Never at the end of my HOPE

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:6-9 (MSG) It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. (7) If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. (8) As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, (9) but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken.

2 Corinthians 4:6-9 For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). (7) However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. (8) We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; (9) We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;

Observation:

The supremely valuable message of salvation in Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and fallible human beings. Paul's focus, however, was not on the perishable container but on its priceless contents—God's power dwelling in us. Though we are "fragile, clay jars," God uses us to spread his Good News, and he gives us power to do his work. Knowing that the power is his, not ours, should keep us from pride and motivate us to keep daily contact with God, our power source. Our responsibility is to let people see God through us, even during difficult times and seasons.

Paul reminds us that though we may think we are at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of our hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Christ has won the victory over death, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations, and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence in and through us. We must ask ourselves, "Could I handle the suffering and opposition that Paul did?" The success syndrome is a great enemy of effective ministry. From an earthly perspective, Paul was not very successful. Like Paul, we must carry out our ministry, looking to God for strength. When opposition, slander, or disappointment threaten to rob you of the victory, remember that no one can destroy what God has accomplished through you.

Application:

Paul was encouraged because life had not thrown more at him than he could handle. When we read 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 we are likely to catch only the bad things that had happened to him and to notice the words "hard pressed," "perplexed," "persecuted," "struck down," and "always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus" (2 Cor 4:10). If Paul had told us all the bad things that had happened to him as a servant of the Lord, we would have felt that he would be justified in being bitter, leaving the ministry, or having a nervous breakdown. But we need to go back and pick up the other end of the sentence where he talked of being "not crushed… not in despair… not forsaken not destroyed," and of the "life of Jesus" being manifest in his body. If we read carefully what he has written, we hear the note of celebration that even though life had knocked him down, it had not knocked him out; he was still functioning.

As God's people, we are a lot tougher than we sometimes think, and it's encouraging for us to realize that we can cope with a great deal with the strength that Christ gives. During my years as a pastor I have seen Christians deal realistically and triumphantly with calamity, sorrow, tragedy, illness, death, and losses of every sort. I've stood by them during times of almost unbelievable stress with the assurance they would not be abandoned by Christ. And with time and patience and encouragement from Christian friends, I've seen them bounce back with renewed faith and confidence.

This is what the Holy Spirit, through Paul, wants us to know. You may be at the end of your rope, wondering how am I going to make it through this difficult time. Pause and remember how God has previously brought you through tough happenings in your life. He has not, nor will not, change. He is truly the God who will never change. Jesus is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever. He never brings you TO something that He will not bring you THROUGH. So, you may be at the end of your rope, but you will never, ever be at the end of your HOPE as a child of God.

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful that you never leave me nor forsake me. I am thankful for your presence in my life. Even when I go through situations that I don't understand, it doesn't change the fact that you have a purpose and plan in place. You never bring me to something that you will not bring me through. I am so thankful that even though I feel like I am at the end of my rope, I will never be at the end of my hope. Because you are my hope! I love you Jesus, and thank you for this reminder from Your Word today. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

Drop your Sword

Scripture:

Matthew 21:12 Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants.

Mathew 26:52-54 Jesus said, "Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. (53) Don't you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies--more, if I want them--of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? (54) But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?"

Observation:

The man who cut off the servant's ear was Peter (John 18:10). Peter was trying to prevent what he saw as defeat. He didn't realize that Jesus had to die in order to gain victory. But Jesus demonstrated perfect commitment to his Father's will. His Kingdom would not be advanced with swords but with faith and obedience. Luk_22:51 records that Jesus then touched the servant's ear and healed him.

Application:

Often, people who have a problem with their temper use the Scripture from Matthew 21:12 to justify their lack of self-control. But you have to remember that Jesus went into the temple and "kicked over the tables" in defense of His Father's House. Not defending Himself. The Bible says to "be angry, and sin not." The problem is not the anger, but what we do with the anger. Too often we kick over tables when we should be "dropping the sword."

Jesus spent many hours is Gethsemane before He was crucified wrestling the flesh. He told His sleepy disciples, "the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Jesus asked His Father, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me, but nevertheless, not MY WILL but YOUR WILL be done." I believe Jesus wrestled with the fact that He could call 10,000 SWORD welding angels to deliver Him from the suffering that He was about to undergo. But through prayer, Jesus defeated the flesh, which is always weak, and chose to obey the Spirit, which is always willing!

Jesus walks away from prayer, fresh with the victory He has just won, and the mob comes after him, caring swords, clubs and lanterns. As they are about to take Him, Peter grabs a sword and swings it and cuts off an ear of one of the men. Jesus immediately says, "Put your sword down" and Jesus reaches down and heals the man's ear. Jesus then tells Peter, I could call angels right now that would come and deliver me, but then I would not fulfill my Father's plan.

Jesus left Gethsemane with an anointing to do great things, and the first great thing He did was to "drop the sword" that could have defended Him. This same Jesus who "kicked over the tables" to defend His Father, also "dropped the sword" when it came to defending Himself.

This goes back to my blog yesterday. Are you "Anger Driven" or "Spirit driven?" If you are anger driven, then you kick over tables AND swing the sword. If you are Spirit driven, you know there are times to kick over the tables, and there are times to drop the sword.

Jesus healed the man's ear so that he would be able to hear the great things that were about to happen through Jesus. Sure the man had two ears, and could have heard with one ear, but Jesus knew that the man wouldn't be able to hear the message because of the hurt that Peter had caused. So Jesus healed the man's ear, and I believe, his emotions.

Too often, because we are anger driven, we have swung the sword and damaged people. We have hindered them from hearing the message of a loving God who sent His only begotten Son to die for them. Why can't they hear? Often it is because one of God's children has become "anger driven" and is swinging the sword.

It is time to "drop the sword" because everyone needs to be able to hear the wonderful Good News that Jesus brings!

Prayer:

"Lord, help me to drop the sword today. Too often I have kicked over tables and swung the sword because I am "anger driven". I want to remember that the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I choose to be Spirit driven today. Please forgive me for the times I have hurt one of your children because of my lack of self-control. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

“Spirit driven” or “Anger driven”

Scripture:

Job 40:1-10 GOD then confronted Job directly: (2) "Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?" (3) Job answered: (4) "I'm speechless, in awe--words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! (5) I've talked too much, way too much. I'm ready to shut up and listen." (6) GOD addressed Job next from the eye of the storm, and this is what he said: (7) "I have some more questions for you, and I want straight answers. (8) "Do you presume to tell me what I'm doing wrong? Are you calling me a sinner so you can be a saint? (9) Do you have an arm like my arm? Can you shout in thunder the way I can? (10) Go ahead, show your stuff. Let's see what you're made of, what you can do."

 

Observation:

 

Job's response comes somewhat short of repentance, so the LORD continues to remonstrate with him out of the whirlwind. He challenges Job to speak up like a man. After all, Job had accused God of injustice, and condemned Him in order to justify himself. Now then, let him play the part of deity by displaying omnipotence and by speaking in thunder. Let him take the throne, clothing himself with majesty, splendor, glory, and beauty. Let him pour out his wrath on the guilty and humble the proud. If he can do all these things, then the Lord will acknowledge his power to be his own deliverer.

 

How do you argue or criticize almighty God? Do you demand answers when things don't go your way, you lose a job, someone close to you is ill or dies, finances are tight, you fail, or unexpected changes occur? Job had obviously become offended and angry at God. He had gone from being "Spirit driven" in the beginning of this story to "anger driven." The next time you are tempted to complain to God, consider how much he loves you. And remember Job's reaction when he had his chance to speak. Are you worse off than Job or more righteous than he? Give God a chance to reveal his greater purposes for you, but remember that they may unfold over the course of your life and not at the moment you desire.

 

Application:

 

Job says something that I have had to say many times to myself, after I have spoken in anger or frustration…"I should never have opened my mouth!" I just happen to add my "big" mouth! How often have I spoken without thinking, then regret it later. Job goes on to say, "I'm ready to shut up and listen." That is a good idea for all of us. There is a time to talk, and a time to listen. Most of us spend more time talking then listening, especially when we get angry or offended. When we become offended, there are times we don't care who we talk to or how we talk to them. We make matters worse because we are now "anger driven" and not "Spirit driven." I know situations where an "anger driven" person has split churches because they can't keep their mouth shut. My friends, this should not be among God's children.

 

Listen to what God's Word says, James 1:19
"Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry."

 

The Message version says it this way: James 1:19
"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear."

 

Has anger been straggling "along in the rear" or have you been "leading with anger"? It is a good and legitimate question isn't it? I don't like my answer though. There are times that I lead with anger and that means that I have become "anger driven." I can't be all that God wants me to be when I am anger driven. I can't do all that God wants me to do when I am anger driven. I will not accomplish God's purpose and plan for my life as long as I am anger driven. I need TODAY to allow the Spirit of God to bring healing into my spirit man, deliverance from offense, and lead me into a deeper forgiveness of those who have hurt me. There will always be things and people that I do not understand. But I must not allow an offense to become what leads and directs my paths. God deserves so much more than that from me!

 

Prayer:

 

"Lord, please forgive me for allowing my life to become "anger driven" instead of "spirit driven." I have allowed unforgiveness to turn into an offense and a grudge. This is hindering my walk and ministry with you. I ask you to forgive me. Help me to keep my mouth shut. My family deserves more from me than to watch me be anger driven. But more importantly, you deserve better. I yield to your Holy Spirit today. I long to be Spirit driven today. I give you my hurts and thank you for your healing. In Jesus name, amen!"

 

Blessings!

 

Pastor Rusty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Triumph and Mr. Defeat

Scripture:

Philippians 1:20-23 "I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don't expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn't shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! (21) Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose. (22) As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. (23) Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better"

Observation:

Where do we get the idea that everybody will appreciate us? We didn't get it from Jesus. He said that His blessings are reserved for the "persecuted" and "reviled" (Matthew 5:11). As author Bob Gass says, "If you have thin skin, life will give you a rough time, and your critics will find you an easy target. Endurance is the secret—not popularity!"

Look at what Paul endured in order to fulfill his life's goal. Desertion by his friends, ugly letters from the Corinthians, disappointment with the Galatians, mistreatment in Philippi, mocking in Athens, imprisonment and beheading in Rom. And I complain?

Today's Scripture was written by Paul in PRISON. What are you going to do with a man like that? His strength comes from within and is not diminished by the things that surround him.

Everybody wants what successful people have. The problem is that most of us don't want to do what they did in order to get it. When it comes to success there's no carpet on the racetrack, and no bed of roses on the battlefield.

All of us have our battlegrounds. Everybody you meet is struggling at some level. And while nobody pins a medal on us for winning, nothing can diminish the satisfaction of knowing that you didn't quit!

I read about a boy who had lost his right hand in an accident. When the doctor asked him about his handicap, he replied, "I don't have a handicap, I just don't have a right hand!" Later the doctor discovered that he was one of the leading scorers on his high school basketball team. It's not what you've lost, it's what you have left that counts!

Application:

Chuck Swindoll says, "Your mind is a thought factory. It produces thousands of thoughts each day. This factory is controlled by one of two foremen, Mr. Triumph and Mr. Defeat.

"Mr. Defeat specializes in producing reasons why you CAN handle whatever comes your way, why you're more than able to conquer. But Mr. Defeat is an expert at producing reasons why you CAN'T succeed, and why you should give in and give up."

"Both are instantly obedient; at your signal they snap to attention. Give a positive signal, and Mr. Triumph will throw the switches and see to it that one encouraging, uplifting thought after another floods your mind. But turn Mr. Defeat loose, and in the name of reality or common sense he'll convince you that you CAN'T or WON'T or SHOULDN'T. He'll drain all your energy, squelch all your confidence, and turn you into a frowning, tight-lipped, fatalistic victim.

"Happiness is not a matter of intelligence, age, or position. No, it's a matter of RIGHT THINKING. Your joy is directly related to the thoughts you've deposited in your memory bank. You can only draw out what you've put in."

Very true! What kind of performance would your car give if you kept putting dirt into the gas tank? The same is true of your life! But you say, "I have so many problems!"

You don't have more problems than other people, you just THINK about them more often! Change how you think and you'll change how you feel!

Prayer:

"Lord, help me to make a decision every day to let "Mr. Triumph" influence my thinking. Forgive me for the times I have allowed a defeated mentality to rule my thoughts and mind. I choose to think on whatever things are true, just, pure, lovely, of good report, excellent, and praise worthy. When I do this, I will have an attitude that you can use to influence those I come in contact with today. My faith is in you, and I trust you! In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

Shape your worries into prayers

Scripture:

Philippians 4:6-8 "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. (7) Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (8) Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."

Observation:

"Be anxious for nothing"—an admonition that touches the quick of every person. Anxiety, in the popular use of the term, is our most common problem. Worry, confusion of mind, pressures of daily life, uncertainty about the future—if we began to catalog specific aspects within these general categories, we would soon run out of space. Depression is the most common emotional problem in America today, and one of the most difficult with which to deal. Often the severity of depression requires hospitalization, but those who are hospitalized, even those who are under the care of a doctor for this malady, represent only a small portion of our population who are functioning far below the level of effectiveness as persons, who are weighed down so oppressively by anxiety that they cannot even dream of not being anxious.

The body of evidence grows almost daily, yet every person has to learn the lesson for himself: we are what we think. Sour dispositions create not only sick souls but also sick bodies. Feelings of worthlessness, bitter resentment and self-pity diminish us to fragments. A possessive nature, self-indulgence, self-protectiveness, and seif-centeredness shrivel the soul, create dysfunctions within us, distort perception, blur perspective, and prevent any healing we need.
The opposite of this is also true. Those who fill their minds with positive affirmations, who concentrate on the noble virtues that make life meaningful, set the stage for healing and make possible the wholeness that is God's design for all. Two thousand years before psychologists were teaching this truth, Paul discovered its power. "Meditate on these things," he said—things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report. We are what we think.

The peace of God then "guards [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The opposite of anxiety is peace. Not numbness nor unconcern, not the absence of inner and outward struggle, but God's peace, the peace that is from Him, giving us hope and confidence, strengthening us to carry on with joy when the burdens are heavy and the pathway rough. This has little to do with outward circumstances, which is why Paul said the peace of God would guard our hearts and mind. The word in Greek (phroureō) for "guard" or "keep" was employed when speaking of a company of soldiers keeping watch over a city—a good metaphor. God's peace is an inward

sentinel protecting us, keeping watch that we be not invaded by all the alien forces that would disrupt and ravage our minds and hearts, making us important by crushing us with anxiety.

Application:

What I put into my mind determines what comes out in my words and actions. Paul tells me to program my mind with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. There is a question that I need to ask myself regularly: Do I have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? I need to daily examine what I am putting into my mind through television, Internet, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Then I need to replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, I need to read God's Word and pray. I also need to ask God to help me focus my mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.

Prayer:

"Lord, I want to shape all of my worries into prayers. I understand that what I put into my mind determines what comes out in my words and actions. Your Word tells me how to program my mind with things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and worthy of praise. I repent of my constant worry, for that is a form of fear. And you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of "power, love, and a sound mind." Today, I verbalize my faith and trust in you Lord. I will not allow worries to keep me up tonight. As soon as a worried thought comes into my mind, I will shape that worry into prayer. Thank you Lord for the victory I have over this spirit of heaviness. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

"Strengthen my hands!"

Scripture:

Nehemiah 6:9, 15, 16 "They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." So the wall was completed ... in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."

Observation:

The enemies of the Israelites led by Sanballat and Tobiah, had a plan ... to discourage the people of God from completing their task. If the Israelites gave up, the enemies of the Lord would have reason to rejoice. It would be chalked up as a victory against the God followers.

You see, there's one thing that Sanballat and Tobiah had right: Israel did indeed have the potential to rebuild what was once destroyed. Finishing the task would find the Temple once again magnificent. Author Wayne Cordeiro says, "And the only way to stop that from happening was for them to discourage the people away from what they had the capacity and the calling to do. The enemy knew what was in them, but the question was whether or not the people knew."

But if the Israelites would press through, the opposite would take place. They ultimately do, and the Scriptures give us this result: "The surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." (Nehemiah 6:16)

Application:

God has called and equipped His people to do great things for Him. So often things are left undone because of discouragment, despair, depression or doubt. We allow the enemy to tell us that we "can't do it" for whatever reason. So days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years where we do not fulfill the purpose of the dreams that God has placed within each of us.

When you decide to take that step to follow God with your ability and trust, the enemy will attack that is for sure. Nehemiah summarizes the enemies threats in this way: "They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed."But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands."

The enemy knows ... But did they?This is my prayer as well... that God would also strengthen my hands to complete the work He has called me to do; that I would not drop out of my potential but see His calling in me fully completed. Like Caleb, I want to "follow Him fully." And in the end, the people will realize that it was God that was acting on our behalf ... not we ourselves.

Prayer:

"Lord, like Nehemiah I ask that you would strengthen my hands. You have given me dreams, and placed potential within me. Too often I have allowed the enemies whisper of fear to keep me from going forward and accompllishing the task that you have placed before me. I ask you to forgive me for that. I believe you want us to try great things for you. We must step out of the boat and try to accomplish things that depends upon you to help make it happen. I want to pray as if it all depended on you, and work as if it depends on me. Then, when our enemies see the work completed, they will exclaim that it could only have been done so with the ..."Help of our God." In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

Philippians 4:6

Scripture:

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Observation:

In this verse, Paul lays out five very important steps to move from fear to faith, from turmoil to peace, and from defeat to victory. These key words tell us exactly what we must do when worry and concerns are trying to attack our minds: 1) prayer; 2) supplication; 3) thanksgiving; 4) requests; and 5) known.

I'm sure you know what it's like when worry tries to flood your mind. It has a way of magnifying issues to the point of being ridiculous, but when you're in the midst of the situation, it seems so real. Only after the event has passed do you realize how silly it was to be so worried about something that was so non-eventful. But at the time you can be consumed with worry.

It is during these waves of "panic" that you need to make yourself reach for your Bible to find peace for your troubled soul. Turn to Philippians 4:6, and read and meditate on these words, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Application:

According to my favorite author, Rick Renner (Sparkling Gems from the Greek),
an expanded, interpretive translation of Philippians 4:6 could be rendered:

"Don't worry about anything — and that means nothing at all! Instead, come before God and give Him the things that concern you so He can in exchange give you what you need or desire. Be bold to strongly, passionately, and fervently make your request known to God, making certain that an equal measure of thanksgiving goes along with your strong asking. You have every right to ask boldly, so go ahead and insist that God meet your need. When you pray, be so bold that there is no doubt your prayer was heard. Broadcast it! Declare it! Pray boldly until you have the assurance that God has heard your request!"

So in moments when worry or fear is trying to wrap its life-draining tentacles around you, rush to the truths found in Philippians 4:6. You don't have to live subject to worry, concerns, and fears the rest of your life. If you meditate on this verse, and speak it out loud as you pray, worry and fear will be replaced with a peaceful and praising heart!

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank You for allowing me to come boldly before You in prayer. I know that You love me and want to meet the needs I am facing in my life today. My temptation is to worry and fear, but I know that if I will trust You, everything I am concerned about will turn out all right. Right now I reject the temptation to worry, and I choose to come before You to boldly make my requests known. I declare that I am not ruled by worry, fear, or concerns. I go to You with those things that are on my heart, and I clearly articulate what I feel, what I need Heaven to do on my behalf. Because of the promises in Your Word, I know exactly how to boldly make my requests. I will always match my requests with thanksgiving, letting You know, Lord how grateful I am for everything Yoiu do in my life. I am so thankful that You are on my side; therefore, I know I will survive and victoriously overcome each and every attack that ever tries to come against my family, my relationships, my business, my finances, and my life. I declare this by faith in Jesus' name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

Unique!

Scripture:

Job 10:8-12 "You made me like a handcrafted piece of pottery-- and now are you going to smash me to pieces? (9) Don't you remember how beautifully you worked my clay? Will you reduce me now to a mud pie? (10) Oh, that marvel of conception as you stirred together semen and ovum-- (11) What a miracle of skin and bone, muscle and brain! (12) You gave me life itself, and incredible love. You watched and guarded every breath I took."

Observation:

One reason that Job was so distressed by what he perceived to be mistreatment by God was that he was certain that he was God's handiwork, as shown by our scripture for tooday. Job had a keen sense of the skill with which God had fashioned him in the womb.

Job's words sound a lot like David's in Psalm 139:13-16:

(13) Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. (14) I thank you, High God--you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration--what a creation! (15) You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. (16) Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day."

This speaks of God's intimate knowledge of each individual. He has that knowledge because He has created each individual from the womb. God knows us intimately because He owns us. He is like the inventor who carefully designs and builds a device and then becomes the owner of its patent.

People are not thrown together haphazardly, nor do they come together through random processes. Rather, God intentionally and masterfully creates human life in the womb. He works everything together into a whole according to His perfect will.

Application:

I am so thankful that I was not a "mistake". I didn't accidently come into existence. Nor did any human being. I don't care what the circumstances of conception are, each human being is special and unique, and God has a PLAN and PURPOSE for that individual.

A fundamental truth of Scripture is that God has created people in His image. Not only humanity in general, but every single individual! The same God whose mind and power fashioned the stars, the seas, the animals, and all other human beings has carefully, intentionally, and individually created me...and YOU.

That means:

1. You are UNIQUE! Even though you have many things in common with other people, You are one of a kind! No one else has been given the same makeup as God has given You. Your face, fingerprints, voice, and genetic makeup are matched by no one else's! God has handcrafted you with your personality, your unique set of talents and motivations, and your special "bent" in life.

2. You have a unique PURPOSE. Not only has God made you, but He has designed you for His special reasons. He has crafted you to carry out a unique purpose.

3. You have a RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUR CREATOR. God created you to live with Him and for Him. Ultimately, you belong to Him (Romans 14:7-8). Therefore, your life needs to center on Him. The great tragedy of many people is that they turn their backs on their creator and live for themselves. But everyone will give an account to the Lord for how they have lived their lives. He will ask whether or not they have used what He has given them to honor Him and fulfill His purposes.

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am so thankful that I am not an accident. You put me together in my mother's womb. You made me unique, and gave me a purpose. Help me to always remember that because of this I have a responsibility to You, my Creator. I want to fulfill all of the potential that You put within my life. I know that you have a plan and a future for me. I once again affirm my dependence upon You, and my understanding and belief that I truly a special creation of Yours. I love you Lord, and I choose to walk in Your purpose and plan for my life today. In Jesus' name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty L. Blann

Thumps!

Scripture:

Job 7:1-4 (cev) Why is life so hard? Why do we suffer? (2) We are slaves in search of shade; we are laborers longing for our wages. (3) God has made my days drag on and my nights miserable. (4) I pray for night to end, but it stretches out while I toss and turn.

Observation:

Faced with sudden tragedy, such as the loss of health, wealth, or a loved one, the natural question to ask is: why? Why did this happen? Why did it happen to me? Why now? Job struggled with the question of "why" as he struggled through his suffering. He couldn't make sense of it.

So did Jesus' disciples when they came upon a man who had been born blind. "Teacher, why was this man born blind? Was it because he or his parents sinned? (John 9:1-2).

Job eventually realized the glory and grace of God as a result of his sufferings (Job 42:1-6). That should offer some comfort to the people who face seemingly senseless tragedy. The pain is real and must not be denied. But someday we will see the glory of God, even in the things that we suffer. We have the assurance of Job and Jesus for that!

Application:

Max Lucado writes: "When a potter bakes a pot he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the [furnace] and thumping it. If it 'sings,' it's ready. If it 'thuds,' it's put back in. Character is also checked by thumping… Late night phone calls… grouchy teachers… burnt meals… flat tires… 'you've-got-to-be-kidding' deadlines. Thumps trigger the worst in us… They aren't big enough to be a crisis, but if you get enough of them, watch out. Traffic jams… long lines… empty mailboxes… dirty clothes on the floor… Thump. Thump. Thump. How do you respond? Do you sing or do you thud? Jesus said, "People speak the things that are in their hearts" (Luke 6:45 NCV), and there's nothing like a good thump to reveal the true nature of a heart… it's not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living. If you've a tendency to 'thud' more than you 'sing,' take heart. There's hope for us 'thudders.' Begin by thanking God… not a half-hearted thank-you… but a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy, thank-you from the bottom of your heart. James says: 'Count it all joy when you fall into various trials… the testing of your faith produces patience.' God's doing the thumping… for your own good… You're going to be tested… you might as well learn from the thumps. See it as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump helps or hurts you, depending on how you use it. Be aware of 'thump-slumps'… For all of us there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. Handle them head on… bolster yourself with extra prayer… don't give up… and remember no thump is disastrous. All thumps work together for good when you love and obey God."

Prayer:

"Lord, help me to understand that you are my soverign Lord, and you are in complete control of my life as I submit to Your Lordship and authority. I know that there are "thumps" that happen in my life. Like Job, I may ask "why" but also like Job, I want to hang onto my integrity and refuse to sin against you with my words. May I sing when I am thumped! May my heart be full of thanksgiving and praise. You are so faithful to me. When the time comes that I must face difficulties, my hearts prayer is that my heart will truly "SING" and not "thud!" I ask this in Jesus' name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty L. Blann

Are my words a blessing?

Scripture:

Job 4:1-4 Then Eliphaz from Teman spoke up: (2) "Would you mind if I said something to you? Under the circumstances it's hard to keep quiet. (3) You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit. (4) Your words have put stumbling people on their feet, put fresh hope in people about to collapse.

Observation:

Eliphaz claimed to have been given secret knowledge through a special revelation from God (Job 4:12-16), and that he had learned much from personal experience (Job 4:8). He argued that suffering is a direct result of sin, so if Job would only confess his sin, his suffering would end. Eliphaz saw suffering as God's punishment, which should be welcomed in order to bring a person back to God. In some cases, of course, this may be true (Gal 6:7-8), but it was not true with Job. Although Eliphaz had many good and true comments, he made three wrong assumptions: (1) A good and innocent person never suffers; (2) those who suffer are being punished for their past sins; and (3) Job, because he was suffering, had done something wrong in God's eyes.

Application:

Eliphaz's first few words say a lot about Job and his character. He said about Job:

1. Often spoke words of encouragement to those who were about to quit

2. His words had put stumbling people on their feet

3. His words had put fresh hope in people who were about to collapse

What a commentary on Job. He obviously was an encourager. The questions that I ask myself as I read those words are: Are my words an encouragement to those who are thinking about quitting or do my words push them a little closer to quitting? Do my words put stumbling people back on their feet or do they push them further deeper into despair and discouragement? Do my words put fresh hope into people who are about to collapse, or do they cause them to go ahead and collapse?

It truly is something to think about isn't it?

Prayer:

"Lord, please help me to be an encourager every day of my life. Help me to examine my words BEFORE I speak them out. Help me to remember that people are watching and listening to every word that I speak. I am so sorry for the times I have not represented You as You would like for me to. Today I want to encourage someone who is about to quit. I want my words to put someone back on their feet. And I want my words to put fresh hope into someone's life who is about to collapse. I ask this in Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty L. Blann

Am I Guilty of Exaggerating?

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. I hope you will as well.

I was reading Rick Renner's "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" book today, and he wrote something that I knew I had to share with my blog audience. I believe it will challenge you like it did me. It is so easy to be CARELESS with the truth instead of BLAMELESS.

The Bible has much to say about liars. If you have a tendency to lie, it is essential that you bring correction to this part of your life as soon as possible. But you may ask, "How do we define a lie? What exactly does the Bible mean when it says we need to stop lying?"

In Colossians 3:9, the apostle Paul said, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." The word "lie" is the Greek word pseudomai, which carries the idea of any type of falsehood. It can picture a person who projects a false image of himself; someone who deliberately walks in a pretense that is untrue; or someone who intentionally misrepresents facts or truths.

In Greek, the word pseudomai is used in a variety of ways:

• pseudapostolos: describes false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13).
  
• pseudoprophetes: paints a portrait of false prophets (Matthew 7:15).
  
• pseudodidaskalos: pictures those who are false teachers (2 Peter 2:1).
  
• pseudochristos: denotes those who are false Christs (Matthew 24:24).
  
• pseudoadelphos: plainly depicts a false brother (2 Corinthians 11:26).
  
• pseudomartureo: conveys the idea of a false witness (Matthew 19:18).
  


• pseudologos: denotes a false word or one who speak falsehoods (1 Timothy 4:2).
  

In every instance where the word pseudomai ("lying") is used in the New Testament, it portrays someone who misrepresents who he is by what he does, by what he says, or by the fact or truth he purports to be true. It was in regard to this wrong behavior that Paul said, "Lie not one to another." It is very important to point out that in Greek, the grammar conveys the idea of a strong prohibition, meaning this verse should be translated, "Stop lying to one another." It implies that the believers to whom Paul was writing struggled with the issue of honesty in their lives.

Paul's words to the Colossians could be interpreted like this:

"I command you to stop the practice of misrepresenting the truth, twisting the facts, projecting untrue images, or deliberately misleading others by giving them false information."

Lying is a temptation that all of us have to deal with in our lives. Apparently even the Colossian church struggled so strongly with this problem two thousands years ago that Paul had to write and tell them to stop lying.

You may not deliberately set out to lie, but anytime you misrepresent the truth about your abilities; say something about another person that you don't know to be true; slightly twist the facts to your advantage; or trump up a story about yourself or your past deeds to make yourself look better in the sight of others — you have fully entered into what the Bible views as "lies."

All this behavior was forbidden by Paul when he wrote, "Lie not to one another." Paul's words cannot be misunderstood or misinterpreted. This is a clear mandate to stop the habit of lying and to no longer give your consent to participate in any type of falsehood, dishonesty, deceit, fabrication, or misrepresentation of the truth in your life or in your conversation.

If you are the head of your household, church, ministry, or business, you have every right to demand that people stop being untruthful with you and each other. Let it be known that truthfulness is important — so important, in fact, that it is the foundation of all successful relationships at home, at church, and at work. It is impossible to build trust in a relationship if you suspect that the other person is being dishonest with you.

If you are the one in charge, set the example by always being truthful with the people under you. When people know that you are being straight with them, at least they'll know they can always depend on you to tell the truth, even if they don't like what you're telling them. In this way you can set the standard for integrity and truthfulness between all the members of your family, your church, or your business.

But what if you are the one who dresses up or slightly misconstrues the facts to your advantage or to the disadvantage of others? If that is the case, it's time for you to get honest about this sin in your life! And that's exactly what it is — sin! Quit telling yourself that you're just exaggerating a little or being dramatic. Maybe that's how you try to rationalize your behavior, but God views it as telling falsehoods and says it should not be tolerated in your life!

Are there any areas in your life where you have permitted a little exaggeration? Have you ever misrepresented the truth about who you are, what you can do, what you have done, or what you have heard or think of others? Can you honestly say that the words you speak are accurate, or would you have to admit that you have been a little dishonest in how you report certain matters? If you know in your heart that you haven't been totally truthful, what are you going to do about it now?

Or perhaps you are a leader in your family, church, or business, and you know that people under your authority are regularly misrepresenting the truth to you. If so, will you continue to tolerate this seriously wrong behavior and thus allow a lack of confidence and suspicion to prevail? Or are you going to put an end to all lies and deception? What are you going to do about this situation?

The Holy Spirit is available to help both the liar and the one who must bring correction to the liar. So if you have misrepresented the facts in the past but are willing to repent and change, God's Spirit will enable you to stop lying and to learn how to be more truthful. And if you are the one who must bring correction to the dishonest person, just turn to the Holy Spirit for help. He will show you exactly what to say and how to say it so truth can prevail in that particular situation.

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty