Get-it and Don’t Forget-It

   Have you ever sat in service and felt like God was speaking directly to you or your situation through the pastor? Ever been distracted during or immediately after that service and loose the revelation God just gave you? 

Ever notice those people who take notes during church service? Maybe you are one of those people. But why should we need to take notes? Couldn’t we just buy a tape of the sermon or download the message? Isn’t hearing the word preached enough to make the point? 

The short answer is no!

The long answer is found in the Parable of the Sower found in Matthew chapter 13.  

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 

Matthew 13:3-4 NIV

Later Jesus explained the meaning of the parable to His disciples. 

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Matthew 13:19 NIV

   Here Jesus illustrates how quickly the message can be taken away from us. This can happen many ways; being distracted during service, being sleepy or preoccupied with thoughts about the events after service and even by being in service during service such as working in the nursery or choir for example. 

Call me old school but I learned a long time ago just how to make sure I “get-it and don’t forget-it” when I’m sitting in church. Two invaluable tools needed are a good Bible and good notes.

The First – The Bible. 

The owner of the Bible store I walked into just after getting saved showed me what I believe to be the best Bible ever – The Thompson Chain Reference King James Version!! 

“What you need is the Word of God!” He told me. “No commentary or opinion or doctrine. Just the Word!” The chain reference simply means that the first key word in scripture is connected to every other mention in a chain. Kind of like a topical. No commentary just the Word. No flash just substance!

The Second – Sermon notes

Which is what I want to focus on here. We covered why they are needed now let’s look at what we need and how to take notes that the enemy can’t steal from us.

The Tools:

A Bible, Note book or note pad, Pens, A good seat

• A Bible

Preferably bring a Bible that is the same version as your pastor usually preaches from. Being old school I’m suggest the King James Version but to avoid the distraction of not being on the same page with the sermon follow your pastors lead. New King James and New International Version are widely used also. 

Having a Bible that you feel comfortable writing in or highlighting the text is best. Also if it falls off of your lap while your taking notes it won’t break your heart. 

• Note book or pad

This is a no brainer. Whatever you like. Lined or unlined. Spiral bound or loose sheets. Just be sure that you’re comfortable with whatever you choose because distractions are the devil’s thieves sent to steal the Word from you. 

• Pens

Several pens because one will run out of ink or not write. Just another way that you could be robbed of the message.

• A good seat

This might be more important then paper and pen because sitting near a door or on the isle where people may be coming and going can be very distracting. Ideally a seat with empty seats around you would be best. 

The Notes

As a rule the following should be noted 

• The Sermon title 

This may or may not be mentioned up front. It might be in the summation at the end. Regardless of when a title is revealed it should be placed at the top of the notes. This makes it easier to find when you want to revisit it. 

• Key Scripture verses

During the sermon your pastor will (should) quote scripture. Turn to the verses in your Bible and read along. Make note of at least three key verses that pertain to the sermon. Write down any that you think of as addressing the main point if you think of any. 

• The Main Point

Hopefully your pastor is getting to a point. The main idea or point that is being taught might be the same as the title and may not. Listen for it and write it down. 

• Life Application

How can you, personally, apply the point to your life or spiritual journey? Is there something you should do or stop doing? Is there a physical (real world) change that needs to be made or a spiritual inner change? 

• Selah 

This phrase is found in the psalms. It is literally a pause. Since the psalms are songs it’s said that “Selah” is a break in the rhythm of the music/song. 

In the Hebrew this word comes from the root word meaning to “weigh”. 

Either way you care to translate it, a pause or a moment to weigh/consider, both are equally applicable.

Later, after service, when you have finished with brunch and fellowship, take a moment to pause or weigh the message that you have heard and even more importantly still have. The birds of the air (the evil one) didn’t steal the revelation of Gods Word from you because you captured it on paper. It’s yours to relive, study and put into action.

Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.

Psalm 119:11&12 NKJV

Be Blessed A&B

 

An Attitude of Gratitude

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

1 Chron 16:8 NKJV

 

Saying Thanks on Thanksgiving

It’s a national holiday that calls us to express our gratitude. Gratitude. An emotion born from contentment and satisfaction. Or is it?

  The Apostle Paul tells us the he learned to be content in any circumstance (Phil 4:10-13)

  So, it’s not the circumstances in life that should influence our contentment but rather our attitude in the face of our circumstances. But how can this be possible in the face of want and need? How can an attitude affect change in physical circumstances?

  The quick answer is Faith! The long answer is a bit more complex but the answer is still faith. I’ll elaborate……

  As believers we believe in God.  God tells us that He is our provider. One of His names is Jehovah Jireh (God will provide – Gen. 22:7KJV). If we have lack or want we are saying that God is a liar and that he doesn’t provide for our needs. Yes I know that sounds harsh but why waste time here sugar-coating things?

  If we experience lack or want in the face of God’s provisions we aren’t likely to consider how we make use of what we do have/receive. Denial and pride can keep us from blaming ourselves for squandering the grace of God.

If, for instance, a man is living on a fixed income which allows for him to have shelter, food and some basic luxuries like tv, telephone and internet. But he lets food go to waste in his frig (because he doesn’t feel like cooking), while he spends money on fast food that was supposed to be for bills, can he say that God doesn’t provide? Or, a woman that spends large amounts of money on scratch off games in hope of winning big but only winds up wasting money that was supposed to be for food and bills. Can she truly say that God is a liar and doesn’t provide?

I heard a great sermon that talked about this very thing years ago. The Pastor was teaching about stewardship and tithing. He asked that we (the body of Christ in general) should examine our checkbooks/bank statements to see where our dedications are. Certainly we should see finances spent on food, housing, transportation, tuition even and as well as other true necessities. But, if we see spending on things such as entertainment, alcohol, luxury items that place us in bondage to credit card debt but we don’t see regular contributions to the church we have no right to speak badly about God’s ability to provide for us.

 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.                                                                                                                      Malichi 3:10-12 KJV

……and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake!!! This is a shocking revelation!!! Taken at face value The Lord is telling us that there is a devourer out there and that He will protect us from him as a result of our faithfulness in giving to Him. So, perhaps the reason we are experiencing lack or want in our lives even if we try to make the best use of the resources received is because the devourer is attacking our finances.

The answer is easy. Have faith in God and tithe. Be responsible for your own finances by giving thanks to God for what you have and giving back a small portion (10%) regularly.

As the song says….

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ to us.

Take a look around at what you have and be grateful for what you have rather than being ungrateful for what you do not have.

An attitude of gratitude is really the very least that we as believers can do in light of all that God has done for us. Perhaps that will only be completely appreciated when we are in His presences in Glory.

Betty and I hope that this past Thanksgiving has been a blessed time filled with family, friends and food. May this coming Christmas Season be blessed also.

Thanks, A&B

What’s the Devil like?

   Did you ever see that old movie where a family is experiencing strange things in their home? You know the one – a little blond haired girl stands in front of a static filled TV screen and turns to announce “their back!”. Yup, that one. Well there’s a scene in one of the movies in that series where a tall skinny scary old man walks up to the screen door and yells “You’re all gonna DIE!!!”

That, Virginia (and everyone else), is what the Devil is like!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour   1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

And if we left it at that it would be a fairly scary situation to be in

But there’s more to the story

You see, the devil, is a defeated foe. Beaten down by our Lord Jesus Christ

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.

And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Rev 1:18 NKJV

   Whatever authority the devil thought he had when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he lost it that day on Calvary. By dieing the death of a sinner the sinless Savior broke the curse and defeated the devil.

 Death came into the world because of what one man (Adam) did, and it is because of what this other man (Christ) has done that now there is the resurrection from the dead. Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, being members of his sinful race, and wherever there is sin, death results. But all who are related to Christ will rise again.  1 Cor 15:21-22 TLB

   If you recall, Sin came into the world because the devil (serpent) deceived Adam and Eve in the garden. That sin was past down threw the years to all by birth. Jesus being both God and man, born of a woman but without the sin of man upon Him, died in all of our places so that the devil has no hold (ownership) on us. Jesus called the devil the father of lies and revealed to us that the only real power the devil has is to deceive. Yes, it’s true that the devils job description is to kill, steal and destroy. But, he accomplishes his tasks by deception. Just pick up a paper or turn on the evening news and you will see acts perpetrated by people who were listening to a liar. Theft, drug addiction, domestic violence, murder, abortion, adultery, fornication, and on and on – all acts fueled by lies whispered into peoples hearts and minds by the father of lies. But we do not have to believe his lies. We do not have to act on his lies. We do not have to die in our sin.

  We can be free from our past sins. We can be born again by accepting Jesus as our Savior and our Lord.  We can open the Bible and read the Word of God that will tell us how to live a life in victory of the devil. Do not be confused here. I’m not saying that your life will not have troubles or trials. Everyone on this earth will see their share of difficulties. What I am saying is that when trials come we can see them for what they are – bumps in the road. Potholes of life if you will. They are not the end all of all. You are not gonna die!! No matter how loudly that skinny scary old man screams it at your door.

   Granted some potholes may be bigger than others. I have had my share of potholes that I thought would take me out. But they did not. Jesus is truly bigger than any pothole you hit. He will see you threw whatever life or the devil throws at you. But if you don’t know that it’s just a pothole. If you think you are alone on the side of the road because you don’t know Jesus or His Promises found in the Word. You may be tempted to believe the liar who is screaming at you that you’re gonna die! That’s why it is so very important to have a relationship with Jesus, read His Holy Word, and be strengthened thru fellowship with other believers –

so that you will know the truth and the truth will set you free  John 8:32

If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior and Lord you can get to know Him. He is waiting for you to call out to Him. All you need do is admit that you are a sinner. The Bible tells us that all have sinned. Admitting that you are a sinner is the first part. The Bible also tells us that the wages (penalty) of sin is death. Jesus Christ died for your sins. Yes, your sins. As He hung on that cross He thought of you and how much He wants you to be free from sin and be with Him in Paradise. Call out to Him and ask for His forgiveness and ask Him to save you and become Lord of your life – and He Will. The moment you admit your a sinner and ask Him to save you it will be done. Don’t expect to feel or hear or see anything special or different. Your sins silently weighed on you and just as quietly they will be washed away. You will be a child of the most high King and although you die you will live.

If you prayed a pray like that and you meant it in your heart, you are saved and Jesus is Lord of your life. get a Bible and find a church that reads and teaches the Word of God (not mans opinion) and grow in your new relationship with the Creator of the universe.

If you already know Jesus and have a Bible that you read and a church that you attend remember to beware the liar lion that roams about and see if you can help save others before they really do die.

God bless you all and thank you for stopping by, AL

What’s In A Name ?

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”

Romeo and Juliet (II,ii,1-2) Shakespeare

   If I understand Mr. Shakespeare correctly it doesn’t really matter what we call something because the “name” doesn’t change the “it”. A rose will still smell wonderfully regardless of what we call it. So, then the name only means something to us. A name makes it possible for us to understand each other when discussing – a rose – for example. When, in conversation, I mention my rose garden, you will have a very good idea of what I am referring to. Maybe not the actual size, type or color roses, but you will know that we are not talking about oranges. Even then, the name Orange brought something to mind – didn’t it?

    Wikipedia says that “a name is a word or term used for identification. Names can identify a class or category of things, or a single thing, either uniquely, or within a given context. A personal name identifies, not necessarily uniquely, a specific individual human. The name of a specific entity is sometimes called a proper name“

   Another site defines “name” similarly “Generally a name is a label for a noun – a person, place or thing. More specifically a name is a label for a specific person, place or thing.”

   Gods’ Word tells us “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” Proverb 22:1 KJV

   What then, does the names of God tell us? When, in conversation, I mention my belief in God what do you see in your minds eye? Do you see the white-bearded figure painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Or, maybe the Name God brings to mind a vengeful figure who rains fire and brimstone upon those who defied Him? Do you see a young child sitting beside His Sainted Mother? Maybe the name God causes you to think of the suffering Savior nailed to a cross? Or the victorious Lord Who rose on the third day and ascended into Heaven?

   For everyone the answer will be different. Say the name God or Jesus and people will conjure up what they will based on their beliefs. But God can be a vague and general term and Jesus is not limited by what that one name refers to – Jesus means God Saves!

   Our God has many names and each one tells us about His character and nature so that we aren’t left doubting or disputing about Him. In this series I hope to shed some light on the many names of God and hope to pull back the curtain to reveal a little bit more about Who He is based on His Word.

The Old Testament Names of God and their meaning

Jah or Yah – LORD (King/Master/Head) Ps.68:4

Jehovah or Yahweh – I AM/The eternal One/Unchangeable Ex 3:13-14

Jehovah Adon (singular) Jehovah Adonai (plural) –  LORD of lords Ps. 109:21

Jehovah El – LORD God (singular form) Ps. 31:5

Jehovah Elohim – Uni-plural form (3-in-1) – LORD Gods/Strong or mighty an object of fear/God as creator, governing and redeeming man/God of Israel Gen 2:4

Jehovah Elyon – The LORD most high Ps. 7:17

Jehovah Jireh – The LORD will provide Gen 22:13-14 / Phil 4:19

Jehovah Makeh – The LORD smites, punishes sin Ezk 7:9

Jehovah Mekaddishkem – The LORD our sanctifer Lev 20:7-8

Jehovah Nissi – The LORD my banner or ensign Ex. 17:10-12

Jehovah Rapha – The LORD who heals Ps. 103:3; 107:20

Jehovah Roi – The LORD my shepherd Ps. 23:1 / Mk. 6:34; Heb 13:20

Jehovah Saboath – The LORD of hosts (angelic armies) 1Sam 1:3 /James 5:4

Jehovah Shalom – The LORD our peace – Judges 6:24 / Jn 14:27

Jehovah Shammah – The LORD is present Ezk 48:35

Jehovah Tsidkenu – The LORD our righteousness Jer 23:6; 33:16 / 1Cor 1:30

EL Elyon – Most high God, Exalted, elevated Ps. 21:7

 El Olam – Everlasting God Isa 40:28

EL Roi – The God of sight, who keeps watch Gen 16:13

EL Shaddai – God Almighty both powerful and nourishes, sustains Gen 17:1

   Wow! What a resume. These are the very impressive characteristics of our God as revealed to us by His own words. He wants you to know Him intimately. Even as He knows YOU.

   Now, when, in conversation, I say God, I am talking about the great and mighty Everlasting God Who is Creator, Lord and Master of all. The One who sits on high and watches to see everything. The One who punishes sin but nourishes and sustains His people. He Who gives His righteousness to those He sanctifies and shepherds to a place of safety under His banner and provides for. One Who is ever present and ready to send healing and peace.

Can you see Him?

   The next post in this series will be on the New Testament names of God. Thank you for stopping by. Please come back soon and be blessed, AL

Happy Anniversary (to us)

Our first anniversary is almost here and it’s been a great year – thanks to all of you who have stopped by to read the posts and give feedback.

For a long time I wanted to start a blog as a way to sharing, growing and interacting with a community of believers. Last year I finally set aside my fears and stepped out in faith. As some of you may have noticed the blog has gone threw changes as I have become more familiar with the process.

Two major things I have taken away from this past year are –

I don’t have to have the answers. I am only one voice in a sea of many but the need to “have the answer” doesn’t exist. The Bible has the answer and the Holy Spirit leads us all to that truth. I only hoped to create a place where conversations can start. I hope I have done that and will continue to challenge us all to grow in the knowledge of His love.

Another thing I learn is I am only a part of the much larger community. As I see on the internet so many different types of blogs from believers I have to accept that I am only a small part of a larger body. Much like the foot is only part of the body and should not compare itself to the hand or the head. We all have our part to play in keeping the body whole and functioning.

 As a child plays in a pile of freshly raked Autumn leaves let us dive into Gods Word together this coming year and see what wonderful things He has for us to learn.

Thank you all for stopping by. Be Blessed, AL

But Does It Really Say That?

The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.
― Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard

Soren Kierkegaard was a 19th century philosopher and theologian who died young (42) but left a legacy of thought provoking writings on faith and what it means to believe. Unfortunately, within Christendom there are almost as many denominations as there are view points of Scripture. Without pointing fingers or casting stones I think we all must one day ask ourselves –

What Do We Believe anyway?!?!?

Is the Bible truth? Do you believe in the entire Bible? Is some of it just fables that are meant to teach us something practical? Did Adam and Eve really live in the Garden of Eden? What about Noah and the Arc? Are the stories written in the Old Testament fact or fiction? What about Jesus? Was Mary a virgin? Did Christ perform miracles? Did He rise from the dead?

What Do We Believe anyway?!?!?

I may have shared this in a previous blog, but just to personalize this all important question I will repeat myself here. Years ago, when Betty and I first met we would often times engage in theological discussions. My belief being a more conservative/fundamental one then hers would always bring us to an impasse. It is because of this impasse that I took a radical approach – The Big Red Marker!

What Do We Believe anyway?!?!?

   “Ok, Betty, I respect your opinion of scripture. How you think some of it is true and other parts just stories to teach us life lessons. Here is a Bible and a big red marker. Please strike a line threw the parts that aren’t true and leave the parts that are real untouched! “

    Betty cringed at the idea of “x-ing” out any part of scripture and reconsidered her own view point regarding the truth of Gods Word. But, don’t we all use a big red marker to some unconsciousness degree or another? Don’t we tell ourselves that “It can’t possibly mean that!” or “That doesn’t pertain to us now.”? After all, as Kierkegaard said –We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. So, it (the Bible) can’t possibly say or mean that!?!? Right?

As I mentioned, I am a fundamentalist, that is I take God at His Word. After all if, the Word of God is not true than what can I believe in? Paul said that if Christ was not raised then or preaching is foolishness. If Jesus did not pay the price for my sins then how can I? Without the Hope that the Bible and Jesus brings the world is a dark scary place.

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 2 Timothy 3:16 AMP

In the end it doesn’t come down to just what we believe but rather whether or not we are willing to live like we believe it!

Be Blessed, Al