It’s All about Jesus

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I have been quiet on blogosphere over the past month or so. In part, I suppose, I needed a break or something.  Also, I believe the Lord was doing a work on my heart. Last year He told me to start writing a blog. First off, I am not a gifted writer or anything. I have to rewrite everything a number of times and use software to make sure the English is somewhat correct so that my writings make since. However, the Lord wanted me writing, so I did. It was only by His grace, and His strength was I able to write. Then I found myself building up pride, “look at me! I am getting many comments; people all over the world visit my blog. Boy, this is way cool." I would find myself going to my e-mail quite regularly checking to see if I received any new comments. Then when they were not there, I felt bummed out.

I suppose most people in ministry have to deal with pride in some way or another. We want to draw attention to ourselves. Oh yes, It is a wonderful thing making friends out there in blogger land. I sure do love reading the comments from my visitors and visiting other Christ centered blogs. I treasure all the friendships I have made. I hope and pray the Lord has used what I have written to help my readers grow in their walks with Jesus. Also, I hope and pray unsaved people come looking for answers, not just to my blog, but all of the Christ centered blogs out there. It's important to remember it's not about me; it is all about Jesus! It’s all about bringing glory to Him. Instead of rejoicing because I got comments, rejoice because His Word is going forth and He would use a sinner like me to bring Him glory. Also, rejoice in the online fellowship the Lord has given us, both through the internet and in life.

All things were created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. ¹⁸ And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:16b-18 NKJV)

Can Knowledge Be Bad?

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Since our youth, we are instructed to learn and grow in knowledge. Is it possible, at times, this could be a bad thing? I am not saying education and growing in knowledge is necessarily a bad thing, but can it be? I do not advocate avoiding our studies, after all scripture tells us to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,” (1Peter 3:15b) and "study to shew thyself approved unto God." (2 Timothy 2:15a KJV) The bereans searched the scripture daily to see if they were taught the truth. However, how can learning and growing in knowledge be a bad thing? Follow me for a moment on this.

How can knowledge be bad?

When we go back to Genesis, in the Garden of Eden the Bible speaks of two trees by name. One is the “tree of life,” and the other is “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” God commanded Adam and Eve saying they could eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. While the "tree of life" was available to them, they choose the "tree of knowledge." They gave up intimacy with God for knowledge. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree of knowledge, thus gaining knowledge of good and evil and the separation between God and man resulted.

When I look at my life, how does knowledge affect me in a wrong way? Because of my knowledge I believe I have no need to ask God for His wisdom and guidance, after all, I think, I have the answers. Maybe I sin and cause harm to come upon myself or someone else. Maybe I just flat out make a bonehead decision and pay the consequences for years to come. See, this knowledge props me up with pride, and the results are not good.

When I am out witnessing, some of the hardest people to witness to are the intellectual people. Maybe they have a college degree and are successful in life, but because of their pride and knowledge; they think they have no need for God. Maybe they think they are too smart to believe in a God.

For other examples of how knowledge can be bad, one only needs a quick look at the newspaper for many examples on how people used knowledge for evil. One gains knowledge of something valuable, and then steals it; another may have knowledge of bomb construction, and then use it to kill innocent people. The list goes on and on.

With all these examples of how knowledge can be bad, how then can knowledge be good?

When Jesus asked “who do you say I am,” Peter replied “you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13,16-17) Notice the Father gave Peter this knowledge. Jesus goes on to say “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) Jesus being the Christ (the Messiah), is the rock which the church is built upon. Jesus is building the church. That means, if I am a Christian, Jesus is building me; I am a part of His church. Jesus is the Rock; He is the Chief Cornerstone. If my knowledge is built on the Rock, it is a mighty thing; my knowledge may be used by God for His good purposes. When I keep my eyes focused on Him and allow Him to build me, I do not become puffed up with pride believing I can accomplish my desires apart from God. My desires may not be God’s desires and my fellowship with Him may be broken, when my knowledge is not built on the Rock. Even our studies apart from the Word of God, say in school, are used by God if our life is built upon the solid foundation, the Rock Jesus Christ. We may use what we learned to obtain a suitable job to raise our families, have the resources to give and support the church. Remember, what is a good thing may become a terrible thing if it is not built upon the solid foundation, Jesus Christ.

Faithfulness

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 ¹ Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. ³ But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.In fact, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. (1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NKJV)

This post was inspired by a sermon I listened to last week by a Calvary Chapel pastor, Damian Kyle from Modesto, California. This was a phenomenal sermon which he gave at a pastors’ conference. I received a copy from my church as part of a study on "Servanthood." This message ministered to in an awesome way, and I would love to share what I learned from this message with you. Below are the highlights from that message.

The Apostle Paul, a man who still praises God even after being unjustly arrested, savagely beaten and bound in chains, in a 1st century Roman jail. He was a man who rose up to his feet after being stoned and left for dead, only to make his way back to the city in which he was stoned. During his second missionary journey, he came to Corinth, “difficult nut to crack,” but he established a church there. Paul was not appreciated and was forced to defend himself. The people of Corinth did not like his simple preaching. He did not dazzle them with excellence speech or wisdom, but preached Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (See 1 Cor 2:1-2) People also did not like the fact he would not let them be comfortable in their sin. What is it that helped the Apostle Paul remain faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all the trials and tribulations he faced? Thankfully the Holy Spirit gave us a glimpse into the heart and mind of Paul. Below are seven keys from the text in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, which gives us some insight into this.

1. “…very small thing that I should be judged by you…” (1 Cor 4:3) Paul was more concerned about what God’s opinion was than mans. He did not allow mans opinion of him get him down. We are not to let the unjust opinions of others drive us out from where God has called us to serve.
2. “… In fact, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ For I know of nothing against myself…” (1 Cor 4:3-4) Judging ourselves can be as dangerous as someone else judging us. He is not talking about examining ourselves concerning sin and holiness. What Paul is saying here is that he is unable to make an accurate opinion about the effectiveness of his own ministry and service. For example, one may think they did a most remarkable job sharing the message of Jesus Christ, yet it was not effective. Then what we thought was downright lame, was in fact, just the opposite. This was the message used by God to change someone’s life.
3. “…but He who judges me is the Lord.” (1 Cor 4:4) Paul trusted God to all judgments for only God knows all things and He will bring all things out into the open. (See verse 5)
4. “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ…” (1 Cor 4:1) Paul reminded himself he was a servant. When realizing one is a servant, it protects us from self pity. We are God’s servant to be used as He sees fit, which is our reasonable service.
5. “…stewards of the mysteries of God…” (1 Cor 4:1) Paul was a steward of the mysteries of God. A steward is not free to do as he pleases with the wealth he is entrusted with, but to do with according to his masters desires. Paul would hear the voice of the Lord, and be faithful in obeying God.
6. “…until the Lord comes…” (1 Cor 4:5) Paul always had an eternal perspective for he knew this would all end up in heaven one day.
7.  …Then each one’s praise will come from God.” (1 Cor 4:5) Paul was confident that at the end of his life, he would receive the greatest reward one could ever imagine. That is to hear, “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.” No life that does not hear this from Jesus can be considered successful. Think about that statement for a minute.

Will I Have Work?

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Lately, I have been reading of reports of increasing layoffs again in the US. It is a scary thing for many people, including myself. My job has been on shaky ground for quite some time now. Even though I am employed at the moment, wages have not kept pace with inflation. Many are hurting these days; many are worried sick. The government say’s our economy is getting better, yet one does not require a PHD in economics to see that we are facing some trying times. Many have lost faith in our leaders. Some say they are intentionally selling us out. I do not know, but maybe. What are we to do? Where are we to turn?

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, 

And establish the work of our hands for us;  

Yes, establish the work of our hands. 

(Psalm 90:17)

³ You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴ Trust in the LORD forever,
For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. 

(Isaiah 26:3-4)

³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)

I pray all of us hold fast to the Lord in the days ahead with our eyes set on eternity. Let’s all live Godly lives sharing the message of Jesus Christ with whoever will listen. Let's not forget our brothers and sisters in the Lord who are hurting and be steadfast in prayer for the body of Christ. God has called us for a time such as this, let’s be prepared to answer the calling. Many feel something dreadful is fixing to happen; if it does, we will see a time of great opportunity. Many will be willing to listen and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. God will allow us an opportunity to make eternal differences in many people’s lives. Of course, things may smooth out for a season, which is a good thing. However, preparing for the worst and praying for the best is a wise move.

All scripture: NKJV

Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom?



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1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. (Matthew 18:1-5)




Something about our fallen sinful nature, we desire being the greatest. This can be on the job, in the church or anywhere else. The apostles argued “who will be the greatest in the kingdom?” In the corporate world, we put a lot of effort into working up the corporate ladder. However, Jesus said “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” What is this all about? Humble myself and become as a little child? Should I not go out and work for it? Afterall, I must earn it? Right? This goes against everything I have been taught.



Honesty is a vital part of humility. Let’s take a look at little children for a moment; they have a hard time with lying. When pressed, they will tell the truth. If children are sad, they will not appear happy and so forth. We adults will ask someone, “How are you doing?” We do not want to hear the words, “not good.” Many times when that happens we want to be on our way. We will also put a mask on our face and pretend all is well when, in fact, it is not.



I believe pride is what keeps people from receiving salvation. Many people believe they will go to heaven when they die. When witnessing, it is beneficial to ask people “on what basis will they enter into heaven.” Many times I have asked some form of that question, yet very few times I have received a response with Jesus’ name in it. I have heard “because I attend church," or "I sing in the choir.” Other common replies are “because I am a good person" or "I try to keep the commandments.” Many put their faith in their “good deeds.” They might say “I try to do the right thing and I am responsible.” I have heard people say “they do not sin.” Ask the question, “Have you ever told a lie?” They will say “no I have not.” Stolen anything? “Nope.” Then there are the people when hearing of grace through Jesus’ shed blood on the cross, that He paid their sin debt. They refuse to receive it because “no one is going to pay my penalty for me, it is my debt.” Still others believe God is evil because He will forgive the worst of sinners if they repent of their sins and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. They will say “I would rather spend eternity in hell than with a God who will forgive someone like that.” Pride leads us to these responses. It bases everything on one's self and not God. In other words, it's all about me.



This is where honesty and humility comes in. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, he also saw himself as a man with unclean lips. We must be honest and confess our sins to God and not attempt covering our sins ourselves. Remember when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden? They tried hiding and covering themselves with fig leaves? Pride will cause us to try to either hide or cover our own sins, but it is always inadequate. God supplied the only sufficient covering for our sins. As God clothed Adam and Eve, He has provided a covering for us, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Imitate God as Dear Children

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¹ Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

One day on the job someone I never met before came in to work on the phones. I was showing him around and discussing the situation, but our conversation was business related only. Then out of nowhere he asked the question “are you a Christian?” I replied “yes I am.” He said, “I could tell.” This individual was not a Christian, but he was seeking and this opened up the door for a wonderful witnessing encounter. This sure did make me day.

I do not write this to receive amen’s and that-a-boy’s because many more times I have not looked like Jesus at all. (Not only that, any good within me is because of God, and He gets all the glory). One such occasion  my boss said something I did not like and I behaved in a very un-Christian like manner. What she said was nothing to get excited about, I just did not like the way she said it, as a result, I went off like a rocket for everyone to see. What an embarrassing example that was.

One thing we must all remember, someone is always watching us. There is an old saying “I may be the only Bible someone else reads.” While we will always fall short of the glory of God, when the unbelievers see Christians behaving in the same way as everyone else, they question “Who is this Jesus?” When they see us believers committing adultery, cursing, getting drunk, anger problems and on and on…they think “Why come to Jesus? What will He do for me?”

I truly believe, when we fall in love with God with all our heart, the more Christ like we become. The more Christ like we become, the more we will live an abundant life serving the Lord. The way we behave will affect many people beyond us, for the better or worse.  Let us have the love and concern for other people that we humble ourselves and let God mold us into the image of His Son, so we may be a light in this dark world.

Some questions to ask of ourselves:

Does my speech testify that I love Jesus, or not?

Does my character testify that I love Jesus, or not?

Am I more concerned about my (fill in the blank), or Jesus?

Plant Me by the Rivers of Water

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1 Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

(Psalm 1:1-3)

If I were a tree with a choice as to where I was planted, where would I choose?

    A. By the rivers of water.

    B. Out in the middle of the desert.

As Christians, why is it so much of the time we desire to be out in the desert just close enough to the river for a sip of water every now and again?

I do not know about you, but I want to be healthy and bear much fruit in the Lord. When the trials and temptations come my way I want to be grounded in truth so the wind does not blow me away.

4 The ungodly are not so,

But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

(Psalm 1:4-6)

 

All scripture from the NKJV