July 7, 2010 at 6:00 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #371: Three-fold Effort for His Name Sake
I will make known the LORD’s faithful love [and] the LORD’s praiseworthy acts, because of all the LORD has done for us— even the many good things [He has done] for the house of Israel and has done for them based on His compassion and the abundance of His faithful love. He said, “They are indeed My people, children who will not be disloyal,” and He became their Savior. In all their suffering, He suffered, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. He redeemed them because of His love and compassion; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of the past. But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He became their enemy [and] fought against them. Then He remembered the days of the past, [the days] of Moses [and] his people. Where is He who brought them out of the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit among the flock? He sent His glorious arm to be at Moses’ right hand, divided the waters before them to obtain eternal fame for Himself, and led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble. Like cattle that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make a glorious name for Yourself. Isaiah 63:7-14 (HCSB)
What a powerful passage of God’s plan for salvation and why He has accomplished it. None of us have been saved from our sake, our goodness. None of us earned salvation. None of us are worthy. We all have fallen short of being righteous before God. However, the Lord has offered His compassion upon us for His name’s sake! It is His faithful love that is our gift of grace from Him, only because He loves us, even though we have been unfaithful and have fallen short even with the most earnest effort to be worthy of His salvation.
This is so hard to fathom: even in our rebellion against what has been for our own good, the Lord has sent His Spirit and His Son to accomplish what we refused to do ourselves. Father God, has delivered His people with His own arm and led His people from the destruction of their wicked ways. When His people could go no farther, God gave them His Spirit to offer them rest. Why? …Because of His name; for His glory.
Long before Jesus shared these promises, God’s people for centuries struggled with understanding why God had chosen them. Many felt they were special somehow and elevated themselves above everyone else. They felt superior. However, the truth is – the Lord took the least of us not because of their standing in this life, but because of His name’s sake. He lifted His chosen people to be a beacon of hope for the rest of the world, but they took for granted their gift of grace and flaunted it until the Lord allowed them to realize what they took for granted was no longer there for them.
If God the Father has touched you with the love of His Son, your Savior, Lord Jesus, and poured His Spirit of Truth upon your heart and soul, and you still feel it is your salvation that you have obtained, then you have missed out. However, if you bow down and humble yourself acknowledging the gift of grace that you have been given, and have surrendered yourself to the fact that you do not deserve His gift, then salvation is your reward. Only a confessed, contrite heart and spirit can enter a time of genuine worship before the Lord. Only a thankful heart and soul can acknowledge the gift of grace’s eternal value and embrace it.
What does God ask in return? Love Him and all that He loves as much as you love yourself! Share the good news and rejoice through the life you live.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Since you put away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption. All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Eph 4:25-32 (HCSB)
July 6, 2010 at 5:48 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #370: Keep Knocking, Seeking, Asking and Make A Difference
I will not keep silent because of Zion, and I will not keep still because of Jerusalem, until her righteousness shines like a bright light and her salvation, like a flaming torch. Nations will see your righteousness and all kings, your glory. You will be called by a new name that the LORD’s mouth will announce. You will be a glorious crown in the LORD’s hand, and a royal diadem in the palm of your God. You will no longer be called Deserted, and your land will not be called Desolate; instead, you will be called My Delight is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land will be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a groom rejoices over [his] bride, so your God will rejoice over you. Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen on your walls; they will never be silent, day or night. There is no rest for you, who remind the LORD. Do not give Him rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem the praise of the earth. The LORD has sworn with His right hand and His strong arm: I will no longer give your grain to your enemies for food, and foreigners will not drink your new wine you have labored for. For those who gather grain will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who harvest the grapes will drink [the wine] in My holy courts. Go out, go out through the gates; prepare a way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples. Look, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him.” And they will be called the Holy People, the LORD’s Redeemed; and you will be called Cared For, A City Not Deserted. Isaiah 62:1-12 (HCSB)
Jerusalem was the remaining center of the Jewish Nation in the days of Isaiah. Jerusalem held the Temple that was built to the glory of God, where His people would come and worship Him every day. However, change was needed as the people in Jerusalem thought they were “special” and that God would never allow foreigners to occupy the city. However, God found the people following their own ways and the ways of the foreigners rather than remain obedient. The people sought not God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, but now pretended to be God’s people but incorporated their own desires and the ways of others into their city. As a result God allowed the city and the people in it to no longer be protected by Him, and foreigners now broke bread and drank their wine that at one time was shared in the Temple.
However, God never gave up on the people in the city. He anointed the faithful to never be silent about what God had promised: the people were reminded that the Jerusalem was built to worship the Lord and He would protect and preserve it for His glory. Though the people went astray, the Lord would not totally remove His arm from them. As the people returned to Him, the city would be restored so that the people could see His glory in their presence again. Once again, the city would be known as the city not deserted but a sanctuary of Holy People, the Lord’s Redeemed.
What was the key in God’s plan: He instilled in the faithful remnant the desire to never be silent! They would continue to be His heralds throughout the land to call the people to return to the Lord and His covenant promises. As the people saw that their own ways were leading them into captivity, many looked back and realized that their ways were the wrong ways. And, they heard the heralds crying out for them to return to God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, and salvation promises would embrace them again.
What can you do? Never be silent…Keep seeking, Keep knocking, and Keep asking all who will listen to join you in the salvation promises of the Lord, so they too may receive the blessings the Lord desires for His people. No matter how dark the days seem, never quit sharing the good news!
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
So honor [will come] to you who believe, but for the unbelieving: the stone that the builders rejected— this One has become the cornerstone, and a stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the message; they were destined for this. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:7-10 (HCSB)
July 5, 2010 at 8:53 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #369: Do You Share the Lord’s Mission in the World?
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD, to glorify Him. They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. But you will be called the LORD’s priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their riches. Because your shame was double, and they cried out, “Disgrace is their portion,” therefore, they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and injustice; I will faithfully reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their posterity among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people the LORD has blessed. Isaiah 61: 1-9 (HCSB)
This is one of the passages that the Lord quotes in His ministry in Nazareth. He certainly shared this with His disciples and closest followers while touring the many villages and cities in the Palestine region. Much of what Jesus spoke is quoted in the New Testament. However, certainly not all is captured. However, when we study the scriptures we can see the message He spoke to the people was a restatement and clarification of the covenant message that is found throughout the original writings of Moses and the Prophets. The message has not changed through all the generations: God seeks to free us from our bondage to selfish nature, our sin. The Lord desires to remove our mourning clothes and dress in clothes that reflect our joy in life, not our despair.
God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word clearly has revealed that He desires His children to become ministers or His priests to reach out to the people about the good news. We are to share our experiences and provide testimony of the Lord’s work in our lives in hopes others will seek to be free as well. The message is never to be selfishly kept inside us, but daily revealed by the words and deeds of our life. We are to share the Lord’s vision that He loves ALL and desires ALL to have the opportunity to accept the covenant promises that even Jesus reinforced and restated repeatedly when He walked among the people 2000 years ago.
Are you recognized as one of the Lord’s people and that you have been blessed by that relationship? Is your life a reflection of that relationship so that others will be impacted? Not for your glory or ego, but for God’s glory!
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As usual, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and unrolling the scroll, He found the place where it was written The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” Luke 4:16-21 (HCSB)
July 2, 2010 at 7:45 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #368: Let Your Light Source Shine
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines over you. For look, darkness covers the earth, and total darkness the peoples; but the LORD will shine over you and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your radiance. Raise your eyes and look around: they all gather and come to you; your sons will come from far away, and your daughters will be carried on the hip. Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and rejoice, because the riches of the sea will become yours, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. Caravans of camels will cover your land — young camels of Midian and Ephah— all of them will come from Sheba. They will carry gold and frankincense and proclaim the praises of the LORD…Your gates will always be open; they will never be shut day or night so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led ⌊in procession⌋ …The sun will no longer be your light by day, and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over. Isaiah 60: 1-6, 11, 19-20 (HCSB)
This passage is loaded with words of wisdom that Jesus echoed in His ministry, and even pointed to the Gospel story of His birth and the reaction of the nations to it. The great star that pointed to His birth in history is a direct inference to the Light that the Lord would provide to a dark world to point the way. Likewise, nations represented by the “wise men” came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Granted no mention is made of the myrrh is in this passage, but is it relative that myrrh was added because it was a burial spice used in the Middle East region in the embalming process. Likewise, in John’s Gospel and letters to the church the inference to the “Light” is clear, as well as the Book of Revelation pointing to the Lord’s ultimate city having no need of the sun or moon because the Lord’s glory would bring unending light to it!
These metaphors are awesome and practical to every life in every setting of time and circumstance. “Darkness” is always a metaphor for ignorance and absence of knowledge, which causes fear and frustration as we stumble through life on our own, however the Lord provides us with the “light” which reflects knowledge and truth to guide us in life. Light and life are connected because you cannot live without it. Death is always connected with darkness because will die where there is an absence of light. Artificial light will never suffice and though we try hard to light our own way, it is never sufficient to overcome the darkness that surrounds us. Even the Sun and Moon have a limited life span to influence our lives, thanks to God’s creative design. However, the Lord tells us He will ultimately be the source of everlasting, unyielding light that will forever influence those who enter His city.
So how can we respond? First, seek the source of light – the revelation of truth and real life – by seeking first God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word. You will discover the great eternally valuable nuggets of truth that will change the focus of your life. The one thing you will come to realize is: Life is not about us, but about seeking the glory of the Lord and His light. Only His light guarantees life everlasting! All other sources of light or truth is temporal and darkness is in future of such pursuits.
When searching God’s Word, be open to God’s influence from the beginning of time. The message never changed from the days of Abraham, to Moses, to David, to the message of Christ and His apostles in the New Testament. There is no conflict. Seek the covenant connection and your life will discover the real “light” God is shedding to all if only you will seek it and claim it.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created f through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1: 1-5 (HCSB)
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (HCSB)
July 1, 2010 at 5:44 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #367: What a Web We Weave When We Practice to Deceive
Indeed, the LORD’s hand is not too short to save, and His ear is not too deaf to hear. But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have made Him hide ⌊His⌋ face from you so that He does not listen. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and you mutter injustice. No one makes claims justly; no one pleads honestly. They trust in empty and worthless words; they conceive trouble and give birth to iniquity. They hatch viper’s eggs and weave spider’s webs…Their webs cannot become clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works…They have not known the path of peace, and there is no justice in their ways. They have made their roads crooked; no one who walks on them will know peace. Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we live in the night…We hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, ⌊but⌋ it is far from us. For our transgressions have multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. For our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities: transgression and deception against the LORD, turning away from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lying words from the heart… Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil is plundered. The LORD saw that there was no justice, and He was offended. He saw that there was no man— He was amazed that there was no one interceding; so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness supported Him. He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head…they will fear the name of the LORD in the west, and His glory in the east; for He will come like a rushing stream driven by the wind of the LORD. ⌊This is⌋ the LORD’s declaration. “As for Me, this is My covenant with them, My Spirit who is on you, and My words that I have put in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouth of your children, or from the mouth of your children’s children, from now on and forever,” says the LORD. Isaiah 59 (HCSB)
When we weave a web of deceit, it is ourselves that we deceive. We become the fool who claims God for the failings of our life, however the truth is we have chosen to walk in our own ways and to stray away from the will, ways and wisdom of the Lord. Our deceit only blinds us from the truth and our paths only lead us into darkness and despair. We blame the Lord for abandoning us, but the fact He can never be found when it is us who turns our back on Him.
God is always faithful to His covenant promises that He has given to us. God is always there for us, and when we have stumbled and fallen to the point that we realize the dilemma we have placed ourselves, He is there to defend us from our enemies. He is the one dressed for battle so that our enemies are defeated. Yet He does it not for our sake but for His name sake, for His glory. He will never allow anyone to claim His Word is not true.
So where are you in life? Are you too busy weaving your web of deceit and denying the Lord’s blessings upon your life, or have you come to the end of your rope and desire to leave behind the turmoil and terror that comes from walking in the darkness and despair that comes to those who turn their backs on the Lord. The response is simple: turn back to the Lord and allow Him to tear that web away from you, and free you from the deceit that has blinded and burdened you. Begin today seeking God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word. See the glory of the Lord in your life…
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Ephesians 6:10-17 (HCSB)
June 29, 2010 at 5:32 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #366: What’s In It for Me, Lord?
The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes. “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Isaiah 58:11-14 (HCSB)
We all have crossroads in our life that presses the question: Do I follow the ways of the Lord, or choose to walk in my own ways? What value is there in walking according to the Lord’s ways, when I can see the way that I want to go?
When we face these crossroads the one assurance that exists is that you never have to walk alone and miss out on the right way to walk. The Lord says clearly that He is always there pointing the way we should go, even when the choice is not clear or even confusing. He promises us that when we commit to seeking God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word there will be blessings that we will see. The Lord proclaims that those who follow His ways will like an ever-flowing spring, bringing life to others we influence. Those who follow the Lord will be used to rebuild walls that protect us from our enemies and restore homes where families thrive safely. However, in following the Lord’s ways also means that we should not resist taking the time to reflect upon all the goodness that God pours out into our life. We should devote ourselves on a regular basis to spend one-on-one time expressing our love and appreciation for our relationship with Him. In doing so, the Lord will bless not only our life, but also our future generations because they will be greatly influenced by the example of our relationship with the Lord.
My question to us: When the crossroads come, do you fear the choice you have to make, or do arrive at those crossroads confident in the Lord’s direction to know which fork in the road to walk?
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” John 14: 1-7 (HCSB)
June 28, 2010 at 5:51 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #365: Why are You Fasting?
‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. Isaiah 58:3-10 (HCSB)
In this crazy world many people believe fasting is a great way to cleanse the body, to lose weight, and when done correctly, get closer to God. However, are we truly trying to get closer to God or trying to convince God we are worthy of being close to Him? What is our real motivation? Are we trying to convince God or ourselves that we are holy and consecrated?
Even in the days of the Israelites, fasting was seen as one of the methods to worship God, however, it like attending church becomes an act that supposedly provides evidence of one’s holy standing in the church body. Fasting is almost never done alone, nor done selfishly, silent. Those fasting must advertise their consecrated decision and the struggles they are supposedly engaging in so that they may be seen as being holier than others. Many wear their fasting as a badge of honor – outwardly attempting to declare they are separated from the rest of the crowd. Like the Pharisees in the temple, many fast to prove God’s closeness to them because of their fasting. Thus they are “special”!
However, God declares clearly: Why are you fasting? What is the motivation of your fasting? I do not care about the fact you are fasting, but what is your motivation? People may appear more spiritual in their lives – they outwardly pray out loud, dress special for services, and volunteer for every event, and may even lead a bible study group…but, are they trying to earn “holiness” or be “holy”? Who determines what is truly holy or not? On what basis does God judge us – by our actions and deeds, or motivation and thoughts within us?
The true worshiper of God never draws attention to them…but to God and His glory! The true minister does not seek adulations and applauses. A person seeking to be nearer to God does so by focusing upon discovering God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, and their evidence of doing so is seen by their words and deeds touching and impacting the lives of others in need. God only uses for His Kingdom purposes those whom He feels are truly worthy of reflecting His glory as a channel of blessing to others. Those who try to shine brighter than others are not worthy of such blessing.
What is your motivation of sacrificing, giving, volunteering or even fasting for the Lord? Are you surrendering to the Lord, or seeking some sort of status among the Lord’s people? Are you rushing to sit at the front of the table, or offering your seat to others so that they may sit nearer to the Lord? Which would you be like? The Lord is watching and measuring your motives…
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” Luke 14: 7-14 (HCSB)
June 24, 2010 at 6:08 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #364: Phew! Thank You Lord for Not Giving Up on Me
He said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, remove ⌊every⌋ obstacle from My people’s way.” For the High and Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy says this: “I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the oppressed. For I will not accuse ⌊you⌋ forever, and I will not always be angry; for then the spirit would grow weak before Me, even the breath ⌊of man⌋, which I have made. Because of his sinful greed I was angry, so I struck him; I was angry and hid; but he went on turning back to the desires of his heart. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and comfort him and his mourners, creating words of praise.” The LORD says, “Peace, peace to the one who is far or near, and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck. There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God. Isaiah 57:14-21 (HCSB)
Some people just have the right surroundings, the right family and circle of friends to influence them towards becoming a “child of God”, but then there are many that wander in life according to their selfish desires until they finally stumble into the loving arms of the Lord. Does the Lord love one child in His family more than other? No! The Lord says plainly He loves all of us who seek and find Him equally.
However, even the Lord says there are some who will never accept the loving embrace of the Lord in their life. These are the rebellious wicked ones who are like the “storm-tossed sea” who only know how to stir up trouble and strife in their own lives and all the lives that they come into contact with. It is those people who will never find the peace that can only come from walking in God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word.
For those who have not fully embraced God’s direction for their lives and struggle with their desires and lusts, there is hope. God loves event the most wicked and lost person, but He also understands that love means that while He never stops loving, He allows us to make the choice of following Christ to become a child of God, or to follow our own ways. Yet, He promises His love also never ceases to offer forgiveness should you turn to Him. So for those who think you are too wicked, too sinful to become a child of God, think again – are you selling God’s love short? Are you trying to say you are the one exception in God’s ability to love and forgive! I think not! All you are doing is justifying your lifestyle and missing out on the peace and blessings from surrendering to God…
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not judged, but anyone who does not believe is already judged, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” John 3:16-21 (HCSB)
June 23, 2010 at 5:42 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #363: Rest in Peace or Sleep in the Bed You Made!
The righteous one perishes, and no one takes it to heart; faithful men are swept away, with no one realizing that the righteous one is swept away from the presence of evil. He will enter into peace— they will rest on their beds — everyone who lives uprightly. But come here, you sons of a sorceress, offspring of an adulterer and a prostitute! Who is it you are mocking? Who is it you are opening your mouth and sticking out your tongue at? Isn’t it you, you rebellious children, you race of liars, who burn with lust among the oaks, under every flourishing tree, who slaughter children in the wadis (brooks or streams) below the clefts of the rocks? Your portion is among the smooth ⌊stones⌋ of the wadi; indeed, they are your lot. You have even poured out a drink offering to them; you have offered a grain (fellowship) offering; should I be satisfied with these? You have placed your bed on a high and lofty mountain; you also went up there to offer sacrifice. You have set up your memorial behind the door and doorpost. For away from Me, you stripped, went up, and made your bed wide, and you have made a bargain i for yourself with them. You have loved their bed; you have gazed on their genitals. You went to the king with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far away and sent ⌊them⌋ down even to Sheol. You became weary on your many journeys, ⌊but⌋ you did not say, “I give up!” You found a renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak. Who was it you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and didn’t remember Me or take it to heart? Have I not kept silent for such a long time and you do not fear Me? I will expose your righteousness, and your works—they will not profit you. When you cry out, let your collection ⌊of idols⌋ deliver you! The wind will carry all of them off, a breath will take them away. But whoever takes refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain. Isaiah 57: 1-13 (HCSB)
Life before God is all about choices! Clearly most all of us know we are better off living before God seeking God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, however we still seem destined to make our ways to satisfy our lusts and desires, even when we know we leave the good graces of God when we make that choice. Clearly the Bible shares story after story of such choices. Even the best biblical characters made those wrong choices and paid dear consequences for such choices too!
Yet, in all misguided choices we make and the foolishness we tend to find along those misguided times of selfish separation from God’s grace and mercy, the Lord still stands ready to receive us back, but to do so He says that you cannot have it both ways choose wisely the source of your salvation! You cannot worship your idols and selfish desires and serve the Lord at the same time. He desires all of us…our undivided attention and devotion.
Read the passage carefully for the warning it reveals about our life choices and the consequences. The Lord sends the same message through the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. Thus, think carefully and consider the consequences for choices that are based upon selfish desires and lusts, which will always leave you lying on a lonely bed to face your fears.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Brothers, consider your calling: not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen the world’s foolish things to shame the wise, and God has chosen the world’s weak things to shame the strong. God has chosen the world’s insignificant and despised things —the things viewed as nothing—so He might bring to nothing the things that are viewed as something, so that no one can boast in His presence. But from Him you are in Christ Jesus, who for us became wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, in order that, as it is written: The one who boasts must boast in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (HCSB)
June 22, 2010 at 6:07 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #362: Who is Caring for the Flock?
Israel’s watchmen are blind, all of them, they know nothing; all of them are mute dogs, they cannot bark; they dream, lie down, and love to sleep. These dogs have fierce appetites; they never have enough. And they are shepherds who have no discernment; all of them turn to their own way, every last one for his own gain. “Come, let me get ⌊some⌋ wine, let’s guzzle ⌊some⌋ beer; and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” Isaiah 56:10-12 (HCSB)
Most all leaders in our lives do start out their careers with good intentions and motivations to do well and serve the people. However, many stumble along the way as their position of power influences them. What many leaders discover is simply: “good intentions are not enough to continue the daunting task of serving the needs and desires of the people.” And, in God’s Word it declares that God holds the leaders accountable for their actions because of their influence over His people. “To those who much is given, much is expected!” is the phrase that is found several times in God’s Word about leadership. Unfortunately over time many leaders tire of doing “good for others” and they fall into the power trap that begins to serve their own interests as the focus of their interests.
Religious leaders, well intended pastors and evangelists, have fallen prey to their selfish desires and their flock – those who they were called to protect and guide – are unprotected from the harsh realities of this world. The voracious appetite of selfishness and lust consumes many of the leaders and their efforts eventually become a disappointment and setback to those they are called to lead by Word and deed. The usual result is the scattering of the flock, many becoming victims of skepticism and denial about godly leaders.
Our political leaders are certainly no better! In a fact, given enough time in office they cannot say no to the growing amount influence they have and attention they receive from special interest groups. When the dollars flow and the lavish lifestyle is flashed before their eyes, greed trumps responsibility. They even become blind to their vulnerability and believe in their invincibility, until reality catches up to them. During election times they spend heavily to create a barrage of propaganda that proclaims them as the spokesman for the people they are suppose to represent, when in fact their personal interests are what comes first on their real agenda. They will say whatever is needed to get reelected but they will quickly return to the trough of greed. When one of their own is revealed for what he himself is, they pounce viciously upon their colleague and condemn what themselves are trying to cover up about their own life.
It is depressing when we think about it. That is why it is declared we might as well guzzle some beer to dull our senses to face another day. But is it hopeless? No! God uses the imperfections of mankind to draw men to Him. When all else is futile and there is little hope for justice and mercy, man will seek the only real source of real help: man will pursue God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, and there man will find the only reliable, incorruptible source of hope, faith and love that we can rely upon.
God will hold our religious and political leaders accountable for their corruptible ways. When life seems hopeless, remember our leaders are no better than us – they are imperfect as us, and despite their best intentions and desires, they too are subject to the same temptations we all face. Only when we keep our eye upon God will we feel secure and protected. Never despair, just refocus upon what is your only real source of hope, faith and love in this world.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. ⌊This happens⌋ because he is a hired man and doesn’t care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep. John 10:10-14 (HCSB)
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