Romans 8: 1 - 11
In case you missed this little bit of news from the International
and Technology Front...
After having dug to a depth of 10 meters last year, Scottish
scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years
and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had
a telephone network more than 100 years ago.
Not to be outdone by the Scots, in the weeks that followed,
English scientists dug to a depth of 20 meters, and shortly
after, headlines in the English newspapers read: "English
archaeologists have found traces of 200-year-old copper wire
and have concluded that their ancestors already had an
advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years
earlier than the Scots."
One week later, "The Kerrymen," a southwest Irish
newsletter, reported the following: "After digging as deep
as 30 meters in peat bog near Tralee, Paddy O'Droll, a
self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely
nothing. Paddy has therefore concluded that 300 years ago,
Ireland had already gone wireless."
Question: What is faith?
Good News! We have a definition of “Faith…”
Being sure of what we hope for (the substance of things hoped for…)
Being certain of what we do not see (The evidence of things not seen…)
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command…
Christian “Big Bang” Theory… God spoke… and… BANG! IT HAPPENED!
Faith says to us today that what is seen is made out of what is not seen!
Faith means making a conscientious choice to believe certain things to be true…
This conscientious choice means making a commitment, and a promise to a lifestyle of living by faith…
Hebrews 10: 38 and 39… “But my righteous one will live by faith... and if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him… But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed… but of those who believe and are saved…”
Elsewhere in the Bible we see further evidence of the choice to live by faith… Joshua says: “choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!”
Now let’s take a look at our text…
Hebrews 11: 6
1.) Without faith it is impossible to please God…
2.) Anyone who comes to HIM must believe that he exists…
3.) Anyone who comes to HIM must believe that HE rewards those who diligently seek him…
So… there is joy in the pursuit… there is an eager anticipation that says “if I seek after God… if I follow by faith… if I follow his word and his precepts… IF I HAVE A SAVING RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM THROUGH HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST… I will find myself in a relationship with the Living God!”
There’s joy in the journey for the pilgrim who is seeking God in his or her life… because anyone who comes to God must believe that HE exists… and that joy is expressed most deeply in the belief that God rewards those who diligently seek him!
Thought: If you do not believe that HE exists, you will never find him through your own efforts and in your own strength.
Truth of the matter: There IS absolute truth… Jesus IS ALIVE today! HE LIVES!
Not only does He live… He calls us to live for Him… He calls us to live and love sacrificially for others because HE lives sacrificially for each of us today. He laid down his life so you and I might live free from our sins… this is called COSTLY GRACE… Our forgiveness cost him everything… His Kingdom… His Crown… His Life… so that he could make a difference in our lives today.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that when Jesus calls us, he calls us to “come and die…” Die to self… die to everything that would keep us from completing the things that God would have us to do…
Jesus gave us his mission when he said to the people gathered at the synagogue in Jerusalem “God’s spirit is upon me; he’s chosen me to preach the message of Good News to the Poor; sent me to announce pardon to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind; to set the burdened and battered free; to announce “This is God’s year to act…”
Jesus calls us to follow HIS example… He healed the sick… He raised the dead… He cleansed the leper… He made the blind to see… and his word says that He has given us the Holy Spirit… to teach us… to guide us… to comfort us… so we could do what He did…
The bottom line is that we are called upon to have the kind of faith that makes a difference… the kind of relationship with God through Jesus Christ that pricks at our conscience and tugs at our hearts when we see somebody in need. We are called upon to have the kind of faith that goes beyond superficial relationships and goes to the very depth of our hearts and binds us together… not merely as acquaintances, but as Brothers and Sisters who make a difference in the lives of those around us…
+ + +
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain in to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
I Bid You Peace...
Dr. Ken
Monday, August 25, 2008
From Olympic Gold to Golden Leaves
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;
Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
My family and I loved watching the Olympic Games from Beijing. Four years ago, when the Olympic Games were in Athens, Greece, I wanted to take my wife and daughter to Athens, and not only show them around the city in which I was born, but also witness history in the making.
What comes to your mind when you think of the Olympics? For some it may be the extravagance — $100 million (plus) being spent on the opening and closing ceremonies alone.
The human drama of the games may come to your mind. Dara Torres was the oldest swimmer to win a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics when she was 33. Now, as a 41-year-old mom she is the first swimmer from the United States to compete in five Olympics: 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, and 2008. She competed in the Beijing Olympic Games in the 50 meter freestyle, 4×100 medley relay, and 4×100 freestyle relay and won the silver medal in all three of these events.
For some it may be the pride of watching U.S. athletes and seeing the medal count add up. We thrilled to the news that Team USA brought home 36 Bronze Medals, 38 Silver Medals, and 38 Gold Medals, and our hearts swelled with prize as Michael Phelps came home with eight world-record (and Olympic-record) breaking Gold Medals in swimming!
Whether or not you watched the 2008 Olympics, it's interesting to note that the New Testament actually has numerous references to the Olympic Games. The culture in which Christianity spread was very familiar with the original Olympics in Athens, Greece, so early believers often used imagery from those games to make a point.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25, Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
The “crown” Paul refers to was the laurel wreath awarded to the Olympic champions of that day.
As we watched the Olympic games this year, they were a great reminder to examine our own priorities. What is the “crown” we're striving for and putting all our energies into? The Olympic athletes devote years of their lives for that one chance to become an Olympic champion, just as each of us, as God’s children, are called to live our lives for HIM in the hopes of attaining the prize… the crown of life.
Olympic Gold, the roar of the crowds, and the fame and glory will all fade away, as Jesus reminds us that “heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will never pass away.” . A personal relationship with God through Jesus offers a reward that will never fade away. As Elaine Breeden, another U.S. Olympic swimmer says, “If I put his (God's) kingdom first, everything else will fall into place.
As the fall season begins, let us take to heart the words from Matthew 6:33… “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and everything else will be added to you.” Or, in the words of a favorite praise hymn… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus… Look full in his wonderful face… and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.”
I Bid You Peace…
Dr. Ken +
Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
My family and I loved watching the Olympic Games from Beijing. Four years ago, when the Olympic Games were in Athens, Greece, I wanted to take my wife and daughter to Athens, and not only show them around the city in which I was born, but also witness history in the making.
What comes to your mind when you think of the Olympics? For some it may be the extravagance — $100 million (plus) being spent on the opening and closing ceremonies alone.
The human drama of the games may come to your mind. Dara Torres was the oldest swimmer to win a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics when she was 33. Now, as a 41-year-old mom she is the first swimmer from the United States to compete in five Olympics: 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, and 2008. She competed in the Beijing Olympic Games in the 50 meter freestyle, 4×100 medley relay, and 4×100 freestyle relay and won the silver medal in all three of these events.
For some it may be the pride of watching U.S. athletes and seeing the medal count add up. We thrilled to the news that Team USA brought home 36 Bronze Medals, 38 Silver Medals, and 38 Gold Medals, and our hearts swelled with prize as Michael Phelps came home with eight world-record (and Olympic-record) breaking Gold Medals in swimming!
Whether or not you watched the 2008 Olympics, it's interesting to note that the New Testament actually has numerous references to the Olympic Games. The culture in which Christianity spread was very familiar with the original Olympics in Athens, Greece, so early believers often used imagery from those games to make a point.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25, Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
The “crown” Paul refers to was the laurel wreath awarded to the Olympic champions of that day.
As we watched the Olympic games this year, they were a great reminder to examine our own priorities. What is the “crown” we're striving for and putting all our energies into? The Olympic athletes devote years of their lives for that one chance to become an Olympic champion, just as each of us, as God’s children, are called to live our lives for HIM in the hopes of attaining the prize… the crown of life.
Olympic Gold, the roar of the crowds, and the fame and glory will all fade away, as Jesus reminds us that “heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will never pass away.” . A personal relationship with God through Jesus offers a reward that will never fade away. As Elaine Breeden, another U.S. Olympic swimmer says, “If I put his (God's) kingdom first, everything else will fall into place.
As the fall season begins, let us take to heart the words from Matthew 6:33… “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and everything else will be added to you.” Or, in the words of a favorite praise hymn… “Turn your eyes upon Jesus… Look full in his wonderful face… and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.”
I Bid You Peace…
Dr. Ken +
Saturday, August 2, 2008
My Best Friend's (Brother's) Wedding
(John 2: 1 – 11, Revelation 19: 1 – 10)
This is the story of two young schoolboys in trouble… The Headmaster calls the first boy into his office. Headmaster asks “Where IS GOD?” The boy doesn’t answer. The Headmaster raises his voice and asks again “Where IS GOD?” No answer… Now the Headmaster raises his voice to a fever pitch and booms “WHERE IS GOD?” Scared, the boy runs out of the headmaster’s office, and runs into his friend.
Boy #2: “Ken… what’s wrong… you’re frightened…”
Boy #1: “Rob… we’re in real trouble… God is missing, and they think we did it!”
Answer to “Where is God?”
God is Omnipresent (Everywhere)
God is Omniscient (All-Knowing)
God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)
An encounter with Jesus at a Jewish Wedding…
My Best Friend’s (Brother’s) Wedding…
Jewish wedding ceremony last Sunday afternoon in Woburn
Family was concerned that I would use the “J” word…
Yet I saw Jesus several times during the weekend…
In The Blessing of the Wine… It was the same Hebrew Blessing which Jesus used at the Last Supper, when he took the cup, and blessed it…
(Baruch a’ta adonai, elohaynu melach o’lam, bireh p’ree hagoffin)
(Blessed are you, Lord God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine…) And then he said “This cup is the new covenant in my blood…” take and drink…”
In the breaking of the glass at the end of the Wedding Ceremony… How he rejoiced with his family, how he raised his voice with the rest of the wedding guests and shouted “Mazel Tov!”
I Saw Jesus most poignantly during a conversation I had with the Groom’s father… my best friend’s father… before the ceremony I had been asked if I wanted to offer the blessing before the meal at the reception. Something deep inside of me thought it best that I defer to the Groom’s father. I asked him if he would do that particular blessing… He smiled, and said “You know… we have a traditional prayer for this… it’s a very beautiful prayer. ((Shelley took a dinner roll… and prayed “Baruch a’ta adonai… elohaynu melach o’lam. Hamotzi le-chem, min – harets. (Blessed are you, Lord God, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.)) AND THEN HE BROKE THE BREAD…
And Jesus took the bread… and he blessed it… AND HE BROKE THE BREAD… and said to his wondering disciples “This is my body which is broken for you…”
Later on… after his death, burial and resurrection… after the rumor had started to surface that Jesus was alive… two men were walking down the road to Emmaus… and they encountered a third man on the road, and they invited him to walk along with them. For most of the afternoon, they chatted about the BIG current event of the day… how a man named Yeshua had been cruelly beaten and crucified for claiming to be the Messiah… the King of the Jews… How Yeshua had gone about healing the sick… raising the dead… preaching about Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness… As the evening crept in, the men invited their new friend home for dinner… and he accepted. As they were sitting down to dinner, they asked their friend to bless the meal… and he took the bread… and he blessed it… AND HE BROKE THE BREAD… Just then, as their friend broke the bread, their eyes were opened to who it was… IT WAS JESUS!!! How they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the rest of the believers that they had seen Jesus! How they celebrated!
The Wedding Feast at Cana is a story of a celebration… Monica and I enjoy going to Weddings because it is a time in which we can celebrate with the bride and groom… there is a festive atmosphere… there is music… we enjoy dancing together… and there is usually a very memorable feast… And as much of a celebration as a Wedding Reception is… as memorable as the Wedding Feast at Cana was…
It is nothing in comparison with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
One day, Jesus, the bridegroom will return for his bride, the church… and what a day of rejoicing that will be!
I Bid You Shalom... Peace
Dr. Ken+
This is the story of two young schoolboys in trouble… The Headmaster calls the first boy into his office. Headmaster asks “Where IS GOD?” The boy doesn’t answer. The Headmaster raises his voice and asks again “Where IS GOD?” No answer… Now the Headmaster raises his voice to a fever pitch and booms “WHERE IS GOD?” Scared, the boy runs out of the headmaster’s office, and runs into his friend.
Boy #2: “Ken… what’s wrong… you’re frightened…”
Boy #1: “Rob… we’re in real trouble… God is missing, and they think we did it!”
Answer to “Where is God?”
God is Omnipresent (Everywhere)
God is Omniscient (All-Knowing)
God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)
An encounter with Jesus at a Jewish Wedding…
My Best Friend’s (Brother’s) Wedding…
Jewish wedding ceremony last Sunday afternoon in Woburn
Family was concerned that I would use the “J” word…
Yet I saw Jesus several times during the weekend…
In The Blessing of the Wine… It was the same Hebrew Blessing which Jesus used at the Last Supper, when he took the cup, and blessed it…
(Baruch a’ta adonai, elohaynu melach o’lam, bireh p’ree hagoffin)
(Blessed are you, Lord God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine…) And then he said “This cup is the new covenant in my blood…” take and drink…”
In the breaking of the glass at the end of the Wedding Ceremony… How he rejoiced with his family, how he raised his voice with the rest of the wedding guests and shouted “Mazel Tov!”
I Saw Jesus most poignantly during a conversation I had with the Groom’s father… my best friend’s father… before the ceremony I had been asked if I wanted to offer the blessing before the meal at the reception. Something deep inside of me thought it best that I defer to the Groom’s father. I asked him if he would do that particular blessing… He smiled, and said “You know… we have a traditional prayer for this… it’s a very beautiful prayer. ((Shelley took a dinner roll… and prayed “Baruch a’ta adonai… elohaynu melach o’lam. Hamotzi le-chem, min – harets. (Blessed are you, Lord God, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.)) AND THEN HE BROKE THE BREAD…
And Jesus took the bread… and he blessed it… AND HE BROKE THE BREAD… and said to his wondering disciples “This is my body which is broken for you…”
Later on… after his death, burial and resurrection… after the rumor had started to surface that Jesus was alive… two men were walking down the road to Emmaus… and they encountered a third man on the road, and they invited him to walk along with them. For most of the afternoon, they chatted about the BIG current event of the day… how a man named Yeshua had been cruelly beaten and crucified for claiming to be the Messiah… the King of the Jews… How Yeshua had gone about healing the sick… raising the dead… preaching about Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness… As the evening crept in, the men invited their new friend home for dinner… and he accepted. As they were sitting down to dinner, they asked their friend to bless the meal… and he took the bread… and he blessed it… AND HE BROKE THE BREAD… Just then, as their friend broke the bread, their eyes were opened to who it was… IT WAS JESUS!!! How they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the rest of the believers that they had seen Jesus! How they celebrated!
The Wedding Feast at Cana is a story of a celebration… Monica and I enjoy going to Weddings because it is a time in which we can celebrate with the bride and groom… there is a festive atmosphere… there is music… we enjoy dancing together… and there is usually a very memorable feast… And as much of a celebration as a Wedding Reception is… as memorable as the Wedding Feast at Cana was…
It is nothing in comparison with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
One day, Jesus, the bridegroom will return for his bride, the church… and what a day of rejoicing that will be!
I Bid You Shalom... Peace
Dr. Ken+
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Revival In The Land
S.B.: Psalm 33: 1 – 12
S.B. II Chronicles 7: 13 – 15
A while ago, a very dear old friend of mine, a veteran pastor who has been serving the Lord by serving his people for over 35 years re-introduced me to a word that has fallen into disuse, but which has a wonderful meaning. The word is Lagniappe. (“lanny – yap”) It is a Cajun word (although some might argue that it is Creole in origin), but, by definition, it means an unexpected extra blessing.
The whole idea of an unexpected extra blessing is one that God wants his children to take hold of, and share with one another, especially in today’s culture, and in today’s economic climate. God has given us so many blessings, not so we can horde them, but that we can use each of them to be a blessing to others, and not count the cost. That is why he sent us his son… he gave of his best… he held nothing back from us… he gave us above and beyond anything… he gave us the unexpected extra blessing of paying for all the dumb things we have ever done so we can spend eternity with him!
We are often guilty of under-praying… and of underestimating the power of praying. We cannot survive without praying, but praying together we can join together on a fantastic journey… on an incomprehensible adventure in Jesus!
I remember the story of a little church in a community in Kentucky where no alcohol was served. A businessman came into the town, bought the property across from the church, and began to build a tavern. The people of the church gathered to pray that God’s hand would move in such a way that the tavern would never open. Then one night during a thunderstorm, the tavern was struck by lightning, and burned to the ground.
The people of the church were very surprised when they sere served with a lawsuit brought by the tavern owner. The lawsuit alleged that the prayers were responsible for the lightning striking his building… and the people of the church countersued.
The judge hearing the case offered the opinion that it seemed as if the Tavern Owner believed in the power of prayer more than the people of that church did!
If you think “we’re just a handful of people… what can we possibly do for the Kingdom?” Consider this example. Nestled in the mountains of Southwestern New Hampshire is a little red building which used to be a power station for the local electric company. One day a man purchased that building with the intention of opening an Adult Bookstore. Once word got out to the people of that mountainside community that an Adult Bookstore was coming into town, they held a town meeting… and then they got on their knees and began to pray… not that the business would close, but rather that God would touch and ignite that man’s heart for Jesus. Then, one day, people driving along route 12 into Keene noticed that there was something different about that building. There was now a red and blue banner hanging on the tower of that power station declaring “Jesus Is Lord” for the whole world to see! Today that building is once again a Power Station… for Jesus. That little building has been used by God to spark a revival in that area that is reaching the world for Jesus. People gather at that little building several times a week for fellowship, for prayer, for praise and worship. The man who bought that building, a dear friend and brother in the Lord named Tom Travers gives all the Glory to God for changing HIS life, and for allowing HIM to reach people throughout New England with this ministry. He keeps pointing to one of his favorite verses in the Bible: Romans 1:16… “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”
The Lagniappe… the unexpected extra added blessing of this is that I personally had the privilege of attending the launch of this ministry four years ago. There were only four people there at that first Saturday night… Tom and Carol Travers, a young philosophy student from Keene State College, and myself. Today, Tom and Carol are two of our dearest friends, and every time they gather with the Power Station crew, they lift up “Pastor Ken, His family, and our brothers and sisters at First Congregational Church in New Bedford.” The unexpected extra added blessing is that you have brothers and sisters whom you have never met who are praying for you right now!
If you would like to find out more about what that particular ministry is doing to further the Gospel, please log onto www.stationpower.com , and you will learn more about what God is doing through The Power Station in Troy, New Hampshire to set the nation ablaze for Jesus.
Today, it is time for the sleeping giant called the church to wake up and reclaim its rightful place as reflecting the light of Jesus to a dark and lost world. We not only need something to hold onto… we need to share with those around us that when we think that there is no hope, that the horizon looks bleak, that all the evidence points to a dry spell on the way… that God’s word says there is hope, and there is safety in Jesus. The Word of the Lord is a strong tower… the righteous… those who have a right-standing relationship with God the Father… run into God’s word… and are saved!
We can no longer shirk away from the Gospel. God is calling the church today to take a stand and declare boldly to the people around us that we are not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” We cannot keep quiet about the Gospel any longer.
Last weekend our Sunday School and Youth Department went on a camping trip to Myles Standish State Forest, The theme for that campout was “Mission: Possible” They learned that it was possible to have a relationship with Jesus, and that it is possible for him to forgive us of our sins. They learned that it was also possible for him to transform us from being lukewarm Christians to people who are red-hot, on-fire, ready to set the world ablaze for Jesus! I believe that is what God is calling us to do as a church… as a nation… God’s word has a lot to say about revival in our nation.
If you wanted a Patriotic Message this morning… since this is the Sunday closest to the Fourth of July… then hear the word of the Lord…”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
“For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live” (Amos 5:4)
And we have the words of the Messiah… Jesus… to his disciples… to the church… to the church at New Bedford… and to you and me… “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
We had a wonderful time at Bristol’s Fourth of July celebration this past week. It was a time of celebrating our American Saints who have served our country. We celebrated our God-given freedoms, and the men and women who put themselves in harms’ way… who went willingly into the heat of battle so that we might be here today, gathered to worship God in spirit and in truth
Amid the fanfare and the bangs and the booms of the celebration came the message of revival for our land…
All Gave Some… Some Gave All… And One gave his life that we might be free…
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
I Bid You Peace...
Dr. K.
S.B. II Chronicles 7: 13 – 15
A while ago, a very dear old friend of mine, a veteran pastor who has been serving the Lord by serving his people for over 35 years re-introduced me to a word that has fallen into disuse, but which has a wonderful meaning. The word is Lagniappe. (“lanny – yap”) It is a Cajun word (although some might argue that it is Creole in origin), but, by definition, it means an unexpected extra blessing.
The whole idea of an unexpected extra blessing is one that God wants his children to take hold of, and share with one another, especially in today’s culture, and in today’s economic climate. God has given us so many blessings, not so we can horde them, but that we can use each of them to be a blessing to others, and not count the cost. That is why he sent us his son… he gave of his best… he held nothing back from us… he gave us above and beyond anything… he gave us the unexpected extra blessing of paying for all the dumb things we have ever done so we can spend eternity with him!
We are often guilty of under-praying… and of underestimating the power of praying. We cannot survive without praying, but praying together we can join together on a fantastic journey… on an incomprehensible adventure in Jesus!
I remember the story of a little church in a community in Kentucky where no alcohol was served. A businessman came into the town, bought the property across from the church, and began to build a tavern. The people of the church gathered to pray that God’s hand would move in such a way that the tavern would never open. Then one night during a thunderstorm, the tavern was struck by lightning, and burned to the ground.
The people of the church were very surprised when they sere served with a lawsuit brought by the tavern owner. The lawsuit alleged that the prayers were responsible for the lightning striking his building… and the people of the church countersued.
The judge hearing the case offered the opinion that it seemed as if the Tavern Owner believed in the power of prayer more than the people of that church did!
If you think “we’re just a handful of people… what can we possibly do for the Kingdom?” Consider this example. Nestled in the mountains of Southwestern New Hampshire is a little red building which used to be a power station for the local electric company. One day a man purchased that building with the intention of opening an Adult Bookstore. Once word got out to the people of that mountainside community that an Adult Bookstore was coming into town, they held a town meeting… and then they got on their knees and began to pray… not that the business would close, but rather that God would touch and ignite that man’s heart for Jesus. Then, one day, people driving along route 12 into Keene noticed that there was something different about that building. There was now a red and blue banner hanging on the tower of that power station declaring “Jesus Is Lord” for the whole world to see! Today that building is once again a Power Station… for Jesus. That little building has been used by God to spark a revival in that area that is reaching the world for Jesus. People gather at that little building several times a week for fellowship, for prayer, for praise and worship. The man who bought that building, a dear friend and brother in the Lord named Tom Travers gives all the Glory to God for changing HIS life, and for allowing HIM to reach people throughout New England with this ministry. He keeps pointing to one of his favorite verses in the Bible: Romans 1:16… “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”
The Lagniappe… the unexpected extra added blessing of this is that I personally had the privilege of attending the launch of this ministry four years ago. There were only four people there at that first Saturday night… Tom and Carol Travers, a young philosophy student from Keene State College, and myself. Today, Tom and Carol are two of our dearest friends, and every time they gather with the Power Station crew, they lift up “Pastor Ken, His family, and our brothers and sisters at First Congregational Church in New Bedford.” The unexpected extra added blessing is that you have brothers and sisters whom you have never met who are praying for you right now!
If you would like to find out more about what that particular ministry is doing to further the Gospel, please log onto www.stationpower.com , and you will learn more about what God is doing through The Power Station in Troy, New Hampshire to set the nation ablaze for Jesus.
Today, it is time for the sleeping giant called the church to wake up and reclaim its rightful place as reflecting the light of Jesus to a dark and lost world. We not only need something to hold onto… we need to share with those around us that when we think that there is no hope, that the horizon looks bleak, that all the evidence points to a dry spell on the way… that God’s word says there is hope, and there is safety in Jesus. The Word of the Lord is a strong tower… the righteous… those who have a right-standing relationship with God the Father… run into God’s word… and are saved!
We can no longer shirk away from the Gospel. God is calling the church today to take a stand and declare boldly to the people around us that we are not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” We cannot keep quiet about the Gospel any longer.
Last weekend our Sunday School and Youth Department went on a camping trip to Myles Standish State Forest, The theme for that campout was “Mission: Possible” They learned that it was possible to have a relationship with Jesus, and that it is possible for him to forgive us of our sins. They learned that it was also possible for him to transform us from being lukewarm Christians to people who are red-hot, on-fire, ready to set the world ablaze for Jesus! I believe that is what God is calling us to do as a church… as a nation… God’s word has a lot to say about revival in our nation.
If you wanted a Patriotic Message this morning… since this is the Sunday closest to the Fourth of July… then hear the word of the Lord…”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
“For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live” (Amos 5:4)
And we have the words of the Messiah… Jesus… to his disciples… to the church… to the church at New Bedford… and to you and me… “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
We had a wonderful time at Bristol’s Fourth of July celebration this past week. It was a time of celebrating our American Saints who have served our country. We celebrated our God-given freedoms, and the men and women who put themselves in harms’ way… who went willingly into the heat of battle so that we might be here today, gathered to worship God in spirit and in truth
Amid the fanfare and the bangs and the booms of the celebration came the message of revival for our land…
All Gave Some… Some Gave All… And One gave his life that we might be free…
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
I Bid You Peace...
Dr. K.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Standing In The Gap
Ezekiel 22: 23- 30
As you may well know, ancient cities were walled for defense. The walls, of course, had to be kept in good repair, but sometimes a part of the wall would deteriorate and fall, leaving a gap or breach. When this happened the city would need to immediately begin restoration. In the meantime armed men would be posted in the gap to protect the city from enemies and invaders.
In this passage, God is essentially telling His prophet, Ezekiel, that the spiritual and moral wall surrounding Israel is deteriorating and crumbling. The land is awash in sin and corruption. There is strife, violence, extortion and oppression, sexual perversion and religious deception. And every level of society is indicted ~ government officials, religious leaders, merchants, and ordinary people.And what does the Lord say? He tells Ezekiel, “I’ve been waiting for at least a few good men to begin the repair work and stand in the gap… Where are they?” God could not find even one man who would stand up to be counted, who would put his shoulder to the plow to begin the work of restoration, no one to begin the repairs, no man who would stand in the gap.
History repeats itself. God is searching for men who will begin the work of restoration and stand in the gap for this nation .The Lord is calling young men, husbands and fathers to care enough, believe enough and be brave enough to make the necessary sacrifices for home, community and country.But what does it mean to stand in the gap and rebuild the wall?
If you are inclined to make a commitment to take a stand and do what needs to be done to advance the Kingdom, what exactly do you need to do?Standing in the gap involves several different things, prayer certainly being one of the most important. Moses interceded for the Hebrew people when they sinned as we read in the Psalms: “Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them.” We are specifically called upon in Scripture “to pray, lifting up holy hands,” making petitions and offering thanksgivings “for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.”
And, of course, proper conduct is fundamentally important. In the Proverbs we read that “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” And also the Book of James tells us that the “heartfelt prayer of a good man works very powerfully.” The Lord Jesus teaches us that our outward conduct provides a witness, a testimony to our faith and can draw people to God.Jesus said, “In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Francis of Assisi echoed these words: “Preach the Gospel every day and if you must, use words.” The way in which we live out our lives speaks volumes. Actions speak louder than words. This message is especially important for fathers. Who hasn’t heard the old adage, “Like father, like son.” The conduct of the father ~ that is, his character and integrity or lack thereof ~ makes a unique and indelible imprint on the lives of his children.
It almost goes without saying, then, that it is absolutely imperative the man of the house ~ the husband and father ~ be a good role model. And this is a necessary part of rebuilding the wall, you see: raising up a new generation of men and women of character and integrity. And though this is possible without the presence or cooperation of the man of the house, it is exceedingly more difficult.
Gentlemen, God calls on us to put our shoulder to the plow and work to be the kind of husband and father we ought to be, the kind of Godly husband and father that God calls us to be to our wives, our children, our families. This is a great responsibility when we realize that lives have been placed in our hands, and God calls us to watch over the lives of our families and be good stewards.
Part of rebuilding the wall around our church, our country and community and standing in the gap entails bold witness and courageous testimony. It calls for men to stand up with boldness, finding their voice, taking a stand for what is right, and “speaking the truth in love.” It calls for laying aside the old self, as Paul instructs, and putting “on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness.”
It calls for men to be actively involved in the Church, to take hold of the reigns of responsible leadership and, under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, “contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” It calls for men becoming salt and light in this dark and dying world. God is calling for men to be raised up to reflect the light of Jesus into the darkness.
Rise Up!
It means calling that which is right to be right, and calling that which is wrong to be wrong.
Rise Up!
It means fearlessly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without shame, embarrassment, reservation or hesitation.
Rise Up!
It means standing up and boldly declaring that I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ… for it is the Power of God for Salvation!
Rise Up!
To stand in the gap means to put your faith on the line and this takes divine courage and strength, Godly conviction and steadfast commitment.
Rise Up!
It is not a duty for the faint-of-heart.
Rise Up!
Rise Up, O Men of God!
Have done with lesser things!
Give heart, and mind, and soul, and strength
To Serve the King of Kings!
Rise Up!
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
As you may well know, ancient cities were walled for defense. The walls, of course, had to be kept in good repair, but sometimes a part of the wall would deteriorate and fall, leaving a gap or breach. When this happened the city would need to immediately begin restoration. In the meantime armed men would be posted in the gap to protect the city from enemies and invaders.
In this passage, God is essentially telling His prophet, Ezekiel, that the spiritual and moral wall surrounding Israel is deteriorating and crumbling. The land is awash in sin and corruption. There is strife, violence, extortion and oppression, sexual perversion and religious deception. And every level of society is indicted ~ government officials, religious leaders, merchants, and ordinary people.And what does the Lord say? He tells Ezekiel, “I’ve been waiting for at least a few good men to begin the repair work and stand in the gap… Where are they?” God could not find even one man who would stand up to be counted, who would put his shoulder to the plow to begin the work of restoration, no one to begin the repairs, no man who would stand in the gap.
History repeats itself. God is searching for men who will begin the work of restoration and stand in the gap for this nation .The Lord is calling young men, husbands and fathers to care enough, believe enough and be brave enough to make the necessary sacrifices for home, community and country.But what does it mean to stand in the gap and rebuild the wall?
If you are inclined to make a commitment to take a stand and do what needs to be done to advance the Kingdom, what exactly do you need to do?Standing in the gap involves several different things, prayer certainly being one of the most important. Moses interceded for the Hebrew people when they sinned as we read in the Psalms: “Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them.” We are specifically called upon in Scripture “to pray, lifting up holy hands,” making petitions and offering thanksgivings “for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.”
And, of course, proper conduct is fundamentally important. In the Proverbs we read that “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” And also the Book of James tells us that the “heartfelt prayer of a good man works very powerfully.” The Lord Jesus teaches us that our outward conduct provides a witness, a testimony to our faith and can draw people to God.Jesus said, “In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Francis of Assisi echoed these words: “Preach the Gospel every day and if you must, use words.” The way in which we live out our lives speaks volumes. Actions speak louder than words. This message is especially important for fathers. Who hasn’t heard the old adage, “Like father, like son.” The conduct of the father ~ that is, his character and integrity or lack thereof ~ makes a unique and indelible imprint on the lives of his children.
It almost goes without saying, then, that it is absolutely imperative the man of the house ~ the husband and father ~ be a good role model. And this is a necessary part of rebuilding the wall, you see: raising up a new generation of men and women of character and integrity. And though this is possible without the presence or cooperation of the man of the house, it is exceedingly more difficult.
Gentlemen, God calls on us to put our shoulder to the plow and work to be the kind of husband and father we ought to be, the kind of Godly husband and father that God calls us to be to our wives, our children, our families. This is a great responsibility when we realize that lives have been placed in our hands, and God calls us to watch over the lives of our families and be good stewards.
Part of rebuilding the wall around our church, our country and community and standing in the gap entails bold witness and courageous testimony. It calls for men to stand up with boldness, finding their voice, taking a stand for what is right, and “speaking the truth in love.” It calls for laying aside the old self, as Paul instructs, and putting “on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness.”
It calls for men to be actively involved in the Church, to take hold of the reigns of responsible leadership and, under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, “contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” It calls for men becoming salt and light in this dark and dying world. God is calling for men to be raised up to reflect the light of Jesus into the darkness.
Rise Up!
It means calling that which is right to be right, and calling that which is wrong to be wrong.
Rise Up!
It means fearlessly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without shame, embarrassment, reservation or hesitation.
Rise Up!
It means standing up and boldly declaring that I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ… for it is the Power of God for Salvation!
Rise Up!
To stand in the gap means to put your faith on the line and this takes divine courage and strength, Godly conviction and steadfast commitment.
Rise Up!
It is not a duty for the faint-of-heart.
Rise Up!
Rise Up, O Men of God!
Have done with lesser things!
Give heart, and mind, and soul, and strength
To Serve the King of Kings!
Rise Up!
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Show and Tell
Mark 4: 21 – 32
Have you ever wondered what the Kingdom of God is really like? I’m not referring to what we will experience after we have been called home to be with the Lord. We have several different words about this in the Bible, and we often sing hymns about “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be…”
No… today I would like to focus on the subject of what the Kingdom of God is really like. We have examples of what the Kingdom of God is really like. People have been asking what the Kingdom of God will be like, and we have Jesus’ own words to reflect on from Luke 17: 20 – 21… Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
So Jesus has given us the basic idea that we are a part of the Kingdom of God… and that the Kingdom of God is active among each of us. It has nothing to do with the flesh, but is evident when we gather together to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. Paul writes these words to the church at Rome… “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.”
I could go on and on about different writings that make an attempt to describe what the Kingdom Of God is like, but I would like to focus on two parables… two analogies… Jesus showed us each day and in many different ways what the Kingdom of God is like… in the ways in which he taught his disciples, and in the ways in which he touched and healed the people around him… and then he told us what it was like through different parables and stories… Show… and Tell…
First he talks about what happens when someone experiences a relationship with Jesus… you do not hide a lamp under a basket or under a bed, but you put it in such a position that it’s light can be seen throughout the whole house. He was laying down some groundwork for this particular teaching when he told us that “There is nothing hidden which will not be revealed… and that with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you…
Then he launches into the first analogy… Notice the words from verse 26… “The Kingdom of God is as if…” and he talks about a man scattering seed on the ground. Soon enough that seed sprouts and grows… how it grows is a mystery, but Jesus pointed out three distinctive phases of that seed’s growth… it germinates and sends up a blade… then soon enough the blade grows and produces an ear… and then the corn develops in the ear. So there is a growth process involved with the Kingdom of God… just as there is a growth process involved with every facet of life.
Then Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed… Again, notice his words from verse 30… “To what shall we liken the Kingdom of God?” And then he talks about a mustard seed… the smallest of the smallest seeds… so small that it would look like a tiny dot on a piece of white paper… but when it is sown into the ground and allowed to germinate produces one of the largest herbs known to mankind… so large, in fact, that it shoots out large branches that the birds can nest under its shade…
Jesus’ whole point in these two parables was to tell his followers that Kingdom Living is a process, and that it often takes patience… especially when he knows that his people often hate to wait for results, but our faith walk is just like the kernel of corn, and the mustard seed… a little bit of patience, and a whole lot of cultivation will yield a bumper crop of results for the Kingdom of God.
There is another point to these two parables that needs to be brought to your attention this morning. Jesus not only points to the vast potential that is contained, not only in those two insignificant little seeds, but also in our faith, but he also points out in another passage the value of sacrificial living… preferring others above self… In John 12: 20 – 25 we read this story… Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. “ The Greeks at the Feast wanted to see Jesus… perhaps to talk with him, and to learn of him… and Jesus gave the message that if somebody wants to see Jesus, that person needs to die to self… or as he put it elsewhere in the Gospels… Take up your cross and follow him… and you will bear much fruit.
Theologian and Author Karl Barth once said that when Jesus calls us and draws us to HIM, He calls us to “Come and Die…” If you feel that God is calling you into a closer relationship with HIM… with Jesus… with the local branch of the Body of Christ, he tells us to come, not with our own agendas, but with hearts open to listen to HIS word, hands ready to do his bidding, mouths ready to sing his praises, and feet ready to follow where he leads.
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
Have you ever wondered what the Kingdom of God is really like? I’m not referring to what we will experience after we have been called home to be with the Lord. We have several different words about this in the Bible, and we often sing hymns about “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be…”
No… today I would like to focus on the subject of what the Kingdom of God is really like. We have examples of what the Kingdom of God is really like. People have been asking what the Kingdom of God will be like, and we have Jesus’ own words to reflect on from Luke 17: 20 – 21… Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
So Jesus has given us the basic idea that we are a part of the Kingdom of God… and that the Kingdom of God is active among each of us. It has nothing to do with the flesh, but is evident when we gather together to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. Paul writes these words to the church at Rome… “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.”
I could go on and on about different writings that make an attempt to describe what the Kingdom Of God is like, but I would like to focus on two parables… two analogies… Jesus showed us each day and in many different ways what the Kingdom of God is like… in the ways in which he taught his disciples, and in the ways in which he touched and healed the people around him… and then he told us what it was like through different parables and stories… Show… and Tell…
First he talks about what happens when someone experiences a relationship with Jesus… you do not hide a lamp under a basket or under a bed, but you put it in such a position that it’s light can be seen throughout the whole house. He was laying down some groundwork for this particular teaching when he told us that “There is nothing hidden which will not be revealed… and that with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you…
Then he launches into the first analogy… Notice the words from verse 26… “The Kingdom of God is as if…” and he talks about a man scattering seed on the ground. Soon enough that seed sprouts and grows… how it grows is a mystery, but Jesus pointed out three distinctive phases of that seed’s growth… it germinates and sends up a blade… then soon enough the blade grows and produces an ear… and then the corn develops in the ear. So there is a growth process involved with the Kingdom of God… just as there is a growth process involved with every facet of life.
Then Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed… Again, notice his words from verse 30… “To what shall we liken the Kingdom of God?” And then he talks about a mustard seed… the smallest of the smallest seeds… so small that it would look like a tiny dot on a piece of white paper… but when it is sown into the ground and allowed to germinate produces one of the largest herbs known to mankind… so large, in fact, that it shoots out large branches that the birds can nest under its shade…
Jesus’ whole point in these two parables was to tell his followers that Kingdom Living is a process, and that it often takes patience… especially when he knows that his people often hate to wait for results, but our faith walk is just like the kernel of corn, and the mustard seed… a little bit of patience, and a whole lot of cultivation will yield a bumper crop of results for the Kingdom of God.
There is another point to these two parables that needs to be brought to your attention this morning. Jesus not only points to the vast potential that is contained, not only in those two insignificant little seeds, but also in our faith, but he also points out in another passage the value of sacrificial living… preferring others above self… In John 12: 20 – 25 we read this story… Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. “ The Greeks at the Feast wanted to see Jesus… perhaps to talk with him, and to learn of him… and Jesus gave the message that if somebody wants to see Jesus, that person needs to die to self… or as he put it elsewhere in the Gospels… Take up your cross and follow him… and you will bear much fruit.
Theologian and Author Karl Barth once said that when Jesus calls us and draws us to HIM, He calls us to “Come and Die…” If you feel that God is calling you into a closer relationship with HIM… with Jesus… with the local branch of the Body of Christ, he tells us to come, not with our own agendas, but with hearts open to listen to HIS word, hands ready to do his bidding, mouths ready to sing his praises, and feet ready to follow where he leads.
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
Monday, May 5, 2008
More Than Words
Joshua 1: 1 – 8
What a wonderful promise we have from God on the subject of HIS word. This verse is filled with the promise and the connotation that Life and Death are in the power of the tongue. Hear what the Lord says to Joshua… (v.8)
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
God's Word never changes. The problem with most of us is that we are just too busy to put God's Word first like we should. But we are not too busy to work trying to get ahead.
It’s all a question of priorities. Before your work week begins… before you go out there and clock in… make sure that you clock in for your quality time with God. Make sure that you not only meditate on HIS word, but that you actually take it to heart in such a way that HIS words are foremost in your mind and the first things that come out of your mouth.
Notice that Joshua 1:8 does not just say to think about God's Word. The Word must be continually in your mouth!
An old song from my Sunday School days says “Be careful little mouth what you say… Be careful little mouth what you say… for the father up above is looking down with love… so be careful little mouth what you say.”
What comes out of our mouths is of vital importance to our walk with Christ Jesus…
In Matthew 15: 11, Jesus tells the people gathered around him that “What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.
Then watch what Paul says about the mouth…
In Romans 10: 9 – 11, Paul writes “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Declaring the Word of God is also covered within the pages of the Bible... Again, Paul writes in Romans 10:17 that “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Life and death, the Bible says, are in the power of the tongue… With your words you confess that Jesus Christ is Lord… With your words you have the power to either bless someone or curse that person. Words have the power to give life… and words have the power to crush.
Three old clichés come to mind here…
“Some things are better left unsaid…” (True…)
“If you can’t say anything good… don’t say anything at all…” (Also true…)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones… but names can never hurt me…” (False…)
Yiayia’s favorite saying… “You can drive a nail into a piece of wood, but if you draw the nail back out, it still leaves a hole…”
Look into the eyes of a child who has been exposed to nothing but abusive words and insults. The sad reality is that there are children who hear such harmful words like “why can’t you be more like your brother… you are nothing but a disappointment.” Certainly these are not words of encouragement.
Then look into the eyes of a child who not only knows that he or she is loved, but hears it from his or her parents… who hears words like “I am so proud of you… I love you so much… you are a precious gift from God…”
1 Peter 3:10 has these words of wisdom for us… "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; speaking and thinking in line with God's Word will cause you to prosper and succeed.” If you would like to see good days, the Bible admonishes you to watch your words!
Never speak defeat. Never confess defeat. Confessing Jesus as Lord of every situation brings glory to God. Confessing Jesus as Lord over your life brings HIS power and HIS presence into your life. Speaking a blessing over those around you may very well mean the difference between life and death for them.
Closing Thought:
James 3: 9 – 12 says “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
So let the words of our mouths, and the meditations of our hearts always be acceptable to our Lord, Our Rock, Our Redeemer.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
What a wonderful promise we have from God on the subject of HIS word. This verse is filled with the promise and the connotation that Life and Death are in the power of the tongue. Hear what the Lord says to Joshua… (v.8)
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
God's Word never changes. The problem with most of us is that we are just too busy to put God's Word first like we should. But we are not too busy to work trying to get ahead.
It’s all a question of priorities. Before your work week begins… before you go out there and clock in… make sure that you clock in for your quality time with God. Make sure that you not only meditate on HIS word, but that you actually take it to heart in such a way that HIS words are foremost in your mind and the first things that come out of your mouth.
Notice that Joshua 1:8 does not just say to think about God's Word. The Word must be continually in your mouth!
An old song from my Sunday School days says “Be careful little mouth what you say… Be careful little mouth what you say… for the father up above is looking down with love… so be careful little mouth what you say.”
What comes out of our mouths is of vital importance to our walk with Christ Jesus…
In Matthew 15: 11, Jesus tells the people gathered around him that “What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.
Then watch what Paul says about the mouth…
In Romans 10: 9 – 11, Paul writes “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Declaring the Word of God is also covered within the pages of the Bible... Again, Paul writes in Romans 10:17 that “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Life and death, the Bible says, are in the power of the tongue… With your words you confess that Jesus Christ is Lord… With your words you have the power to either bless someone or curse that person. Words have the power to give life… and words have the power to crush.
Three old clichés come to mind here…
“Some things are better left unsaid…” (True…)
“If you can’t say anything good… don’t say anything at all…” (Also true…)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones… but names can never hurt me…” (False…)
Yiayia’s favorite saying… “You can drive a nail into a piece of wood, but if you draw the nail back out, it still leaves a hole…”
Look into the eyes of a child who has been exposed to nothing but abusive words and insults. The sad reality is that there are children who hear such harmful words like “why can’t you be more like your brother… you are nothing but a disappointment.” Certainly these are not words of encouragement.
Then look into the eyes of a child who not only knows that he or she is loved, but hears it from his or her parents… who hears words like “I am so proud of you… I love you so much… you are a precious gift from God…”
1 Peter 3:10 has these words of wisdom for us… "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; speaking and thinking in line with God's Word will cause you to prosper and succeed.” If you would like to see good days, the Bible admonishes you to watch your words!
Never speak defeat. Never confess defeat. Confessing Jesus as Lord of every situation brings glory to God. Confessing Jesus as Lord over your life brings HIS power and HIS presence into your life. Speaking a blessing over those around you may very well mean the difference between life and death for them.
Closing Thought:
James 3: 9 – 12 says “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
So let the words of our mouths, and the meditations of our hearts always be acceptable to our Lord, Our Rock, Our Redeemer.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
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