Any Holes In Your Life ??

"Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, While our vineyards are in blossom." Song of Solomon 2:15.

 

Researchers who had made repeated dives to the wreckage of the Titanic-

- challenged the accepted theory that an iceberg tore a 300-foot gash in the side of the ship.

 

The ship's bow is mired in mud, but the team 'looked' at the hull using sound waves.

 

They concluded that the damage is 'astonishingly small'-

- just six small gashes along the starboard hull.

 

Unfortunately-

- the openings were made at the worst possible place, along six watertight holds.

Little things can do great damage:

- a little lie here,

- a little cheating there,

- a little stealing,

- a little gossip, and/or

- a little unresolved conflict

- like a little gash in a mighty ship can open a floodgate of damage somewhere down the track.

Any holes in your life?

 

Let's not neglect them.

Let's get smart and, with God's help, take care of them today before they sink us.

May God help us see the 'little' things in our life that-

- if we fail to resolve them now, they may 'burn out of control' farther down the line.

How Old Are You???

How old are you?
Before you answer, you might want to consider this:

The trillions of cells in our bodies are constantly reproducing and replacing themselves. The skin on our bodies is replaced every five days. The skeletal system is new every three months. Ninety-eight percent of the total number of atoms in our body are replaced at the end of a seven-year period. So, in one sense, thanks to the amazing regenerative powers of our body, none of us are more than seven years old.

But the Bible offers us something even more amazing.
It's a renewal that goes far deeper than skin and bones.

It occurs only once but lasts for all of eternity.
And we read about it in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation"

Where does this renewal take place?
As a "new creation" what is our relationship with God?
What is our new responsibility as a new creation?

When we receive Christ as our Saviour-
- the Holy Spirit baptizes (puts, places, immerses) us into the Body of Christ.1 Corinthians 12:13.

That's what it means to be "in Christ."
It is in Christ that we find safety from God's wrath that is poured out on sin and those who engage in it.John 3:36.
As a new creation we are to put off the old habits we formed when we were apart from God and put on new habits that are consistent with our new life.Ephesians 4:20-24.

Have you become a "new creation"?

If you have become a new creation-
- what habit or habits do you need to "put off" so that your life is more consistent with your status as a new creation?

Go to Colossians 3:8-10 and list the items that should be "put off."
Then go to Colossians 3:12-17 and list the items to "put on."

Circle at least one item on each of these lists which you will seek to put off or put on.

Bound To The Past

"He who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47.

A woman came to Ibn Saud, the first king of Saudi Arabia, requesting that the man who killed her husband be put to death.

The man had fallen from the top of a palm tree when he had been gathering dates and landed on this lady's husband and killed him.

The king said:
"It is your right to exact compensation, and it is also your right to ask for this man's life.
But it is my right to decree how he shall die.
You shall take this man with you and he shall be tied to the foot of a palm tree and then you shall climb to the top of the tree and cast yourself down upon him from that height.
In that way you will take his life as he took your husband's.
Or perhaps," Ibn Saud added, "you would prefer after all to take the blood money?"

The widow took the money.

To fail to forgive keeps us bound to the past!

It is a killer-
- not of the one who caused the resentment,
- but the one who carries the resentment.

Failing to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Also, as Jesus said:
"He who has forgiven little loves little."

One way to love much, therefore, is to confess all our wrongs and sins, not only to God, but to the one/s we have hurt and do all we can to make restitution and be forgiven ourselves.

For he who has been forgiven much loves much!

Have you done that?

Have you done that?


Do we really comprehend the incredible gift we were given when Jesus died for our sins?

Not that we take this act for granted-
- but we have spoken about it so routinely that we might not absorb the full scope of this gift.

It's as though all of our sins were listed on a writing board.
And then Christ has come along with a cloth and erased them forever.

It's as though they were never even there.

On that board, somebody puts a receipt that says, "PAID IN FULL."
That's what the nails of the cross did-
- paid the penalty for our sin in full.

Christ has done it all.
Our sins have been nailed to the cross; they've been taken care of.
Nothing more is needed for forgiveness other than our accepting this amazing gift.

Have you claimed the liberating forgiveness of knowing that Christ has paid the full debt of your sins?

If not, why not let Christ give you a clean slate?
After all, He's already "paid in full."

Our choice is simply to accept His gift in faith.

"When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14.

A part of God's Plan

"You are to go into all the world and preach to Good News to everyone, everywhere." Mark 16:15.

FedEx CEO and founder, Fred Smith, first developed the idea for an innovative airfreight company while he was a student at Yale University.

His professor was less than impressed.
The paper Smith submitted outlining the concept earned him a C.
Thirty years later-
FedEx is the world's largest express transportation company, with 128,000 employees and more than $7 billion in capital.

Smith's shortsighted professor didn't take a few things into consideration.

One was Smith's persistence!

He refuses to give up.

Another

is his plans!

When plan A doesn't work-

- there is always a plan B to put in motion.

Most important, however, was Smith's ability to recruit people!

People want to be part of what he is involved in—even to the point of sacrifice.

In the early days, for example, his pilots often refueled company jets with their own money.
Sometimes they sat on paychecks for months to help keep the company afloat.

Can you imagine what would happen if every Christian had that kind of attitude in wanting to be a part of God's plan and what he is doing in the world today—and was willing to make that kind of a sacrifice to follow Christ and accept his commission to take the gospel to everyone everywhere?

'Oh Lord please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear,
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burned with holy fear.'

But Listen!!!

Why aren't our lives fulfilled and happy apart from God?

 

Admittedly, we may experience happiness for a time.

We may even think we're on the right road and don't need God.

 

The Bible says that sin may bring us pleasure, for a time.Hebrews 11:25.

 

But if we're honest, we'll admit our lives were empty.

And we paid a stiff price for our wanderings.

 

Like King Solomon of old, we'll realize that apart from God-

"All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 2:17.

 

We weren't only made by God-

- we were made for God!

 

And life's greatest joy comes from knowing Him and living for Him.

And this becomes a reality as we turn to Jesus Christ and commit our lives to Him.

 

His words are true, as millions have discovered:

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10.

 

But listen!

It isn't too late for you to discover this truth for yourself!

The Bible's warning is true: "The way of the unfaithful is hard." Proverbs 13:15.

 

God loves you, and right now you can turn to Him for the forgiveness and new life you need.

Confess your sin to Him, and open your heart to Christ today

What Are You Pursuing in Life?

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the refrigerator-

- trying to find something to satisfy a vague sense of emptiness or discontent? 

You aren't looking for anything specific, but you know you want to fill a longing. 

Whatever you choose will probably not do the trick-

- because the empty spot is not in your stomach but in your soul.

Whether the substance is food, career, possessions, or relationships, our souls are continually trying to find satisfaction. 

But nothing in this world will fill the void. 

Since we were created for relationship with God-

He placed deep within us a yearning for Him. 

Though we may not recognize it as such-

- everyone knows the feeling of dissatisfaction that at time seeps into our souls. 

Whenever we attempt to find fulfillment with worldly substitutes, disappointment and disillusionment are sure to follow.

There are two possible menus from which we can choose to fill our empty souls. 

Satan's menu is long and full of enticing things that seem to promise fulfillment and pleasure. 

These could include relationships, prominence, acceptance, riches, or recognition. 

Whatever he offers looks like the good life that will bring contentment, but it's a deception. 

But God's menu is quite small. 

In fact, it lists just one "item"—Jesus. 

He is the only one who can fill the void.

What are you pursuing in life? 

Have you found the satisfaction you seek?

Or is there always a vague sense of discontent in your soul? 

If you give Jesus your whole life and stay focused, unhurried time with Him-

He'll satisfy you as nothing else can.

God's Love Is Constant

God’s love for His children is so wide, long, high, and deep that we can never fully understand its scope.

 

God’s love is constant, and it lasts forever.

 

But sometimes, our emotions tell us otherwise.  

In our minds, we often associate divine love with our behaviour.

When we’re good, we believe we’re loved.

 

But when we make mistakes, we question how much He cares for us.

After a series of missteps, we might think He disapproves of us far more often than He loves us.

 

Some of us even think God’s judgment hangs over us like a dark cloud. 
The truth is, there’s no condemnation for any believer.

 

At the cross, Jesus accepted everything that would condemn us before almighty God.

 

In the Father’s divine court of law-

His Son was found guilty in our place so we could be set free from condemnation.

 

It’s as if God stamped “Paid in Full” on the record of our sin-debt.

The Christian’s transgressions are completely covered by the blood of Jesus.

 

It doesn’t matter if the offense occurred before salvation or years in the future.

No believer is indebted to God for sin.  

We need to understand that He doesn’t excuse our sin.

Our loving, heavenly Father uses discipline to bring us back to godly behaviour.

 

He allows us to experience sins consequences.

But divine condemnation isn’t one of them.

 

Will you open your heart and mind to receive God’s love today? 

Missing The Mark

 

"To give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins..." Luke 1:77.

 

If you're not a Christian, but you've been around Christians, you've probably heard the term "gospel."

 

But, what does it mean?

 

Well, first, it means God loves you.

 

He has a purpose for your life.

He wants you to have a meaningful life.

Everybody likes the sound of that!

 

Unfortunately, we often have a problem personally experiencing God's love-

- because we're separated from God due to the sin in our lives.

 

"Sin" is missing the mark of God's best for our life.

It's living life our way versus God's way.

 

The solution is Jesus.

He died for our sins.

He rose from the dead, proving He is God.

He is the way to God.

 

This calls for a decision to believe Jesus is who He says He is-

- and to trust Christ alone for salvation and abundant life.

 

That's it.

That's the gospel.

 

Do you believe it?

The gospel is the good news of salvation-

- following the bad news of our sin problem.

 

I hope you'll believe it and receive it.

Demonstrate your Devotion

How can we demonstrate our devotion to God?

 

Some ways are relatively easy such as reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.

These we can do on our own time.

 

But there's another thing we can do that involves other people-

- lending a hand to those who need it.

One of the great joys of the Christian life is the opportunity we have to help each other.

 

It's easy to help those you know will help you back.

But look at the people Jesus talks about in Matthew 25.

He says: 'I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me'. Matthew 25:35-36.

The people Jesus was talking to were confused, 'Lord,' they said, 'when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' Matthew 25:37-39.

Jesus responded, 'As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'.Matthew 25:40.

The righteous in these verses were demonstrating their devotion by going above and beyond in serving each other.

Rather than just helping those who could help them in return-
- they went the extra step and helped those who couldn't repay them in any way.

 

They fed people who couldn't afford food; they clothed people who couldn't afford garments.
As Jesus' response indicates, these weren't just kind gestures to people in need.

They were demonstrations of faithful devotions to God.

Ask yourself:

What opportunities to serve have been presented to me in the last month?
Have I participated in those?
Why or why not?

Do I find myself often asking, 'What's in it for me?'

Make the decision to do one thing this week for someone who probably can't repay you.

Ask God to open your eyes to the need of those around you.

Ask Him to show you how you can meet those needs and demonstrate your devotion! 

Use Your Answers

God loves you!

And that's a wonderful thing.

But how does His love take care of your problem with sin?

God loves you and wants a fellowship with you.

But since God is also righteous and holy, our sinfulness makes that relationship impossible--unless God does something about it.

And He did.

John 3:16 tells us "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Secondly-

His love also made it possible for you to have freedom from sin.

He sent His Son to die for you to pay the penalty for your sin, so you could have eternal life with Him.

Romans 6:22-23 says, "But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."

And there's a third thing-

In His love, He offers us complete forgiveness of sin

- not the kind that says "It's okay, don't worry about it"; then reminds you of it every now and then. This is forgiveness that rolls your sins up into a ball and throws them so far away they'll never be found or held against you again.

Psalm 103:12 says,"He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."

And Romans 8:1 promises no condemnation--once you believe and are "in Christ Jesus."

Take some time to put these verses into your own words.

Have you experienced "how wide, how long, how high, and how deep" God's love is?

Are you putting down roots in His love?

Are you tapped into His power and strength, the limitless resources of the Spirit?

Use your answers to these questions as your own prayer of praise to God for His immeasurable love.

Little Meaning in Life

"But I said, "I have laboured to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." Isaiah 49:4.

Have you ever felt like you're spending your life using your talent for nothing?

Life is often spent doing mundane activities that seem to have little eternal purpose.

The great prophet Isaiah was struggling with his own purpose.

He knew he was chosen to be a voice for God-

- yet life became purposeless for Isaiah.

We all go through periods when our purpose seems to be clouded with the mundane.

We see little meaning in life!

On the other hand-

Isaiah didn't stay in this place.

We read in this passage that he knew the truth of his existence.

He could look past his present circumstance and know that his real reward and purpose would be revealed in eternity.

He knew that God was just and fair-
- so he placed his faith on this truth.

When life appears to lack meaning and purpose-
- remember that if you devote your life to the purposes He has for you,
- the fruits of your labour will be manifested in due time.

"The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it."1 Thess. 5:24.

There Is No Other Way

 Karl Barth was lecturing to a group of students at Princeton.

 

One student asked the renowned German theologian, "Sir, don't you think that God has revealed himself in other religions and not only in Christianity?"

 

Barth's answer stunned the crowd.

 

With a modest thunder he answered:

"No!

God has not revealed himself in any religion, including Christianity.

He has revealed himself in his Son,Jesus!".

 

People by nature are religious in that every person is born with a sense of a divine being.

And at some point each person decides whether to accept that belief, enquire into it, or reject it.

 

Many choose the belief, as the saying goes, that "all roads lead to Rome," and all religions lead to God.

Not true!

 

In one sense religion is man's search for God primarily through his own efforts, or through a man-made religion.

On the other hand, Jesus (or real Christianity) is God's search for man.

And that makes all the difference in the world.

 

Because we are all sinners-

- it is impossible for us to save ourselves through our own efforts or any man-made religion.

 

This is why God, in his eternal love for us, sent his own Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in our place to pay the penalty for all our sins.

Mankind's salvation is thus found in Jesus Christ alone.

There is no other way!

 

Narrow?

Yes.

 

But had there been any other way-

- why would Jesus have come to earth as a man to die an excruciating death on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for our sins?

 

So the important question is not, are you religious?

 

- Or, do you belong to a Christian denomination,

- Or are you a member of a Christian church,

- but have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?

 

Is your trust in him and him alone for your eternal salvation?

As Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [God] except through me."John 14:6.

Decide Each Day

Do you hear the clock ticking?

 

Time keeps moving on!

 

It never stops for anyone-

- no matter how important you are.

 

We just can't find enough of that stuff.

 

The late Jim Croce sang about bottling time.

While we can't do that, one thing's for sure-

God wants us to be good stewards of our time!

 

But we'll never be able to until we're clear about our purpose for living.

 

The starting point is knowing why we're here.

 

First-

- ask God to help you develop a life-purpose statement.

It will take some time, but it's the best time you'll ever invest.

Know why you're here.

 

Then-

- decide each day what's most important for you to do that day, and do it.

 

By having a clear purpose and doing the most important thing each day-

God can revolutionize your life and help you make the most of your time!

 

"...(the Lord) has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity." 2 Timothy 1:9.

Nothing is wasted

When the Mexican boll weevil devastated the southeast Alabama cotton crop-

- farmers reverted to planting peanuts and ended up producing more than any county in the nation.

 

Consequently the town of Rucker erected a monument bearing this inscription:

“In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity.”

 

Did you know that what starts as a problem can end as a blessing?

When Jesus discovered Lazarus was sick he didn’t respond till after he’d been dead four days.

 

But because Jesus was waiting didn’t mean He wasn’t working.

He chose to demonstrate His resurrecting power, to prove that nothing’s too hard for God.

 

Joseph was falsely imprisoned for 13 years.

 

But God was with him and he went on to save multitudes, including his family who’d mistreated him.

Joseph’s struggles made him better, not bitter.

But it could have ended differently if he hadn’t maintained the right attitude.

 

God used Esther to save her people.

 

But first he put her in the position of living where she didn’t want to live and doing what she didn’t want to do.

 

Even though a widow, Ruth ended up gleaning in a field where she met and married a wealthy man named Boaz.

In addition to bearing him children, she became part of Jesus’ ancestral bloodline.

 

So if you’re struggling to see God’s purpose in your suffering today-

- rest assured He has one!

 

After feeding a multitude Jesus told His disciples:

“Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted!”

 

In God’s kingdom nothing is ever lost!

When you trust Him He makes “all things work together for good.” Romans 8:28.

Make Up Your Mind

 

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14.

 

As you fight the good fight of faith today-

Remember this:

Your mind is where the battle will take place.
Whatever you allow to captivate your mind will rule your life.

 

Will it be-

- the Word of God

- or the lies of Satan?

The decision is yours!

If you want the Word to reign-
- make up your mind now to resist the devil when he comes to plant doubts within you.

 

Refuse to surrender to the circumstantial pressure he brings your way.
Decide at the onset that you will not succumb to this trial.
Dig your heels in and stand immovable upon the promises of God.

 

When thoughts come that are contrary to God's will-

- cast them down.

And above all-

- don't worry!
Worrying is meditating the thoughts of Satan!

When you recognize you are worrying, stop it immediately.
Replace worried, fearful, and doubtful thoughts with the Word.

Be assured!
Satan will continually try to tell you that your situation is hopeless.
He will persistently peddle doubt, defeat, and discouragement.

But if you won't allow him to sell you his goods.

His commission will be zero.

If you don't buy his lies-
- he can't cause them to come to pass in your life.

 

God has promised that He will always cause you to triumph in Christ.
You are guaranteed victory over any adversity you face today.
Make up your mind right now-
- to be a winner and you'll spread the knowledge of victory in Christ everywhere you go.