The Turtle or the Rabbit?

Today's treasure is found in the beautiful book of Proverbs....AKA the "Book of Wisdom." As we study our passage a bit today, I believe we will see why is has been called such...

A faithful man will abound with blessings,
But he who hastens to rich will not go unpunished.....
Proverbs 28:20

There is a Children's story that I believe is fitting for this passage of scripture. The story of the rabbit and the turtle. These two animals were going to race one another. They set the time and the day and lined up for the big race. Off they went with the obvious one (El Rabito....the rabbit, for those who don't know Spanish #:) taking the lead from the beginning, Mr Turtle ran his normal pace (snails crawl). What a race it was, not quite the race we would have expected!

The rabbit was easily distracted by many things and stopped, visited or whatever he desired to do, always thinking he could make up the time. Mr Turtle stayed at his normal pace throughout. Ultimately we all know what happened. The rabbit's erroneous thinking ultimately brought him down. THE TURTLE WON!!!

How in the world You say, does this have anything to do with today's passage??? Well it hinges on these two words.....FAITHFUL....and..... HASTENS.

Faithful brings to our minds the slow, deliberate, consistent actions of someone. While the opposite is true of the word hasten. Hasten, to hurry, rush, speed up or even quicken. You see, we often try and make things happen much faster than they actually require. Financially, emotionally, physically and even spiritually we seek to "HURRY" things up! Sadly, not realizing that things that matter often take time!

Things that come quickly rarely last. Look at the stat's regarding those who "win" the lottery. The vast majority wind up in worse shape than before they were "winners" and I use that term loosely. Have you ever heard...easy come easy go??? A life that is spent rushing form one arena to another seeking the next quick high, short cut or even new thing often winds up losing far more than they could even imagine.

There is no short cut to freedom in Christ. The cross is the only way to a relationship with God! There is no short cut to spirituality. The daily disciplines of reading His word and prayer is HIS method of growth and maturity. There is no short cut to financial freedom. Learning to live daily on a budget, well below your income consistently is the only way to true freedom!

Today's passage teaches us that faithfulness, while not the quickest is still the best way. While there may be many other methodologies that offer options of short cut to freedom, they may even work for a season...ultimately they will fail. Our society is learning that now....the hard way!

I will close with this......the headlines of our children's story....

"THE TURTLE WINS!"

So which are you????
Be Faithful!

You'll be glad you did!!!
Blessings
Bruce

Flounder......Just plain ugly, but taste sooo GOOD!

Having just returned from the Outer Banks of NC, I am still enjoying some of the memories of our time there. One of those was on Monday, as we were fishing from the surf, (for those city folk this means we stand in the surf, with fishing rods in hand, FISHING!).

Now I am one of those types that likes to do stuff others usually won't do, like fishing for Flounder. This requires a little more than just standing in the surf and waiting on the fish to swim by the bait. More action on our part, a bit more movement and opportunity to catch fish.....which is what we were trying to do! For some reason, I just love this!!!!

Well on Monday, I had the blessing of catching a couple of those Flounder. Have you ever seen one??? Down right UGLY! Flat fish that stay usually right on the bottom. White on the bottom, grayish, sandy color on top with both eyes at the most unusual place on the top. You could probably convince me of the big bang theory and evolution on this one as he actually looks as though he was involved in a big bang and things just fell where they could.....Except for one thing! As ugly as they are, they are delicious!

Either, baked or fried, whole or filleted, they are just plain GOOD! And they are good for us, too. (What did you expect me to say???!)UGLY but GOOD! As we consider this truth, I know God has a sense of humor. Because of stuff just like that. Making something so tough to look at and yet so good for food.

Isn't that like our Great God. He takes the ugly stuff of life and makes it good!!!??? Today's passage is from Genesis 45, where Joseph is revealing himself to his brothers who had done some ugly stuff to Joseph, which in turn caused a bunch more ugly stuff to happen in his life. He reveals how God had a plan in this mess of stuff and that it was for good!

Genesis 45:7-8.... And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God.....

That is truth. Our Incredible God, who is NOT limited by anything but Himself, can take the most ugly situations and make them turn out for incredible Good! The Ugly becomes the Good! God had sent Joseph to Egypt ahead of time to save the family of Israel! But it was through a lot of UGLY STUFF! HE does it all the time! IT is HIS method of doing business. HIS ways are NOT our ways! (Is 55) HE works in and through all situations to glorify HIMSELF and for the good of His children. Even when we do not see clearly, (aka seeing only the ugly) HE is at work!

Often we do not like it!!! ( at least I don't )Well, welcome to life and adulthood! Life is often a difficult road, filled with many potholes, curves, ruts and dangers. But while this may frustrate us, it will in no way hinder HIM! George Muller, enjoyed a life of answered prayers from the hand of the living God (some 50 thousand recorded answers). But this is only because he was acquainted with struggle and lack. But in his lack, he discovered God's unmeasurable resource. The ugly of life became a pulpit of God's provision.

He does not exist to make us happy. But the more we learn of HIM and HIS ways and surrender to HIM the more we will find true and lasting happiness. Because that truth, ugliness, can be the pathway to goodness! But we must first get a handle on that. Take the ugly of your life and give it to God! Ask Him to work though this, as bad as it may be, and teach you, lead you through it! HE will, cause ultimate happiness is only found in HIM!

This is where HE does HIS best work. Calvary is ugly by itself. A man dying on a cruel Roman cross. But through the ugliness of the cross we find the goodness of God. Lovingly lavished on all who believe! This same truth is worked out over and over in our lives as we grow towards HIM!

Oh, my brothers and sisters, take that which is so ugly in your world. That which perhaps no one knows but you and give it to HIM! That which frustrates you, causes you fear and anxiety, give it to HIM! That which causes you to become angry, to grumble and gripe, to question and doubt, give it to HIM! Watch HIM work in and through your situation and ultimately turn it for GOOD! One day, you will see more clearly, understand more deeply and testify of HIS faithfulness to others!

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Pastor B

A Mighty God...

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O LORD God of host, who is mighty like You, O LORD?
Psalm 89:6-7

It is not hard for me on this morning of "coming out" of hiding from the OBX of NC, to fear the Mighty God of Israel (and the Church). On our last evening here we were treated to an incredible thunderstorm and lightning show. Some of it like I have never seen before. Awesome, just plain AWESOME!

As I read this morning, I was reflecting on those whom HE said should lead the way in relating properly with HIM. It is us, the saints of God whom should show HIM the greatest respect and reverence. I began to look at my life and "the" church today and examine whether or not we give HIM, proper reverence. To be very candid, I think not.

In our comfort first society, the issue is not usually whether we are coming before a HOLY GOD as much as am I comfortable or "happy." This is evident in several ways, mostly in what drives us and the modern American church. What type of music do we have???? What type of dress is expected or acceptable??? What version am I allowed to use?? What do you have for ME? Can you see where we are?

May I say there needs to be a Revival in this area! Here in our passage for today we see HE is to be GREATLY FEARED in the assembly of saints (aka...us). Of all places on planet earth, HE should be feared in the Church. I know, we are His bride. I know we are loved. I know we hold special place in His heart. But there is NO EXCUSE at the casual attitude we take towards HIM! Is it any wonder the church lacks HIS power today???!!!

Here are a few areas to consider!
We show our fear of HIM by our........

1) Our Faithfulness to His church (the assembly of saints). Never before have we seen such a lack of concern for faithfulness. Commitments to the fellowships of God's people are treated with such a lack of concern. This shows a lack of fear of God.

2) Our Participation in His church. Time and time again I hear pastor after pastor speak of the great need in the house of God for servants to get involved. 10% of the people seem to do 90% of the work. We have time for everything else but no time for involvement in His church. This shows a lack of fear of God.

3) Our Obedience to His word in His church. We of all people in the world should come together to feed on His word together. We should respond to His truths with simple, childlike obedience. Yes Lord should be the cry of our hearts before Him. Instead we often see folks just gripe, complain or leave because they have been challenged by God's word and refuse to obey. This too is a lack of the fear of God!

4) Our Co-operation with the Holy Spirit. Now some of you just tuned out. That is just the problem. When we mention the Holy Spirit of God you go clam shell on God. (what did you expect, I am still at the OBX) You shut down and refuse to even entertain the HE may choose to use HIS Holy Seal (mark) to challenge and move you throughout the day. We should be simplistically obedient to His inner promptings (may I add those promptings will never be in opposition to HIS word). Especially at His church. How many times He wanted to work and you refused to budge and go forward to pray, confess, go to a brother or sister and make things right, give sacrificially and obediently. These are signs of a lack of fear of God.

5) Our Constant Grumblings within His church. Again this week I heard of another pastor who was driven from the ministry because of constant griping and grumbling of the church where he served.. Statistics say that some 1500 pastors a month are leaving the ministry. Is this not the mark of the flesh? Is this not the plague of the American church? We have sooooo much yet we constantly gripe and complain. Whatever happened to being content? What happened to being thankful? We gripe about our pastors, our brothers and sisters. We complain about anything and everything. These are all signs of a lack of the fear of God.

It's time my brothers and sisters for Revival to begin at the house of God. Consider your ways. Do we fear God? He is to be GREATLY FEARED in the assembly of the saints. Do you fear HIM? Make the necessary changes to develop a healthy fear of HIM. Then and only then will we see HIS Might described in verse 8. We need Him desperately! We need His power! Without HIM we can do nothing! Fear HIM!

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings from the Beach!
Bruce

Head Winds.......Don't miss His Blessings!

Well here we are at the end of the fastest week of the year......vacation week. It is incredible how quickly time seems to fly when we go away for a few days. THis years week at the "hide out" has been no exception...just plain fast! It also has been refreshing. Thankful is the word of the day.

Now on to our lesson for this morning. The treasure is found in Psalm 81:16...

"He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you."

This passage is a powerful reminder of what God had in store for Israel s they made their journey from Egypt to the land of promise. Some many times what God had planned was thwarted by the disobedience and waywardness of His children. But in this last verse we see a picture of what God had in store for them....but they missed it!

Could it be that we too could miss the blessing of what God has in store for us simply by our being distracted, discouraged or disheartened in the tough times of life? Yesterday as I was preparing to make my trip to the VA state line on the beach, my Granddaughters both said they wanted to go with "papaw." Being one who tries to treasure any time with them I said yes, come on.

Now, This did mean a bit of "trouble" beyond my normal routine. They could in no way handle the 3 mile round trip with their little short legs and tiny feet. So out of the truck comes the 3 wheeled stroller with air tires, made for such trips. We loaded up and headed out for "our" morning exercise. Now heading North things were going quite well. Aside for the normal stop for shells, and questions all was normal. A good brisk walk.

But as we touched the poles on the Va state line and made our turn I immediately noticed a drastic change.......a strong Headwind. Now for those of you who do not understand on the way North (up the beach) I enjoyed a tailwind which was no doubt assisting me on my journey pushing these treasures up the beach. But now at my turn that which was once my assistant now had become my adversary. Pushing back against me, the kids and our stroller.

My brisk push up now had become a arduous push back home some 1-1.5 miles (I'll not disclose the exact location as we are still in hiding #:)). The kids, completely unaware of papaw's plight were enjoying the stroll especially now that it had slowed to a crawl.....I pushed on and on and on and on..... After a bit I realized this was a better workout than I had enjoyed preciously on any other day or even as we had gone north. This was harder, much harder but much better for me in the long haul of life..... In the head wind there was a wonderful breeze coming into my face... It cooled us down!

God had blessed by sending me a head wind. Though it was harder to push in, it was more refreshing to us all. As I read today's passage I thought of this. Honey from a rock??? The most unlikely of places. How many beekeepers look for honey in a rock? None! How many look for something sweet to come from something sooo hard? None! Well, let me say that when we are walking with God, He regularly brings something sweet from something so terribly hard.

HE says HE would have satisfied Israel only they had turned to HIM instead of from HIM in the hard seasons. A powerful lesson for us all. In those hard seasons of life, turn toward the head winds and let HIM refresh you. It is there where we find HIM alive and well and longing to do a refreshing, satisfying work in HIS children. Far too many run to try and find the tailwinds in times of difficulty, but HE is not in the tailwinds but in the strong headwinds of life. HE brings water and honey from the strangest places.....

Should we be surprised???? No, we should expect HIM to be there, look for HIM there and anticipate HIS provision, protection and power. Remember... He IS GOD! After more than 30 years of service, I can say without reservation......His blessings ride the headwinds of life...... Humbly bow, push on and let HIM refresh your soul!

Don't miss HIM......He's been there all the time!!!

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings from the beach!
Bruce

HIS Glory Revealed (part 2)

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament show HIS handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. Ps. 19:1-2

Here we are again from the beautiful shores of the OBX of NC. Again standing in AWE of Him who loved us and sent HIS Son to die for us. He has done sooooo much to reveal Himself to us and to show His love toward us. May today be a refresher of His grace to all of us.....

Today's blog will continue the theme of yesterday, the Glory of God revealed. Yesterday it was His glory in and through the SUN. Today we will not look up (yet) but will look down. As I made my way up the beach this week, I have been amazed at the magnitude of seashells that litter the sand. My walk (covering some 3 miles) introduced me to thousands upon thousands of them. All differing in size, shapes, colors and may I say function.

I began to reflect on these treasures, I thought of all that mankind has built, invented and made. We have seen an incredible array of stuff mankind (and womankind too!) has produced. Much of it beautiful and very helpful. But what of it can compare with what HE has wash up on beaches all over the world? The oceans "trash" (no disrespect intended) is far more glorious than the best we can produce. Each shell unique and beautiful.

We have picked up two sand dollar's this week as well. Washed up on the shore to reveal the glory of it's Creator. Can a whole group of scientist's create even one grain of sand from nothing? Can the best architect design and build even one thing that can compare with a sand dollar? Can the best minds on planet earth devise one thing to compare with a sea shell? Of course not!!!

And God has these wash up on the shores all over the world to speak! We crush them under our feet! We walk, jog, ride and seemingly ignore these trumpets of truth! One day I believe man will be called to account for his utter disdain (knowingly and unknowingly) of God's glory that has been revealed.

Day after day creation utters speech! GOD IS GREAT! GOD IS GOOD! GOD IS AWESOME! HE REIGNS! HE RULES! HE IS! AMEN!

So, how will you respond to His glory revealed where you are today? Stand still, my brothers and sisters and see the glory of God! HE is Speaking.......

The question is.... are we listening?

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings from the Beach!
Pastor B

Can You See HIS Glory....

Many of you know that we are in hiding at the Outer Banks of NC right now. Our time not only has been refreshing but also a rekindling of our family relationships. Even though we see each other regularly, we still need this time of blessing of just being together......

As I have enjoyed our time, I also have enjoyed the solitude of mornings, having some great time to meet with our Father. I think there are also special places where HIS glory is more prevalent. The ocean is just that.....Here is our treasure for the next few days.....

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament show His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge Ps 19:1-2.....
....In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat....Ps 19:4b-6

Have you seen HIS glory today. I will start with the most prominent one we all can see.....The SUN. I am not going to even speak of the sheer magnitude of it, its incredible power and how HE has positioned us exactly where we need to be to receive its UV rays, its heat and it light. I am only going to speak of its daily entrance and exit.....

We would call them the sunrises and sunsets. I just want you to pause and reflect on the beauty and splendor of each. One in its incredible entrance. Causing the darkness to flee as he makes his grand entrance into today! Nothing like witnessing it from the ocean. Absolutely nothing like it. Powerful..But as Awesome as it is, it has a Creator. One who formed it by HIS words, from nothing but himself. HE spoke and he (the sun) came to be.....WOW!

Then what can we say about sunsets. Paintings of glory at the end of each day. As great a painter as Michelangelo was his greatest works would only span perhaps a few hundred square feet. But our Great God and Creator paints the sky each and every day, and has for thousands of years. Each one different and magnificent. No two alike. Billions of square miles. Each one distinct from the other. But all of them breathtaking, If you and I take time to see them.

I grieve for those trapped in concrete jungles of their own making. All they see and know is city life at its best. Rush, rush, rush into and through each day and night rarely if ever stopping to look around and most especially....look up!

Our God who has given us all things to enjoy (pertaining to life and godliness) has left us HIS marks in the sky. His Glory revealed daily via the SUN. Stop today and watch a sunset with your family or simply with our God. Get up early enough to see one of those spectacular sunrises........Watch his entrance and rejoice with him at the wonder of his Creator! Day after day he has faithfully proclaimed HIS GLORY and HIS alone!

Can you see HIS GLORY around you? Are you stopping to look? Do so and rejoice with us as we celebrate our God, the AWESOME GOD!

You'll be glad you did!

Blessings from the Beach,

Bruce

Everybody IS a Witness!!!

Oftentimes we hear Christians say "I can't witness or I don't know enough enough to witness." This may sound acceptable to our fleshly mindset but is it Biblical? Does that excuse hold water in light of the Truth? Well, let's find out!

Our treasure is found in 1 Peter 3:1-6.....Here Peter is speaking specifically to the Jewish wife who has an unsaved (unbelieving) husband. In this beautiful passage God reveals to us that HE even speaks through the actions of a believer....Note specifically verse 1....

...even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,(vs.2) when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

The key here is "without a word." Now this let's the air out of the balloon of those who say that they are unprepared to witness. Our God is NOT limited by our preparation (though we should be as prepared as we can) nor is HE limited by our abilities or lack thereof. HE is able to speak even when we are not!

In this passage we clearly see that HE speaks through our lives, transformed by HIS GRACE. People whose lives reflect the ONE who has made them into HIS image. It is that difference, that contrast, that change, that HE uses to reveal Himself to those who do not know HIM!

You've possibly heard the saying that "actions speak louder than words." That statement is actually Biblical and clearly follows our passage. Can I have the liberty to simplify it a bit more. A little more shoe leather for us....This means all believers are actually preachers! Proclaimers of HIS grace. Day in and day out preaching the reality of a Risen Savior.

Here is the catch.....Our behavior can either point them TO Christ or also...point them AWAY from Christ. Our actions can draw or push away. This is an eye opener. How I live daily can perhaps turn someone from Christ or to HIM! WOW! I would hate to know that my actions may have turned someone from the beauty of Christ. To rob them of the glory of HIS grace being lavished on them.

So, how do you plan to live your life today? Be careful dear brothers and sisters. Consider each and every situation you enter into today and how you choose to respond to it. Someone IS watching! They are looking for something or someone different than the status quo of this world. Will they see HIM through you!!!

You ARE preaching, but which gospel....Christ's or the world's! Remember, everybody is a witness!

Let's be HIS witness today!

You'll be glad you did.

Blessings
Bruce

Fun in the SON!

Look around the Christian community and what do you see? Do you see the children of God joyously singing as they go about their daily routines in their service for God? I mean, where has all the joy gone???

It doesn't matter what denomination, size, color, financial status or even location. It doesn't matter which pastor leads the way (though sometimes it does help!!! #:) what did you expect me to say) there is still a serious lack of rejoicing in the camp. Not too many of us having FUN in the sun today!!!

Now for some of you I am speaking blasphemy towards your pious driven soul. Let me simply say I rarely tread outside of Scripture so watch out cause HE might just challenge you, as HE has and does me!!! Are you having some fun today? Having some laughter, joy aka rejoicing filling your soul, life and world??? Let's see If HE can help us!!!! Here is today's treasure....

James 1: 2-5 ...My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so he will give you wisdom.NCV

Now why don't many live each day in a spirit of rejoicing..... having some serious fun in their sun? Mostly because we focus on our situations, our struggles, our circumstances..... and not our Savior. James tells us that we SHOULD be FULL of JOY! Does that describe you? Your life, marriage, family, or even your church?
Why not?

1) We should be full of joy!.... Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. Multitudes of times God's word tells us that we are to be FULL of JOY! Why are we so sad? So discouraged? So disheartened? Rejoice My friends!!! You not only can but you should! I know, I don't live in your world, you say. But that is simply not true! We can find joy, everpresent joy for our daily lives. Look into the text..Our troubles are allowed to TEST our faith.

Our faith? Yep, and that little phrase is the key to our joy. Our faith in what? Our abilities? Nope, that is what has gotten us there. Our plans, nope, that too is part of the problem. Our faith in our Great God. He has allowed us to walk these dusty, difficult roads to teach us to come to HIM. To depend on HIM and HIM alone. Faith is trust. We must change our worldly, self centered, self dependent lifestyles to ones of daily dependence (trust) in HIM! This will enter us into the realms of JOY. Joy unspeakable!!!!

2) We can be joyful because HE has a plan in our present circumstances....He has allowed us to come to this point so we can learn to depend on HIM and HIS plan in our lives. HE is going to teach us patience. This word actually means endurance. Endurance is strength. He is strengthening us for the walk of life.

A life that never goes through difficulties is a weak life. The longer the test the stronger we become. We learn some valuable lessons as HE works out HIS plans in and for us. This will bring us joy as we realize HE has a plan. It is not a calamity. It is not the end of the world. It is God doing His best work.....in us! Growing us up!

3) We can be joyful because HE also is teaching us... Wisdom is truth that has been transmitted to us in our situation and is transforming us. As we learn about God, His plans, His purposes, and His ways....we are set free to enjoy the journey of life. Jesus Himself said " I have come that they (aka you and me) might have life and have it more abundantly. For those who are prosperity people....this does NOT mean we will all drive Cadillacs, BMW's or the like but that we will have life in the fullest sense! TURBO LIFE! Life on Steroids and it ain't illegal! Now that is fun! He will show us the way. He will show us how. Ask Him!

So sign me up for the great adventure of life. With God! It is not just oh no here's another day, but Father what do YOU have in store for us today! Where will I see your hand at work? Where will I see your signature in my world today? The more you join in with HIM, the more life becomes fun, even in the hard times! You can have fun, but only in the SON!

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Bruce

SPEND SPEND SPEND... It pleases GOD!

Now some of you super shoppers are juiced and ready to go, because of today's title. You've already started the car and are getting your shopping shoes on. Did you know there is a time when God tells us to spend till the point it hurts? Max the account out? Give me the verse you shout, you knew it was in there!! #: )>

Now most of you know I believe in being debt free and working on a cash only basis.....now.....many scars and tatoo's (God's marks not man's) later. Then How can I tell you that God tells us to spend freely, lavishly and spend to the point it hurts? Because scripture says so....that's how! Read with me.....

Hebrews 13:16.... But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

What does this have to do with shopping??? Well, I never said shopping, you said that, I said spending and there is a difference. Why do we always equate spending with shopping and receiving for ourselves. Read yesterdays blog, that will help. We are SELFISH by nature (and boy do I represent this), born that way. Trained by culture and family. But today's treasure was a blessing to me and may I say a challenge to examine my "spending" habits???

In this passage God is wrapping up HIS letter to the Hebrew Christians. He reminds them to do two things. 1) Do Good and 2) Share, Now for most of us this is not transformational. We know as believers in Jesus that we are to mirror the goodness and giving of Christ. What has this to do with spending? Well read on....

.....with such SACRIFICES, God is well pleased!

How many of us equate our goodness to others and sharing (giving) to others with the word SACRIFICE? In America, we are soooooooo blessed. We are one of the most wealthy nations on earth, even in a slowdown economy. Our poverty is rich to the rest of the world. In our giving this is revealed. Very few actually give to the point of pain. We give FROM OUR ABUNDANCE, not Sacrificially.

God wants us to give of our TIME, TALENTS AND TREASURES to the point it cost us! Lavishly, generously, without exception. Just like Jesus did. How much did HE give for us? ALL! The cross is our example of Spending. God wants us to be Givers and not takers. The self life takes, the surrendered life gives. The surrendered life reflects the life that has and is being transformed by the power of the ONE who GAVE all for us!

God doesn't own just 10% of us, our stuff, and our time, HE owns it all and calls for us to willingly and lovingly sacrifice it to HIM, for others! That is the reason it pleases HIM. It accurately reflects HIM to those we touch, help, share, and give! They see Christ when they know it cost us something! When they see the SACRIFICE, they see CHRIST, in us.

Thus the call of Matthew 16:24....Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.

This is why proper spending habits make HIM happy! SPEND, SPEND, SPEND but do so obediently, for the good of others and the glory of GOD!

Spend till it hurts.....with such sacrifices HE is WELL PLEASED!

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Bruce

Our Best Investments........

Much is being said, taught and printed today regarding wise investments and unwise ones. All of us have heard of the scandals that are rocking the financial spectrum of our world. It seems as though daily we hear of new gimmicks and schemes that have been perpetrated on the innocent to scam them out of their finances. Many are learning hard lessons during this worldwide downturn.

I would like to share a treasure that we find in the book of Proverbs. It is a treasure that gives us stability in the time of crisis, if we choose to follow the counsel.....

Proverbs 23:5..... Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For (riches) certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle (toward) heaven.

Do you find it strange that so much of what has been preached from the "pulpits" of modern finance has come to naught as of late. For decades we have been told that your home is the safest investment. Others have proclaimed that the stock market is the safest place for our investment. Education has been billed as the rock in the river of life, that if you will simply get an education, it will make you indispensable. I could go on but I think you can see just a few of the Investment Guarantee's" that have been sold!!!

Now look at our current situation in the world. Home values have plummeted in recent months. Far too many people have borrowed to the max against their homes and are finding this strategy.... shall we say, stress filled and dangerous. Stocks have plummeted and retirement funds have been cut in half! Many are wondering where did it go???? Education, while important, has proven itself to NOT be a guarantee against job loss or layoff.

While these things are not bad.... of themselves, I am simply asking you to compare the world's strategy with God's word. In the first part of our scripture lesson today, what do you see? I see God questioning the strategy. HE questions our strategies. HE questions why we have chosen strategies that ultimately have NOTHING as their end. Simply meaning their end, WILL end..... they are NOT eternal in nature.

This passage unveils that which most today seek after..... stuff that doesn't last. We spend the vast majority of life preparing for, purchasing and paying for a home. A good thing of itself.... but we will leave it behind. We save for retirement so we can live "comfortably" only to die (which we are all going to do!) and leave it behind. As one senior in our church recently told me after celebrating their reaching the retirement plateau...... "it is not all I thought it would be." Couldn't that be said by many people and about many things of man's life? The reason is......? If it does not have at its center...... Our Great God, it will be at its best EMPTY! Solomon said it best when he said .... Utterly Meaningless! Everything is Meaningless. Eccl. 1:2 (NIV)

The self life always ends this way....empty. Because we are bent towards self, selfishness is often the enemy of God's great plan for us! When the law of sowing and reaping takes effect, (and it always will) we see the fullness of Proverbs 23:5. Stuff just disappears. Plans, purposes that are contrary to HIS plan will ultimately fail. Thus the end result is what we are seeing in our society today. Emptiness, sadness, confusion and all types of opinions and uncertainty of what to do???

I will end this rambling today with this simple yet profound truth.....

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ....Matt. 6:33

Seek Him and Him alone.
That is a Wise Investment!
Blessings
Bruce

The Original Celebration Station!

OH, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. Psalm 47:1-2

Does this describe the way we live our life? A life of stirring to the point of celebrating the greatness of our God? Does this describe our time in the house of God? The joyful worshipers who have surrendered their lives throughout the week, coming together to collectively clap & shout the Greatness of God?

Sadly, it does not. For far too many, we just attend to a daily or weekly routine that mirrors a rut. I once heard a rut is just a grave with the ends kicked out! Too many of God's children and His churches have become nothing but monuments to days gone by. Our relaxed, comfortable attitudes towards HIM, HIS word and HIS Spirit have placed us in a grave like cemetery of our own making. Enough of this!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's come back to the place of departure. Come back to the God who loves us and has proven HIS love by HIS Gift of HIS SON, Jesus. It takes preparation of the heart to come to the place where our love will overflow in seasons of physical and verbal praise to HIS NAME.

To prepare the heart we MUST spend time with HIM in HIS word and in Prayer. It is impossible to overflow in absolute praise unless we are being filled. Filling takes place as we, HIS children allow HIS word to penetrate our souls. Sin will be confessed and our lives will be continually changed.

As we respond to HIS scriptural, surgical work, we will see a change in us! Our control of our circumstances will diminish and our surrender to HIS will causes us to celebrate the wonder of HIM!

I believe the original "Celebration Station" was the church. Sadly, today, the world has stolen the title and made it into a retail business. I say let's take it back and celebrate the AWESOMENESS of our Great GOD!

Spend some time this week, in private soul searching. Allow HIS word and Spirit to saturate your soul. Watch and see if the joy, that unspeakable joy, doesn't begin to flood your heart again!

Let the celebrations begin!!!

You'll be glad you did!

Blessings
Bruce

EVEN MORE.....

I just heard of a couple, who learned about another family who was working to become debt free so they could adopt. They were $10,000 away from debt freedom and were carefully plodding along in obedience headed toward His goal for their lives. When this couple met them they only spoke for a few minutes, just long enough for the family to share what God was doing.

A few days later the couple contacted the family to set up a time to come by. Honestly, the family thought the couple was desiring to come by to try to sign them up for some kind of Multilevel marketing scheme. They even said that to the couple, that they had no intentions or desire to "join" up with such. After being assured this was NOT the goal and a few more persistent calls they finally relented.

When the couple arrived they sat for a few minutes of general chat when all of a sudden they spoke up and said, "after our conversation the other day, we realized your desire to be debt free so you can adopt. We want to help! They then pulled out their check book and said what is your full name." They proceeded to write out a check for $10,000, in the family name and gave it to them. The only thing we ask is that 1) you don't act weird towards us at church and 2) you tell no one who gave it to you. Before they knew it the couple was then out the door and on their way. The family was in shock! Then revival broke out in the house!

What in the world just happened? Can you imagine being such a part of God's great plan on this earth that you are free enough to give so graciously? To love so freely? To give so sacrificially? I will tell you. It is a sign of the presence of CHRIST!

Today's treasure is found in an obscure book of the Bible.....Philemon, probably just one page in your Bible. 25 little power packed verses.

I am confident as I write this letter
that you will do what I ask AND EVEN MORE! verse 21

Paul was writing to a friend named Philemon, whose slave had run away from him. The slave's name was Onesimus and God had brought him to Paul where the slave was saved. Paul was sending Onesimus back to Philemon as a brother in Jesus and encouraging him to receive him as just that. By law he could have done anything he wanted but by Christ law he had a different direction.

Paul knew Philemon was a believer and knew God's presence in his life would bring about a different response to the return of Onesimus. He knew that he would do even more than Paul had instructed. How did he know that?

It is found in Ephesisans 3:²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.


Notice the words "INFINITELY MORE!" They are words of the work and wonder of God. HE always does more than expected. Shows HIMSELF strong in ways that bless us and stretch us. So much more than we could ask! Should not HIS children reflect the same??? Should that not be a trademark of the Church. Now for those of you who love to slam the church..... just remember the church is not a building or denomination but people....AKA YOU AND ME!


So, how much are you giving? How greatly are you joining HIM in HIS great work? It ain't about the money..... (duh, look past the green)....IT is about the HEART! When our hearts are right with HIM they will be open hearts and open hearts lead to open hands. The couple who gave such a gift proved their love for Christ not by their mouth (which is sooo popular today) by by their actions which reflected their Christ filled heart.

My constant prayer is that I personally be completely debt free so I can give so lavishly and freely. But let me say the end result, is not that, the end result is that I be so full of HIM that I overflow in the EVEN MORE of life. Even more of my time, my talents and treasures. Not to be consumed by my flesh but giving willingly to others.


How about you? Are you giving your best for God? If not then it is because you are not giving your best TO God! Join Him in the work. Learn the EVEN MORE'S of your life and let HIS light shine!


You'll be glad you did!


Blessings

Bruce

What kind of Tree are YOU?

It's mid summer now and we are seeing the effects of both the abundance of rain earlier in the spring and the absence of it now. Some gardens are showing the signs of struggle without water to supply the much needed nutrients. Trees also are showing signs of stress and struggle. Especially the ones just planted this year....

Yesterday we looked into the treasure chest of God's Word to discover the pathway of true happiness. In this same passage God reveals to us what those who follow HIS plan will look like in life. He likens them to TREES! Let's look together...

³ They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do. NLT

Let me remind you of HIS truths from yesterday....He is speaking of those who delight in HIS word and apply them to their lives, night and day. He refers to something we all can identify with... Trees. All of us have seen trees! We've seen healthy ones and dying ones also. HE wants us to think on one type of tree in particular...Trees planted along riverbanks or ponds. You've seen them. They have some very distinct characteristics and HE reminds us of them....

1) They are planted alongside an unending, abundant supply. They will NEVER run out of their most vital necessity, water. Without water, trees die. This tree will NEVER die from lack of supply. Those who make their delight God and HIS word will never lack HIS abundant supply. All the resources of Heaven, God HIMSELF, are available to them......MMMMMM, WOW!

2) They will have a fruitful life. As the tree grows and matures, at the proper time of life and season, it WILL bear its fruit. Those who make their delight God HIMSELF and HIS word will, in HIS perfect time, bear fruit. There are seasons of fruit bearing. We must be receiving a constant daily supply for us to be ready to bear fruit in season. God will accomplish this as we feed constantly on HIS supply!

3) They will have a sustained life. The leaf of the tree will NOT wither. We usually see withered leaves in seasons of prolonged drought or due to disease that has taken its hold on a weakened tree. But not so for those planted by the riverbanks. Healthy, strong and abundantly sustained for the long haul of life. Those who make their delight God HIMSELF and HIS word will also find HIS sustaining power at work in them. They WILL NOT WITHER! Under stress and distress the true christian shows his greatest evidence of conversion. They STAY! We shall not be moved!

4) They will have a successful life. The tree will also enjoy a long and prosperous life as trees go. Leaves, fruit, growth and longevity are all signs of its prosperity. For those who make the delight God HIMSELF and HIS word, they too will find prosperity. The word actually means to succeed. Biblical success is a sign of being planted in the right spot.....near the streams of God's abundance. HIS presence will permeate the life of those who choose to come to HIM. Success, HIS success/prosperity will be evident by right decisions, peace, joy, provision, and many others, no matter what the circumstances.

I was speaking with an unsaved young man this week who at 18 years of age now finds himself with a pregnant 17 year old girlfriend. He is grappling with not only his life choices and their ramifications but also with his parents issues and his grandparents issues. He is on the 3rd generation of this cycle of failure. If he doesn't change, he is set up to continue to fail in life and to struggle for all of it! My instructions to him were simple. Either do it God's way or yours but look at the cost. In reality the cost is.....Success vs Failure in life! Right decisions will lead to success, wrong decisions will lead to failure. God's way is the ONLY way to success!

So, look at you life today. Which tree are you??? Are you finding your delight in HIM and HIS word? Much today demands our attention, time and resources, so to get the best you have to choose the best. The BEST is GOD, HIS WORD and HIS WAY! It is the only way to true success! Any other way will ultimately end in failure!

Turn to HIM now and confess your wrong choices. Make the next one..... HIM! Find in HIM your all in all!

You will be HAPPY you did!

Blessings
Bruce