The Bullet of Hearing: The Unopened Love Letters
Elisabeth Barrett Browning was and is one of the greatest poets and authors of all time. She has given us such fantastic and moving lines as …”How do I love thee? Let me count the ways …” “Grief may be joy misunderstood,” etc. Her parents hated her marriage to Robert Browning and severed their relationship with her. She wrote faithfully, letter after letter, assuring them of her love and desire for reconciliation. What magnificent and compassionate words must have flowed from her inspire pen. The flower of language’s greatest expressions were couched and nourished in a heart of suffering love. How did the parents respond?
After writing for ten years, Mrs. Browning received a large package containing all the letters she had ever written. None of them had been opened!!
In thousands of ways our Heavenly Father is seeking to share His magnificent message of powerful love. The curse of mankind is that the majority has refused to receive it.
Check carefully and you’ll see that the most joyous folks on earth are those true Christians of the minority who have and are receiving the message of God. Why not get in on it??
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The Bullet of Hearing: Jesus, the Good News
Nothing is more tragic than having someone send you good news and you never receive the message. A friend of mine says that the reason Jesus Christ was called a man of sorrows was that “He had so much joy and couldn’t give it away.”
God has so many fantastic promises and truths to share with His creatures that they are beyond numbering. John 1:12 says, “Christ came unto His own world but the people He created didn’t receive Him. But those who did receive Him were given power to become the children of God.”
The entire meaning and destiny of a person’s life hinges on this one great truth … his willingness to receive … or reject … what God wants to tell him.
It’s regrettable that so few people really seem to stop and think honestly about receiving the real truth concerning Jesus Christ. God has so much to offer the people who will listen.
Nothing is more tragic than having someone send you good news and you never receive the message. A friend of mine says that the reason Jesus Christ was called a man of sorrows was that “He had so much joy and couldn’t give it away.”
God has so many fantastic promises and truths to share with His creatures that they are beyond numbering. John 1:12 says, “Christ came unto His own world but the people He created didn’t receive Him. But those who did receive Him were given power to become the children of God.”
The entire meaning and destiny of a person’s life hinges on this one great truth … his willingness to receive … or reject … what God wants to tell him.
It’s regrettable that so few people really seem to stop and think honestly about receiving the real truth concerning Jesus Christ. God has so much to offer the people who will listen.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Bullet of Choice: Seeking the Right Friends
Christians should love all people and reject no one. But when it comes to choosing close friends we must be discerning.
I’m sure one reason King David was called a man after God’s own heart was his prayer in Psalm 119:63 … “I am a companion of all those who fear Thee, and of those who keep Thy precepts.”
It’s great to fly with the eagles!
9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Christians should love all people and reject no one. But when it comes to choosing close friends we must be discerning.
I’m sure one reason King David was called a man after God’s own heart was his prayer in Psalm 119:63 … “I am a companion of all those who fear Thee, and of those who keep Thy precepts.”
It’s great to fly with the eagles!
9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Bullet of Choice: The Best Choice is to Walk with God
At a gift shop years ago, I saw a beautiful plaque with these words engraved … “The Joy of the Journey Depends Upon the One We Choose to Travel the Road with Us.” How true it is! We are free to choose but we are never free from the results of our choices!
A new recruit at a military base, a freshman in the college dorm, a new person on the job, are all seeking affirmation and acceptance. It is a most vulnerable time. Choices are demanded!
Will we chose right people or not? The Word of God states in Proverbs 13:20 … “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
At a gift shop years ago, I saw a beautiful plaque with these words engraved … “The Joy of the Journey Depends Upon the One We Choose to Travel the Road with Us.” How true it is! We are free to choose but we are never free from the results of our choices!
A new recruit at a military base, a freshman in the college dorm, a new person on the job, are all seeking affirmation and acceptance. It is a most vulnerable time. Choices are demanded!
Will we chose right people or not? The Word of God states in Proverbs 13:20 … “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Bullet of Choice: Who You Associate with Matters
One of England’s greatest Generals, noted for his many victories, once said “the battle is won or lost when I chose my commanders.” This great General recognized the foundational principle of good associates. If he chose weak commanders he would lose. Only if he chose commanders of strength, integrity, courage and vision did his armies have a chance of winning.
Josh McDowell, well-known author, apologist and scholar, has stated that, “it is safe to assume 95% of all the agony, hurt, anguish, disappointments and, and frustrations that come to us are the result of poor choices in our relationships.”
I pastured a church where hundreds of students attended weekly. I constantly reminded those serious about Christ that “they will never get closer to God by choosing as their best friends those who are running from Him!”
One of England’s greatest Generals, noted for his many victories, once said “the battle is won or lost when I chose my commanders.” This great General recognized the foundational principle of good associates. If he chose weak commanders he would lose. Only if he chose commanders of strength, integrity, courage and vision did his armies have a chance of winning.
Josh McDowell, well-known author, apologist and scholar, has stated that, “it is safe to assume 95% of all the agony, hurt, anguish, disappointments and, and frustrations that come to us are the result of poor choices in our relationships.”
I pastured a church where hundreds of students attended weekly. I constantly reminded those serious about Christ that “they will never get closer to God by choosing as their best friends those who are running from Him!”
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A Different Ten Commandments
Some time ago I stumbled across one of the finest little pieces I’ve ever read on positive attitude, spiritual motivation and moral courage. The author is unknown to me, but I’m confident your soul will be lifted even as mine was.
The Gospel Commandments of Leadership
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love and trust them anyway. “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).
If you are good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. And Jesus told them, “You are like children who don’t know what they want. John the Baptist came not eating and drinking, and you said he had a demon. The Son of Man comes eating and drinking, and you say I am a glutton; a friend of sinners” (Matthew 11:16-19).
If you are successful you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The crowds who cheered Him on Sunday and called Him King and Son of David, were the same who on Friday cried, “Crucify Him.” Even the priests said, “We have no king but Caesar” (Luke 19:36-40; John 10:1-16).
The service you render today will be forgotten tomorrow. Serve people anyway. Where not ten lepers cleansed, and only one returned to give thanks? Where were the other nine? (Luke 17:11-19).
Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. And Jesus said, “Do not think I’ve come to bring peace to the world. My words will bring division” (Luke 12:51; 13:5).
The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest ideas. Think big anyway. During the supper the Lord Jesus foretold that one of them would betray Him … the disciples questioned which one it might be and a dispute rose among them of who was the greatest (Luke 22:22-24).
People pretend to love the ‘little’ people, but sell their souls to the ‘big’ people. Fight for the ‘little’ people anyway. “Let little children come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 19:13).
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. Judas come, kissed Him, and then they took hold of Him … then all the disciples forsook Him and fled (Matthew 26:36-56).
People really need help, but may attack you if you do help. Help people anyway. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to preach … but all who hear Him thrust Him out” (Luke 4:16-30)
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. Pilate said, “Who shall I give unto you … the murderer and robber, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called the Christ?” And they cried, “Give us Barabbas!” (Matthew 27:15-27).
Some time ago I stumbled across one of the finest little pieces I’ve ever read on positive attitude, spiritual motivation and moral courage. The author is unknown to me, but I’m confident your soul will be lifted even as mine was.
The Gospel Commandments of Leadership
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love and trust them anyway. “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).
If you are good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. And Jesus told them, “You are like children who don’t know what they want. John the Baptist came not eating and drinking, and you said he had a demon. The Son of Man comes eating and drinking, and you say I am a glutton; a friend of sinners” (Matthew 11:16-19).
If you are successful you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The crowds who cheered Him on Sunday and called Him King and Son of David, were the same who on Friday cried, “Crucify Him.” Even the priests said, “We have no king but Caesar” (Luke 19:36-40; John 10:1-16).
The service you render today will be forgotten tomorrow. Serve people anyway. Where not ten lepers cleansed, and only one returned to give thanks? Where were the other nine? (Luke 17:11-19).
Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. And Jesus said, “Do not think I’ve come to bring peace to the world. My words will bring division” (Luke 12:51; 13:5).
The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest ideas. Think big anyway. During the supper the Lord Jesus foretold that one of them would betray Him … the disciples questioned which one it might be and a dispute rose among them of who was the greatest (Luke 22:22-24).
People pretend to love the ‘little’ people, but sell their souls to the ‘big’ people. Fight for the ‘little’ people anyway. “Let little children come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 19:13).
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. Judas come, kissed Him, and then they took hold of Him … then all the disciples forsook Him and fled (Matthew 26:36-56).
People really need help, but may attack you if you do help. Help people anyway. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to preach … but all who hear Him thrust Him out” (Luke 4:16-30)
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. Pilate said, “Who shall I give unto you … the murderer and robber, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called the Christ?” And they cried, “Give us Barabbas!” (Matthew 27:15-27).
Thursday, August 09, 2007
The Bullet of Contentment: The Secret
The Christian life is a life of fullness and joy. Whenever a person comes to Christ, we don’t demand that he or she give up everything they have. We simply recognize that a New Owner has taken over the management of the life. The vigorous apostle Paul hit the heart of the matter. “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
The secret of contentment is relatively simple. We must discover that the greater issues of life are not measured by possessions or influence or power. Contentment is realistic satisfaction. I know who I am. I know who my Lord is. And I have the full assurance that “my God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory.” Any beyond that, everything I have is a bonus. Paul understood it and he live out his life to the hilt. And what about you and me? Are we content?
The Christian life is a life of fullness and joy. Whenever a person comes to Christ, we don’t demand that he or she give up everything they have. We simply recognize that a New Owner has taken over the management of the life. The vigorous apostle Paul hit the heart of the matter. “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
The secret of contentment is relatively simple. We must discover that the greater issues of life are not measured by possessions or influence or power. Contentment is realistic satisfaction. I know who I am. I know who my Lord is. And I have the full assurance that “my God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory.” Any beyond that, everything I have is a bonus. Paul understood it and he live out his life to the hilt. And what about you and me? Are we content?
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
The Bullet of Contentment: What it Means
Contentment. Now that’s an interesting word. But what does it mean to be content? Webster offers his suggestion. To be content is to be happy enough with what one has or is, not desiring something more or different. Have you heard the following story?
There was once a wise, old Quaker who advertised that he would give forty acres of rich farm land to anyone who was perfectly satisfied with what he had. Shortly a seeker came to see the Quaker. “Are thee perfectly satisfied with what thee hast?” The hopeful guest quickly replied, “Oh, yes, I’m perfectly content!” “Then why,” questioned the Quaker, “dost thee want this land?”
Contentment and satisfaction go hand-in-hand. Thomas A. Kempis once said, “Chose rather to want less, than to have more.” But it seems as if our culture and lifestyle demands that we get more and more. When are we satisfied? I’ve heard that there’s a cemetery marker in England with this inscription. “She died for want of things.” Next to the marker was another which read, “He died trying to give them to her.”
Contentment. Now that’s an interesting word. But what does it mean to be content? Webster offers his suggestion. To be content is to be happy enough with what one has or is, not desiring something more or different. Have you heard the following story?
There was once a wise, old Quaker who advertised that he would give forty acres of rich farm land to anyone who was perfectly satisfied with what he had. Shortly a seeker came to see the Quaker. “Are thee perfectly satisfied with what thee hast?” The hopeful guest quickly replied, “Oh, yes, I’m perfectly content!” “Then why,” questioned the Quaker, “dost thee want this land?”
Contentment and satisfaction go hand-in-hand. Thomas A. Kempis once said, “Chose rather to want less, than to have more.” But it seems as if our culture and lifestyle demands that we get more and more. When are we satisfied? I’ve heard that there’s a cemetery marker in England with this inscription. “She died for want of things.” Next to the marker was another which read, “He died trying to give them to her.”
Thursday, August 02, 2007
The Bullet of Change: Books, the Book and the Spirit – Part 2
In my counseling ministry, I have witnessed that the Spirit of God gives insight into the deep hurts that have caused the trouble, and I have seen Him deliver through cleansing of the heart some who have been bound for years in bitterness.
This is why of all the books I have read, the Bible has been the most help. I believe without a doubt it contains the words of Jesus Christ. He said that, “The words I speak are in Spirit, and they are truth” (John 6).
As a freshman in college I witnessed one of Americas’ great generals giving his last speech in the Congress of the United States after being released from office by the President. General Douglas MacArthur said that, if we are to be saved, “… it must be of the Spirit and not of the flesh.”
Jesus Christ said in Acts 1:8 that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. In my own life I discovered, and am continually discovering, that I am powerless without the Spirit. Would I be too bold to suggest this might be your problem too?
In my counseling ministry, I have witnessed that the Spirit of God gives insight into the deep hurts that have caused the trouble, and I have seen Him deliver through cleansing of the heart some who have been bound for years in bitterness.
This is why of all the books I have read, the Bible has been the most help. I believe without a doubt it contains the words of Jesus Christ. He said that, “The words I speak are in Spirit, and they are truth” (John 6).
As a freshman in college I witnessed one of Americas’ great generals giving his last speech in the Congress of the United States after being released from office by the President. General Douglas MacArthur said that, if we are to be saved, “… it must be of the Spirit and not of the flesh.”
Jesus Christ said in Acts 1:8 that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. In my own life I discovered, and am continually discovering, that I am powerless without the Spirit. Would I be too bold to suggest this might be your problem too?
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