, there is a holy desperation.  A hungry person can get desperate.  A hungry man will sacrifice his time, talents and treasures in order to please the One he loves.  A lack of desperation has sadly tainted American Christianity.  Far too many people treat the things of God like they can "take it or leave it."  Few are driven to their knees to seek God desperately.  It seems like God has a soft spot for desperate people.  Desperation will humble a man, driving him to his knees.  Desperation will bring a people together to pray.  Desperation is often among the initial signs of a mighty revival.  Hungry people get desperate and that desperation fuels their spiritual intensity and desire.

The Bible says, "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."  A famine, a time of real hunger, is coming.  Notice it is not a famine of bread, but "of hearing the words of the LORD."  Please note that it will not be a famine of preaching or teaching, but hearing the words of the Lord.  There's a famine in our land right now.  In spite of the number of Bibles being sold, few are feasting at the Master's table. 

Are you hungry?  Does your soul hunger for more of God and His Word?  Are your days filled with thoughts about your Lord?  Do you find yourself praying more?  Are you spending more time in His Word?  Are you seeking the face of God?  

The Lord, "... satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."  So push aside all the junk food of this world.  Read and study your Bible.  Get on your knees in prayer.  Get back in church where you belong. 

Feast again on the good things of God.