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Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, September 3, 2010 * Funeral Service
MATTHEW 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Sandy and I attended a funeral today for someone we didn't know. It's not because we do that sort of thing very often, but it was a funeral for our pastors great aunt. Doing a funeral service must be one of the most difficult responsibilities of a minister... especially so for a relative. Our pastor did a great job. He knew that his great aunt was a born again Believer. So he pointed to Jesus Christ, and also to heaven, as our reward for being faithful followers of Christ. What more can you do? Seated before that pastor, with a casket between them, he had a captivated audience who's focus was on the end of our mortal life. What better opportunity than to bring Jesus forward as our only hope for eternal life? The pastor delivered well and made the point for Christ. Well done, good and faithful servant. (Luke 19:17)
Some of the funeral music was actually praise and worship, which was awesome, .....and refreshing. As Believers, we should be praising the Lord for His saving Grace. We should be rejoicing at a loved ones home-going. The praise music was inspiring, ...as it should be at a Believer's funeral, because we have the assurance that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. ....After all, isn't that our great hope and the guarantee of Christ?
Praise the Lord, as Believers we will all have that glorious home-going experience one day, if Christ tarries.....
Blessings,
Rick
Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, September 2, 2010 * Wages of Sin
ROMANS 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The "death" that Paul speaks of in this scripture is spiritual death, which is separation from God. To live without God is to open up ones life to the devil, whose interest is to ultimately kill you... (John 10:10) ...And if that isn't enough, you will spend eternity being tormented (destroyed) in hell. Natural death, as "unpleasant" as it seems, is nothing in comparison to spiritual separation from God.
When Romans 6:26 speaks of the "wages" of sin, it implies that there is "work" involved... (you expect to get paid wages when you work....) While this Truth applies to us all, Paul was addressing the Church in Rome with this letter, and specifically the Jewish Christians there. They were trying to mix the Law of Moses (works) with the message of Christ (Grace). What the epistle of Romans is telling them is that it is by Grace alone that one receives salvation... and then everything included in the Atonement follows thereafter. You cannot mix works and Grace. (Romans 5:16) In other words, Paul is telling them (and us) that the "wages" from "works" is death and eternal separation from God. You cannot "work" your way into heaven.... It is impossible to keep the Law of Moses.
What we do receive, however, is "the gift" of Grace (which is unmerited favor) that only comes to us through Jesus Christ... and then only because we believe on Him by faith. That Gift? ...When it is opened up (revealed to us), we find it's eternal life and all of the benefits. (Romans 6:23) And the Good News is that it's ours forever... We don't have to do anything to receive it, or do anything to keep it. Grace remains ours, and it comes to us by the means of what Christ did on the Cross, which demands that the cross remains the object of our faith. When this is done, it gives the Holy Spirit the freedom to bring forth "fruit" in our lives. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The "wages" of sin is death... but with Christ, we are given life and Grace so that we no longer have to earn a "wage", but just receive from Him. Believe to receive.
Blessings,
Blessings,
Rick
Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, September 1, 2010 *
2 PETER 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Regarding the topic of the extreme Sovereignty of God, I know that many people are stuck on that position. The basis of that thought process is founded on the Old Testament, the Old Covenant.... We have a New Covenant with God now. Most people stand on the book of Job when they try to make their case about God being "in control" of everything.... That's a weak position to defend. (God gave dominion of the earth to Adam, who lost it to Satan through deception, which gave Satan dominion, "Authority" (control) over the earth. Satan had every "legal" right on this earth that Adam had before, ....which included approaching the throne of God regarding Job.... thus, "The Conversation".)
With the arrival of Jesus, however, everything changed. God is no longer angry with man, because of the sacrifice of His Son. God's wrath has been satisfied.... All power on heaven and earth has been transferred to Jesus... yet, not everyone is saved? No, because Satan still has "influence" on this earth until the return of Christ. God doesn't "control" Satan.
Anyway, here's my point.... God is the top of the food chain, supreme power in the universe. Colossians (1:15-18) tells us that He (Jesus) holds all things together.... He is definitely pre-eminent in all things. ...But, because of free will, He does not "control" it all. Why do we pray "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven", the exact words of Jesus Christ? If God's will was done on earth as it is in heaven, then "the prayer" would be useless....
Making God sovereign in the sense that He controls everything is also making Him responsible..... (accountable). It's a convenient theology for many to use, because it doesn't make us accountable... "If it's God's will, then there is nothing that I can do about it..."? "If that's the case, what's the point of prayer?" "Why seek God's face?...because if He wants us saved, we will be... " "So, why seek Him for salvation if He is going to establish the outcome anyway?" The doctrine of "Absolute Sovereignty" renders the body of Christ passive. "What will be, will be"?
Either it's true that God controls everything, or that God doesn't control everything. Really, if you think about it, Supreme, absolute Sovereignty defies logic... 2 Peter 3:9 makes it clear that God's will does not always come to pass automatically. We have a role to play in the outcome. If you know God's Word, you will know His will for your life....
Blessings,
Rick
Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, August 31, 2010 * Labor to rest
HEBREWS 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
This scripture initially seems to contradict itself. How can someone "labor" to "rest"?... Is it possible for someone to do both things at the same time? ("Labor to rest".... these words together don't really make sense, do they?... That's kinda like saying "resting to work"...?)
You will find that "resting in God" is one of the hardest things that you will ever have to do....
We need to understand that God, by Grace, has supplied us with every thing that we will ever need to accomplish what He wants us to do ... Provision is already there. It's done... It's "finished". (John 19:30) His part was to supply everything, our part is to "rest". We must trust that it's already done instead of believing that "it needs to be done".
Okay, so we get it.... We need to "rest" in what God has already done. Right? Yes, ...but it's not easy. To "rest" means that we must control our tongue, ....our actions, ....our temper, ....our anxiety... "Trust" is not easy. We want to get involved.... to "help" God. That's what the word means by "laboring" to rest. As humans, our instinct is to get in there and "assist" God! ...But that's not what this scripture is speaking of.... We need to trust that God's work is already done before it's ever started. It's like trying to understand that you are already healed (1 Peter 2:24), before you ever see the symptoms of sickness....
To "rest" takes effort... It's not easy, ...in fact, the Word is correct in stating that we must "labor to rest". ("Labor" is faith and trust) When we learn to have faith in every area of our walk with Christ, That's when we will enter into His rest.
Blessings,
Rick
Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, August 30, 2010 * The Curse
GALATIANS 3:10-13 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree...
DEUTERONOMY 11:26-28 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day; And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
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Curses? We don't like to hear about curses, we want to know about "blessings". So, ...what is a curse anyway? It's a consequence of disobedience to God. It's reasonable to assume that if blessings exist, then curses are the opposite of blessings. They exist also. To learn about blessings and curses, the best Biblical reference is found in Deuteronomy 28. If we are in obedience to God, blessings will envelop us.... This is seen in the first 14 verses of chapter 28. (this is where we want to read about the "good stuff"!) Verses 15-68 talk about the curses. There are many more verses written about "curses" than "blessings". ...Why would God tell the Hebrews that they would suffer with curses if they strayed away from Him? Because without Him, there is only suffering and death. The enemy, the devil, is out to kill steal, and destroy all of us. (John 10:10) ...That is the curse, ...Satan is the curse, and without God, we will perish and suffer eternal damnation.
Read Deuteronomy 28, the entire chapter, and listen to some of the words of curses.... It speaks of consumption, fever, burning, pestilence, drought, botch, itching, madness, blindness, anything you put your hand to will not prosper, plague, oppression, debt, hunger, thirst, bondage, persecution, divorce, strife, envy, lust... and verse 28:61 says that just in case we missed something, every sickness and disease that was not even listed in the book of the Law will also be upon us.... So, ...ya still think there are no such things as "curses"? Look around, ...open your eyes, ...witness the workings of the devil.
But, ...there is a way of escape. There is hope for mankind. His name is Jesus Christ. If we read Galatians 3:13, we learn that Jesus redeemed us from the curse. He became a curse for us, so that we could be set free.....
With Jesus we get all of the blessings and are empowered to rebuke the enemy when he attempts to lay curses upon us. Sickness and disease? Rebuke him in Jesus' name. Pain and suffering? Rebuke him in Jesus' name. Oppression, hunger, debt, persecution and bondage...? 1 Peter 2:24 tells us to "resist" the devil and he will flee.. We are empowered to resist the devil. That's GOOD NEWS! It gives us the freedom and ability to live a free and abundant life.
The Word says that you shall know the truth and the Truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). It is possible for every person on the planet to be free of all curses. How many "Believers" don't believe that? How many "Believers" struggle with sickness, depression, strife and poverty? A Lot! Just because you're a "Christian", and go to church, it doesn't mean that you are free. You've got to first be spiritually free before you can be physically free.
Can curses in your life be broken? Absolutely! Curses translate to bondage... Bondage is a reference to "mountains" which Jesus commanded us to speak to. (Mark 11:23) We must command them to leave our bodies, leave our house, and to leave our family in the Name of Jesus. He says to cast them into the sea. ....So what is holding you back? What are you waiting for? Jesus has your back.... Just do it!
Be set free from all of the curses of the enemy. According to Revelation 22:3, it's going to happen anyway. But as Believers, we are in a position now to live a life free of the curse of the enemy. You've got to know the Word to live it.
Rick
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Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, August 29, 2010 * Joel
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JOEL 3:16 The Lord shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
When people speak of prophecy in the Bible, their first thought is usually about the book of Revelation. However, the prophecy in the book of Joel is very powerful. It speaks of the army that the Lord will raise up in the last day, for the final battle, at Christ's second coming. On that awesome day, I believe that the dead will be raised up to a fighting army, just as prophecy depicts in Ezekiel 37. ....An army that cannot be wounded. (Joel 2:8) (How can the Lord's army die, if they have been given eternal life?) It will be a battle to end all conflict. Even now, the forces of God are building.... Those filled with the Holy Spirit are part of His Army. (Are you enlisted?) In other words, Jesus, the Lion of Judah, lives within us.... Sometimes we simply need to open our mouths and let Him Roar. (Joel 3:16) When we shout praises to God, and speak prophetic words, I believe that's exactly what we are doing.
Perhaps the most famous scripture in the book of Joel is a reference to the Holy Spirit and the outpouring as it relates to Pentecost as stated in Acts 2:4. Peter reveals that the prophecy is fulfilled in Acts 2:16-18. You will find that Joel 2:28 speaks of the outpouring of God's Spirit (My Spirit) upon all flesh. This is in reference to the 120 people in the Upper Room speaking in tongues. This prophecy was fulfilled in Acts 2:4... And, yes, people have been speaking in "tongues" ever since. The Holy Spirit didn't just stop speaking after a while... Tongues didn't just "end" with the last Apostle.... God has a lot to say.
Acts 2:21 is another quote form the book of Joel (2:32), and it is a reference to the work that the Lord Jesus has done. "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." We see the Holy Spirit using Peter to reveal the fulfillment of prophecy that was stated hundreds of years earlier. When you hear the Lion of Judah roar, you don't want to be before him, but at His side. Your salvation must be made prior to "The day of the Lord". (Joel 2:1-2) On that day everything on the earth will be consumed. He is the earth's only hope for deliverance. ...Yet there are so many who have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior. Joel 3:14 speaks of "multitudes in the valley of decision..." This is the hour, this is the time.... When we give our love to the Lord and surrender all to Him, deliverance is assured. (Psalm 91:15-16)
For those intrigued by prophecy, the book of Joel, only 3 chapters, is often overlooked. Joel, like Daniel, gives us a foretaste of what was more fully revealed to John in the book of Revelation. We see the same images confirming each other throughout the Word.
The final verse (3:21) speaks of cleansing the blood of all who are His. Blood is of vital importance to God.... Our blood was tainted by Satan in the garden, ....and only the blood of Jesus, God's Son, is able to cleanse us.... making us acceptable before Him. Thank you, Jesus, for the transfusion that you make available for us all today. We are redeemed and restored to God through the blood of Jesus.
Blessings, Rick
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Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, August 28, 2010 * Prayer???
EPHESIANS 1:17-18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of the glory of his inheritance in the saints...
The next time you go to pray, first close your eyes... and describe to yourself what you see... It is imperative that you see your prayers being answered before you petition the Lord in prayer. Do you see someone healed, delivered, or set free from addiction? Now pray what you "see" into reality. It's calling things that are not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) It's moving something from the spiritual realm into the physical realm.
I have seen prayer work instantly on numerous occasions.... But, here's the key; We need to pray "specifics" to God. Let Him give you the vision first, then pray accordingly. See the desired results of prayer before you pray and then call things that are not into reality.
Vague, generalized prayer is sort of like taking a shotgun into the field, pointing it straight up into the air and pulling the trigger.... You might hit a bird, ...if one happens to fly into the pattern of your shot... But you are more likely to hit a target if you take the time to aim first, line up your sights and then pull the trigger. We should pray similarly.... See your objective, aim your prayer, "in the Name of Jesus", speak it into existence and expect the desired results to follow.... Does that sound kinda "weird" to you? ....Let me tell you, "weird works". If you seldom see the desired results from your prayer life, then do something different.... God is paying attention.
Blessings,
Rick
Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, August 27, 2010 * Repentance
JOHN 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
What does it mean to repent of your sins? The word "repentance" is an old English word that describes a willingness to turn from your sin to Jesus Christ. It literally means an "about face", or a "U-turn" from your present life to a life dedicated to Christ. It's more than just changing your mind... and it's not just about having "knowledge" of who Jesus is... (Satan knows about Jesus and trembles at His name). ....And it takes more than just agreeing that Jesus is Lord... (Satan knows that Jesus is Lord) ...What it takes is Trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. ....and it is trusting in Him alone for eternal life.
The requirements for salvation and eternal life are not based on what you can do, but on what Jesus Christ has already done. He exchanged His perfect life for your imperfect life...
The primary key to "repentance" is that people must first understand and acknowledge that they are sinners. Without understanding that you are a sinner, there is no desperation on your part for a Savior. The Bible says that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) So how does one "know" that they are a sinner? It comes from the Word. It comes from the Mosaic Law. (Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17) and by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (No one can come to the Father lest the Holy Spirit draws him. John 6:44) In addition, ...I think that it is basically built into mankind to understand the difference between good and evil. The Word tells us that only good and perfect gifts come from God. (James 1:17) When we acknowledge that God hates sin and that Jesus is the only hope for salvation and eternal life, the Holy Spirit begins to draw us to the place where we cry out, "Oh God, What must I do to be saved?" It's the most important question that you will ever ask. The answer? Jesus said "repent and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15)
Eternal life comes from believing on Jesus Christ as your Savior. The Word says that unless you are born again (John 3:3) you will not see the kingdom of heaven.
No one gets out of this world alive... so your response of salvation is the most important experience that you will ever face. Do you truly repent of your sin and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior? In John 5:24 we find this promise from the Savior: "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."
Repent and give your life to the only one who can save you: Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Rick
Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, August 26, 2010 * Texting
ROMANS 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
There is a generation today (between the ages of 20-40) that are really into "texting" each other with their phones.... They send "messages" back and forth all day, about all kinds of useless information. Why? I don't really know... Isn't a "phone" all about being able to "talk" to someone? I mean, ....isn't that what real communication is all about? I can understand where sending as occasional text might be a novelty if someone is in a meeting or a situation where they are not free to talk, ....but, ....Really? Was "typing" designed to be done with the thumbs? ...And what is the use of "voice-mail" if the "phone function" of your phone is so seldom used? It's not that I'm opposed to "texting", because I'm not... but I just don't get the obsession with it....
I guess that God favors the "text" though, after all, ...I suppose that the Bible, all 66 books containing hundreds of chapters were sort of a "texted" download to us from His throne... In fact, He sends us a personalized text everyday. Just open your Bible and see what He wants to communicate to you today....
HHHmmmmmm... perhaps I should get one of those "thumb-typewriter" phones and start sending everyone on the planet this daily devotional...? I'm sure that would be real popular... and then I could start communicating with folks on "face-book" in a similar fashion? ...But "face-book" is another issue and also something that I don't much care about either. (I mean, .....who cares if it's "laundry day"?, ...or if you're stopping off at Dairy Queen for a chocolate shake and a burger? ...of if you're having a "bad hair day"???) "Face-bookies" think the world is waiting in anticipation for the next thing that they have to say....(excuse me..."type") Really? Who cares?
On the other hand, as I think on it, all of that "trendy" technology would just add more clutter to my life... I think I'll just stick to my daily Bible reading and continue with God's original "texting" concept. It's always a pleasure to hear from Him...
Have a good day...
Rick
Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, August 25, 2010 * Take flight
ISAIAH 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
An airplane is designed to fly, but so long as it is setting on the runway, it is not functioning in the capacity for which it was designed. It's still an "airplane", it still has potential, but it's going no where. It can taxi around the runway, movement is there, but it will not fly until the engine reaches the correct RPM, and the speed of the plane is sufficient to give the airplane lift from the ground. Once it is airborne, it can potentially go anywhere on the earth (above the earth) and achieve it's purpose.
Likewise, the saints of God, and even the church body as a whole, cannot achieve "lift" until sufficient RPM and speed is attained.... at which point, God the Holy Spirit, can finally put the church and His people to work for the propose of their design.
We were designed to "fly" above the earth, to inspire others (earthbound) to look up toward the heavens and desire to be there... Spirit filled and full of the glory of God.
All who are born again have the potential to soar like the eagles (Isaiah 10:31), but so many remain earth bound because they need their "engine" injected with Super High Octane fuel (Holy Ghost) so the they may reach the speed and potential for which God intended for them.... (the speed of Light)
The role of the church is to super charge the saints, to send them into orbit around the globe as living testimonies for God. Churches should merely be "fueling stations" for the saints of God, so they can quickly get airborne again. The role of the Pastor? He is the Fuel Injector! That fuel? The Word.
Blessings,
Rick
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