2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Monday, November 18, 2013

The Three Buts...

On November 14th Shepherd's Servant gathered together for fellowship and discussed 1 Cor 6:9-11.  Here is a recap of what I have titled The Three Buts...

Saturday, October 19, 2013

What is your motivation?


“And he did [what was] right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart” (2 Chr 25:2).  What an awful statement about Amaziah!  Here was a King who was doing right  by God but not loyal to Him.  How many times do we assume we are doing the right thing, but our hearts are not right before the Lord?    

Paul wrote that we should examine ourselves to determine if we are in the faith (2 Cor 3:15).  Many first responders look at their work with a self inflated righteousness, assuming their daily good deeds of serving others reserves some special place in heaven.  Our work is good; our work is ordained by God (Rom 13).  But, seek out the motivations as to why you do this work.  Are you seeking medals, recognition, awards, promotion or are you seeking to please the Lord in your work (Mat 5:16, Col 3:23-24)? 

Is your heart aligned with God?  Have you accepted Jesus Christ for salvation or are you relying on your good works for salvation?  Are you serving King Jesus or serving your own self interests?  Brothers and sisters, examine yourself!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Overcoming the Past


Recently I was reminiscing with a friend I have known nearly 30 years and was reminded of stories I had long ago forgotten.  As we talked, God brought to mind His  truth and I rejoiced for what He has done in my life.  

As Paul described, we all come from storied sinful backgrounds, “...Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you” (1 Cor 6:9-11a emphasis added). Notice the past tense.  

God provided a way to overcome our sinful past, “For He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:21).  Because of this Paul wrote,“But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1Cr 11b).  

No matter where you come from, what you have done in your past, or when you accept Jesus Christ, you can rest that, “[There is] therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1a).  

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Philosophy of missions

As a law enforcement veteran I like working within a philosophical framework.  Having a structure or model helps focus one's purpose and activities.  Recently, I was appointed the Missions Director at my church.  After much prayer, meditation, and research I am formulating an umbrella philosophy that will help guide the mission activities at our church.  Please read it and give me your feedback and comments.   I have kept the name of my fellowship out of this posting until it is approved by the pastor and board of elders.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Possessor of Truth!

Listen to any national news media outlet and you will find that everyone is full of opinions.  Rarely does the news capture and report just the facts of an incident but they provide non-stop commentary to meet whatever political or social view they are trying to espouse.  

The reality is we all look at the circumstances of life through a specific set of lenses that molds our own commentary.  We all interpret the world by layering our values and views over the facts.  The worldview that we use to interpret all of life will guide us in how we live, guide the choices we make.  

The difficulty today is the world contains a smorgasbord of worldviews.  Everyone does their own thing as long as it good for them, they do what is right in their own eyes.  How does one know whether they are viewing the world correctly?  Is there truth?  Does truth exist?

As a Christian you can be confident that you possess the truth!  Do not be swayed by the thoughts and ideas of a relativistic world (Col 2:8).  Know that belief in Jesus Christ is the only truth, the only worldview that should guide your heart.  Jesus proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (Jhn 14:6, emphasis added).  As a believer in Christ you possess the only truth within a morally relativistic world.  

The Book of Proverbs warns, "Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts" (Pro 21:2).  Is your heart aligned with Jesus Christ?