Trade Secrets (part 3)

Well the authorities have yet to show up at my door to arrest me for sharing the "trade secrets" over the past few days. So while I still have this forum I will finish my task today. If I stop in mid sentence it means they have come in to get me and I am on my way to a new ministry. However, I will look forward to how many men it will take to carry my rather long and large body out the doors.....my guess at least 6 biggun's. It will not be a job for the weak....:) Ok, preach, let's move on...

Over the past few days we have learned the following plan for "Getting a Good Grip in Life, by getting a good grasp of the Bible!" We have learned 4 of those steps so far and here they are...

1) READ THE BIBLE, EVERYDAY!
(Rev. 1.3, 1 Timothy 4.13)

2) STUDY THE BIBLE, CAREFULLY!
(Acts 17.11, 2 Timothy 2.15)

3) MEDITATE ON THE BIBLE, CONTINUALLY!
(Ps. 119.148 & 1.2)

4) MEMORIZE THE BIBLE, REGULARLY!
(Deut. 11.18, Ps. 119.11)

As you can see each of these is a step. A step not downward but literally upward as we learn and grow in HIS precious word. However, as you will see, all of these previous steps are for naught if we do not have the 5th and final step. Here it is...

5) APPLY THE BIBLE, FAITHFULLY!

²² But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.
Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1.22

I really like the NLT (nice loose translation #: ) ) on this one. The context on this is saving faith of course and the difference between head knowledge and true saving faith. But that same principle applies with any truth we receive from the word of God. It is one thing to know it but a much more critical element in the process to apply it. We must DO WHAT IT SAYS!!! Paul sums this up when teaching the Philippian believers how to have daily peace in their lives when he says....

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4.9

David also speaks to the importance of not only hearing the word of God, but the critical aspect of us needing to apply it....

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word... Ps. 119.9

So, let me wrap up with a few questions and thoughts..... Are you getting the word of God into your mind and heart? Making good and right decisions to put yourself into position to learn and grow in God's word? Spending sufficient time practicing being still so you can? It is a discipline and must be practiced, daily.

What changes do you need to make so you can maximize your time with our great God? Often we have to give up not necessarily bad stuff but often good stuff to grab the best. If it is bad, give it up, most definitely. But most times we need to reset our priorities. What priorities need changing in your life? Then do it.

What areas has God spoken to you, where you know you haven't applied HIS truth? Why not? What are you afraid of? Often times the opposite of fear is faith. God does not want us to depend on ourselves or our own resources but on HIM and HIM alone!!! Surrender your stubborn self to the will of HIM who loves us so!!!! Quit your fretting, worrying and controlling by confessing it as sin before HIM and launch out in faith upon HIS precious promises.

I will close again, with scripture of course, where David is showing us what to expect when HIS word is our delight not only in reading, studying, meditating, memorizing and of course heeding....

Ps. 1.3....

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,and they prosper in all they do.

Now that's a promise I want to hold onto!!! All I can say to this...

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Bruce

Trade Secrets (part 2)

Ever been to the fridge (refrigerator for those who are slang challenged) to retrieve last nights leftovers? Pulled the leftovers out and warmed them up and preceded to munch away? As you were enjoying last nights meal again, today, it suddenly dawned on you that it was better today than it was last night???!!!

Now I know some of you don't do leftovers......that is your loss, but for those of us who do, I am sure you have had one of those experiences. Well, today is one of those days blog wise. We are bringing out yesterdays meal and rewarming it and seasoning it a bit more and eating it together. I believe it only gets better!!!

I am sharing the "trade secrets" of Getting a Good Grasp in Life, by getting a good grasp of the Bible. Yesterday we learned two simple yet powerful principles to begin our journey.....

1) READ THE BIBLE, EVERYDAY.... (Rev1.3 & 1 Timothy 4.13)

2) STUDY THE BIBLE, CAREFULLY.... (Acts 17.11 & 2 Timothy 2.15)

Now for today's seasoning....

3) MEDITATE ON THE BIBLE, CONTINUALLY....

Psalm 119.148...

My eyes are awake through the night watches,

That I may meditate on Your word.

This passage describes the servant of the Lord and his setting aside a specific time to think and meditate on God's word. Websters Dictionary defines meditate as "to reflect on, ponder and contemplate."

For believers to read, and study God's word is one thing, but in order to make good sound application, we must ponder what God is saying, teaching and communicating to us in a specific passage. Then we must ponder how it fits in our world. How and what we may need to change. It is through pondering, reflecting that this happens. The Holy Spirit engages us with God's word at this point. He is our Teacher and here is one place where HE teaches, convicts and corrects us, comforts and encourages us......

David, in Psalm 1, describes the pathway of Happiness in verse two where he says...Our delight should be in the law of the Lord and we should meditate in it day and night!!!

4) MEMORIZE THE BIBLE, REGULARLY....

Deut. 11:18...
Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine
in your heart and in your soul...

In one of my former ministries, we were in the process on implementing a new ministry for our kids that taught them to memorize God's word, when I was approached by one of the "respected" seniors of that church. He then proceeded to in his own way rebuke me and tell me he did not think it was right to memorize God's word.

Well, needless to say, he had no bullets in his gun, as it is clear throughout scripture that HE (GOD) wants us to hide HIS word in our hearts. I listed scripture after scripture for him. We implemented God's plan, in spite of human opposition and today several of those very kids (now grown adults with their own families) head up our youth ministry, teaching their kids and others to memorize God's word.

Memorization is not the ONLY process but is one of the steps of getting the right grasp in life. Adults too need to memorize HIS word. Find a verse that blesses you or speaks specifically to something that is happening in your life today and highlight it in your Bible. Then proceed to write it out on a note card, a sheet of paper or what ever means you choose and review it daily. Over and over until you can get it, quote it or even write it out from memory. Ask God to help you to do it....I can assure you, HE will, remember, this is HIS plan, not mine!!

Tell a friend what you are doing and have them pray with you about it. Tell them to ask you, when they see you, "how you are doing?" Quote it to them. If you miss part of it....THAT IS OK.... Keep on practicing till you get it! The goal is to have HIS word in you so HE can work HIS word through you!!! Fill your mind with HIS promises and truth and see if HE does not change the way we think!!!

I will finish the rest on the morrow. So now, today, I shared the secrets of Meditation and Memorization. May I suggest we get started today???!!!

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

Trade Secrets!!!

Every now and then we will hear of an employee who sells away what is termed a company's "trade secrets." What these are, usually consist of proprietary recipe's, scientific formula's, specific ingredients or some similar information that has led to the success of that particular business. The sell of those critical documents usually lands those employee's in the "Slammer."

Well today, I am going to let you know the trade secrets of "Getting a Good Grip in Life." This is the proprietary info of Christianity. I may wind up in God's slammer, but I kinda doubt it......though some of you perhaps hope I do..... :) ....If that is God's plan then prison ministry here we come!!!!

This info is not new, not profound, not even "hot off the press" of heaven. It is actually so simple, it is profound! It is so life changing, it is profound! So let me encourage you to apply these principles, keep these principles and see if you do not experience the fullness of God at work in you!

Get a Good Grip in Life!
(by getting a good grasp of the Bible....)

1) Read the Bible Everyday!

Blessed is the one who reads the words of God's message...Rev 1.3

In order for us to learn the plans, ways, purpose and person of God we must read HIS book. Reading in a deliberate and systematic fashion is not only good but also necessary for HIS children to Know Him beyond the scope of salvation. Today's lack of Biblical understanding in the church (aka US!) is largely due to us actually believing that just going to church is enough..... Well, it ain't, in good ole southern vernacular. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!! EVERYDAY! Set aside a specific time and even place where you meet with HIM in HIS word.

2) Study the Bible Carefully!

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. ...Acts 17.11

We have more tools today than any previous generation yet we seem to know even less than any previous generation. I believe the reason is that we do not set aside a time, daily to meet with God in HIS word and study it seriously. The Berean Christians actually went home and verified the message preached to them via the Apostle Paul. Think that one through for a moment.... How many of you simply take what your pastor says at face value, or some other "spiritual" person in your life and never check it out???

I, for one, love it when God's people check out what I have studied and preached from the pulpit or given in counseling. There is no safer place to be.

If you do not know how then ask your pastor, (your God given undershepherd) and let him assist you in finding a good study Bible. This is NOT a sign of weakness but is actually one of maturity and strength. Let him show you how to use it or find other resources that will help you go deeper into the treasure chest of HIS word!

I will save the remainder of these trade secrets until tomorrow. Let me close with this... Just recently, I had a mother whom I know to be a student of scriptures, approach me and ask me to help her find some NEW TOOLS to enhance her study of God's word. What do you think I did? Feel threatened??? NOPE! Discouraged??? NOPE! Saddened??? NOPE! I, joyously said yes I will help you! I actually gave her a few books from my personal library to let her "check" them out before she bought!

I will say to you what I said to her.... if I can ever help, just let me know!!!
Read and Study HIS book my brothers and sisters. For in it we find the WORDS OF LIFE!!!!

You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Bruce

HE Loves Us Both!

I will never forget the story of a Sunday School teacher of 10-11 year old boys. He asked each of them their birthdates. As this questioning made its way around the room, it finally came to two brothers. Expecting to hear that they were twins, they both surprised their teacher with their announcement of a birthdate in the separate months of October and November of the same year. When the teacher questioned this they both responded that one of us is adopted. He then asked which one of you? They both blessed and challenged him with their response...... we don't know, Dad and Mom will not tell us because they love us both the same! Whew......

I cannot imagine what must have taken over the class that day but those two kids (and their parents) preached a powerful sermon! What their dad and mom were doing is a beautiful picture of how God loves each of us the same.....

Today's treasure....James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality....

Just recently I again had the privilege of counseling a set of couples who had called in for a little brotherly counsel from this pastor. Neither of these couples actually attend our Fellowship (so those who do, can give up on trying to figure out who, ha!). As I was walking this morning, reflecting on how God worked in these two marriages, HE brought to my mind the incredible extremes they represented.

One couple, high school sweethearts, married, serving God throughout their marrige. They were very simple, humble and may I say tender to what God is doing in their lives at this moment. They basically live from a smidge over paycheck to paycheck. One of them has a serious illness and the other just left their job.

The other couple is a high energy, cutting edge and very affluent. They too married early by today's standards, right out of college and have been serving God also for many years. They have a sucessful business and presently are in good health. They actually look for places to give what God has entrusted to them to manage. But they too needed a tune up. A little maritial maintenance was also required with them as they wrestled out the issues of business, marriage relationship and life.

Two extremes, and yet one common Rock. They both had the incredible privilege of becoming children of God. And as I witnessed, God loved them both equally! He is NO respector of persons. My counsel to them all, was based not upon their means or lack thereof, but upon the sufficiency of Christ and His word! No razzle dazzle, just plain, simple truth from the word of God! It was not hindered by what they had or had not done. Just simply coming to the Christ of the Biblby faith.

Aren't you glad God is no respector of persons??? Do you rejoice in the amazingness (I hope its a word) of God's grace? I am the most blessed of all pastors. Regularly I have the privilege of saying to people from all strata of life, all backgrounds and all situations that God loves them and has an incredible plan for their life. No matter how bad we've blown it in the past. The future does not have to be hindered by the past. Simply, put it under the blood of Christ. Forgiveness is powerful. It sets us free!!!!

So, have you forgotten that you are loved with an everlasting love? Do you remember how much your Father loves you? Look to the Cross! There is the evidence of His unfailing, unconditional love for us. HE is no respector of persons.

I will say however, that HE will crush us if we seek to live in our pride and arrogance. If we refuse to humble ourselves before HIM and seek His face.

Proverbs 16:18...Pride goe s before a fall, and a haughty spirit before destruction.

Both of these couples came in the simplicity of their hearts to hear what God's word had to say. They had humbled themselves and said yes, we need HIS direction. Our way is not working like we thought it would. God show us the way.... And HE DID!!!!

Psalms 51:17... The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart....These, O God, You will not despise.

So which way will you choose. Come His way. Let Him work in your life and world. Remember, no matter where you are now, no matter how far you have gone, no matter how distant HE seems, HE loves us both!!!!!

Bow the knee to HIM today, call out, cry out and tell HIM all that is going on!

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

What is Controlling YOU? part 2

Yesterday we spent some time looking at relationship issues and how they may or may not affect us. All of us have been wounded by people! None of us is immune to the problems created by people. I have heard it said "that church would be great if it wasn't for people." That statement could be said of many things, marriage, work, retirement etc....

The reality is that we cannot have relationship without risk. It cannot happen. To have a vibrant relationship we have to open up, be honest, speak truth, share our feelings, our heart, our dreams, our desires, our hopes, our fears and on and on. But as we do this we are trusting the other person to handle with care, our hearts, our lives, our trust. But when they don't, when they crush us with their words or actions many things can happen.

We can "clam up." We can "give them a piece of our minds." We can retreat to the safety of never trusting again. We could grow angry, bitter, and totally ditch any future relationships because "THEY, (men, women, christians, co-workers etc) can't be trusted!!!???

But as we saw yesterday, God has a different plan in mind! Here is our treasure....

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

We have to get the garbage out..... All the fleshly stuff that comes as a result of the wrong. If we do not, they can and will become a stumbling block to our future. In other words, OUR PAST CAN (and will) CONTROL OUR FUTURE! Instead of God's word guiding and leading us, unresolved issues can destroy us, long after the event that triggers them.

Yesterday we heard of one couple that had sought to find their way out of their self induced darkness. We left with them weeping and holding on another, rejoicing in the healing powers of Christ and His word. How did we get there??? Was it just the getting rid of the "stuff," the negative stuff that is in us??? Nope, that is just one part of the prescription. Let's study "the rest of the story."
God's word says....

³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Let's choose another path...I like the word instead!! It means we don't have to be locked into the status quo of pain, struggle and anger. We can and may I say, should choose another way! God's way that is!!! His way consist a huge decision. A decision to not let our flesh, our circumstances or any wrong done to us, control our actions and attitudes.

He says to.....are you ready??? Are you sure???? Here is the beginnings of freedom!! Two words.....

BE KIND!!!!!

Are you kidding me? You must be joking you say!!! You definitely have been spending too much time in the pastorate....you don't live in the real world, Preacher, you say!!!! Well, before you write me and this passage off let me encourage you to hang in there! TRUTH IS COMING!!!!

The word "KIND" here means "fit for use, Able to be used." When we live our lives under the domination of the flesh, under the shadow of some past wrong and we are angry, bitter, or just plain mean, we are not usable by God. Our past is determining our future. God has another way!!! Be gracious instead of mean. Be joyful instead of angry! Then and only then will we be usable by HIM. We choose this path by our willingness to submit to HIS plan instead of satan's.

This does not mean we deny the wrong suffered, just that we choose to not let the wrong dictate our future! The next word is "Tenderhearted" which means compassionate and pitiful. We must learn to be compassionate towards those who have wronged us. Pity them in the reality that they too are sinners under the dominion of the flesh. Saved or not, the wrong done, if not handled Biblicaly, places those individuals under the Yoke or bondage of sin, until it is acknowledged and forsaken.

Then lastly, HE says for us to be "forgiving towards one another." Forgiveness is a willingness to let the wrong go. Not that we will forget it but that we choose by an act of our will to NOT let it control us!!! We can and may even have consequences from it, the rest of our lives but IT DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER TO CONTROL OUR FUTURE unless we allow it to determine our attitudes and actions.

We have wronged God by our sin towards HIM. Yet HE chose to willingly forgive based upon the cross of Christ. We can forgive because we have been forgiven! The relationship may or may not be fully restored (depending on the situation) but you can be free from the pain and suffering of the event!!! If both parties choose to follow God's plan they can experience the power of His healing in their hearts and home!

The couple we heard about yesterday both acknowledged they had failed each other, wronged each other, not been the godly husband and wife that God had intended them to be. I asked both of them to acknowledge their sin, then ask for the others forgiveness. They did and then they both granted full forgiveness. This is just step one of the healing process but it is a giant first step!!!

How about you? What is controlling you? Is there some past sin, wrong or offense that has deeply wounded you and you need to find some freedom? You can be free! Choose today to let the garbage go and choose to allow God to make you usable by letting the wrong go, nailing it to HIS cross and give the offender the same grace you have received in Christ!!! They don't deserve it but neither do you or I. God will fill you with HIS amazing grace!!!

Freedom awaits!

You'll be glad you did!!

Blessings
Bruce

What is Controlling YOU?

Last nite I had the privilege of spending some time with a young couple who are wrestling through some difficult marital issues. Both are guilty of hurting each other over the past several years. Their pain is evident and often comes out in their words, facial expressions and actions towards each other. This was not the first time we have met, but is just part of the journey that we are on together growing in the grace of God. I will get back to them in a moment.

As I reflect on them and their plight, I was reminded of the common truth that this is true of many of us. Broken or damaged relationships, hardened hearts and violated trust marks the lives of many. HOW will we handle such pain? How will we manage such disappointment?How are we to go on with such saddness working in our hearts?

We must remember that this IS common to all of us!!! We are not alone, we are not the first to go through this, we are not the ONLY ones struggling with these very serious issues! God, in HIS infinite wisdom recorded for us the pathway to freedom from that which ails many of our relationships! Our treasure today is found in Ephesians 4....

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I like the simplicity of the NLT on this. Note the very specific things he instructs us to do. First, we have some STUFF to get rid of! Bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander and bad actions have to go. When we are dealing with damaged relationships we have to deal with what is IN us first. The stuff that comes from the wrong and how we have allowed it to affect us in our lives, either in attitude, word or actions.

In order to do this we have to make the choice to let some stuff go! Get our eyes off the wrong and onto what our Great God has in store for us as we work through this. This requires surrender to HIS will and not our own. BUT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT SHE'S DONE, you say!!! YOU WEREN'T THERE TO SEE HOW AND WHAT HE DID, you scream!!!! It doesn't matter! God was and HE still wants us to be free. Are you free in your relationships???

The real issue is a heart issue. We must start with our hearts and allow HIM to clean out the stuff that has entered as a result of wrong. Bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander and bad actions gotta go!!! Two wrongs will never make it right. You do want it to be right don't you??? All that God intends and desires for you? HE does and that is really what matters.

So on this first of a short series on WHAT IS CONTROLLING YOU... think through how you have handled the one who has hurt you. How have you responded? Think carefully through each of those things that Paul told us to get rid off. Are you guilty of any? Then choose to let them go. To put them off! To release them, rid yourself of the marks of the flesh. Let's choose another path.

The pathway to restoration. The pathway to joy. The pathway peace. The pathway of healing that flows from the throne of our Great God! It is available. But we must do it God's way!

Now back to the couple of last nite. When we finished the evening they wound up holding each other and weeping in joyful reunion as God did a major work of healing. I will say they (and God) touched my heart. It was a powerful sight to see HIS hand work so powerfully after only a few weeks. They were willing, however to trust God and surrender to HIM and HIS plan! As a result, HE worked! They simply followed HIS word!

How about you? Are you willing to let HIM in on your relationship issues? To let HIM cleanse and purify your hearts??? To let HIM heal and bless your family, friends or marriage? It will never happen unless we let go of some very damaging and dangerous stuff!!! All I can say is, I encourage you to.....

Let it go!
You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Bruce

ps...part 2 tomorrow