Thought Of The Week

Daer Friends:
“Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live.”

Titus 1:16 NLT

Embarrassing God
“Not so long ago I saw a man shopping in a grocery store while his young son ran up and down the aisles. The boy was unleashed and hyper, making a complete nuisance of himself. The father kept calling his son’s name, but the boy only ran faster—up one aisle and down the other.

Just as the father caught up with him, the boy reached out and grabbed a handful of candy bars. The father tried to take them away, but the boy held on tightly. Then he started to scream. It was a high-pitched, piercing scream that reverberated throughout the store. Clerks and customers turned to look from every direction as the frustrated father tried his best to squelch his son’s cries. The boy only screamed louder and started to kick. Finally the father let him go, and once again he ran down the aisle with all his might, chocolate still clutched in his greedy little grip.

I caught a glimpse of the father’s face. It was the look of complete and total embarrassment. Although I’m sure he loved his son dearly, at this moment he was ashamed to be his father.

Do you think God ever feels that way with his children? Imagine how he must feel when we become so earthly minded that we run through life, ignoring his voice and oblivious to his warning, grabbing things as we go and holding them tightly.

Do you think God doesn’t get embarrassed by the way his children act? Our life is a reflection of his authority. And when we disobey, he is the One the world scoffs at.

fromTim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin

GOD BLESS
Cliff

2 Timothy 2:22-26

A good soldier is a servant. In addition to acting on behalf of his country in combat situations, he is called upon to aid the local populace, liberate captives, and keep peace within the ranks. He must think about more than his own skin. Likewise, a Christian soldier’s job includes watching over those working alongside him.

The Christian soldier protects the unity of the church. Worship communities divide over both important and trivial issues. Sadly, most splits are ugly battles between people who ought to be fighting side-by-side against a common Enemy. Paul warns believers not to be quarrelsome. Instead we’re to work out differences with kindness and show patience when wronged. Moreover, a sensitive, loving correction can often settle tempers and clean a wound torn in the church body. Then healing is possible.

The Christian soldier rescues those imprisoned by sin. A gentle correction is also useful when speaking to fellow believers ensnared by the Devil. Just as the men and women in a combat unit guard each other, we are to care for our spiritual brothers and sisters. Or as Paul explained, we “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak” (1 Thess. 5:14). Our standing orders are to reflect Jesus to the world, beginning with each other (v. 13).

While these are things believers should do for one another, a servant-soldier’s top priority should be having a godly attitude. Respond to other spiritual warriors as Christ would. To keep your heart and mind right, you must be in God’s Word–reading, studying, and making His principles your own.

From the biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley.

God bless
Cliff

Dear Friends:
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him. Proverbs 26:20-27 NIV

Do we demonize those who disagree with us politically. Is politics our last venue, where we can be part of the world?

Have we gotten to the point that our respect only is allowed if the person is wearing our badge? Is it possible to witness to people while spewing political hatred? I don’t think so. How do we change Washington D.C. We start with ourselves. Now most people will say “what?” Most will wonder what drugs your taking, but it is true.

First people must look at themselves and examine what you are ingesting as far as news goes. Most news is no longer news. Rather it is drama and a form of entertainment. A good journalist will keep his opinion to himself and let the viewer ascertain the facts and come up with a opinion. In a community the size of ours, and if we have spread fear and hatred of the liberals, will we ever be able to draw them in to Christian point of view.

We as Christian men are suppose to emulate a Christ like persona. How can it be possible if we hate the other group out there. Isn’t it possible there are good men and women in the other political party.

Who did JESUS hang with a zealot, tax collector, a prideful bad tempered rough edged fisherman, a pair of brothers whom he referred to as the Sons of Thunder. The rest were no better. JESUS worked on changing the hearts of men. The most effective way for this to happen is by leading the individual to CHRIST’ and having him be blessed with the Holy Spirit. We must remember though fish do not come into the boat cleaned, it is our job to clean and dress the fish.

The to most 2 flammable topics in the world are politics and religion. Most people in the world have strong views about both and their attitudes will change three to four days after death. Russ talks about cutting new grooves in a disk. This process can’t take place till you change the channel. Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Pat Robertson and the rest of the news media sell commercials they don’t provide fair and unbiased news.

You have to change your inner man. This means that you can’t hold on to, well, that the conservatives are better then the liberals because the majority believe in banning abortions, argument. If this fable were true why wasn’t something get done when the conservatives held both houses of congress and the white house. Lip service. The truth is money. Most of us vote our pocket books. Taxes, taxes, and more taxes. If it is going to cost me money forget it. I don’t want it. Most of us don’t realize that 99.8% of the worlds wealth is controlled by less then 1% of the worlds population. the thing to remember it is all GODS stuff. So render unto Caesar what is Caesars. Remember folks GOD LOVES a cheerful giver.

The Book of Acts tells about a man and his wife sell some farm land and told Peter they were going to give all the money to the Christian movement. Well after the fact the 2 decided to hold some money back. So the husband walks into Peters place and gives him the money and Peter said” Do you think you can lie to the Holy Spirit..” and with that the dude dies. Peter instructs his helpers to bury the guy. Wife walks in Peter asked the wife same question. She ends up next to her husband.

Health care what does the bible say about it. All were healed. Not JESUS healed all who were worthy or Jesus healed the Jewish people. No all were healed. We can’t start there. Easy answers are no where to be found. What we as CHRIST servants can’t afford is to be so vocal we chase away the fish from the boat. Our focus must be on GODS work. My job at Sears provides me with the means to do GODS work. I can’t meddle to long in the worlds issues, like politics without smelling like the hogs. When I was a young man I had a friend that had a hog confinement I always smelled like them if I stopped in to see him for a minute or a hour. JESUS may have forgiven a prostitute but nothing is written about HIM visiting a brothel.

Most times when I wonder what JESUS would do. It usually ends up being the kind generous thing, not putting my wants or needs first. Enough all ready. This is coming off the top of my head . Unedited. We start locally and move outward. Politics gets nasty when the money gets involved. Like usual, it by any shape or manner it is  not politically correct.

GOD BLESS

Cliff

Dear Friends:
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:14-16 NIV
He replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Luke 11:28 NLT

You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.”
Romans 8:15 NLT

An eloquent testimony
Actions speak louder than words. Our behavior is eloquent testimony to who we are and what we think. Holy thought and corrupt behavior cannot coexist. It is a lie to say follow Christ if you are disregarding his Word and ignoring him. And is it surprising and disappointing when we hear people give a clear Christian testimony and yet see that they have a questionable lifestyle? The Bible calls us all to holy living. We are to make every effort to live according to its guidelines. First, if we are truly a new creature in Christ, then God’s Holy Spirit is living within us, helping us want to do what is right.

Second, godly living is an example to unbelieving friends, neighbors, and co-workers that we are different. People are attracted to others who are consistently kind, gracious, and loving. When they ask what makes you different you will have a wonderful opportunity to tell them of God’s love.

Third, godly living is a confirmation that you are, in fact, living for God and not yourself. It is a barometer of your relationship with him.

And fourth, godly living means that you are emulating Christ, who is our ultimate example of how to live.

GOD BLESS
Cliff

Dear Friends:

“Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account” (Phil 4:17).

The apostle Paul had a tent-making business. However, over time, it was evident that more and more of his time was being given to vocational ministry activities. That required him to receive income from those to whom he invested his life. It became increasingly difficult to run a business and travel and minister.

His letter to the Philippians gives us a perspective on giving. Although Paul appreciated the support financially, his real joy came in the fact that their gift was being credited to their Heavenly account.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:14-19).

Paul had a confidence that God would always provide what he needed. Sometimes it came from his business. Sometimes it came through others. He was not overly concerned with where his provision would come from. His confidence was in God, his provider. So, his attitude was in affirming the benefit that came to the giver from a Kingdom perspective.

Paul learned that it wasn’t a church or a business that was his provider. It was God. These were merely tools God used to support him.

GOD BLESS

Cliff

Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord, your God and committed adultery against him by worshipping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to follow me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Jeremiah 3:13 NLT

The high cost of removing our guilt
Jesus paid a high price—his life—in order to remove our guilt before a holy God. While Jesus paid the price only he could pay, freedom from guilt is costly for us in other ways. The high price for us is the difficult task of admitting to God (and often others) that we were wrong and that we need forgiveness. This is called confession. As costly as confession is, the rewards are even greater: peace with ourselves and others, restored relationships, the removal of sin, and a renewed relationship with God.

But pride is a powerful force in our lives. Pride tells us, “All is well! You’re OK!” Pride denies the reality of sin; in contrast, guilt warns us that all is not well. Guilt acknowledges the presence of sin and urges us to confess it. So these two—guilt and pride—battle it out in our souls. When guilt wins, a sin that separated us from God is removed. When pride wins, we remain isolated from God’s grace, love, and care. There may be a high cost to removing guilt, but there is a higher cost to keeping it.

From the TouchPoint Bible
(Tyndale House), p 638
GOD BLESS
CLIFF

Dear Friends:
Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:4-5).
In Bible times, a Jewish wedding was a special celebration that could last seven days. It was a time of joy and celebration on behalf of the couple. Wine was an integral part of these weddings. Jesus, the disciples, and Mary, his mother, were invited guests to such a wedding. At some point during the celebration there was no more wine. Mary became concerned and turned to Jesus to solve the problem. But Jesus had not yet performed any miracles. However, His mother must have known that he was capable of doing so. Perhaps she had been waiting for the time for him to begin performing miracles.

When she proposed to Jesus that He solve this problem, he answered, “My time has not yet come.” You can almost hear that motherly Jewish tone… “Yes, it has son. Please handle this emergency for me.” Then she instructs the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do, seeming to know that He was going to solve the problem, but not really knowing how. Jesus proceeds to respond to his mother’s request.

Now, my western mind imagines what the headline would be the day after this wedding, in the politically incorrect Cana’s Daily News: “Son of Mary turns water into alcoholic drink – 180 gallons!” What a way to begin a ministry! Thankfully, there was no negative press.

Now the quality of the wine that Jesus made was exceptional and would have cost a fortune. Imagine, 180 gallons of fine wine! As in most miracles Jesus performed, He involved the faith and obedience of others. The servants were an important part of the miracle – as they did just what Jesus told them to do.

Have you ever asked Jesus to get involved in an unusual problem? No matter what problem you have, Jesus invites you to seek Him as the solution to your problem.

www.marketplaceleaders.org.
GOD BLESS
Cliff

Dear Friends:
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:2-5 NIV

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal.

Romans 3:23 NLT

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:17 NLT

Details, please?
(1.) Remember what St. John says: “If our heart condemn us, God is stronger than our heart.” The feeling of being, or not being, forgiven and loved is not what matters. One must come down to brass tacks. If there is a particular sin on your conscience, repent and confess it. If there isn’t, tell the despondent devil not to be silly. You can’t help hearing his voice (the odious inner radio), but you must treat it merely like a buzzing in your ears or any other irrational nuisance. (2.) Remember the story in the Imitation, how the Christ on the crucifix suddenly spoke to the monk who was so anxious about his salvation and said, “If you knew that all was well, what would you, today, do or stop doing?” When you have found the answer, do it or stop doing it. You see, one must always get back to the practical and definite. What the devil loves is that vague cloud of unspecified guilt feeling or unspecified virtue by which he lures us into despair or presumption. “Details, please?” is the answer. (3.) The sense of dereliction cannot be a bad symptom, for Our Lord Himself experienced it in its depth—”Why has thou forsaken me?

C. S. Lewis in Letters to an American Lady.
GOD BLESS
Cliff

Dear Friends:

because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17 NIV
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:7-10 NIV

My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.”
John 10:27-28 NLT

Hearing His voice
As our Good Shepherd, Jesus promises that we can hear and know His voice. This does not, however, have to be some mysterious, mystical process. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that God speaks to you quite often. I would venture to say He has spoken to you lately and may be speaking to you right now in some way.

God speaks to us through His Word. God will never lead us contrary to His written Word. It is our litmus test, our bedrock, our absolute.

God speaks to us through circumstances. Those circumstances can include failure. Jonah certainly heard God through his mistake. God may even speak to us through tragedy or hardship. C. S. Lewis wrote that, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to arouse a deaf world.”

God speaks to us through His peace. When we live in God’s will, we enjoy His peace. Do you need God to make a crucial call in your life? Then listen for His peace.

And once we have heard God’s voice, what should we do? We must follow. Jesus calls, we respond. He whispers, we move. We follow—and then we keep on listening.

GOD BLESS

Cliff

Dear Friends:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; Isaiah 40:28-30 NIV
How does God show himself to you?

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble.…As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true.…

Psalm 18:25-27,30 NLT

Faithful and dependable
A hot morning shower, a fresh cup of coffee. The lights in your kitchen and bathroom. What would you do if you were deprived of the basics of your dependable morning routine? Many of us would start shutting down. It’s easy to take hot water and electricity for granted. The same is true of faithful love. It’s easy to take for granted the person who is always there to listen to your problems. It’s easy to take for granted the person you run to when you’re frustrated or in trouble. It’s even easier to take for granted God’s faithful care for you and your family. Every day God sustains the world in which we move and live. He provides food, clothing, and opportunities for employment. Most important, he showers love and concern on us every day. Our God is a faithful God. He is entirely dependable.

That same type of faithful and dependable love is the foundation of every strong relationship. Love is cheap if it’s given only when things are going fine. Our love for others must be consistent and dependable.
GOD BLESS
Cliff