Saturday, July 07, 2007

SIGHT

We read in the Bible of miracles where the blind are made to see and the lame are made to walk. God’s grace and His power are incredible.

God also is a righteous judge. He punishes when it is appropriate. When Paul was in Cyprus on his first missionary journey, a sorcerer named Elymas tried to prevent him from telling the governor about Jesus Christ.

Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. 12When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord. Acts 13:10-12

What Elymus was really blinded to was the truth, the Truth of Jesus Christ. God’s power through Paul eliminated Elymus’ physical sight, perhaps so his “spiritual eyes” would be opened to the real Truth of God.

Whatever the purpose, God has the power to cause blindness or to heal it. He is a powerful God. He also is a God of love and grace. Won’t you come to Him today and ask Him to help you “see” the Truth of Jesus?

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Thursday, July 05, 2007

ACTION

At no other time in history have there been a larger number of people in America that are overweight. Diet plans, fads, and companies, exercise equipment and ads showing skinny people working out are the “thing” right now.

Television and mp3 players are raising kids. They get their “sports” from Nintendo! The level of physical activity has declined with the result being increased levels of obesity, apathy and lethargy.

Could it be that is the problem with the church in America as well? Perhaps we need a “call to action” such as the one Peter gave to the bedridden, paralyzed man in Acts….

Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. Acts 9:34 (NLT)

Get up Christian! It’s time to wake up from your slumber and take action. Tell the world, better yet, show the world why Christ is the answer. Start with those around you. Get up Christian…and be healed.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Monday, July 02, 2007

HONOR

This past weekend my wife and I attended a graduation ceremony of a young man we have known for about 13 years. He had completed the course of instruction at a police academy.

Seven others graduated in his class. As they stood there in their uniforms, speeches were given and awards handed out for achievement. Phrases were spoken like, “service to community,” “brotherhood” and “honor and respect for each other.” It was really cool!

I couldn’t help but wonder, as this ceremony was going on, why we in the Christian community don’t seem to have that same sense of pride when students graduate from Sunday School or Seminary. I know there are some who see the awesome responsibility that we have as Christians, to each other and to the lost. Let’s get excited about that!

Congratulations to all of the Police Officers who have completed their training and thank you. To all of those who are just as serious about your Biblical training (as we all should be), congratulations and best wishes to you. May God richly bless you as you serve Him.

10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Romans 12:10 (NASB)

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD