Saturday, July 31, 2010

For the Sake of Prosperity

Most of us realize in today's society that prosperity is a must for most folks, but should it be? Prosperity, according to Wikipedia, is the state of flourishing, thriving, success or good fortune. It often encompasses wealth but also includes other factors which are independent of wealth to varying degrees, such as happiness and health.

If a person gets to the point in their life where they allow wealth prosperity to dominate or control their decision making, this could cause a major decrease in the amount of happiness and health they have acquired. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy, but there is a problem if we let it become the ruling factor in our lives.

There are so many prosperous people in the world and many of them are very benevolent but not to the point that it would be pleasing to God. You see, most people that have a lot of wealth usually are in love with themselves, not others, and especially not God. Just imagine what would happen if God allowed all of us to prosper above and beyond our means. What would we do with those fortunes? Would we take care of the unfortunate or would we become greedy and uncaring towards our fellow man?

We need to realize that if God allows us to prosper, then we are to give as we prosper (1 Cor. 16:1-2). If we do this, it would be reasonable to say that God would continue to prosper us so we could continue to give. Do you see how this works?

This brings to remembrance the story of King Solomon, David's son, who was very concerned about the number of people God had placed in his care. Solomon was so concerned that he asked God to give him an understanding heart to judge God's people so he could discern between good and evil. This request pleased God and God not only gave Solomon this understanding heart, but also great riches and honor so that there would not be anyone before or after his reign like him (1 Kings 3:6-14; 2 Chron. 1:7-12).

Just as Solomon asked for understanding and received abundantly more than he asked for, we too can be the recipients of God's blessings if we walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night (Psa. 1:1-2).

The big question here is, “Are you doing what God has commanded you to do, or are you still allowing yourself to be spiritually polluted by giving in to the world's desires?” Once again it boils down to choice. Choosing right over wrong. Are you man or woman enough to say “NO” to the evil of this life? If not, then expect to be chastised one way or the other. If you are smart and choose to do right over wrong, then expect to continue to receive the blessings of God. Look for as much spiritual prosperity as you can and leave the material prosperity to the world.

Blessings,

Eddie

Labels: , , , , ,

Friday, July 30, 2010

Fire Usage

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “fire”? Could it possibly be “HOT”? How about “hurt'? One thing for sure it is not a term we want to think about when it comes to the word of God or is it?

The Bible mentions the word “fire” in numerous instances, but we will look at some of the physical uses in this article. In John 18:18 we read where servant, officers and even Peter was warmed by the coals of a fire. Surely you can remember a time when you yourself was warmed by a fire. What a nice physical feeling of comfort! In Exodus 16:23 we realize that fire was used to bake and boil in preparation of the Sabbath. How many times have you used fire to do your cooking? Too many times to count for sure.

Have you ever used fire to signal anyone? This is usually the method used by those who find themselves stranded or lost enabling them to call for help. Judges 20:38, 39 tell us that a cloud of smoke was used as a signal between the men of Israel and the men in ambush to turn the men of Israel in battle. One can't help but think how the smoke from a fire was used by our native Americans during the cowboy and Indian days. Can't you see the signals going up from one mountain peak to the other?

Another physical use for fire was sacrifices. A good example of this is when Noah built an altar to the Lord, after the floods had receded, and sacrificed burnt offerings to God for sparing their lives. The Lord smelled the soothing aroma and said that He would never again curse the ground for man's sake nor would He ever destroy every living thing as He had done (Gen. 8:20, 21). Aren't we blessed knowing that God keeps His promises?

How much do you know about refining? The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times (Psa. 12:6). This informs us that God's word is true and has been tested. God's word does not jest with; impose on us nor has it any other design towards us than our own good. God is SO good!!!

Finally there has been one other use of fire and that has been for torture. This brings to mind the fiery furnace that Daniel and his companions were place in because they would not worship the golden image. Once again God intervened and saved those being tested (Dan. 3:11). Are we living in such a way that God would do the same for us? Let's learn from others mistakes, not our own!!!

Blessings,

Eddie

Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Feeding on God's Word

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God...rightly dividing the word of truth ”

Feeding upon the word of God can be hazardous to one's life and health if taken literally. On the other hand, it can produce life changing experiences that will save one's life too.

The story is told of a man by the name of Menekil II who was one of the greatest rulers in African history. He is responsible for what is known as modern Ethiopia today. Born in 1844, he was captured during an enemy raid and held prisoner for 10 years. Escaping, he declared himself head of the province of Shewa. He began conquering neighboring kingdoms and developed them into modern Ethiopia with himself as emperor. His efforts to modernize Ethiopia (schools, phones, railroads), make Menekil world-famous. The emperor had one little known eccentricity. Whenever he was feeling ill he would eat a few pages of the Bible insisting that this always restored his health. One day in December, 1913, recovering from a stroke and feeling extremely ill, he had the entire book of Kings torn from an Egyptian edition of the Bible, ate every page of it and died. Is there any surprise? The word of God was never intended to be taken orally to cure life's illnesses. Of course he found out the hard and eternal way.

There is yet another story I would like you to read that has completely the opposite effect on one's life and he too digested God's word, but in the right intended way. Here's the story!

One of the most dramatic examples of the Bible’s divine ability to transform men and women involved the famous mutiny on the “Bounty.” Following their rebellion against the notorious Captain Bligh, nine mutineers, along with the Tahatian men and women who accompanied them, found their way to Pitcairn Island, a tiny dot in the South Pacific only two miles long and a mile wide. Ten years later, drink and fighting had left only one man alive—John Adams. Eleven women and 23 children made up the rest of the Island’s population.

So far this is the familiar story made famous in the book and motion picture. But the rest of the story is even more remarkable. About this time, Adams came across the “Bounty’s” Bible in the bottom of an old chest. He began to read it, and the divine power of God’s Word reached into the heart of that hardened murderer on a tiny volcanic speck in the vast Pacific Ocean—and changed his life forever. The peace and love that Adams found in the Bible entirely replaced the old life of quarreling, brawling, and liquor. He began to teach the children from the Bible until every person on the island had experienced the same amazing change that he had found. Today, with a population of slightly less than 100, nearly every person on Pitcairn Island is a Christian. From Signs of the Times, August, 1988, p. 5.

How are your feeding habits? Are they healthy or hazardous to your well-being? The Word of God is living and powerful...(Heb. 4:12). It is the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). How are you using it?

Blessings,
Eddie

Labels: , , , , , ,

Faith & Trust in Jesus or Self!

When we think of faith we need to also consider the term trust. Both go hand in hand with one another. Without faith it is very difficult to trust and if you are trusting, then you must have a lot of faith.

What are the things in your life that you put the most trust in on a daily basis? Could it be the security of your job, your marriage, your family life, your religious beliefs, your convictions, or maybe yourself. Yes, you heard right. Do you put more trust in yourself than you do in the Lord?

Ezekiel, a prophet of God, was made a watchman for the house of Israel. He had an awesome responsibility to warn the people when they were contrary to God's will. If he warned them and they did not listen, his soul would still be delivered. But if he failed to warn the people of their wrongdoings and they died in that condition, he would be held responsible. This is where God said, When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die.” (Ezek. 33:7-10, 13) We see here that one cannot trust in his/her own righteousness or works but only in God's righteousness to eradicate their sins.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. (Psa. 37:3, 5) Here's a familiar one: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding... ( Prov. 3:5) From these two verses we truly realize once again that it is God that we must put our trust in and we must rely on His faithfulness, not ours.

At this point you say, “Okay, I will quit putting so much trust and faith in myself, but will depend on my friends more. This won't work either. Here's what God's word say about that, Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion. (Mic. 7:5) This leaves us one alternative and that is to pur ALL of our faith and trust in God Almighty who will see us through to the end. Amen!

Blessings,

Eddie

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Allergy Sufferers Beware!

Many of you are very much aware that the allergy season is in full force and sending people to the doctor's office and emergency rooms on an hourly basis. So why do so many suffer from these different allergies? Good question.

The main reason so many people have trouble during this time of the year is due to pollens being released in the air by plants and trees. The most common allergies are nasal. The symptoms are usually congestion, sneezing, itching and running nose. Of course these are easily comforted by using an over the counter spray of some sorts. Then there are the more severe allergies that can send an individual to the emergency room fighting for their life. I remember when I was younger and had bronchial asthma. I had to have an injection several times to clear my breathing passages. I remember how scary it was trying to breathe my next breath. I finally out grew that allergy but found out later that I was very allergic to cat dander. If you were to lock me up in a room full of cats, it would be no time at all that I would be gasping for my next breath and eventually I would suffocate. Don't get any ideas!

The point is that if you suffer from allergies you will do all that you can to get relief. You don't want temporary relief; you want permanent relief. So you seek out doctor after doctor until you find one that has the cure for your specific condition. Once the solution is found you can be on your happy way and pray that no other symptoms arise.

Did you realize that just as we have physical allergies we suffer from, we can also have spiritual allergies that can cause us more harm. Do you find yourself running towards evil deeds or running away from them. Be honest here. We all suffer from doing wrong. That's why we are sinners, but we should be allergic to wrong doing and our antidote for this problem should be clean or right living. Remember the apostle Paul and his problem? For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice (Rom. 7:19). Do you have the same problem? He goes on to say, Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me (Rom. 7:20). If you have this type of sin in you today, it can be easily gotten rid of by giving it to the Lord. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

Jesus gives the invitation to come to the Father through Him. All who labor under burdens of any kind are invited to come. The greatest burden is the burden of sin. Jesus will give men the forgiveness of sins when they come to Him. Are you willing to surrender your all to Him today? He is the true antidote for your spiritual allergies. Get rid of them today, once and for all. We will be praying for you. Come!


In Christian love,

Labels: , , , , , ,