Success or Destruction

A popular song among little children is the “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man.” I can remember singing that song as a little child and now to see my own children singing it is such a blessing. In a familiar parable in Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells about two men that built their houses on two separate foundations. The wise man built his on a solid foundation (rock) and the foolish man on the weak foundation (sand). Allow me to point out some comparisons from this simple parable.

First, consider the similarities of these two men: they were both building a house. I hope you can point out in your life that you have built or are currently building. Our pastor recently challenged the staff in this very area. We are meant to build things. It is the natural desire inside all of us to build something whether it is a career, business, church, Sunday school class, bus route, relationship, etc. Another similarity I find is they both went through a storm. People erroneously think because they are saved and living for God that they are somehow exempt from the storms of life. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5, “he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Living for God does not exempt us from problems, but it does ensure the help of God when the trials do come. Lastly, they both heard the preaching. Jesus tells us that both men heard “these sayings of mine.” They both knew what they should do. The wise man didn’t have an advantage over the foolish man. They both heard the same preaching and teaching.

What was the main difference between these two men? What was the difference between great success and complete destruction? One word—OBEDIENCE. Everything else was similar about these men except this area. After both men heard the preaching, Jesus said the wise man “doeth them” and the foolish man “doeth them not.” The wise man obeyed the preaching and the foolish man disregarded the preaching. The wise man followed the Word of God and the foolish man followed his own understanding. Success in the Christian life isn’t based on ability, talent, personality, pedigree or experience. It is based upon whether or not we obey the Word of God. I’m sure the foolish man was talented and liked, but he didn’t follow the leading of God in his life.

The main difference between those that succeed in the Christian life and those that don’t is inevitably one word—OBEDIENCE. Even though the children’s song is quite old and well known, it still carries a great truth

Eight Ways to Make the Most of Christmas (Paul Chappell)

Christmastime may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also pass in a flurry of frenzied activity, with no time to enjoy the significance of the season.

1. Die to self. Let your personal expectations go. Mortify your fleshly tendencies. And surrender yourself anew to serve the Lord this season.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.—Romans 6:11–13

2. Seek the filling of the Holy Spirit. Do you want the peace, love, and joy that is supposed to come with Christmas? Remember, it is a fruit of the Spirit. Yield yourself to Him, and His fruit will fill your Christmas.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.—Galatians 5:22-23

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;—Ephesians 5:18

3. Serve others. Christmas so easily becomes all about us. It’s not—it’s about worshipping Christ and serving others in His stead. He came to minister, not to be ministered unto. If you want to infuse joy into your Christmas season, look for people to serve! And if you want to be sure you do it, add service opportunities to your calendar!

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.—Philippians 2:4–8

4. Witness everywhere you go. December very well may be the busiest month of the year. If we’re not careful, we’ll let the extra events and activities crowd out our witness. In reality, Christmastime is one of the best times for witnessing. Wherever you go this month—shopping, extended family gatherings, etc.—look for opportunities to share the gospel.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.—Acts 8:4

5. Express gratitude and love. Create family memories; thank those whom you serve alongside. Resist the tendency to get so caught up in the bustle that you forget the people!

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,—Philippians 1:3

6. Remember those with special burdens. There are people around you—in your church, down your street, in your family—who carry special burdens. Often, Christmastime increases these burdens. Unemployed parents, single moms, bereaved spouses—all of these could use your encouragement and support. Reach out to them, perhaps even monetarily.

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.—Galatians 6:2

7. Enjoy Christian fellowship. Host (or attend) a Christmas party for your Sunday school class or small group. Participate in your church’s special Christmas services or events. Don’t neglect your family (especially unsaved extended family) during Christmas, but do relish the opportunities to have Christ-centered fellowship with Christians.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;—Romans 12:10

8. Finalize December projects. Clean your work area. Grade tests. File papers. Wrap up pending projects. In short, unclutter your life. Don’t go into the New Year dragging almost-finished projects.

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.—Ephesians 5:16

I hope these eight tips are helpful to you in making the most of celebrating our Saviour’s birth. Merry Christmas!

3 Reasons to Consider Bible College - Dr. Rasmussen

1. Bible College Helps Us Fulfill the Principle of First Things

In Matthew 6:33, God’s Word says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” There are a number of times in our lives where God commands and expects “first things.” The children of Israel were commanded to give of the first fruits of their crops. God asks us to give Him the first day of the week. He asks for the first ten percent of our income, as well as an offering. Many have discovered the wisdom of following David’s example—he gave God the first part of his day (Psalm 63:1).

It could certainly be said that the year after high school graduation marks the first part of one’s adult life. In fact, it is commonly stated at graduations that high school commencement is a threshold one crosses into adulthood. Based on the biblical principle of first things, it would certainly seem wise to dedicate at least this first year as a time for spiritual growth and grounding.

The One Year Bible Program at West Coast Baptist College is expressly designed to fulfill this purpose. This program is thirty-two hours of Bible instruction accompanied by chapel five days a week and the experience of life at the Lancaster Baptist Church during that school year.

2. Bible College Helps Us Find and Prepare for God’s Will

The majority of young people between the ages of seventeen and nineteen often tell us that they are not exactly sure what it is that God would have them to do with their lives. There is nothing wrong or sinful about not having clear direction for the future. During this time of seeking, Bible college is a safe and spiritually productive place to find out what God would have you to do with your life.

As students hear the Word of God taught and preached, they often find direction. God’s Word says about itself, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). It also says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Both the lamp and the light were used in biblical times to show people where their next step should be taken. The lamp showed the next step or two, and the light showed down the path. A year in Bible college often provides a light that allows people to clearly see the path that God would have them to see.

In Genesis 24:27, Abraham’s servant Eleazar said, “I being in the way, the LORD led me.” There’s no doubt that if we are hearing what God wants us to hear and doing what God wants us to do, the Lord will guide us into His perfect will.

Countless numbers of students have gone to Bible college with open and tender hearts, and God has directed them into His will for their lives.

3. Bible College Helps Us Grow and Mature

Innumerable students have stated that their going away from home to attend Bible college was a major step in personal maturing and growth. Spending a year in Bible college benefits students in numerous ways:

• Learning to get along with others
• Developing personal accountability
• Learning to trust God by faith for our needs
• Learning to establish a budget
• Learning to plan and live by schedule
• Being mentored and learning to mentor others
• Learning to have fruit that remains
• Finding and keeping a job
• Developing servant leadership
• Learning to focus on the eternal, rather than the temporal

Bible college is often a place where young people meet their spouses. What better place to find a life partner than among likeminded young people who are saved, Bible-believing Baptists?

Bible college is also a place to meet those who will be lifetime friends. It is often classmates in Bible college who share the same passion to serve the Lord and invest their lives in things that will further the kingdom of Christ. These are the ones with whom you will have much in common as you embark in ministry.

Bible college is a place of wonderful memories, and most importantly, it is a place where God touches and shapes hearts for the years ahead. As I have stated to countless parents, West Coast Baptist College is good for a person’s heart, and out of the heart are the issues of life.

It Will Change your Life

Have you ever had a friend tell you about his favorite restaurant or home-cooked meal or dessert by saying, “You’ve got to try it. It will change your life”? Obviously, in this context, this phrase is an exaggeration used to try to describe their love for a particular meal. While your life may be temporarily improved, it is unlikely that a single dining experience is truly going to change your life.

However, there is a life changing truth in Scripture that is neglected by Christians far too often. That is the return of Christ. I fear that many of us neglect to consider the reality of Christ’s imminent return in our daily Christian lives. We go about our weekly routines, never giving thought to the fact that we may see our Savior today!

Titus 2:13 commands us to be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” We are to be expecting His return. Yet, many of us can go days, weeks, and even months, without intentionally obeying this command, completely ignoring the truth that He is coming.

If you will live with the return of Christ at the forefront of your mind, “It Will Change Your Life!”

How can it change your life?

    •    The Rapture Brings a Comfort
I Thessalonians 4:16 says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

No matter how bad things seem to get in our lives, knowing that God is in control and has not appointed His children to wrath, brings a great comfort. As the songwriter said, “I’ve read the back of the Book, and we win!”

I am a sports fan. There have been times when I have been unable to watch an important sporting event live. So, I record it to watch it later. But, before I am able to watch it, I find out that my team won the game. Knowing the end result of the game brings a great comfort when my team messes up and faces seemingly insurmountable odds. I know the final score, so the opposition doesn’t have the same affect on me. I watch the game in great comfort, never getting nervous or uptight about losing.

The same is true for the Christian. We know the final score. No matter what deep valley we may be facing, we can be comforted by the “blessed hope” that He is coming again!

That truth will change your life!

    •    The Rapture Brings a Challenge
When we live with Heaven in view, we will be challenged to be a holy people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). If we really live today like we may see Christ, it will change our thoughts, our schedule, our words, our actions, our passions, and our priorities. We will be better Christians, better mates, better parents, better friends, better neighbors, better workers, and better witnesses. Maybe today my Lord will come for me!

That truth will change your life!

    •    The Rapture Brings a Concern
We say we believe that Christ could come at any moment. We sing songs about it and hear messages preached about it. However, sometimes, we don’t let this truth seep into our daily living. If we did, we would be far more concerned for those who are without Christ. We would have a burden and a passion for those who will be left behind when Christ comes to claim His own. We would have a deeper concern to get the gospel to our community, our country, and our world.

Those who die without Christ will spend eternity in hell. And, their time on earth may be shorter than any of us think.

That truth will change your life!

So, may I encourage each of you to be looking for that blessed hope on a daily basis? When you wake up each day this week, would you do your best to recognize that Christ could return today?

It will change your life!

Lessons from a Wii

          About three years ago, I bought my wife a Nitendo Wii for Christmas. She really wanted one; plus, it was a little beneficial for me because I could not get a Xbox 360 or a PS3 before she got a Wii. It worked out for both of us because that Christmas I also received a new XBox 360. With that little back story out of the way, my wife and I have grown to enjoy the Wii together. It rests under our main TV in the living room, and it serves as an occasional informal and unofficial "date" between me and my wife. It also serves to help with teen activities at our house periodically. Within the three years of owning our Wii, we have had two "scary" incidents involving it. The first involved it falling off a 4 foot-tall table onto a tile floor. Thankfully, we were able to get that fixed ourselves. The second incident happened earlier this week when a power surge occurred at our house. Thankfully, we had it plugged into a power surge to protect it. The only problem is that after the surge occurred, everything that was connected to the surge protector came back on except the Wii. We gave it about twenty minutes to reset, but it still did not come back on. At this point, I was extremely nervous because my first thought was that I had to replace it which involved me having to spend money I really did not want to spend. I also began brainstorming and debating on whether to just save and buy the new Wii U. We left the Wii alone and then went to church for the night. After church, we went home and relaxed. Right before bed, I decided to try it out again and see if it worked. Praise the Lord the little red standby light came on when I plugged it back in. I have never been that happy to see a red light before that instance. Our Wii still works and the teen activities are still on.
          I know this story and a Wii might not be that important to you, but God reminded me of a few lessons from our Wii and this event that I can still put to use in my life. These lessons also will be useful to your life as well.

1. The Lesson of Endurance - our Wii is a trooper. I have heard many horror stories of Wii's breaking from events far less eventful. Our Wii has withstood "attacks" and 'trials," but it still works and still keeps going on. Trials come our way, but we must remember to stand strong during the trials and not quit. God will get us through the trial and the storm, but we cannot throw in the towel just because life gets tough.

2. The Lesson of Provision - once that Wii broke, my fleshly mind first went to stress and anxiety and fear. I was worried about having to spend money for something that really will not amount to much in the grand scheme of things. Once the Wii came back on, I praised God for Him allowing it to come back on and work. God provided it coming back on so I would not have to go out and spend any money. So often, we worry about things that we should not really be worried about. Instead, let us go to the One that has all the answers and the One Who can fix anything that comes our way.

3. The Lesson of Trust - after the Wii came back on and I was praising God for Him allowing it to come back on, God convicted me in my heart. He said to me, " I allowed it to come back on, but why didn't you trust Me that I could take care of you." I then had to ask God to forgive me of my lack of trust in Him. My first course of action was to think about what I might have had to do instead of thinking about what He COULD do in this situation. I trusted in myself instead of in Him. So often we do the same thing, and He needs to remind us that Psalm 118:8 is still in the Bible.

4. The Lesson on Enjoyment - my wife and I have enjoyed the Wii. Our youth group has enjoyed the Wii. So often though I find more enjoyment in that Wii than in the things of God. The Wii sometimes brings me more enjoyment than my Bible and than Prayer. (Don't think of me bad, we all have this happen occasionally as well with other things than a Wii) God has far greater things for us than what a simple Wii can give us. The Wii's enjoyment is temporary, but the enjoyment that God gives us is eternal enjoyment.

Is Your Social Media Unsocial

We live in a day in which there are many venues to express one’s thoughts and opinions, or even share biblical truths. It can be encouraging and at times entertaining to read other’s thoughts on popular topics or current trends in culture or ministry. Eventually, we each may try our hand at social media. Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, and the like have become second nature to this technologically savvy generation. While I don’t condemn the medium, I believe we should consider our motives. What moves us to write?
Are you raving mad when you write? I have to admit that there are times when I read something that just infuriates me. If it were a published article in a magazine or paper, I probably wouldn’t take the time to sit down and write a “Letter to the Editor.” If I did, I might lose my head of steam before I got done writing and decide against it (or write it in a more gracious manner). But not anymore! With social media, I can fire off a comment in the anonymity of my home and before I have time to regret it, I will already be getting responses. Then ensues a Facebook fight or Twitter tussle for everyone to see! Not very Christian, I know.
When you sit down to write, do you do it like you are loading a gun or wrapping a present? When you load a gun, you intend to do some damage. Each chamber is filled with a projectile that will be aimed at some perceived enemy. Then, we pull the trigger. “Shoot first, ask questions later,” seems to be the motto in social media.
But gift wrapping is different. It brings joy to the giver as they load the box with helpful things. I am not saying that we don’t confront wrong doing, but our motivation should be to disciple, not damage—to win a brother, not an argument.
Let me offer some things to consider before you pull the trigger:

1. Should This Be Private?

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”— Matthew 18:15
If your greatest concern is to convince a brother, then grandstanding on social media is not your best bet. You cause them to have to save face, even if they recognize they are wrong. They may change their opinion about the topic but not about you. “Open letters” and online battles do not serve well the cause of Christ!

2. Should This Be Passed Over?

“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”— Proverbs 19:11
Proverb: He who has little sense cannot afford to put his “two cents” in. Ok, I just made that up. But why does it seem that those who have done the least say the most? It appears that there is a discretion drought. Discretion defers anger and attention about other’s faults.

3. Should This Be Put Off?

They say you should never procrastinate unless you are a computer programmer—in which case, you will probably have a better idea later. Can I add Twitter to the list?
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”— Proverbs 14:29

4. Should This Be Pursued?

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”— Ephesians 4:29
There comes a time that something must be said for the edification of others. But often the ones commenting on the problem demonstrate their own lack of spiritual maturity in their answer. Then the problem is compounded. Maybe we should say, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your smartphone, tablet, laptop...”

Salty Speech

If all else fails, use the Scriptural “sniff test.”
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”— Colossians 4:5–6
We are called to be the salt of the earth, not the pepper. Maybe we can shake a little salty speech out on Twitter and Facebook and prevent “unsocial media.”

- Pastor Fred Fies

What Can We Do for America?

Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love it because it is a time to gather around with friends and family. It is a time to BBQ and eat. It is a time to relax and enjoy a day off. Probably the greatest reason I love July 4th is I get to spend the day thinking about how great of a country I live in. I believe I live in the greatest nation on the planet. I Love America! I understand that America spiritually is not what she once was. I understand that what was shunned a mere 10-20 years ago is now being openly embraced. Our leaders care more for themselves and their political agenda than they do for standing for right and holiness. They embrace humanism instead of embracing the Bible. America has murdered millions of babies and is trillions of dollars in debt. She seeks to remove God from every area of life, and replace God with man's ways and man's ideologies. I love my country, but a majority of the things that she stands for and embraces I don't love.

In light of this, I am reminded of what President Kennedy said in his Inaugural Address in 1961:

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

We truly are living in the "what can America give me" generation. Nobody wants to go out a do something great. People are content to sit on their sofas and draw their welfare checks. People elect leaders based on what that leader will do for them. Voting based upon what is right and what is Biblical and what will truly help our country is out; voting for the person who will do the most and give us the most is in. 

Teenager, I do not want for you to think that our country is hopeless. There is hope for America and that hope is you. You can change our country. You can make a difference. If the youth of America decide that they will impact our country by not tolerating the nonsense in our country, by voting for the right candidate, but most importantly, by holding to the values and principles taught in the Word of God in their speech and in the lifestyle, America can be changed.

So then, what can you as a teenager do for America?

1. Get a fresh glimpse of God (Isaiah 6:1-8) - if all of us, myself included, would wake up every day and get a glimpse of God, then our day would be different. Our speech, thoughts, clothing, attitude, and lifestyle would reflect Him. He will shine more and more as we shine less and less.
2. Pray for your country (2 Chronicles 7:14) - America will never be changed if God's people are not praying for her. Take time to pray for your country. Pray for its leaders, pray for its protection, but pray especially for revival.
3. Vote based on the Bible - the country will reflect the attitude of its leaders. If the leaders do not line up with the Bible, then the people of the nation will not. When old enough to vote, don't vote based on personality, skin color, and promises. Vote for the candidate who most falls in line with what the Bible teaches.
4. Life Godly lives - America needs to get a fresh glimpse of true Christianity. She needs to see true Christian teenagers living their lives as God would want. The world does not want a cheap imitation of itself. Be real. Be genuine. Be the Christian teen that God would look down and smile on.
5. Be a witness - America is going to hell in a hand basket. You go out and be a witness for Christ. Share the Gospel with people. Knock doors. Invite people to God's house. Bring your friends to God's house and let them hear the Gospel. Realize that people around you are lost and going to hell. Do your part to keep that from happening.

There is hope for America. Teen, do you part to help bring our nation back to God. 

"Ask not what your country can do for you - as what you can do for your country." 

How to Study the Bible

The Bible is the Christian’s code of conduct, marching orders, manual for life, and love letter from God. It is vitally important that every child of God reads and studies the Scriptures with great zeal, passion, and urgency. Let’s take a look at some practical tips for studying God’s precious Word.

We Must Study The Bible Daily
It is unnatural to go a day without food. Fasting has been a challenge for most Christians because the body craves and desires food. The soul of every believer must thirst and hunger for the truth contained in God’s Word. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11) These Berean Christians are examples to every saved person that there must be a daily study of the Scriptures.

We Must Study The Bible With Careful Examination
Let’s once again look at the testimony of the Berean believers in Acts 17:11. It is said that they “searched the scriptures.” The word search comes from the Greek word anakrínō which means to examine with careful and thorough study. R.A. Torrey said, “Study the Bible with an absolutely single-eyed purpose to discover exactly what God intended to teach.”

We Must Study The Bible With A Readiness To Obey
The Christian should study the Bible with the full intention of obeying every command and believing in every promise by faith. Our will should be totally surrendered to God’s.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)If we are eager to obey, then our mind will be focused on what we are reading and our mind will cease to wander.

We Must Memorize Scripture
Memorizing Scripture allows you to hide the Word of God in your heart and stand on the Word of God when temptation comes. We should try to memorize a little Scripture every day.“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
Scripture is best memorized by organizing verses topically. Memorize groups of verses according to their theme or topic. For example, the following verses can be memorized together under the topic of unlimited atonement: John 3:16, John 1:9, Titus 2:11, I John 2:2, Revelation 3:20.

We Must Study The Bible Completely
Though every Christian has favorite passages in the Bible, we must discipline ourselves to study the Bible in its entirety.“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)

It is dangerous for a Christian to study only portions of the Bible without knowledge of the complete Word of God.

I Love My Church

 Can you think of a place that you love to go to? This place you are thinking of might be a scenic location, a restaurant, an ice cream shop, a friend's house, a gym, or a place to relax. When I was in college, a place I loved to attend was called Jamba Juice. It was a smoothie place that made the best smoothies I have ever tasted. I also loved to attend a burger place called In-n-Out Burger. I love these places. I thought about these places. I also left satisfied from these places. In the Bible, the psalmist mentioned a place he loved:

Psalm 26:8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

The psalmist in this passage mentioned that the place he loved was God's house. He loved the habitation of God's house meaning that he just loved being in the house of God. He loved God's house because that was a place where God received the honour. He loved God's house because God received the glory there. He loved God house because God was praised and magnified there. He just simply loved God's house.

Sadly, many Christians today and many Christian teenagers today love other places more than the house of God. The gym, park, work place, grocery store, friend's houses, sporting events, and the mall have a bigger place in their heart and life than the house of God does. I know this for a fact because if that previous statement was incorrect, than the house of God would be more full on a regular basis than it is now. Stadiums are packed with people on a Sunday while God's house sits empty. I cannot walk into a Walmart on Sunday because I will be there 20-30 minutes when I only have to buy one item.

Yes, a love for the house of God is decreasing in today's society. Jesus even alluded to it in Matthew 24:12, And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Even though we are living in a generation that does not really possess a love for the house of God , there are still reasons why we should love His house.

1. Jesus created it (Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.)
2. God adds to it (Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church such as should be saved)
3. Jesus is in charge of the church (Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.)
4. The church teaches the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.)
5. Jesus loves the church (Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church...)
6. Jesus died for the church (Ephesians 5:25 ...even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.)
7. God nourishes and strengthens the church (Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.)
8. The church is the pillar and ground for truth (1 Timothy 3:15 ...that thou knowest how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.)

20 Things I Learned About God Last Year - Cary Schmidt

During a year of total change in life and ministry, God proved Himself to be more real, more powerful, more present, and more gracious than I’ve ever personally experienced. Can I share with you some things that God reminded me about Himself this year—in very real and personal ways?
1. He will pursue me relentlessly—Like Jonah if I run, or like Joshua if I obey. His pursuit of me is a good thing. I am loved, valued, and significant to Him and in Him!
2. He calls for recurring surrender—What I do for Him is up to Him. Where I do it. How I do it. How fruitful, influential, or useful I am—it’s all up to Him. Surrender let’s it all go, and surrender is not just something you do once when you are a teenager.
3. His will is my privilege—In the economy of God’s will, I am both expendable and essential. In His will, I am privileged to be essential (by His grace.) Resisting His will, expendable—for He could choose to use someone else.
4. He leads with clarity and specificity—If His leading is unclear, I’m either not listening, or it isn’t time to know more. But when it’s time to act, He knows how to make the command undeniable and crystal clear. If it’s not clear—wait, listen, and let God lead. In time, it will be crystal clear!
5. He isn’t in a hurry—His work belongs to Him. He sets the pace. He leads. He guides. He provides. Trying to push Him isn’t going to get things moving forward any faster.
6. His will sometimes leaves your head spinning—When God moves quickly and His will brings rapid transitions in your life, you feel a very real loss of control. Control is an illusion anyway. But His intervention sometimes leaves you with only one option—hold on to Him for dear life!
7. His vision and purpose for my life is sometimes not even on my radar—My plans are small. I’m spiritually short-sighted. My capacity to envision is minuscule compared to His. Which is why…
8. His plans are big, scary, and perfect—He’s a very big, very good God. His BIG plans are scary to our small, faithless, short-sighted, comfortable worlds. But His plans are also perfectly timed, perfectly fitted to you, and perfectly fulfilling.
9. He responds to and rewards faith—If we could see how He’s going to work it all out, following Him would be easy. Faith has to take the risk and then wait and see. But He always comes through!
10. He is patient with doubt, fear, hesitation, and questions—Jonah ran. Jonah was chastened. Moses refuted. Isaiah questioned. Jeremiah panicked. Joshua feared. John the baptist despaired. And Thomas doubted. But God put up with them. Why? Because they went to Him. They asked Him. God will chasten rebellion, but He will work with wrestling. The key is, bring it to HIM!
11. His calling is not something you can work through—Emotional seasons, mid-life crisis, personal struggles can all be worked through. You don’t work through a call. It’s never going away. You submit to it.
12. His wisdom is available upon request—life is an experience in peering through fog. The future is blurry at best. It seems we can never quite get all the information needed to understand a situation and make a right decision. That’s why asking for wisdom is the answer to all the fog.
13. His Word still speaks powerfully and with laser-like focus—His Holy Spirit knows how to take a portion of the living Word and surgically apply it to your heart and circumstances with unimaginable precision. The real key is to open it long enough to hear!
14. His work is not up to me—Me compared to the need is like being tossed into an ocean, given a straw, and told to “drink it all!” Not only can I not succeed. Can I even make a dent? Could I drink enough to even measure the difference? Any difference we make—ANY—is utterly and entirely HIM, not me or you.
15. His work is HIS not MINE—He can move it forward. He can pause it. He can place it into my hands. He can remove it from my hands. I’m not doing for Him. I’m laboring with Him. He sets the pace. He sets the priorities. He yields the fruit. It’s all about Him!
16. He leads us from comfort zones into useful zones—This year He has repeatedly asked me—”Do you want to be comfortable or useful?” My answer is, “Can I be both?” But He showed me that often comfort is the killer of usefulness. Faith is uncomfortable. Risk is uncomfortable. And usefulness requires BOTH.
17. In His economy, the price of disobedience is always higher than the price of obedience—Think Jonah. He loves us too much to let us run for long. And no matter how much you think obeying Him will cost, disobeying Him will cost you more!
18. He will not wrestle with me forever—Following Him is a great privilege. Fearing His will brings paralysis. He will let me wrestle with fear for the short-term, but eventually He will say, “This is the last time I’m going to ask…” Trust Him. Don’t push Him to that point.
19. He cares for my family more than I do—He doesn’t intend to hurt my family with His will. And the very thing I fear might “hurt” them could be the very thing God uses to grow and prepare them for blessings yet unknown!
20. He is with me where He leads me—His presence is all that matters. My plan, my power, my personality, my experience, my strategies, my knowledge, my abilities—they all become useless apart from His presence. The most important thing I can know is that God is with me. And if I’ve obeyed Him to where I am, then He is.
Trials, transition, and tough times are opportunities for you to see God, know God, and love God on a whole new level. Embrace them! Immerse into them! Spit on your fear and leap into His call.
He will catch you! And there’s no better place to be than right in the palm of His hands!
2 Samuel 24:14 “…let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great…”

Wasted Days - Tim Trieber

Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17

One of the most well-known stories in the Bible is the tale of “Jonah and the Whale.” Even the youngest of us can give an account of the man who ran from God, was swallowed by a great big fish, and subsequently spent three gloomy days and nights in its belly. (Matthew 12:40) Familiarity with this Bible story is so remarkable that even many unbelievers know the drastic consequences of poor Jonah’s disobedience.
As we read through the book that bears his name, we may find many lessons that can be applied to our Christian lives. In the first chapter, we see Jonah’s divine call from his Lord: “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me” (Jonah 1:7). However, the man escaped to Joppa where he boarded a ship on its way to Tarshish. Because of Jonah’s disobedience, God caused a great fish to swallow him. For three days and nights, the would-be prophet was imprisoned in its belly. Perhaps this predicament appeals to your adventurous side, but I wouldn’t want to be trapped in the belly of a whale for one second, let alone three days!
God later used Jonah to see revival in the influential city of Nineveh, but one must remember that three days were wasted prior to that spiritual eclipse. Keep in mind that the city of Nineveh was so enormous that it would take the average person three days just to walk around the perimeter. Countless events—wrong deeds that could have been righted, deaths, and more—would have taken place in that busy city during Jonah’s detention in the whale’s belly. I wonder how many people died and went to hell because of his disobedience? I wonder how many lives could have been salvaged, had he obeyed the first time?

“We Christians cannot afford to waste one moment in this world”

Jesus Christ said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) We Christians cannot afford to waste one moment in this world. Circumstances—a harried driver unknowingly runs a red light or an otherwise healthy heart suddenly stops beating—can change in the blink of an eye; and, as a result, many step into eternity without knowing where they are headed. We do not have time to disobey God’s will—countless souls rely on “the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
I would hate to stand before our Lord one day, knowing that some or many of my days were wasted. How ashamed I would feel if He were to show me the souls I could have reached had I been obedient to Him. Let each of us do the best we can to make today and the days that follow not wasted days but, rather, ones full of “fruit that may abound.”