Archives for November 2008

Look Up

November 28, 2008 by Bill Leave a Comment

Given July 31, 2007

Horizontal thinking – a problem for most of us. When confronted with a problem or situation, we tend to look horizontally at the problem instead of looking up to God. The Hebrew nation facing the Red Sea was looking horizontally. All they could see was the sea before them and the Egyptian army behind. But Moses said, “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” Exodus 14:13. You know what happened; they looked up, “And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. Exodus 14:31“.

And remember Gehazi, Elisha’s servant? All he could see was the Syrian army surrounding them at Dothan. Elisha prayed, “… and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2Kings 6: 17“. I contend that Gehazi took his eyes off the enemy and looked a little higher. And, like the Israelites, God took care of them.

I remember a time when my wife had some minor surgery and, because she is really sensitive to anesthesia, she was taking a long time to, “come out of it”. After an hour or so, they got her up to walk and she was having trouble with her balance. The nurse told her, “Mamam, don’t look down, look up. It’s better if you look up.” This was the revelation of God on that day…look up and see the salvation of the Lord.

What’s Your Dream?

November 22, 2008 by Bill Leave a Comment

Given November 18, 2008

I’m on the Board of Deacons at my church and we had a deacon’s meeting on this evening. After the normal “business” of church administration, our pastor directed us to think about what our dreams were for our church. Our AG church, I think, is a progressive congregation focusing on Jesus and leaning toward the contemporary style of worship. Our pastor is a gifted leader and is not satisfied with, “church as usual” and, thus, our church is different than most in our area of Southwest Virginia. The early church was different too, wasn’t it?

As we talked about what we, as deacons, dreamed for our church, some things mentioned were, “500 for Saturday night prayer.”, “A place where miracles happen regularly.”, and “Hosting a youth conference with thousands in attendance.”. All these things sounded great and I know they can all come to pass. “All things are possible to him who believes. Mark 9:23.” So, what would God say about our dreams?

I got this vision, or revelation, as I frequently do, of me telling God my dreams for our church. As I told God one dream, He’d say, “OK, no problem.”. I’d tell Him another and He’d say, “I can do that.” With another, He’s say, “All these things are easy for me and I want to make your dreams realities but you’re not dreaming big enough! And, you know, your dreams depend on you too. Do you really believe I can and will do these things? Are you reading My Word and following My commands? Are you willing to sacrifice and pray to help make these dreams come to pass?”. I realized many of the things we ask God for, things we pray for, He is ready and willing to speak them into existanct but is waiting for us to do our part.

“Be ye doers of the Word and not hears only. James 1: 22“. This is so important. What’s your dream for your church, your family, your job, or your life. God is able, God is willing, and He could very well be waiting on you. Ask Him what you are to do. You probably already know.

Show Your Fruit

November 8, 2008 by Bill Leave a Comment

Given November 8, 2008

As I went out and about running errands for my wife this morning, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit that I was a representative of God. And, as His rep, I was to conduct myself in such a way as to make the boss look good. If I was rude to the associate at the cell phone store, (like the lady next to me was), it would be a bad witness for Christians as many people know I am one. But, how do people know we are Christians without us wearing a sign? ( Here’s Your Sign). I submit we must show our fruit.

Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8. Notice Jesus said, “showing yourselves to be my disciples”. So, if we’re bearing fruit, it should show, we shouldn’t hide it. Now, you know there are Christians who have a lot of leaves but upon closer scrutiny, you find no fruit.

Remember the story of the poor old fig tree? I used to feel sorry for that tree but Jesus wanted us to learn a lesson here. “Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered” Matthew 21: 18-19. From a distance, (in the church pew, etc.), that tree looked good but when Jesus examined it more closely, He found it lacking. When He put it to the snack test, when He made demands on it to perform as it was created, it failed. And what happened to it? Jesus spoke to it and it withered, leaves and all!

Jesus won’t wither us when we fail to perform as we were created. He shows us mercy and grace. If you have compromised your faith recently, hidden your fruit, or haven’t even taken care of your roots, repent and let God prune you, (ouch!), so your fruit will flourish and people will see that you are one of His.

The Light

November 6, 2008 by Bill Leave a Comment

Given October 16, 2008

While visiting son #3 in Shenzhen, China, I was lounging on his couch after a long day of sight-seeing and great Chinese food. Just before falling into snooze land, I was thinking about my retirement job in workforce development and the students we have working to obtain their G.E.D.

I saw a G.E.D. guy standing at the mouth of a dark tunnel. Maybe he could see a small light at the other end but it was a long way off. Where he stands is the beginning. As he begins his journey toward the light, he may lose sight of the it momentarily and may be encouraged to turn back. It reminded me that when we lose sight of the light, that’s when we need to depend on God and keep going. The enemy will do all he can to make you turn back. Don’t do it!

David said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Psalm 23:4“. The key here is to keep walking. In order for there to be a shadow, there must be a light. “For thou art with me.” The light of the world is with you. Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, keep your eyes on the light and when the shadows creep in, go on auto-pilot and depend on God to lead you. You’ll make it to the end and realize the full power of…the Light!

Archives for November 2008

Look Up

What’s Your Dream?

Show Your Fruit

The Light

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Archives for November 2008

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