Archive for the ‘Christian Living’ Category
Give God What He Can Bless!
Give God What He Can Bless!
(Give God What He Likes, Give God What He Can Use.)
The song service had been sort of ‘average’. No one shouted. No one cried. We all just sang the songs and then waited for the prayer requests to be received. This Bible Study night was not going to be remembered for its worship service. I had done my best to lead the worship, but I just didn’t flow with the Spirit like I should.
On the way home, Dad said, “Son, have you ever noticed that God never blesses that last chorus you sang tonight?”
“No Sir,” was all I could say.
“If you lead long service in my church, then you need to be aware of what kind of songs God blesses.
“He doesn’t bless songs about ‘us’, He only blesses songs about ‘Him’. His Name, His Power, His Blood, His Love, His Mercy, His Grace. Sing about Him next time and He will bless it.”
“Thanks Dad.” I mumbled apologetically.
That, my gentle reader, is a lesson I never forgot. My Father was teaching me to give God what He could bless.
1. Cain
Cain never caught on to the concept. God was willing to bless a ‘lamb’ sacrifice. But, since Cain was not a sheepherder, but rather a tiller of the soil, he gave God fresh vegetables. God couldn’t bless a radish, an onion or a rutabaga. Blood had to be shed. God was only willing to bless a sacrificed lamb.
Because God ignored Cain’s sacrifice, and accepted Abel’s lamb sacrifice, Cain got mad and killed his brother.
Gen. 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
Gen. 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
Gen. 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
- There are some Sacrifices God can’t bless.
- You will be disappointed when God doesn’t bless your sacrifice.
- He can’t bless that which is against His Word or His Will
Some want the Blessings of God regardless of how they have lived. Blessings never come when you starting thinking outside “God’s Box”.
2. Saul
In a spirit of disobedience and arrogance, Saul kept the spoils of war, spared King Agag and offered up a sacrifice. Samuel pronounced the curse of God upon him.
Saul admitted he had sinned; yet he wanted to be blessed in spite on his disobedience. He never understood that obedience was better than sacrifice. Not learning that lesson cost him his kingdom and the blessings of God.
1Sam. 15:30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.
Give God a life that He can bless.
Give him a heart that He can bless.
Give God an attitude He can bless.
If Your Life Is Filled With These, God Can’t Bless It!
- Disobedience
- Bitterness
- Unbelief
- Rebellion
- Unconcern
- Disrespect
- Un-involvement
- Addictions
- Worldliness
- Carnal Lusts
- Sinner Boy Friend or Girl Friend
- Immorality
- Love of the World
- Jealousy
- Hatred
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Our idea of what God will bless, may be different than His.
Samuel – at Jesse’s House. Samuel was willing to anoint Jesse’s older sons to be the next king. God did not like what He saw in their hearts. The lad David was anointed King.
- David’s heart was what God was looking at.
- David had a love for Worship. No one made him praise the Lord.
- David was always quick to repent.
- God can bless that.
Give God What He Can Bless. He will always Bless:
- Submission
- Tenderness
- Obedience
- Faith
- Trust
- Mercy
- Honor
- Sacrifice
- Repentance
- Worship
- Praise
- Brokenness
- Humility
- Modesty
- Holiness
- Willingness
- Hunger
- Prayer Life
- Faithfulness
- Consecration
If you will Humble yourself, pray, seek His face in worship, and quit your sinning, God will hear your prayer, forgive you, and even bless your finances.
2Chr. 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
How bad do you want to be blessed?
Jacob told the Angel that wrestled with him: “I won’t let you go until you bless me.”
When God blesses, He really blesses. He will bless you like this and more besides, if you just give him a life that can be blessed!
Deut. 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
Deut. 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
Deut. 28:3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
Deut. 28:4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
Deut. 28:5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
Deut. 28:6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Deut. 28:7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
Deut. 28:8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deut. 28:9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.
Deut. 28:10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.
Deut. 28:11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
Deut. 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
Deut. 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
You’ll never be blessed living for God ‘Your Way.” God only blesses us when we do things “His Way”! Are you giving God what He can bless?
Hey Christian, How Much Do You Cuss?
Hey Christian, How Much Do You Cuss?
One night after I finished preaching, my father talked to me in private. I had used the expression, “Bless God” while preaching and Dad explained to me that I was not actually blessing God at the time. The way I was using the phrase sounded more like I was taking His Name in vain. I stopped using that expression that night.
It is so easy to pick up phrases and expressions we hear and incorporate them in our own vocabulary. I did.
As a young Christian, I heard my Pastor (Dad) and other ministers caution us about using Euphemisms, Pseudo-profanities, and Minced Oaths in our conversations.
Wikipedia says, “Euphemisms for God and Jesus, such as gosh and gee, are used by Christians to avoid taking the name of God in a vain oath, which many believe would violate one of the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20)”
Actually, most of us use words without thinking of the meaning or origin. Euphemisms are words that we use to keep from actually saying the ‘forbidden’ words. Some say words or phrases like:
Begorrah – instead of By God
Bejabbers – instead of By Jesus
Blinking heck – instead of Bloody Hell
By George – instead of By God
By Golly – instead of By God
By Gum – instead of By God
By Jove – instead of By God
Criminy, Crikey, Cripes – instead of Christ
Dang, Darn instead of Damn
Dad gum – instead of God damn
Dagnabbit – instead of God damn it
Dagnammit – instead of God damn it
Dangnabbit – instead of God damn it
Dangnation – instead of Damnation
Darnation – instead of Damnation
Doggone – instead of God damn
Drat – instead of God rot it
Egad – instead of God
For crying out loud – instead of For Christ’s sake
For Pete’s sake – instead of For St. Peter’s sake
For the love of Mike – instead of For St. Michael’s sake
Freaking, Frickin, Fudging, Feck, Fig, instead of the “F-word”
Gadzooks – instead of God’s hooks
Gat Dangit – instead of God damn it
Gee, Geez, Geeze, Jeez – instead of Jesus
Gee whizz – instead of Jesus
Gee willikers – instead of Jesus
Godfrey Daniel – instead of God damn
Good grief – instead of Good God
Goodness gracious – instead of Good God
Gosh, Golly, Gad, Goodness – instead of God
Gosh darned – instead of God damned
Heck – instead of Hell
Jeepers Creepers – instead of Jesus Christ
Jeezy Creezy –> Jesus Christ
Jehosaphat – instead of Jesus
Jiminy Christmas – instead of Jesus Christ
Jiminy Cricket – instead of Jesus Christ
Judas Priest – instead of Jesus Christ
Land sakes – instead of For the Lord’s sake
My goodness – instead of My God
My gosh – instead of My God
Sam Hill – instead of Hell
Shoot – instead of sh*t
Shucks – instead of sh*t
Suffering succotash – instead of Suffering Saviour
Tarnation – instead of Damnation
What in Sam Hill? – instead of What in damn Hell?
Wish to goodness – instead of Wish to God
My hope is that we all monitor our words and remove improper ones from our vocabulary. By-words are dangerous. Let us be careful in a careless world.
Psa. 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
She Doesn’t Want To Live With Him
She Doesn’t Want To Live With Him
Is. 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
As a young man this scripture seemed unbelievable. I could not fathom a scenario where seven women would be desperate enough that they would fall all over themselves to have some man’s name.
I was thrilled to find one woman who wanted to take my name. But Isaiah speaks of a seven to one ratio. That’s a lot. I understand the literal interpretation of the scripture in it’s context. However, I see that verse in an additional light today.
The number Seven in Scripture may refer to more than just a number. It may also include in it’s meaning, things like perfection, completeness, and fullness.
In the Book of Revelation the number SEVEN is used throughout. There are SEVEN churches, SEVEN Spirits, SEVEN stars, SEVEN seals, SEVEN trumpets, SEVEN vials, SEVEN personages, SEVEN dooms, and SEVEN new things. SEVEN symbolizes Spiritual Perfection. All of life revolves around this number. SEVEN is used over 700 times in the Bible. It is used 54 times in the Book of Revelation.
All of that is impressive, but what about today? Christianity is demonstrating that verse in a very vivid manner. It’s quite easy to see it everywhere.
Many denominations believe in prayer and healing. They believe in miracles as well. They also pray invoking the name of Jesus to heal, to save, and to deliver. Some even believe in the Holy Ghost.
Most stop short of Holiness and the complete Acts 2:38 experience. Some have left the Acts 2:38 experience and turned their backs on Holiness and separation from the world.
It’s as if they are saying to the Lord:
We want your permission to use your Name in Prayer and in everyday life. But:
- We want to set our own standards.
- We want to workout our own life style.
- We want to dress like we want to.
- We want to make our own rules.
- We want to live the way we are comfortable with. Without undo interference in our life from your Scriptures.
- We don’t think all of your requirements are necessary.
- We ONLY want your Name.
- We don’t care to really LIVE with you.
And there, in my opinion is the sad story of this modern-day. They love the Lord and say His name. They wish to use it when they need it or get in trouble. They just don’t like ‘Living’ in His Word or in His world. They wish to continue in theirs.
Bumpy Roads
Bumpy Roads
Is. 40:3 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.
Is. 40:4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.”
The Old Testament saints understood the Prophet’s words. He referenced the custom of Kings requiring that their chariot rides were to be made on smooth roads. Servants of the King spent much time maintaining the roads for their master.
If the season’s rains had washed out the road, it was important that the potholes and washouts be filled and leveled. All bumps were to be removed also. The road was to become straight… or level.
John quoted Isaiah and warned his generation to prepare the way because the King of Kings was coming.
- John 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
We modern-day Pentecostals have an understanding of the words of the Prophet and of John the Baptist. The arrival of the Messiah was being announced. His servants were preparing the way.
There is one scripture that is often overlooked in the book of Proverbs, however. The same word is being used about man who is used about Kings. The word ‘straight’ is spoken concerning our personal life.
- KJV Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
- KJV Prov. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- NIV Prov. 3:6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
- GOD’S WORD® Translation Prov. 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.
The wisest man in the world understood that if we trust in the Lord:
- Don’t allow our own intellect to solve our problems,
- Allow God to take control.
- He (The Lord) will make our paths straight.
- He will smooth out our road.
Is your road a little bumpy right now? God is willing to make your life smooth.
He’s Worse Than A Stalker
He’s Worse Than A Stalker
When I was a kid, this guy I knew kept getting me in trouble. At times we had a lot of fun, but things turned ugly a time or too. My parents talked to me about him. The talks helped, it seemed like they didn’t do much lasting good.
It was like I couldn’t get rid of him. He kept getting all up in my business and everything. He followed me everywhere. He was worse than a stalker.
He went to our church. He would talk to me sometimes during the service. During worship he would occasionally smirk at me with disapproval when I lifted my hands. He would try to intimidate me. In the prayer room he sometimes tried to distract me and shorten my prayer time.
I talked straight to him many times. I told him how I hated what he did to me. I told him how I hated how he got me in trouble all the time. How he let me take the blame for his stupid ideas. I told him I didn’t want him messing up my life anymore.
My Pastor read him the riot act too. My Parents even told him they disapproved of his conduct. My Friends talked about him. It was unbelievable. He still never went away.
He was nice enough and apologetic. But he somehow always slipped back into his old ways as soon as the pressure was off.
We went to the same school together and he got me in trouble there too. I was dumb enough to do most of the things he dared me to do. He would tell me stuff and when I repeated it, it got me into a lot of trouble.
I spent a lot of time in the Principals Office and in Detention because I did what he told me to do. It was like I couldn’t help myself. I was weaker than I thought. He brought me much shame and embarrassment. I paid dearly.
My friends got frustrated and sometimes put some distance between him and them. My family tried to not hurt his feelings, but I can tell, he sometimes maxes them out.
I’ve even taken him over to the Prayer Room several times and told him in no uncertain terms that I wanted to pray him through. And a few times I did.
This dude has interfered into my life more times than I can count. The Police won’t arrest him for stalking. They haven’t been successful with running him off either. He ignores restraining orders. It’s like I can’t get away from him. Every time I look into the mirror, he stares back at me.
†††
Rom. 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom. 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom. 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom. 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
When Is It A Bad Time To Call Your Pastor?
When Is It A Bad Time To Call Your Pastor?
My father stood at the pulpit and explained his preferences to the congregation. “It’s OK to mow your yard. You don’t have to call and ask me if it’s the Lord’s will.
“Don’t call me to ask if you should change the baby’s diapers. It’s God’s will. Don’t call me to see if it’s OK if you to go to K-Mart. You don’t have to call and ask permission, it’s OK.
“Don’t call me if your cat has pups. Well, actually if your cat has pups,” He said, “Call me. I’d like to see them.”
Every pastor has been ‘blessed’ with untimely phone calls. There apparently is a button on the pastor’s behind that makes the phone ring when he sits down for a family meal. He knows what it’s like to get calls in the middle of the night as well.
Too often, phones ring 24 hours a day in a Pastor’s world. Not only does he have a house phone, his cell phone makes a tether that ties him forever to the needs of everyone.
Some callers only focus on their needs and feel like calling the Pastor is somehow equal to calling Directory Assistance. It’s there, so why not call if the thought strikes you. They feel that Pastors are paid to answer all their phone calls.
When is the best time to call? When is it ever a bad time? I would never advise someone not to call the Pastor when they really do need help. But I do ask that your Pastor’s personal life be respected.
Ask yourself:
- Is this call an emergency?
- Are you sick and need prayer?
- Do you just need advice or have a question that needs to be answered?
- Are you going on a trip and need to let him know?
- Do you have to miss the church?
Cell phones were invented in the 1970’s. Phone Mate introduced their Answering Machine in the 70’s. Caller ID was invented about the same time. Until that time, Pastors only had house phones and if they were out, you had to wait until they came home.
Now days, we have somehow developed the idea that he is at everyone’s beck and call 24/7. No wonder the stress level in the parsonage rises above acceptable levels at times. At some Pastor’s homes, it seems the phone never stops ringing.
Society regards your Pastor as a Professional. He is treated by the outside world with deference and respect. We should do the same. Speaking of Professionals…
What hours do Professionals accept phone calls from their patients, clients or contacts?
Doctors have office hours, something like 8:30am to 4:30pm. And, do not call during lunch because it will go to directly to voicemail. After hours, your call to the good Doctor will connect you with his Answering Service. They determine if it is a worthy enough message to pass along.
Dentists have a similar setup.
Lawyers and Private Detectives follow suit.
Government Officials like State Representatives and Congressmen do the same.
Bankers, well you know about them.
Even the Mayor will get back with you in the morning.
Yet we unknowingly invade our Pastor’s personal time and rob him of family moments on a regular basis. It’s wrong and unfair. His wife and children are often robbed of one on one time with him because of the phone calls.
Please, before you pick up the cell to call or text your Pastor, look at the clock. Then ask yourself if the call is really that urgent. Can it wait? Be considerate. If it’s mealtime, don’t call at all.
If it’s after supper, realize he too enjoys his home and his family. Let him. Let him have time to rest and recoup from the day. Call him during the same hours you would call any other Professional.
A rested and strong Pastor will always be able to serve your needs better. Thank you for remembering and being considerate.
God bless you for your thoughtfulness, and God bless your Pastor.
By The Way… If you happen to have your pastor’s cell phone number or his private line at home, do NOT give it out unless he has made that number public. Guard his privacy. Thank you!
(On the other hand, I’m an Evangelist, and Evangelists are willing to receive phone calls and invitations and from Pastors any time of the day!)
The New Neighbor
The New Neighbor
Arthur James McDonald was in trouble. He was heartbroken too. His parents had recently died in a car accident. He had no family to his knowledge in America. A draft notice had just come in the mail. He was to report in two weeks. The U.S. Army was to be his new home. All he had left in the world was his girlfriend, and he was being taken away from her.
Arthur’s girlfriend, Norma Sue was in tears. She knew that he would soon be going to Viet Nam like all the other guys that had been drafted. The two of them spent as much time together as possible before he left. Her parents hated him. They dreamed of someone better for their daughter.
In a large metro area 374 miles away, Joe and Gloria Phillips sat in front of a gentle natured old lady. They wanted to adopt a baby and were willing to jump through all the hoops to qualify. Whatever it took. Hopefully the cost wouldn’t overwhelm them. They were told that there was nothing available at the time, but she would put their names on a waiting list.
29 months and 16 days in Viet Nam seemed like an eternity for Arthur. The letters from Norma Sue had been constant for several months. Then nothing. Not even a ‘Dear John’ letter.
When Norma Sue’s parents found out that she was expecting, they sent her to a home for unwed mothers. They were so ashamed. Hopefully their friends and family would never know.
Her parents had restricted her. There was to be no contact between her and Arthur. They threw all his letters into the trash. He was to never know about the baby.
The Doctor shook his head at the nurse. The baby was born healthy, but the mother lay lifeless on her bed. Her parents must be notified. The social workers took over.
On July 23, 1962, Gloria received the news while Joe was at work. The Agency had called and said they had a newborn baby boy for them. She was ecstatic! The lady said that the baby’s mother had died in childbirth. The maternal grandparents did not wish to keep the baby. The father’s name on the birth certificate was Arthur James McDonald. Nothing else was known of him or his family.
Two Sundays later, baby Donald Paul Phillips was dedicated to the Lord at the First Pentecostal Church.
At the age of five, little Donny Phillips received the Holy Ghost in Children’s Church. Donnie loved the Bible stories he learned in family devotion and in Sunday School.
Joe and Gloria told Donny when he was 9, that he was adopted. They told him that his mother had died giving birth to him and that the only thing they knew about his dad was his name was Arthur James McDonald. Young Donny hugged his parents and told them he loved them and that he was glad they had wanted him to be their boy. “You’re my Mommy and Daddy,” he said.
When he was seventeen, Don felt like he wanted to be a preacher. He did not say anything to anyone about feeling a call to preach.
Pastor Walker watched the spiritual progress of this young man. The Phillips had excelled as parents and Don was great young man. He prayed in the prayer room, he worshiped during the service and he was very obedient as well. The pastor could tell that the hand of the Lord was upon this young man.
Unlike some of the others in the youth group, Don was not rebellious. He did not test the boundaries of the church’s standards nor did he hang out with the worldly kids in the church.
At eighteen, Don gave his first sermon in a youth service. In private, he later cried tears of disappointment in his amateur attempt at preaching. It was harder than he’d imagined.
In June 1987 Donald Paul Phillips watched Rebecca Thomas walk down the aisle to take his name in holy matrimony.
Three years later Donald and Rebecca started a storefront Home Missions church 50 miles away. Their pastor had helped them in their choice and had placed his blessings on them.
The small group grew slowly, but it grew nevertheless. Another building and fifteen years later, found them in a regular ‘church’ building.
The new location seemed to spark another growth spurt. The new converts started bringing their friends and family. Men and women were getting the Holy Ghost every week. The baptismal tank was used just as often too.
Bro. Jimmy Delano a new convert, brought his new neighbor to church last Sunday Morning. He had been teaching him a Home Bible Study and was thrilled when the neighbor asked to come to church with Jimmy.
Pastor Phillips preached a wonderful message on the Holy Ghost. Four new people were in the altar, and all of them received the Holy Ghost. They also wanted to be baptized.
The first baptismal candidate was an older gentleman. Jimmy Delano’s new neighbor. As Pastor Phillips prepared to baptize him, he asked him his name.
“Macky,” the old man said.
“Macky what?” was the pastor’s response.
“I’m sorry, that’s my nickname. My full name is McDonald. Arthur James McDonald.”
Pastor Phillips looked at the man he was about to baptize, for a moment, and then with tears streaming down his face he called his two young children up close to the baptismal tank.
“James and Stephanie, he said, “I want you to watch me baptize my Daddy and your Grandpa, Arthur James McDonald, in the precious name of Jesus!”
God’s Will For Your Life… Plain And Simple
God’s Will For Your Life… Plain And Simple
One verse in the life of Isaac portrays the essence of God’s idea about how your priorities should be organized.
Gen. 26:25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’s servants digged a well.
First: Isaac built an Altar. – A type of the House of God.
Second: He pitched his Tent. – The Tent represents your Family
Thirdly: A Well was dug. – The Well is what gives you sustenance in the wilderness.
- That’s all there is to it.
- It’s that simple!
- First in our life should be our church.
Isaac did not go looking for a well, then pitch a tent and then make an Altar. Some folks are so greedy for money, they move to a town where there is no church. But they found a job that pays good money. They really needed the money. But they needed the Altar even more. Their priorities got out of order. They won’t mean to backslide. But they have put themselves and their families into a spiritual danger zone.
The Well is not to come before your Tent… or your family. The Tent or the Well should never come before the Altar.
Keep Church First in your life.
Make your Family more important than your Job
Your Job is the least important of the three. Yes. We all need a job, but God did not call us to be a Salesman, a Banker, a plumber or whatever. He called us to be a Saint.
Good Saints make the House of God #1 in their life.
God’s Will For Your Life… Plain And Simple
One verse in the life of Isaac portrays the essence of God’s idea about how your priorities should be organized.
Gen. 26:25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’s servants digged a well.
First: Isaac built an Altar. – A type of the House of God.
Second: He pitched his Tent. – The Tent represents your Family
Thirdly: A Well was dug. – The Well is what gives you sustenance in the wilderness.
- That’s all there is to it.
- It’s that simple!
- First in our life should be our church.
Isaac did not go looking for a well, then pitch a tent and then make an Altar. Some folks are so greedy for money, they move to a town where there is no church. But they found a job that pays good money. They really needed the money. But they needed the Altar even more. Their priorities got out of order. They won’t mean to backslide. But they have put themselves and their families into a spiritual danger zone.
The Well is not to come before your Tent… or your family. The Tent or the Well should never come before the Altar.
Keep Church First in your life.
Make your Family more important than your Job
Your Job is the least important of the three. Yes. We all need a job, but God did not call us to be a Salesman, a Banker, a plumber or whatever. He called us to be a Saint.
Good Saints make the House of God #1 in their life.
Building A Nest In The House Of God
Building A Nest In The House Of God
Have you ever needed to escape? Ever gotten weary of dealing with life’s wear and tear? I know just the place for you to go. No, it won’t even cost you any money. You can go by yourself or with the ones you love. I’ve been there and it’s all they ever told me it could be and more besides.
How did I find out about this place? I read about it in a book. Psalms 84 described it to me. I daydreamed about the place and then I went to check it out for myself.
Psalms 84 was actually written to the Chief Musician and was designed especially for the sons of Korah to sing. They were the descendants of the man who rebelled against Moses. It starts out like this:
Psa. 84:1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
- How comfortable
- How likeable
- How lovely
- How beloved
Psa. 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
- My souls longs for His House
- My soul can’t stand to be away from His Courts
Psa. 84:3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
- A nest for the most restless of birds, the swallows.
There Are Five Things That Are Found In The House Of God.
1. Praise – Worship is always resident in His House.
- Psa. 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
2. Power – His House is where strength is found
- Psa. 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
- Psa. 84:7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
3. Prayer – Here is where our prayers get heard.
- Psa. 84:8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
4. Protection – We are vulnerable in life. We need Him to be our shield.
- Psa. 84:9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
5. Privilege – It’s an honor to just to get to come into His House.
- Psa. 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
- Psa. 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
- Psa. 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Although the passage is powerful and beautiful, it brings me to the unanswered question:
Why Do The Swallows Build Their Nests In The House Of The Lord?
1. The nest is a refuge from the storm, a place to hide. It’s a place of safety.
2. It’s for reproduction. The nest is where new life begins.
3. It’s for rest. The nest is a hideaway where the weary can recover their strength.
4. It’s where the baby swallows are raised. The nest is a place of growth and maturity.
- Swallows are transient birds. They are only here till they make their flight. We too are only here till we make our flight.
- Jewish custom forbade anyone to kill or drive away a bird from the Temple. It’s nest was to be left undisturbed.
Oh, did I tell you where the swallows in Psalm 84 built their nests? They built them on the altar.
Psa. 84:3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
We as ‘spiritual’ swallows will never enjoy the benefits of God’s House until we build ourselves a nest on the altar.
1. Jacob was forever blessed when he wrestled with an angel at his altar of prayer.
2. A nature change overcomes those that build an altar. Ananias was comforted by God over the news that Saul of Tarsus was on his was over to meet him.
- Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
It takes a while to build a nest.
There is where our peace comes from. There is where prayers get answered. They that build their nest at the altar, enjoy safety from the storm. Never fear. No one can run you away from there or disturb your nest.
Have you built yourself a nest yet?
Every bird has a nest somewhere. Where’s yours?
The Sin Of Finding Fault
The Sin Of Finding Fault
Prov. 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Prov. 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Prov. 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Prov. 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
God hated the first six things mentioned here. The seventh one… He hated it so much, He called it an abomination.
“The sowing of discord among brethren.”
If God calls it an abomination, then it’s a bad sin.
1. ‘The Sanballat Syndrome’. – (He wanted Nehemiah’s work to fail.)
- It hinders growth
- It divides
- It sows discord
- Critics do great damage.
- Do you want your church to fail? Then don’t kill it with criticism.
- Many are destroyed by criticism.
2. What makes people criticize? There is always a motive!
The reason Judas became critical of Mary washing the feet of Jesus and breaking the expensive alabaster box with perfumed ointment, is because he wanted it to be sold so he could get his hands on the money. He was a thief!
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
There is a reason, a good reason why people say what they say.
What makes you criticize? At the very least, it’s a spirit that is using you to bring disruption into the Kingdom. Your actions hinder unity at the very least.
3. Biblical treatment of critics.
Railers are critics or fault finders that make little snippy comments. Sometimes they even make harsh indictments.
Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
2Pet. 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
4. Paul said, don’t even eat with a critic. Don’t sit at the same table. That spirit will get on you.
1Cor. 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
5. Murmuring in the wilderness
It brought the judgment of God.
- The fiery serpents.
- God keeps track of your complaints.
- He reminded them that they had murmured 10 times.
- God said that by murmuring, they had tempted Him to destroy them.
- Complaining is criticism.
- Don’t make God want to get rid of you.
6. Almost every church has at least one critic.
They make comments about:
- The temperature
- The noise level.
- The drums
- The songs
- The sermon
- The sermon length
- What someone wore
- The worshipers
- The youth group
- The youth leader
- Those that pray too loud
- The preacher, his wife, his kids
- The offerings
- The tithes
7. Fault Finders:
- Have a self–righteous attitude.
- They have a sense of superiority.
- They have pride issues.
- Refuse to admit what their doing is wrong.
My father had a sign in his pastoral office that said: “You can’t white wash yourself by blackening others.”
8. Like the Pharisee praying in the Temple with the publican,
They thank God they are not like other men. Yet unknown to them, God is not hearing their prayers.
9. Haman could not see the thousands bowing down before him.
All he could focus on was the one that didn’t. That fault led to his eventual downfall and death. He could not enjoy what he had. He could only see what wasn’t going his way.
10. To those that battle with this problem, there is hope.
- Paul mentioned that he had learned in what so ever state he was in to be content.
- It’s possible to learn to be content.
Contented people do not criticize. They are content.
- May there be peace in our spirits and in our church.
- Contentment is a friend of unity.
- Unity preceded the Holy Ghost outpouring in the book of Acts.
Barnabas was an encourager. He was an edifier.
May God give us more men like Barnabas. We desperately need them.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 