3 First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire. 4 This will be their argument: “Jesus promised to come back, did he? Then where is he? Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained exactly the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth up from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the world with a mighty flood. 7 And God has also commanded that the heavens and the earth will be consumed by fire on the day of judgment, when ungodly people will perish. 8 But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and everything in them will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

It is interesting to see that God does not get everything He wants.  As we look at Peter’s final instructions to the Church, he reminds us that God does not want anyone to die without knowing the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants and He does not get what He wants.  This would be a good argument to use on your kids the next time they come asking.  Peter tells us that in the last days people will scoff and laugh at those of us waiting for the Lord to return.  These people will miss spending eternity with God.  They will perish in their sin because of their own choice not to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord.  And it will not be because they did not have a chance to know Him.  All have the same chance or it would not be righteous justice from God.  The Bible tells us that everything around us reminds us that God made the world, so no one will have an excuse, all will have had a chance to know Christ.  If we did not have all have a chance to know Him, how could God’s justice be perfect?  On the day of the judgment of the unrighteous dead, all present will agree that their punishment is fair and perfect.  As God can do nothing else.  But God does not want anyone to parish and go through this judgment; He wants all to know His perfect plan of reconciliation.  Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him.  Don’t be a scoffer, but be prepared to meet Him when He comes.

Have a God Day!

Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone. 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well–but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all-it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” I say, “I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.” 19 Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! 20 Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless? Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Do you register your faith by a set of Christian teachings?  If so, then you faith is incomplete.  Faith has nothing to do with what we agree to, but has everything to do with what we know is true.  True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts.  If your life remains unchanged after making a statement of faith in Christ, then you don’t truly believe the truth you claim.  We can not earn our salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions show that our commitment to God is real.  Deeds of loving serve and obedience are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ.  Jesus told us the poor would always be with us, but that is not an excuse to not do what you can to meet their needs. If you see a hungry person, feed them, or someone with a need you can meet, do it.  I believe that God brings people before us to see what we will do.  Will we give out of our abundance or will we walk away.  Do not walk away give because you believe Christ and because He gave to you.

Have a God Day!

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your spiritual strength comes from God’s special favor, not from ceremonial rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them. 10 We have an altar from which the priests in the Temple on earth have no right to eat. 11 Under the system of Jewish laws, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, but the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. 12 So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates in order to make his people holy by shedding his own blood. 13 So let us go out to him outside the camp and bear the disgrace he bore. 14 For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come. 15 With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. 16 Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Has your perception of Jesus changed?  Do you think He has forgotten your prayer request or forgotten your need?  If you have prayed for a need to be answered and it seems like He is not listening or you have a different opinion of God then you have changed.  Your attitude toward Him has changed.  You are the one who moved, not Him.  He never changes and His promises never change.  God is the same as He was the day He created the world.  And He will be the same the day this world ends.  Because we are so changeable, we think that God is also.  Don’t project your human attributes onto God.  He does not have the same feelings, thoughts or perceptions that you do.  He is always the same and even though He may express anger or sadness, does not mean that He changes.  So if He has given you a promise in His Word or through prayer, believe it.  Abraham, believed even though what God promised looked impossible.  But what is impossible for humans is always possible for God.  So don’t give up believing and remind God of His promise and move forward as if the thing has already happened.  Don’t get stuck in the rules of this world, but remember Who made the world and Who’s Word will stand even after this world is gone.

Have a God Day!

Ever wonder why these men just dropped everything and went to follow Jesus?  Well, if you look at the Jewish system of training men, it is very simple.  Boys started their religious education at the age of 6 by the age of 10 they had to memorize the first 5 books of the Bible, referred to as the Torah. Those who showed promise moved up to the second level and until the age of 14 memorized the rest of the Old Testament a total of 39 books. Then the cream of the crop was selected again and went onto the next level of discipleship. Once chosen they would leave everything and follow a rabbi in everything he did.  At the age of 30 a disciple would typically leave his Rabbi and begin his own ministry accepting his own disciples.  So you see these men knew the system and had probably been rejected way back at an early age by the Jewish leaders.  They knew Jesus was a Rabbi and he was beginning his ministry according to Jewish tradition.  It makes more sense now why these men would be so enthusiastic about leaving and following Jesus. They were chosen. Then for 3 years these men followed and learn from Jesus.  He never rebukes His disciples for losing faith.  It was their ability to do what He asked them to do that He addressed. He is doing the same today with you and me.  It is our ability to not do what He asks that gets us into trouble.  Know His Word and then do His Word and you will go onto the next level as a ruler with Christ.

Have a God Day!

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are really trusting God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone hears me and doesn’t obey me, I am not his judge-for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me gave me his own instructions as to what I should say. 50 And I know his instructions lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say!”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Just because this world rejects Jesus Christ and all that He is does not make it true.  No matter how much they believe Him to be just a man, does not make it true.  Man in his own self importance simply believes that if they believe something, it is true.  This is all a matter of pride.  People have too much pride to humble themselves and believe that Jesus Christ is the Light of this world, and the only Light.  So many today have decided against Christ as Lord, but they have made their own decision and we should not let that stop us from speaking the name of Christ, just because it may offend them.  Too bad!!!  We have just as much right to speak what we believe as they do.  So just because the world does not see the Light of this world, do not let their disbelieve influence you.  Stand for what you know is the truth.  God is simply confirming what so many have already decided and harden their hearts against Him.  It will not get easier; it will only get more difficult to speak about the grace of Jesus Christ.  And when those of us who speak and believe His name are suddenly removed from this world; they will get just what they wanted: a world without Christ and ruled by Satan himself.  At that time they will know.  So don’t get caught up in all the political correctness of not speaking the name of Jesus Christ because when He comes again, He is coming to judge those who denied Him.  Don’t be a goat and be separated from Him for eternity.  Boldly speak the name of Christ.

Have a God Day!

The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he turns it wherever he pleases. 2 People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart. 3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is just and right than when we give him sacrifices. 4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. 5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Sometimes people think what they are doing is right, but God see the motives of the heart behind the action. God discerns the intent behind the action.  Sometimes those doing right are really doing it for their own benefit. They want to look good or to look like they care, but inside their heart is only selfishness.  God can see beyond what appears.  Often we have to make choices in areas where the right action is difficult to discern.  We can help ourselves make the right decision by trying to identify our motives first.  We need to ask ourselves, “Would God be pleased with my real reasons for doing this?” God is not pleased when an action is done only to receive something for ourselves.  God is pleased when we do the right thing for His purpose.  It is only when we move under His direction for His purpose and use His power to accomplish the task that God is pleased.  Examine what you are doing now in His name and ask yourself if it is for Him or if it is for other reasons.  God will guide and direct you if seek His wisdom.  Move forward only when you can truly say it is for His glory.

Have a God Day!

What part of your life is not fully dedicated to Jesus?  Do you walk in obedience in some parts better than others?  Take a look and examine your life in Christ and see what areas need to given over to Him.  Some people do a great job when they are around other Christians and in church on Sunday, but put them in a situation at work and you would never know that Christ is the Lord of their life.  What good does it do if others cannot see Christ in you at all times.  If you look too much like the world who will know that you are not of this world.  It cannot be both ways.  Jesus demands 3 conditions to be called His.  You must be willing to deny self, to shoulder your cross daily and to follow Him.  Does this describe your walk with Christ?  If not then you need to ask Him to show you what areas you need to change.  All of us will need to keep working at this until we die, no one will ever fully be complete in their walk with Christ, but we can improve. Start by asking yourself, “What is the most important thing in my life?”  If you say Christ, but it does not show, then you are only fooling yourself. Ask again and do not be ashamed to say what it is, but bring it before Christ and seek His wisdom in helping you to make Him first.  If you are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of you when you stand before Him.  Start today and do a little self examination.  Ask yourself who or what the most important things in your life are and if it is not serving Christ, then start today to put Him first.

Have a God Day!

One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Don’t even take along a walking stick,” he instructed them, “nor a traveler’s bag, nor food, nor money. Not even an extra coat. 4 When you enter each village, be a guest in only one home. 5 If the people of the village won’t receive your message when you enter it, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave. It is a sign that you have abandoned that village to its fate.” 6 So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

The truth about Jesus is that He is both God and man, both spiritual and psychical.  The salvation He offers is both for the soul and the body.  When Jesus sent His disciples out, He sent them out to save, but also to heal the sick.  He is concerned about every aspect of our lives, both the physical and the spiritual.  When a person is hungry, they are not going to be concerned about their soul until they are fed.  When a person is physically hurting, they are not going to hear God over the pain.  It is impossible to minister effectively to one type of need without considering the other.  Christ taught this throughout His entire ministry.  A little later after this, Christ feed 5000 men and their families with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.  He had been teaching them and they were too hungry to walk back to town.  What physical need is keeping you from hearing the voice of God today?  What need has become bigger than your need for Jesus?  God cares about that need and He is going to touch you both physically and spiritually, but it is a matter of trusting Him.  Do you believe He cares about every aspect of your life?  Do you believe He will heal you?  Move forward as if you have your answer from God and He will make it a reality.  Bring your need before Him and leave it with Him.  Because only He can provide everything that you need.  Trust in His Word and trust Him because of what He has already done in your life for both the physical and the spiritual.

Have a God Day!

“Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. 9 You parents-if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Jesus is telling us to persist in pursuing God. He was talking about pursuing a relationship with Him.  For those who seek to know God there is the reward of knowing Him.  But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through. And Jesus assures us we will be rewarded with relationship to Him.  But we cannot give up in our efforts to seek God.  There is always more of Him and we should always be seeking to know Him more.  We will never get to the point of knowing all there is to know about God, so never stop seeking. Outside of Christ, nothing exist, so what more would we need. But God knew we had needs while living on this earth.  In a previous verse, He had just said not to worry about your food or clothes, because God will supply what we need.  It may not be what we want, but it will always be what we need. Sometimes God knows we are praying for “snakes” and does not give us what we ask for, even though we persist in our prayers. But as we seek more of Him, we will learn to trust His will for everything in our lives.  When seeking an answer in prayer, fist seek the Word of God to find out if it is contrary to His Word, and then seek to find out if it is contrary to His will.  If not, then never give up, because God will give you your request in His time.  Salvation for those we love who do not know Him is a perfect example of a prayer that we should never give up on.  God will move in the lives of non-believers if we pray.  But our first pursuit is to know Him, then for our daily needs and then for those “things” that we think we need.

Have a God Day!

Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Only those who are in Christ will hear from Him.  The Holy Spirit however, is working on those who don’t know Him to bring them to salvation, but they do not always know His voice.  John 10:27 says, “My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Do you hear from God?  Does He speak to you about your life?  If you are in Christ and you do not hear His voice, then you are not listening because He is speaking.  As with Elijah, God speaks in the small still voice inside of you.  It is a gentle whisper in your ear. And those who follow Him know His voice.  If you are not hearing from God, then you need to stop and listen.  Take time to listen.  Slow down to spend quiet time with Him every day.  Reading His Word is a good place to hear the voice of God. Eliminate the distractions in your life that are preventing you from taking time every day to communicate with God. Get away by yourself and read His Word and then thank Him for His love.  He wants to know what is on your mind, speak to Him as you would speak to a good friend. Then listen to Him when He does speak to you.  Sometimes it will be strengthening, and sometimes you will feel His disapproval of something you need to change.  God is always there to lead and guide you, but it will not be a mighty rushing wind that will knock you down, so you have to stop.  The voice of God will be that small still voice and you will know it is Him.

Have a God Day!