God's Enduring Love

 

Psalms 100: “Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” NKJV

One of the over-riding messages of Psalm 100 is that we sing to bring our hearts, our minds, and our spirits into the presence of God. Our worship of God should be one of gladness. There should be a joy that overwhelms us as we come into God’s presence. It excites us so that we should want to shout our thanks to the Lord. In our thanksgiving we recognize that the Lord is good and “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136 ESV). Why do we sing in worship? It brings us into the presence of God Himself.

[1 John 4:8] “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Some themes are so great that comment only seems to detract. Words are just inadequate. One such theme is the love of God. Because “God is love,” His every act must be interpreted in that context. God’s love was shown in the creation of the universe. “We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks! For your wonderous works declare that your name is near” (Psalm 75:1). “For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18). God’s wonderful world declares His wonderous love. God’s love is shown in every blessing He showers upon us. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Everything I have, God gave me! Everything I will have, God will give me! Every blessing is a manifestation of God’s love. God’s love is shown in His plan for redeeming us. Our sins alienate us from Him (Isaiah 59:1-2). Instead of withdrawing His love, God planned for our redemption. He does not want us to be lost forever! (2 Peter 3:9). He wants us to be saved from our sins! “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). What Love God has for each of us! God’s love is shown in the sacrifice of His Son. This was, and is, the manifestation of His love. The golden text of the Bible is: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

We can only say with the apostle Paul, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Indescribable gift of love! It “…passes knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:19).

God loves us! He gave His Son for us! Such love constrains us to live for Him! “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus; that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This is why we gladly comply with His will. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). “Loving God, I praise You for all of Your bountiful blessings! You are rich in mercy and grace, and I am the grateful recipient of all You offer daily. In Jesus’ name.”

Being Influential

 

Are basic manners, such as saying “please” and “thank-you,” old fashion and a thing of the past? Why is it that adults have a tough time expressing appreciation for things they have been given? Zig Ziglar, known as “America’s motivator,” has some interesting thoughts: “Of all the things a parent can teach a child, manners rates very close to the top to the “must teach” list. Number one; when a child is taught, from the time he or she can talk, to say “thank-you” you are teaching that child thankfulness. Number two; the insertion of the word “please” in a request changes the child from a demanding person to one who accepts the fact that when they ask a favor or make a request, the parent has no automatic obligation to respond favorably to that request. Response to “please” is much better than “get this for me” demand type of approach. The child must be taught the idea that they must first serve before they can earn the right to command.”

We all have influence over others on whom we come in contact every day. As a husband, parent, grand-parent, church leader I have influence over different people in my work every day. I must take this task seriously. I must think of the words that I use and the actions that I exhibit because there are others watching. The words and actions that I use have an influence over those around me. Who do you have influence over? Who’s watching you?

Our influence must be one that influences people to see and obey Christ. Our Christian influence should be leading people to God. The top priority in our life should be to get to Heaven, and to help as many others as possible to get to Heaven as well. One way we can do that is through our Godly influence. The Christian influence we display should always reflect good and not evil. We must be of the work of the church and not of the world. The world is full of evil. We need to distinguish ourselves from the world and stand out against what is evil in the world. Our Christian influence should be seen through our words, actions, and friends. The words that we say can have a major impact on those we speak to. Mean, discouraging, and hateful words said to others is not going to bring them to God. Lying, cheating, rudeness, disrespectful behavior will not encourage one to obey the Gospel. Too often we become who we hang around. We must be watchful of the words we say, actions we do, and the company we keep. Our Christian influence should be obvious for everyone to see. Here is where we need to stand out. Not standing out in a “I’m better than everyone else” manner. But everyone you come in contact with should be able to tell by your life that you are a follower of Christ, you have committed your life to God and are going to live life serving Him. Our influence is especially important because it can have an effect on our salvation. If one is not influencing for Christ, then you will be tossed out just as the salt that lost its saltiness (Matthew 5:13). Is your influence for Christ or the world?

[Ephesians 4:32] “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Being kind, courteous, and grateful will never go out of style or become old fashioned. Let us strive to be gracious, respectful, and considerate to all with whom we come in contact. And may we always count our blessings – being grateful to our Heavenly Father for His love and mercy.

(1 Thessalonians 5:14-18) “Now we exhort you brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” As your life becomes more Godly, you influence others to become Godly.

Sinkholes

 

While working this past week preparing my Sunday morning lesson, all of a sudden, I found myself without internet service. I rely on my service for office phones and auto backup of my work along with gathering materials for my PowerPoint presentations. I immediately knew what happened. A boring crew was installing a new underground fiber optic cable one street over. They accidentally hit and broke the cable my internet service is on. Well, to make a long story short, I got my service back 24 hours later and I was way behind in my work. Of course, wouldn’t you know it, the first phone call to come in was a telemarketer. Ooooo, I hates telemarketers!

I read a story of how one secretary managed the situation but haven’t had the nerve to try it yet. After greeting the caller he heard, “Is the owner or manager of the business present?” Knowing she had not heard the word church in his initial greeting, he replied, “The owner has been gone now for about two thousand years, but we expect Him to come back any minute, although we don’t know exactly when. But when He does come back, I’m certain that neither He nor you will be interested in selling or buying anything you have to offer.” After a pregnant pause she replied, “I guess I’ve reached a church office, and you’re talking about Jesus.” “Yes ma’am,” he said. “Can I help you in any way?” “No,” she replied, “Have a good day.” It is true – telemarketers call the church too! I would imagine that the lady got more than she bargained for on this occasion.

A giant sinkhole opened up in Schmalkalden, Germany about 98 feet across and about 65 feet deep that swallowed a car, part of a garage and house. Yet, it was minor compared to the sinkhole that opened up in Guatemala City in 2007. Reportedly, residents periodically heard rumbling for weeks, but no one knew why. In one day, almost instantly, a perfectly round plot of earth disappeared and left a hole more than thirty stories deep! Experts suppose that sinkholes appear because of the movement of earth beneath what we see every day. The problem can be caused by the movement of water, flooding or changing weather patterns. Sinkholes occur when there is literally no foundation under the ground, and everything pays the price for the lack of foundation, especially what’s on the surface.

[Matthew 7:24-27] There are some Christians who are like those sinkholes; they have no foundation under the surface. When circumstances are right, their lives “cave in” and cause damages that no one would have believed or expected. Spiritual sinkholes occur because of lack of knowledge in the word of God (Hebrews 5:12-14). Spiritual sinkholes occur when someone fails to act on their faith (2 Peter 1:5-11).

How does a person guard against erosion of their faith? Second Peter 1:5-7 teaches that the guard is a solid foundation of faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. “These things” repeated in verse 8, verse 9, verse 10, verse 12, and verse 15 are the surest way to solidify the foundation of faith. The promise is that one who “abounds in these things” - “… you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” - and you “will never stumble.”

Spiritual sinkholes can be avoided if there is more examination of self and examination of faith, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5)! Our lives are vulnerable to spiritual sinkholes brought about by the lack of a firm foundation. We would all do well to thoughtfully and prayerfully make sure that we are building only on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ and His word. (Matthew 16:13-18)

Let's Do Some Sharpening

 

This week’s thought is taken from the parable of the lad with a dull ax. Once upon a time, a long time ago, a young man approached a logging crew in the verdant and forested woodlands of British Columbia. He was looking for work. The foreman asked George, for that was his name, if he could fell a tree with an ax. He had never chopped down a tree before, but how hard could it be? With nary a syllable out of his mouth, he lumbered over to a nearby blue spruce and felled it like a pro. The foreman hired him on the spot.

On Monday, George outdid everyone else on the crew. But, each day after that, he got slower and slower until Friday, he could barely cut one tree down. He went through all the motions, swinging his ax, hitting the tree and repeating it, but it just didn’t work very well.

Finally, George laid down his ax, sat on a tree stump, his lungs heaving with exhaustion, wondering what was causing his declining productivity and energy.

The foreman came over to see why George was lollygagging. “Ye look like yer been chewed up, spit out and stepped on, lad. What’s itchin’ at ya?” The young man described his problem. “Ah,” said the foreman. “I know what’s wrong alright. Ye been so busy all week a-doing the things that a logger does fer sure, but ye ne’er ’membered to sharpen ye ax, didja now? Ye ax is dull, and ye may as well be warming up leftover snow as chopping wood with it.”

And this is how young George learned about the importance of sharpening his ax, as well as his other tools and skills. The foreman’s words helped him to appreciate important fundamental principles and values.

And as a God-fearing lad, he also remembered from that day forward to renew his strength in the Lord. “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men will utterly fall; But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31). George thought that verse was written just for him! Now he understood just as the logger needs to sharpen his ax, we, too, need to sharpen our spiritual lives through prayer, reading Scripture and faith in God. by Timothy Merrill

[2 Corinthians 10:3-6] Every Sunday, just about noon, families walk out of church, get in the car and begin to drive home. Crucial religious instruction could, and maybe should, take place then. Here are some of the positions a parent can take as these minutes tick away. * Act like you’ve never been to worship services. *Do not mention anything that happened during Bible study and worship. * The whole experience happened in another world; now you’re back in the real world. Play devil’s advocate: * Take the opposite side of the preacher; punch a few holes in the sermon. * Make fun of the song leader noting that he sang too slow, too fast; pitched the songs too low or too high; sang too many songs or not enough. * Make fun of the prayer content and the prayer leader. * Criticize the entire worship service and all the current public ministry.

Nothing’s perfect in this world because nobody in this world is perfect. How should the car-ride conversation sound? * Support the things that took place during the worship hour. There will be times when this is easier to introduce in conversation than at other times. But make an effort to always be supportive of the ministry you are involved in (or change)! * Speak kindly of the Elders, Deacons, and Ministers. * Display an attitude of appreciation and love; and above all – unity. *Remember the little ears that are listening and learning. * There is a teachable moment after each worship service. You can sharpen the dullness.

Practicing Reverence

 

Drivers who are meticulous about traveling the speed limit may do so for varied reasons. Some are conscientious about what they are doing. They believe that out of respect for the safety of themselves and other motorists that it is a wholly proper thing to do. Others will travel the speed limit out of fear. Some fear getting caught by the police. Teen drivers might fear getting caught by their parents. Still others travel the speed limit because they do not have a choice. Lack of horsepower or the mechanical condition of their vehicle takes away the option of traveling at a higher rate of speed. (Been there – done that!) Each is doing the same thing but for varied reasons.

The same can be said about worshipping God as we do today. We are each doing so but our motives may vary. I’m sure that most people who attend worship services are there because there is nowhere else they would rather be. But that cannot be said for all. I am confident that some attend out of fear – the fear of hell, the fear of parents, the fear of “how it might look” can cause some, who desire to be elsewhere, to join with God’s people on the Lord’s day. If we were able to go back through time, we would likely find that people really have not changed. Be it at Mt. Sinai, the dedication of the temple or the keeping of any of the feast days, the motivation of the worshippers likely varied. However, one thing that did not vary was the attitude of the worshippers. When it comes to the attitudes we present, He is quite demanding.

[Psalm 89:7] “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints. And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” When we assemble, we are to show God the respect He is due. Not only does He deserve it; He demands it. Consider manners of simple respect that we demand and follow: * At a memorial service for a fallen soldier, all in attendance are quiet and respectful. In Sunday morning worship we honor the Christ who died for us (1Thessalonians 5:9-10). * At a movie, we become frustrated over those who talk during the show and constantly move about the theatre. * A schoolteacher’s ability to maintain order and effectively work with each child in their class demands respect from each student. To accomplish order in the room requires each student to stop talking and remain in their seats. How much more is our God to be respected!? Even beyond respect, He is to be revered. The prophets had to reach people who certainly did not properly revere God. Many ignored Him in favor of idols and among those who did claim to worship Him there was a relaxed attitude. People felt that they could do what they wanted – when they wanted in matters of worship. In the midst of this period one made a very simple plea, “But the Lord is in His holy temple; Let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20). It is a simple matter of respect for Him and our fellow worshippers.

I believe that the mighty planets circling in space loudly proclaim God’s existence; hence, I have no sympathy with the “God is dead” theology. I believe the God who made the world made me through my ancestors, Adam, and Eve – not through animals; hence, I have no sympathy with the theistic evolutionary theory. I believe God made me different from the animals; I have a responsibility to answer for my conduct on a special appointed day of judgment; hence, I have no sympathy with the idea that this life is all there is. I do not believe in the “new morality” which is not new at all. It was practiced before the great flood of Noah’s day and the apostasy caused that destruction (Genesis 6:5-8).

(Matthew 24:36-39) I believe the wicked people of today will bring about apostasy once again, and the destruction of the earth – with fire this time! (2 Peter 3:10-13). RU ready?