Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Is There a Hole in Your Gospel?
What a question to ask, you say. This is a question that you need to ask yourself. Is there a hole in my gospel? Let me explain the question. When you see someone who is homeless do you say to yourself, "can I help this person", or do you say he put himself or herself in that position". When someone on the street ask you for help getting a meal do you say, "sure I will buy you a meal" or do you think "they will just spend the $5 dollars on drugs or alcohol". If your answer to these questions is "they did this to themselves" , then brothers and sisters you have a hole in your gospel.
Matthew 25 didn't give any stipulations on anybodies status in life. It did not say, "when I was full you fed me anyway, when my cup runs over you gave me more to drink". You see there is not a hole in Jesus' Gospel but when you read it and add your negative thoughts to it, the hole is in your gospel.
Ron Hall and Denver Moore are authors that lives here in Fort Worth and Ron told a story that he and Denver was walking in front of the Union Gospel Mission downtown Fort Worth and Ron was handing out $20 bills. There was a man that staggered toward them and Ron told Denver that he was not going to give him $20 because he was drunk. Denver asked Ron if he had ever had $20 in his pocket and bought beer with it. Ron told him that he had and Denver asked him why was he judging another man for a sin that he himself had committed. Turns out the man that was staggering up to him had sent all of his money to his mother to have treatment for breast cancer and he had had 3 strokes that was the reason that he staggered not because of alcohol.
We have all been guilty of this. There is a HOLE in our Gospel when we don't follow the WHOLE Gospel.
Let what breaks the heart of God, break your heart. Don't become caught up in being self righteous . Remember in Hebrews that it said you might just be entertaining an angel.
Read the Gospel. Help your fellow man. Be a servant and a disciple . Remember that someone could see Jesus by seeing Him in you.
Until next time keep your saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Matthew 25 didn't give any stipulations on anybodies status in life. It did not say, "when I was full you fed me anyway, when my cup runs over you gave me more to drink". You see there is not a hole in Jesus' Gospel but when you read it and add your negative thoughts to it, the hole is in your gospel.
Ron Hall and Denver Moore are authors that lives here in Fort Worth and Ron told a story that he and Denver was walking in front of the Union Gospel Mission downtown Fort Worth and Ron was handing out $20 bills. There was a man that staggered toward them and Ron told Denver that he was not going to give him $20 because he was drunk. Denver asked Ron if he had ever had $20 in his pocket and bought beer with it. Ron told him that he had and Denver asked him why was he judging another man for a sin that he himself had committed. Turns out the man that was staggering up to him had sent all of his money to his mother to have treatment for breast cancer and he had had 3 strokes that was the reason that he staggered not because of alcohol.
We have all been guilty of this. There is a HOLE in our Gospel when we don't follow the WHOLE Gospel.
Let what breaks the heart of God, break your heart. Don't become caught up in being self righteous . Remember in Hebrews that it said you might just be entertaining an angel.
Read the Gospel. Help your fellow man. Be a servant and a disciple . Remember that someone could see Jesus by seeing Him in you.
Until next time keep your saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Ministry Motive
"For the Lord your God has chosen them [priest] and their descendants out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the Lord's name always." Deuteronomy 18:5
As a disciple of Jesus we are all called to a ministry. Now that is not saying that everyone is called to do the same thing. When deciding what your ministry is, the first thing you should do is go to God in prayer. Don't tell God what your going to do and what your plans are, instead ask Him what His plans are for you. Then LISTEN!!! God will let you know what your mission in life is. Don't just say, "I'm a mother" or "I'm a Father" or "I have a terrific job". These are all worldly things. They are important things but they are still worldly thing. Jeremiah 29 :11 says, 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. NASB.
So many people go into a ministry because of a past guilt, thinking that they can make up for it with good deeds. Another reason people go into a ministry is they need to be needed or noticed. Unhealthy motives for a ministry leads to burnout and regret. Your service for the Lord becomes laborious when you strive in your own strength. You lose that joy that jolted you into ministry for Jesus in the first place.
Here is the reason for ministry in the first place. Are you listening? It is very complicated!! Ministry is not meant to be about your service, but about His worship. See I told you it was complex.
Stand and minister in the Lords name not in your name. It's not about what good deed you did, it is about what Jesus asked us to do. If you fulfill your ministry role right, you may be forgotten but Jesus will be remembered.
You must also live as one chosen and called by Christ. Never forget who called you and what He called you to do and be.
Remember to, that as you minister to people, DO NOT beat them over the head with you Bible. Remember the old song "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling"
Above all else, you must decrease and He must increase. Pure ministry motives promote Him. The early church leaders modeled this,
"Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles though his ministry" Acts 21 : 19
Until next time friends, keep your saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
As a disciple of Jesus we are all called to a ministry. Now that is not saying that everyone is called to do the same thing. When deciding what your ministry is, the first thing you should do is go to God in prayer. Don't tell God what your going to do and what your plans are, instead ask Him what His plans are for you. Then LISTEN!!! God will let you know what your mission in life is. Don't just say, "I'm a mother" or "I'm a Father" or "I have a terrific job". These are all worldly things. They are important things but they are still worldly thing. Jeremiah 29 :11 says, 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. NASB.
So many people go into a ministry because of a past guilt, thinking that they can make up for it with good deeds. Another reason people go into a ministry is they need to be needed or noticed. Unhealthy motives for a ministry leads to burnout and regret. Your service for the Lord becomes laborious when you strive in your own strength. You lose that joy that jolted you into ministry for Jesus in the first place.
Here is the reason for ministry in the first place. Are you listening? It is very complicated!! Ministry is not meant to be about your service, but about His worship. See I told you it was complex.
Stand and minister in the Lords name not in your name. It's not about what good deed you did, it is about what Jesus asked us to do. If you fulfill your ministry role right, you may be forgotten but Jesus will be remembered.
You must also live as one chosen and called by Christ. Never forget who called you and what He called you to do and be.
Remember to, that as you minister to people, DO NOT beat them over the head with you Bible. Remember the old song "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling"
Above all else, you must decrease and He must increase. Pure ministry motives promote Him. The early church leaders modeled this,
"Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles though his ministry" Acts 21 : 19
Until next time friends, keep your saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Reading the Bible
Howdy. Gather around and lets talk about reading the Bible. Have you ever heard the old saying that B.I.B.L.E stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth? While that is not really what it stands for it is a good acronym. The Bible is all of that and so much more.
The Bible is a history book, story book, genealogy book, law book and love story. While all of these are important the love story is the most important!
The Bible teaches us that God loved us so much that He would do anything to bring man and woman back to Himself. Everyone should be familiar with John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Did you read that and did your comprehend that? You can read something and not comprehend it.
Although God loves us, there is a part that we have to do to achieve this promise. Let's break it down. For God so loved the world. That is the reason for salvation. That He gave His only begotten Son. Notice that when God loves, He gives. He gives freely to you and me knowing that He may not receive love back. So by loving us, He gives by putting His love in motion. That whosoever believes in Him. Here is your part. He's asking for you faith and love. Notice He is not forcing or demanding but asking for your love and belief. What are you going to do? Shall not perish but have everlasting life. There is your reward.
I tell you all of this to now explain what love is. Well you say I know what love is. I love my family and friends. If that is true, give me the definition of love. Well before you start breaking out Webster's let me tell you the perfect definition of love. If you have your Bible turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4 -8. I'm not going to type it out for you what it says so dust off your Bible and look it up. This is what love is all about.
Now that you know what love is you realize that Jesus is all of these things described in 1Corinthians 13. If we are truly a disciple of Jesus (remember there is a difference between being a Sunday Christian and a disciple of Jesus), then as a servant of Jesus we are to practice the definition of love to one another. This doesn't mean just on the people that we choose to practice on but on every living soul that God put on this earth. You say how am I suppose to love someone like Osama bin Laden. Well even though Osama didn't act on what the stipulation was in John 3:16, Jesus loved Him enough to die for him to. Wow! Someone as cruel as Osama and Jesus loved him enough to die for him. Jesus didn't say we have to like what the person does, but in the book of John 13:34-35, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE one another, even as I have LOVED you, that you LOVE one another. By this all men will know that you are My DISCIPLES, if you have love for one another.
Jesus didn't say being a disciple of His was going to be easy, but He did promise us great rewards if we just follow Him.
Well until next time, practice loving someone. The more you practice the better you get at it. Keep you saddles cinched and may your trials be smooth.
The Bible is a history book, story book, genealogy book, law book and love story. While all of these are important the love story is the most important!
The Bible teaches us that God loved us so much that He would do anything to bring man and woman back to Himself. Everyone should be familiar with John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Did you read that and did your comprehend that? You can read something and not comprehend it.
Although God loves us, there is a part that we have to do to achieve this promise. Let's break it down. For God so loved the world. That is the reason for salvation. That He gave His only begotten Son. Notice that when God loves, He gives. He gives freely to you and me knowing that He may not receive love back. So by loving us, He gives by putting His love in motion. That whosoever believes in Him. Here is your part. He's asking for you faith and love. Notice He is not forcing or demanding but asking for your love and belief. What are you going to do? Shall not perish but have everlasting life. There is your reward.
I tell you all of this to now explain what love is. Well you say I know what love is. I love my family and friends. If that is true, give me the definition of love. Well before you start breaking out Webster's let me tell you the perfect definition of love. If you have your Bible turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4 -8. I'm not going to type it out for you what it says so dust off your Bible and look it up. This is what love is all about.
Now that you know what love is you realize that Jesus is all of these things described in 1Corinthians 13. If we are truly a disciple of Jesus (remember there is a difference between being a Sunday Christian and a disciple of Jesus), then as a servant of Jesus we are to practice the definition of love to one another. This doesn't mean just on the people that we choose to practice on but on every living soul that God put on this earth. You say how am I suppose to love someone like Osama bin Laden. Well even though Osama didn't act on what the stipulation was in John 3:16, Jesus loved Him enough to die for him to. Wow! Someone as cruel as Osama and Jesus loved him enough to die for him. Jesus didn't say we have to like what the person does, but in the book of John 13:34-35, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE one another, even as I have LOVED you, that you LOVE one another. By this all men will know that you are My DISCIPLES, if you have love for one another.
Jesus didn't say being a disciple of His was going to be easy, but He did promise us great rewards if we just follow Him.
Well until next time, practice loving someone. The more you practice the better you get at it. Keep you saddles cinched and may your trials be smooth.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Steps to being a servant.
Howdy. For the next few blogs we are going to talk about what it means to be a servant of Jesus. Let us start in the book of Matthew chapter 20 verses 26 through 28. Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
If we are going to follow in Jesus' footsteps, we are to become leaders. Now I know you are saying that is not what we just read. Stop and think about this a minute. Before we can be leaders we first have to be a servant. What does the pastor of a church do? Is he the leader or is he the servant of the body of Christ? He is both. He serves as the head of the congregation and he is also the servant to the congregation. If we are the Body of Christ, then why aren't are hands reaching out to the poor, why aren't are legs going the extra mile to help someone? There is an old Amish proverb that says, When it comes to doing for others, some people stop at nothing. Let that sink in for a minute. It is so easy to just do nothing and think, well I pay my tithes and that money will go to help someone. Jesus call us to do so much more.
Brother's and Sister's get up out of that pew and be a servant for Jesus. He calls you as a Christian to spread the Gospel. He calls you as a Christian to help the poor. He calls you as a Christian to visit the elderly. I can go on and on but I hope you get the picture.
Stand up from your pew and be a leader in your church and serve someone else.
Next time we will talk about how important it is to read your Bible to get the knowledge on how to spread the Gospel.
Until next time keep your saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
If we are going to follow in Jesus' footsteps, we are to become leaders. Now I know you are saying that is not what we just read. Stop and think about this a minute. Before we can be leaders we first have to be a servant. What does the pastor of a church do? Is he the leader or is he the servant of the body of Christ? He is both. He serves as the head of the congregation and he is also the servant to the congregation. If we are the Body of Christ, then why aren't are hands reaching out to the poor, why aren't are legs going the extra mile to help someone? There is an old Amish proverb that says, When it comes to doing for others, some people stop at nothing. Let that sink in for a minute. It is so easy to just do nothing and think, well I pay my tithes and that money will go to help someone. Jesus call us to do so much more.
Brother's and Sister's get up out of that pew and be a servant for Jesus. He calls you as a Christian to spread the Gospel. He calls you as a Christian to help the poor. He calls you as a Christian to visit the elderly. I can go on and on but I hope you get the picture.
Stand up from your pew and be a leader in your church and serve someone else.
Next time we will talk about how important it is to read your Bible to get the knowledge on how to spread the Gospel.
Until next time keep your saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Church and The American Dream
Have you ever thought about how the "Mega Church" and "The American Dream" has grown into the same thing? Church's now seem to think that to do the work of God they need more money and bigger churches and a "Starbucks" in the lobby to get more people to come and then it just starts all over.
Is that really what Jesus had in mind for His church when He left this world? Would Jesus really want a "Starbucks" in the lobby of a Church/Palace? How can churches justify this when the greatest example in ministry was known for turning thousands of people away! Think about this for just a minute. When the crowd would get big, Jesus would say, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." How would you think the people that was listening to Him teach reacted to this? This guy is wanting us to eat Him? GROSS. By the end of that speech all the crowds had left, and only the twelve remained. Jesus seemed okay with this!
Has the church in America embraced values and ideas that are not only unbiblical but that actually contradict the gospel we claim to believe?
If Jesus is who He said He is, and if His promises are as rewarding as the Bible claims they are, then we may discover that satisfaction in our lives and success in the church are not found in what our culture deems most important but in the teaching of the true gospel.
Here is one more point to think about. After Jesus' ministry had ended He basically had only the same 12 guys he started out with.
I'm not saying we shouldn't be out there winning souls for Jesus. That is not my point at all. That is what Jesus has called us to do. What I'm asking is do we really need to build a Palace with a "Starbucks" just to attract people in or should we use the message that Jesus taught us to show love and compassion. Is it the money, the glamor, the big production on Sunday, or is it the message of Jesus that we are sharing?
Until next time, keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Is that really what Jesus had in mind for His church when He left this world? Would Jesus really want a "Starbucks" in the lobby of a Church/Palace? How can churches justify this when the greatest example in ministry was known for turning thousands of people away! Think about this for just a minute. When the crowd would get big, Jesus would say, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." How would you think the people that was listening to Him teach reacted to this? This guy is wanting us to eat Him? GROSS. By the end of that speech all the crowds had left, and only the twelve remained. Jesus seemed okay with this!
Has the church in America embraced values and ideas that are not only unbiblical but that actually contradict the gospel we claim to believe?
If Jesus is who He said He is, and if His promises are as rewarding as the Bible claims they are, then we may discover that satisfaction in our lives and success in the church are not found in what our culture deems most important but in the teaching of the true gospel.
Here is one more point to think about. After Jesus' ministry had ended He basically had only the same 12 guys he started out with.
I'm not saying we shouldn't be out there winning souls for Jesus. That is not my point at all. That is what Jesus has called us to do. What I'm asking is do we really need to build a Palace with a "Starbucks" just to attract people in or should we use the message that Jesus taught us to show love and compassion. Is it the money, the glamor, the big production on Sunday, or is it the message of Jesus that we are sharing?
Until next time, keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Fear
Howdy folks! Sorry it has been awhile since my last post, but we had some things to take care of in Oklahoma.
I wanted to talk a little while about fear. What are you afraid of? Going broke? Most people are afraid of that, especially with all of the economic troubles the good ole' USA is having right now. Are you afraid of not being accepted? What about the fear of death? Most humans are afraid of death.
Let me ask you one more question. What phrase did Jesus say more than any other in the Bible? Now before you start thumbing through you concordance I will tell you. He said "Don't be afraid, Fear not, Why are you afraid?"
I think the word fear is an acronym. F.E.A.R stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. You see when you let fear move into your heart faith moves out. I'll give you an example. In the book of Mark chapter4, verse 35 through 41 it tells when Jesus and the disciples was on the boat and the storm moved in. I'm going to give you the "Readers Digest Condensed version" Jesus was sleeping on the boat when the storm came up. The disciples knowing who Jesus was, the Son of God, should have just woke Him up and said, "Master there is a bad storm can you calm it". Do you think that is what they did? Nope, they go over to Him, wake Him up and said " do you not care we are about to die". You see fear of the storm moved into their hearts and their faith moved out. What did Jesus do? He got up, said "Peace be still!" took care of the problem then asked the disciples, "why are you so fearful?" and then He asked them "How is it that you have no faith?"
Fear is a method used by Satan to destroy your faith. Because it is when we fear, we take our eyes off of Jesus. What happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus? Well for the answer to that we have to look at Matthew chapter 14, verses 26 through 33. Again we find the disciples out on a boat and they see Jesus walking toward them on the water and they immediately think it's a ghost and you guest it, they become afraid. Jesus once again tells them to Be of good cheer. Don't be afraid. Well Peter says Lord if it is you let me come to you on the water. Peter steps out and is walking on the water when he starts to thinking I can't do this, and he looks down and starts to sink. You see he let fear guide his thinking and took his eyes off of Jesus and then started to sink. Is that not the same thing that we do. We have a problem; we become afraid; we take our eyes off of Jesus and we start to sink. I want to tell you that Jesus wants you to turn your fears over to Him. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and He will not fail you. Jesus says to us in John 14 : 27, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jesus gives true peace. Know Jesus know peace. No Jesus, no peace. I know it sounds like a bumper sticker but it speaks truth.
I want to encourage you to turn your fears and troubles over to the Master. We cannot handle our problems but He can. Just remember there can be no testimony without the test.
Also if you haven't read "Fearless" by Max Lucado, I would encourage you to read it as well.
Well it's good to be back and until next time keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
I wanted to talk a little while about fear. What are you afraid of? Going broke? Most people are afraid of that, especially with all of the economic troubles the good ole' USA is having right now. Are you afraid of not being accepted? What about the fear of death? Most humans are afraid of death.
Let me ask you one more question. What phrase did Jesus say more than any other in the Bible? Now before you start thumbing through you concordance I will tell you. He said "Don't be afraid, Fear not, Why are you afraid?"
I think the word fear is an acronym. F.E.A.R stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. You see when you let fear move into your heart faith moves out. I'll give you an example. In the book of Mark chapter4, verse 35 through 41 it tells when Jesus and the disciples was on the boat and the storm moved in. I'm going to give you the "Readers Digest Condensed version" Jesus was sleeping on the boat when the storm came up. The disciples knowing who Jesus was, the Son of God, should have just woke Him up and said, "Master there is a bad storm can you calm it". Do you think that is what they did? Nope, they go over to Him, wake Him up and said " do you not care we are about to die". You see fear of the storm moved into their hearts and their faith moved out. What did Jesus do? He got up, said "Peace be still!" took care of the problem then asked the disciples, "why are you so fearful?" and then He asked them "How is it that you have no faith?"
Fear is a method used by Satan to destroy your faith. Because it is when we fear, we take our eyes off of Jesus. What happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus? Well for the answer to that we have to look at Matthew chapter 14, verses 26 through 33. Again we find the disciples out on a boat and they see Jesus walking toward them on the water and they immediately think it's a ghost and you guest it, they become afraid. Jesus once again tells them to Be of good cheer. Don't be afraid. Well Peter says Lord if it is you let me come to you on the water. Peter steps out and is walking on the water when he starts to thinking I can't do this, and he looks down and starts to sink. You see he let fear guide his thinking and took his eyes off of Jesus and then started to sink. Is that not the same thing that we do. We have a problem; we become afraid; we take our eyes off of Jesus and we start to sink. I want to tell you that Jesus wants you to turn your fears over to Him. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and He will not fail you. Jesus says to us in John 14 : 27, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jesus gives true peace. Know Jesus know peace. No Jesus, no peace. I know it sounds like a bumper sticker but it speaks truth.
I want to encourage you to turn your fears and troubles over to the Master. We cannot handle our problems but He can. Just remember there can be no testimony without the test.
Also if you haven't read "Fearless" by Max Lucado, I would encourage you to read it as well.
Well it's good to be back and until next time keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
How Much Time Do You Spend In Worship?
How much time do you spend in worship? Most people will tell you that they go to church every Sunday and I go to Wednesday night service. I'm here to ask you is that enough? You say God only told me to keep the Sabbath holy. Well if you think the Sabbath and The Lord's Day is the same thing your mistaken, but that is another topic. As I said before Just because you sit in the barn, doesn't make you a horse! Not only are we called to be servants of God to spread the Good News, but we are made to worship Him.
I can give you scripture after scripture of where called calls us to worship. Brother and Sisters we should start every morning in worship and thanksgiving. This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. It goes on to say in verse 29 to "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting."
Have you really listened to the words of the Lord's Prayer? Read this out loud and listen to what it says.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever.
Amen.
This is not only a prayer for what we need but a prayer of worship! Jesus taught us to worship as we pray for our needs.
The biggest church in the world is not a building! God made mountains to be His alter, and all of nature to be His church. You can worship any where. The most beautiful cathedral is the one that the Father made with His own hands. Use it, worship in it. When you begin to do this, you will notice a change in your prayer life and in your walk with God.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array. Psalm 29:2.
God always is listening. God is always there to go to. He doesn't just want worship 1 or 2 days a week.
I can give you scripture after scripture of where called calls us to worship. Brother and Sisters we should start every morning in worship and thanksgiving. This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. It goes on to say in verse 29 to "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting."
Have you really listened to the words of the Lord's Prayer? Read this out loud and listen to what it says.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever.
Amen.
This is not only a prayer for what we need but a prayer of worship! Jesus taught us to worship as we pray for our needs.
The biggest church in the world is not a building! God made mountains to be His alter, and all of nature to be His church. You can worship any where. The most beautiful cathedral is the one that the Father made with His own hands. Use it, worship in it. When you begin to do this, you will notice a change in your prayer life and in your walk with God.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array. Psalm 29:2.
God always is listening. God is always there to go to. He doesn't just want worship 1 or 2 days a week.
Will you take the challenge and give worship everyday? Try it, you'll like it; I believe is what they told Mikey in the Life cereal commercial.
Until next time, keep your saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth. Worship while your on the trail.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Kids and Grandkids
Proverbs 17:6 says "Grandchildren are the crown of old me." What a beautiful thought. If grandchildren are a crown then that would have to mean they are a shining jewel to behold. That is so true. Mine and Karen's grandchildren are a joy to us. Just to hear them say Papa and Nan and to see their face light up when you walk into the room is priceless.
With that being said, I often hear people say "If I had known how much fun grandchildren were, I would have had them first". While it is true you do have fun with your grandchildren, it is a different relationship than you have with your children. Mine and Karen's two sons have brought us nothing but joy and happiness and I would not trade that for anything in the world. "Behold children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5.
Here is the truth of the matter. It doesn't matter how old you or they either one get, your children and grandchildren will always be your babies.
This old cowboy loves his kids (that includes his daughter in law) and grand kids very much.
Until next time keep you saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
With that being said, I often hear people say "If I had known how much fun grandchildren were, I would have had them first". While it is true you do have fun with your grandchildren, it is a different relationship than you have with your children. Mine and Karen's two sons have brought us nothing but joy and happiness and I would not trade that for anything in the world. "Behold children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5.
Here is the truth of the matter. It doesn't matter how old you or they either one get, your children and grandchildren will always be your babies.
This old cowboy loves his kids (that includes his daughter in law) and grand kids very much.
Until next time keep you saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Friendship
Gather around pardners and lets talk about friendship. Do you know how many friends that you have? Now before you go to counting, remember there is a difference between a friend and a acquaintance. An acquaintance is someone that you have just met; someone that you talk to on occasions. A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17 NASB). Now stop and think about that for a minute. A friend loves at all times. That doesn't mean that when they tell you something that you don't want to hear that you get mad and you don't speak to them again. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (Proverbs 27:6 NASB).
Friendship is not something that should be taken lightly. The Bible speaks of how important our relationships are with others. Here are some scriptures for you to look up to see what the Bible teaches about friendship. John 15:12 and also Romans 12:10.
How good a friend are you? You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless how can it be made salty again? (Matthew 5:13 NASB). Do you know how many uses there is for salt? According to the Salt Institute there is over 14,000 uses for salt. Now if Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth how important are we to be to other people?
To make a friend is not just a week or a month or just a year commitment. It is a commitment that you make for a lifetime. When a friend needs you; be there for them. Never let them down. Be the friend that you expect your friends to be. If your friend ask you to go a mile with them, go 2 miles with them.
Until next time, keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Friendship is not something that should be taken lightly. The Bible speaks of how important our relationships are with others. Here are some scriptures for you to look up to see what the Bible teaches about friendship. John 15:12 and also Romans 12:10.
How good a friend are you? You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless how can it be made salty again? (Matthew 5:13 NASB). Do you know how many uses there is for salt? According to the Salt Institute there is over 14,000 uses for salt. Now if Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth how important are we to be to other people?
To make a friend is not just a week or a month or just a year commitment. It is a commitment that you make for a lifetime. When a friend needs you; be there for them. Never let them down. Be the friend that you expect your friends to be. If your friend ask you to go a mile with them, go 2 miles with them.
Until next time, keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
"Feel Good Preachers"
Have you ever wondered about these preachers on t.v. that get up there and tell you, "God is going to give you the big Caddy, the huge house, etc.." They pick and choose things out of the scripture that falls right into what they are trying to present. Now I'm not saying that hard work doesn't come without some perks. Don't get me wrong, but what did Jesus say about the rich man? Matthew 19:24 says that "And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" NKJV. Now this is not saying that a rich person will not go to heaven. What it is telling us is that if we become so obsessed with obtaining and keeping riches that it becomes our "god". "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:21 NKJV.
When was the last time you heard a sermon based on these scriptures, or the scriptures in Matthew 25?
I see so many times when people will not give $5 dollars to donate a Bible to a homeless person because it would mean they would miss getting there coffee from Starbucks. Matthew 25:40 says "Whatsoever you do to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. NKJV. These are words we as Christians should live by. If you want to know what happens to these people who do not live by these words that Jesus taught, skip on down to Matthew 25:46. I promise you, you won't like the way it ends.
It is time to call Christians to be servants. We are here to look out after one another. To answer the question for Cain, Yes we are our brothers and sisters keeper.
What have you done lately to spread the Good News and to pick someone up when they were down? What have you done to tear someone down. According to the scripture we just talked about who was you really hurting?
These are hard questions but if you thought being a Christian was easy, well brothers and sisters you was sadly mistaken.
Now go dust off your chaps, get on your horse and ride for the brand. The brand of Jesus Christ.
Until next time, keep your saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
When was the last time you heard a sermon based on these scriptures, or the scriptures in Matthew 25?
I see so many times when people will not give $5 dollars to donate a Bible to a homeless person because it would mean they would miss getting there coffee from Starbucks. Matthew 25:40 says "Whatsoever you do to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. NKJV. These are words we as Christians should live by. If you want to know what happens to these people who do not live by these words that Jesus taught, skip on down to Matthew 25:46. I promise you, you won't like the way it ends.
It is time to call Christians to be servants. We are here to look out after one another. To answer the question for Cain, Yes we are our brothers and sisters keeper.
What have you done lately to spread the Good News and to pick someone up when they were down? What have you done to tear someone down. According to the scripture we just talked about who was you really hurting?
These are hard questions but if you thought being a Christian was easy, well brothers and sisters you was sadly mistaken.
Now go dust off your chaps, get on your horse and ride for the brand. The brand of Jesus Christ.
Until next time, keep your saddle cinched and may your trails be smooth.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Ever Felt Alone In The World?
Most people if they are looking for something more encouraging from the Bible to read will read Romans chapter 8 instead of Genesis chapter 8. If your ever feel alone in the world let me tell you that Genesis chapter 8 can be more encouraging. If you are in a storm Genesis chapter 8 will give you new hope and encouragement because it is about renewal and rest after a tribulation. It is about the end of the storm and how new life comes from the aftermath.
God remembers His own. The word remember in Genesis chapter 8 when it talks about God remembering Noah is not that He forgot Noah, it is that He fulfilled a promise to His servant. God not only "remembered" Noah but He remembered the animals that was on the ark.
The next time that you feel alone in the world go to the word of God. In Hebrews it says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" Hebrews 13:5 NKJV. Know that God is still on the throne and He will remember His own.
It might be that if you feel alone and you are wondering where God is, you might not be looking in the right spot. Could be to that you are looking at your life's footsteps and you see one set of tracks. Those are the times that He is carrying you.
Until next time keep your saddle cinched tight and may your trails be smooth
God remembers His own. The word remember in Genesis chapter 8 when it talks about God remembering Noah is not that He forgot Noah, it is that He fulfilled a promise to His servant. God not only "remembered" Noah but He remembered the animals that was on the ark.
The next time that you feel alone in the world go to the word of God. In Hebrews it says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" Hebrews 13:5 NKJV. Know that God is still on the throne and He will remember His own.
It might be that if you feel alone and you are wondering where God is, you might not be looking in the right spot. Could be to that you are looking at your life's footsteps and you see one set of tracks. Those are the times that He is carrying you.
Until next time keep your saddle cinched tight and may your trails be smooth
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Listen to the Voice of God
When you pray do you take time to listen? God likes a good listener. Prayer is supposed to be a two way communication between you and God. So many of us start off by saying "Heavenly Father, I need........" and then close it with a quick "In Jesus Name, Amen". Have you ever just went to your quiet place and said "OK Father, I'm listening". Try it sometime! You will be amazed at the results. You may just get the answer you was looking for or He may have something to talk over with you about something that is going on in your life. Sometimes He may talk to you about something you don't want to hear to.
Do you have a quiet spot to pray? Do you "fit" God into your schedule or do you make time for Him? God should take a front seat in our life and not have to have an appointment with us. Put Him first and all the other things in our life will fall into place.
Now here is another hard question for you. When you pray is it all about what you need or want or do you spend some time in worship? If you don't spend time in worship everyday, how will you know the voice of God when you hear it.
The Bible says that Enoch walked with God and that Noah walked with God. Why do you think their relationship was refered to as a walk? Because a relationship with God is one step at a time. Their is the step that we ask for our needs, then their should be a step when we worship from our hearts then their is the step that we listen for God's voice.
If Noah hadn't stopped to listen to God where would you and I be today? We all came from the line of Noah.
Be sure to check out the video of My friend Rufus Jones. He listened to the voice of God. It is a great video.
Until next time, keep your saddle cinched tight and may your ride be smooth.
Do you have a quiet spot to pray? Do you "fit" God into your schedule or do you make time for Him? God should take a front seat in our life and not have to have an appointment with us. Put Him first and all the other things in our life will fall into place.
Now here is another hard question for you. When you pray is it all about what you need or want or do you spend some time in worship? If you don't spend time in worship everyday, how will you know the voice of God when you hear it.
The Bible says that Enoch walked with God and that Noah walked with God. Why do you think their relationship was refered to as a walk? Because a relationship with God is one step at a time. Their is the step that we ask for our needs, then their should be a step when we worship from our hearts then their is the step that we listen for God's voice.
If Noah hadn't stopped to listen to God where would you and I be today? We all came from the line of Noah.
Be sure to check out the video of My friend Rufus Jones. He listened to the voice of God. It is a great video.
Until next time, keep your saddle cinched tight and may your ride be smooth.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Talent
Ever wish you could have a direct word from God? You know just have God talk to you personally to let you know what He wants you to do with you life? Well folks you can have that. Just pick up your Bible and read. That's it. He talks to you through the Bible. Ever notice that when you read His word, that you get something new from it every time? That's God's voice. As for what you are supposed to do with your life just look at the talents that He gave you. Now hold on there pardner, some of you are saying, well I can't sing, I'm not a good public speaker, I just don't have anything I am good at. Every thought about asking your pastor what kind of help they need around the church? You might find that you can teach Sunday School, help in the nursery, maybe you could just help mow the yard. There are thousands of endless possibilities. Now you say well I'm a good Christian, I go to church every Sunday and Wednesday. Whoa brothers and sisters. You can sit in the barn but that don't make you a horse! Let me explain. All disciple's of Christ are Christians but all Christians are not disciple's of Christ. When you become a Christian you have a job to do. We are all called to witness and to spread the good news. If you don't believe me just go read the books of Timothy. Faith without works is dead!
Well until we gather around the campfire for another one of these little chats. Keep you saddle cinched tight and may your trails be smooth ridin'
Well until we gather around the campfire for another one of these little chats. Keep you saddle cinched tight and may your trails be smooth ridin'
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Father (in law) Day
I think there should be a special day just for Father in laws. My father -in -law Bill Rutledge has always been like a father to me. We have hunted together, fished together, gone to high school football games together and gotten in trouble together. (Once on a turkey hunt but that is a different story). This man not only has been like a father, he is someone I dearly love and respect. He has a wisdom about life that NO ONE could have taught me but him. I don't know of very many father in laws in this world that has told their son in laws that they love them, but friend my father in law has told me that. But there again Bill has known me since I was just 17 years old. (He could have sued my parents for child support as much as I was out thier house.) Bill and I have a special relationship that goes beyond that old "in law" title. We have a father son relationship.
I have always called him Dad because he fits the "Bill" for that to me.
I love you Dad, Happy Fathers Day.
I have always called him Dad because he fits the "Bill" for that to me.
I love you Dad, Happy Fathers Day.
Father's Day
A little Father's Day tribute to some people I love. My grandpa Taylor was great man. He instilled in me the love of horses, flowers and the cowboy way of life. I am also pretty sure that he coined the phrase, "don't tell your Nana about this". It always seemed that we had the most fun together right after he said that. If you don't believe me ask my cousin Kenny! Kenny was usually with us when he said it! It also never failed that when he, Kenny and I was going somewhere, we would get out of the drive way and PaPa (which we affectionately called him) would be so thirsty for a Mountain Dew that his tongue was swelling. That was his way of telling us that we was going to get a Pop (that's a Soda for you city slickers). Happy Father's Day PaPa! I love you and miss you!
Then there was my grandpa Nunn. Grandpa Nunn instilled the love of music and the importance of work and pleasure mixed together. My grandpa Nunn bought me my first guitar and any other instrument I decided I was wanting to learn to play. How I can remember, like it was yesterday, sitting on the porch swing at his house playing my guitar and he would say, "play my song", which was Under the Double Eagle. Then he would say, "Sing One Day At A Time". He had a hand made guitar and fiddle made for me for my birthday! It was a Nunn tradition that you learned to play either he fiddle or guitar. Both of my boys play guitar as well. You just can't let important traditions like that go. I love you grandpa and I miss you! Happy Father's Day.
Then there was my Uncle Willis. I would spend at least two weeks with him and my Aunt Bonnie in the summer which, by the way, was never long enough for me. Uncle Willis trained race horses. He would get me up early and take me to the barns with him and I would put the horses on the walker and then clean their stables. Doesn't sound fun you say? Well let me tell you something, I loved every minute of it because first I was with Uncle Willis and second I was with horses. At around 8 am we would go to The Fireside Cafe and eat breakfast. I miss those days.
I love you Uncle Willis, Happy Father's Day!
Then there is my step dad John. John taught me that is OK to learn something about everything because that makes you a well rounded person. John can hold an intelligent conversation on anything you want to talk about. He holds a PHD in life in my book. When you spend the night with Mom and John, you wake up on Sunday morning with the sounds of " Old time" gospel music in the air from the radio. I love you John, Happy Fathers Day.
My Dad taught me the love of sharing stories about growing up in a small town. He can make his childhood sound like a cross between Mayberry and Tom Sawyer. Stories from about his dog Chubbie to building a boat and it sinking on the creek with him and his friends. He taught me to share my life with my kids. I love you Dad, Happy Father's Day.
And Happy Father's Day to you and your family.
Until next time keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smoothe.
Then there was my grandpa Nunn. Grandpa Nunn instilled the love of music and the importance of work and pleasure mixed together. My grandpa Nunn bought me my first guitar and any other instrument I decided I was wanting to learn to play. How I can remember, like it was yesterday, sitting on the porch swing at his house playing my guitar and he would say, "play my song", which was Under the Double Eagle. Then he would say, "Sing One Day At A Time". He had a hand made guitar and fiddle made for me for my birthday! It was a Nunn tradition that you learned to play either he fiddle or guitar. Both of my boys play guitar as well. You just can't let important traditions like that go. I love you grandpa and I miss you! Happy Father's Day.
Then there was my Uncle Willis. I would spend at least two weeks with him and my Aunt Bonnie in the summer which, by the way, was never long enough for me. Uncle Willis trained race horses. He would get me up early and take me to the barns with him and I would put the horses on the walker and then clean their stables. Doesn't sound fun you say? Well let me tell you something, I loved every minute of it because first I was with Uncle Willis and second I was with horses. At around 8 am we would go to The Fireside Cafe and eat breakfast. I miss those days.
I love you Uncle Willis, Happy Father's Day!
Then there is my step dad John. John taught me that is OK to learn something about everything because that makes you a well rounded person. John can hold an intelligent conversation on anything you want to talk about. He holds a PHD in life in my book. When you spend the night with Mom and John, you wake up on Sunday morning with the sounds of " Old time" gospel music in the air from the radio. I love you John, Happy Fathers Day.
My Dad taught me the love of sharing stories about growing up in a small town. He can make his childhood sound like a cross between Mayberry and Tom Sawyer. Stories from about his dog Chubbie to building a boat and it sinking on the creek with him and his friends. He taught me to share my life with my kids. I love you Dad, Happy Father's Day.
And Happy Father's Day to you and your family.
Until next time keep you saddles cinched and may your trails be smoothe.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Big Bang Theroy vs. Creation
You hear so much these days about The Big Bang Theroy vs Creation. Well let me tell you I believe in both. Now don't go gettin' your saddle on crooked let me explain. Have you ever looked at a rose bush just before it was about to bloom? Have you ever set on your back porch and watched the sun go down in a ray of pinks and reds? Have you ever went camping and as the sun come up you hear all the song birds start to sing and how peaceful the world is around you at that early hour ? Well folks that is evidence that our God in all of His glory created these things. Everything in our universe held in perfect balance, yet everything so beautiful in what is around us. What is a shame is that we get so caught up in the rat race that we forget to stop everyday and smell the roses or to notice the beautiful art work that is displayed in a sunset. Now you ask, how is it I believe in Creation as well as The Big Bang Theroy? Well I know how powerful and mighty my God is. So here is how it works. God speaks it into existance and BANG there it is! Was you looking for something more profound than that? Sorry my God just speaks and things happen. Until next time, stop, look up and admire God's work and thank Him for it. Keep the burrs out from under your saddles and may your trails be smooth ridin'.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Prayer
Let's talk a little bit about prayer. We should start every morning in prayer. We as Christians are in a Spirtial Warfare everyday. An army General does not go into battle without consulting people who know the enemy so why would a Christian go to battle without consulting the One who knows everything about our enemy.
We should come to God in prayer but our hearts have to be right. We should have forgiven those who have wronged us and make sure that we ask for His will to be done. So many times we get caught up in just asking for things out of our selfishness not once thinking if what we are asking for will bring glory and praise to Him.
We should also end our day in prayer. Thank God for what He has done for you and for the many blessings He has given you. Not just for the day but for your lifetime. Take time to pray for others to. It will do your heart good.
We should come to God in prayer but our hearts have to be right. We should have forgiven those who have wronged us and make sure that we ask for His will to be done. So many times we get caught up in just asking for things out of our selfishness not once thinking if what we are asking for will bring glory and praise to Him.
We should also end our day in prayer. Thank God for what He has done for you and for the many blessings He has given you. Not just for the day but for your lifetime. Take time to pray for others to. It will do your heart good.
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