Please take a few moments to watch this video. It says more today than any words I could possible write.
May the Lord bless you & may He have mercy on us.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Get Outside The Church
(Luke 19:1-10)
One of the things I love about reading the accounts of the ministry of Jesus was the fact He never lost sight of what He had come to do. He came to preach the Good News to the lost and hurting of the world. His ministry was NOT in the church of His day, but was to those outside of the church. Jesus took His message of hope into the streets to those who were living without God in their life, telling them that there was a better way to live. JESUS HAD SPIRITUAL GUTS!
Today, more than ever, we need men and women of God with those same spiritual guts. The church has become institutionalized and satisfied with the status quo. Forty years ago, it was simply a matter of opening the front door and the people would come. That is not true in 2009. We have a large percentage of 2 full generations now that do not attend church. Children that grew up in homes void of God are now having their own children, which of course, will also grow up in homes void of God. The world that we live in
continues each day to boldly present a message that is in direct opposition to the Truth of God's Word.
Sadly, rather than going out and challenging that ungodly message, the church has decided to withdraw from the world and isolate itself. Rather than being the salt and light God has called us to be, we have found it more "comfortable" to simply withdraw and stay to ourselves. We feel safe in our churches since we are with "our own kind." We have our OWN TV stations. We have our OWN radio stations. We have our OWN books and magazines. We have our OWN music. We have our OWN schools. Rather than using these great resources to reach the lost, we have found it is much easier (and more profitable) to simply "preach to the choir" and isolate ourselves from the rest of the world.
This message today is a wake up call to men and women who love the Lord. God did not call us to isolate ourselves from this world, but to go out into the world and share the hope and love of Jesus Christ. I have never seen so many people that are afraid of the world that we live in. Did you not read in the Bible in 1 John 4:4 that tells you, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world?" Did you not read in the Bible that we are "more than conquerors?" Did you not read in the Bible that we are called to go out into the "highways" and invite the lost to know Christ? God did not call us to hide our light under a bushel, but to share that light with this dark world we live in! God is looking for men and women with "spiritual guts" to take His message to the lost and hurting of this world.
I love you and care about you so much. There is a world outside of the four walls of the church that is lost, hurting, and looking for answers. They won't come to church, watch Christian TV, listen to Christian radio and music, read Christian books and magazines, or go to Christian schools. To reach these people, we have to do what Jesus did and GO TO THEM. Understand that when you take Christ into the world, they will not always be nice. They have lived their life rejecting God so most likely will not be open to your message. But never forget that your labor for the Lord is not in vain.
Even those who reject what you are saying have at least had a seed planted in their life. God will allow you to minister to people that are at a place in their life where they realize there has to be a better way. They WILL be open to accepting Christ as their Savior and changing their life. Jesus told us that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. The church has forgotten the most important part of being a Christian, and that is we are here to serve, NOT be served. We are like Eli, sitting in our grand palaces, getting so fat that we can't even move. God has called us to rise up and take His message of Christ's love to the lost and hurting of this world we live in. That my friend, takes spiritual guts.
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
If I can help you in any way you can contact me through my personal email at: bkeller@liveprayer.com
One of the things I love about reading the accounts of the ministry of Jesus was the fact He never lost sight of what He had come to do. He came to preach the Good News to the lost and hurting of the world. His ministry was NOT in the church of His day, but was to those outside of the church. Jesus took His message of hope into the streets to those who were living without God in their life, telling them that there was a better way to live. JESUS HAD SPIRITUAL GUTS!
Today, more than ever, we need men and women of God with those same spiritual guts. The church has become institutionalized and satisfied with the status quo. Forty years ago, it was simply a matter of opening the front door and the people would come. That is not true in 2009. We have a large percentage of 2 full generations now that do not attend church. Children that grew up in homes void of God are now having their own children, which of course, will also grow up in homes void of God. The world that we live in
continues each day to boldly present a message that is in direct opposition to the Truth of God's Word.
Sadly, rather than going out and challenging that ungodly message, the church has decided to withdraw from the world and isolate itself. Rather than being the salt and light God has called us to be, we have found it more "comfortable" to simply withdraw and stay to ourselves. We feel safe in our churches since we are with "our own kind." We have our OWN TV stations. We have our OWN radio stations. We have our OWN books and magazines. We have our OWN music. We have our OWN schools. Rather than using these great resources to reach the lost, we have found it is much easier (and more profitable) to simply "preach to the choir" and isolate ourselves from the rest of the world.
This message today is a wake up call to men and women who love the Lord. God did not call us to isolate ourselves from this world, but to go out into the world and share the hope and love of Jesus Christ. I have never seen so many people that are afraid of the world that we live in. Did you not read in the Bible in 1 John 4:4 that tells you, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world?" Did you not read in the Bible that we are "more than conquerors?" Did you not read in the Bible that we are called to go out into the "highways" and invite the lost to know Christ? God did not call us to hide our light under a bushel, but to share that light with this dark world we live in! God is looking for men and women with "spiritual guts" to take His message to the lost and hurting of this world.
I love you and care about you so much. There is a world outside of the four walls of the church that is lost, hurting, and looking for answers. They won't come to church, watch Christian TV, listen to Christian radio and music, read Christian books and magazines, or go to Christian schools. To reach these people, we have to do what Jesus did and GO TO THEM. Understand that when you take Christ into the world, they will not always be nice. They have lived their life rejecting God so most likely will not be open to your message. But never forget that your labor for the Lord is not in vain.
Even those who reject what you are saying have at least had a seed planted in their life. God will allow you to minister to people that are at a place in their life where they realize there has to be a better way. They WILL be open to accepting Christ as their Savior and changing their life. Jesus told us that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. The church has forgotten the most important part of being a Christian, and that is we are here to serve, NOT be served. We are like Eli, sitting in our grand palaces, getting so fat that we can't even move. God has called us to rise up and take His message of Christ's love to the lost and hurting of this world we live in. That my friend, takes spiritual guts.
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
If I can help you in any way you can contact me through my personal email at: bkeller@liveprayer.com
Monday, May 11, 2009
Oh What a Beautiful World
As I was driving to the farm to feed the cattle I became engrossed in just how beautiful everything around me appeared. The sky was so blue and clear, even if there we a few cotton ball clouds floating by. The fields were a lush green, swaying gentle in the spring breeze. The trees ran the spectrum for the color green, new life of each tree was making itself known to the world. Oh, how beautiful everything God allowed me to see.
Earlier this morning all of nature received a good bath, removing all the dust and dirt from the plans and even from the air. I had sat this morning thinking what a terrible day this would be; rainy and dreary. I know we need rain from time to time but I have things to do that require dry ground. I am sure glad I had to feed today. From a sullen somewhat depressed spirit I was elevated to a spirit of wonder and praise of God.
As I continued to the farm my thoughts moved from the beauty of our world today to the beauty of the Garden of Eden. Yes, I can only imagine but I am blessed with the ability to imagine, dream and visualize. I am very sure that Adam’s home was far more beautiful than our world today. I could see Adam and Eve strolling down a path of that garden conversing with God. I could hear the birds sing; I could see the animals stop to greet their creator and God drew near. The gentle breeze caressed all it touched and the fragrance of the many flowers travels in that stream of air. Oh, what a beautiful garden must have made for our grandparents.
I was in a dream world as I drove and that led me to think of Heaven. I recalled the description of the New Jerusalem recorded by John in Revelation; how majestic, how awesome. Then the other side popped up and I realized this is only a human description and not really as it will be. We are told that it has even entered in to the mind of man what God has prepared for us. Yes. I have been told it has not entered in the mind of man but my mind has to try to fathom the splendor that waits. All thoughts of what it might really be are useless since I am limited to the knowledge I have acquired throughout life and wasn’t blessed with a ‘new revelation’.
Yes we have an awesome world filled with the beauty of God’s creation but it was once much more beautiful. With that thought I was convicted of my sins that have contaminated this world. I immediately asked God for forgiveness for all the wrong I have done and particularly all I have done to diminish the beauty of earth. My forgiveness received I was led to ask forgiveness for all of mankind in regard to our lack of stewardship of God’s world. I believe all was placed here for our use and pleasure but it wasn’t given us to waste or abuse.
I am not really sure the point of all this might be but I feel, deep within my heart, that we should take a few moments and appreciate the wonder of all that is around us. We should take time to express our thanks to our Creator and the Creator of all the beauty we behold. We should strive to use wisely and not from a sense that this is here because we have a right to use it or deserve it. All that I saw as I drove, I considered a blessing and I thank God for giving me the ability to see it and secondly the spirit to appreciate it and be thankful for it.
God thank you for the rain you sent earlier to wash away all that contaminated your world and thank you for opening my eyes and heart to see all your hands have made. Thank you for lifting my spirit and for riding with me as I went to feed. Amen.
Spreading His Word,
Don
Earlier this morning all of nature received a good bath, removing all the dust and dirt from the plans and even from the air. I had sat this morning thinking what a terrible day this would be; rainy and dreary. I know we need rain from time to time but I have things to do that require dry ground. I am sure glad I had to feed today. From a sullen somewhat depressed spirit I was elevated to a spirit of wonder and praise of God.
As I continued to the farm my thoughts moved from the beauty of our world today to the beauty of the Garden of Eden. Yes, I can only imagine but I am blessed with the ability to imagine, dream and visualize. I am very sure that Adam’s home was far more beautiful than our world today. I could see Adam and Eve strolling down a path of that garden conversing with God. I could hear the birds sing; I could see the animals stop to greet their creator and God drew near. The gentle breeze caressed all it touched and the fragrance of the many flowers travels in that stream of air. Oh, what a beautiful garden must have made for our grandparents.
I was in a dream world as I drove and that led me to think of Heaven. I recalled the description of the New Jerusalem recorded by John in Revelation; how majestic, how awesome. Then the other side popped up and I realized this is only a human description and not really as it will be. We are told that it has even entered in to the mind of man what God has prepared for us. Yes. I have been told it has not entered in the mind of man but my mind has to try to fathom the splendor that waits. All thoughts of what it might really be are useless since I am limited to the knowledge I have acquired throughout life and wasn’t blessed with a ‘new revelation’.
Yes we have an awesome world filled with the beauty of God’s creation but it was once much more beautiful. With that thought I was convicted of my sins that have contaminated this world. I immediately asked God for forgiveness for all the wrong I have done and particularly all I have done to diminish the beauty of earth. My forgiveness received I was led to ask forgiveness for all of mankind in regard to our lack of stewardship of God’s world. I believe all was placed here for our use and pleasure but it wasn’t given us to waste or abuse.
I am not really sure the point of all this might be but I feel, deep within my heart, that we should take a few moments and appreciate the wonder of all that is around us. We should take time to express our thanks to our Creator and the Creator of all the beauty we behold. We should strive to use wisely and not from a sense that this is here because we have a right to use it or deserve it. All that I saw as I drove, I considered a blessing and I thank God for giving me the ability to see it and secondly the spirit to appreciate it and be thankful for it.
God thank you for the rain you sent earlier to wash away all that contaminated your world and thank you for opening my eyes and heart to see all your hands have made. Thank you for lifting my spirit and for riding with me as I went to feed. Amen.
Spreading His Word,
Don
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
(Matthew 15:21-28)
A mother's love. On this day that we honor our mothers, I thought it fitting to share with you this wonderful story from God's Word that personifies a mother's love. I have often said a mother's love can be broken down into the 3 P's. Pleading, persistence, and prayer. I can testify today that the only reason I am in the ministry is because my mother who is with the Lord now, pleaded, was persistent, and prayed. I have no doubt that many of you know
Jesus as your Savior because of your mother's prayers. So in honor of our mothers, let me break down the 3 P's of a mother's love for you.
A mother will plead for her child. It was the deep love for her daughter that drove the Canaanite woman in today's scripture to Jesus, pleading for mercy for her daughter. In our time of despair, "something" pulls us to God. Many people, who openly reject God, will cry out in a time of need. Even believers will live apart from Christ, not giving Him much time in their
daily life...until the trials come. This mother in her hour of need, knew where to go to plead for help.
Persistence is something that defines a mother. Moms have a God-given talent to stay on something, no matter how long it takes, to get the job done. Many times, God delays His answer to test our belief, much like He did in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:2-5. Are you serious about the needs in your life? Then don't give up...be persistent. Isaiah 65:24 gives us that special promise, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." God has promised to hear and answer our
prayers, but that does not always mean in our timing. Often, we need to be persistent, like this Canaanite mother who was not going to be denied the miracle she sought for her daughter.
If persistence defines a mother, then prayer is her greatest weapon. In verse 25 of today's scripture we hear the simple prayer of faith, "Lord help me!" Moms are prayer warriors. Moms know that it is prayer that moves the hand of God. Moms know that prayer works because it demonstrates to God that we are powerless in our own strength, and have put our faith in Him. Jesus healed this woman's daughter because of her faith!
I want to encourage you today to honor your mother, she is a great gift from God. It is also God's commandment that we honor our mother. For those of you who have been estranged, separated from your Mom due to the events of life, please, swallow your pride and contact her today. No matter what may have happened in the past, tell her that you love her. I understand that many mothers have not been what God called them to be, but through your love, God can restore them.
For those like me whose Mom is with the Lord, let me suggest calling a local nursing home and finding out the name of a lady who has no family, no regular visitors. An inexpensive arrangement of flowers and 5 minutes of your day just to tell her she hasn't been forgotten on this Mother's Day will touch a life like you can not even imagine. I am a firm believer that the little acts of kindness, even to strangers, are our most effective and
powerful ministry. Don't let this day pass without making it special for your mother.
I love you and care about you, and it is my goal each day to encourage you and challenge you to have that intimate daily relationship with the Lord that He desires to have with you. I know from years in the ministry, one of the biggest concerns for Moms is their unsaved children. Mom, let me stand in agreement with you today for your unsaved children, praying with you for
their salvation since I realize that is your number one prayer request. Millions will be in Heaven because of the prayers of mom!!!!
To all the Moms out there today, may you be richly blessed on this day.
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
A mother's love. On this day that we honor our mothers, I thought it fitting to share with you this wonderful story from God's Word that personifies a mother's love. I have often said a mother's love can be broken down into the 3 P's. Pleading, persistence, and prayer. I can testify today that the only reason I am in the ministry is because my mother who is with the Lord now, pleaded, was persistent, and prayed. I have no doubt that many of you know
Jesus as your Savior because of your mother's prayers. So in honor of our mothers, let me break down the 3 P's of a mother's love for you.
A mother will plead for her child. It was the deep love for her daughter that drove the Canaanite woman in today's scripture to Jesus, pleading for mercy for her daughter. In our time of despair, "something" pulls us to God. Many people, who openly reject God, will cry out in a time of need. Even believers will live apart from Christ, not giving Him much time in their
daily life...until the trials come. This mother in her hour of need, knew where to go to plead for help.
Persistence is something that defines a mother. Moms have a God-given talent to stay on something, no matter how long it takes, to get the job done. Many times, God delays His answer to test our belief, much like He did in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:2-5. Are you serious about the needs in your life? Then don't give up...be persistent. Isaiah 65:24 gives us that special promise, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." God has promised to hear and answer our
prayers, but that does not always mean in our timing. Often, we need to be persistent, like this Canaanite mother who was not going to be denied the miracle she sought for her daughter.
If persistence defines a mother, then prayer is her greatest weapon. In verse 25 of today's scripture we hear the simple prayer of faith, "Lord help me!" Moms are prayer warriors. Moms know that it is prayer that moves the hand of God. Moms know that prayer works because it demonstrates to God that we are powerless in our own strength, and have put our faith in Him. Jesus healed this woman's daughter because of her faith!
I want to encourage you today to honor your mother, she is a great gift from God. It is also God's commandment that we honor our mother. For those of you who have been estranged, separated from your Mom due to the events of life, please, swallow your pride and contact her today. No matter what may have happened in the past, tell her that you love her. I understand that many mothers have not been what God called them to be, but through your love, God can restore them.
For those like me whose Mom is with the Lord, let me suggest calling a local nursing home and finding out the name of a lady who has no family, no regular visitors. An inexpensive arrangement of flowers and 5 minutes of your day just to tell her she hasn't been forgotten on this Mother's Day will touch a life like you can not even imagine. I am a firm believer that the little acts of kindness, even to strangers, are our most effective and
powerful ministry. Don't let this day pass without making it special for your mother.
I love you and care about you, and it is my goal each day to encourage you and challenge you to have that intimate daily relationship with the Lord that He desires to have with you. I know from years in the ministry, one of the biggest concerns for Moms is their unsaved children. Mom, let me stand in agreement with you today for your unsaved children, praying with you for
their salvation since I realize that is your number one prayer request. Millions will be in Heaven because of the prayers of mom!!!!
To all the Moms out there today, may you be richly blessed on this day.
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Walk In The Garden
“Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.” (Robert Fripp)
As I go about my day, I often catch myself humming a tune. I’ve always enjoyed a variety of music. Some days a fast beat helps me get motivated and moves me right along. On other days, the down-to-earth sound of Bluegrass matches my mood best. Then there are times when it’s just God and me in the silence. That’s when the songs of my childhood come back to me and tug at the edge of my thoughts. Songs like “In the Garden”
“In The Garden”
(1st & 2ed stanzas)
I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
As I sing this, in my mind I see images of a quiet walk in a grassy garden with flowers, shrubs, and trees all around. The thought that God will meet us where we are and wants to spend time with us one-on-one humbles me. He created man for fellowship. He wants to spend time talking with us every day.
“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou?” (Gen. 3:8-9)
This leads me to believe that Adam’s walks with the Lord were a regular occurrence; and when Adam sinned, he couldn’t face God. So he hid. More often than I care to admit; that’s what I do. When my wayward spirit leads me down the wrong path, I find myself pulling away from God. I hide myself in distractions like TV, loud music, and even ‘busyness’. Do you ever do that? Some call it drowning out the voice of our conscious. I suspect I hide because if I were to face God, I would need to confess my sin and turn away from it.
Sometimes I get stubborn and don’t want to confess and repent. The more I dig my heals in, the more my pride rears up. Why should I have to humble myself? After all, everyone else sins sometimes.
You know, in really thinking about it, that sounds just like a rebellious child. If you’ve ever spent any time at all around children, you’ll remember watching them make the most irrational excuses for not being obedient. My favorite one is: “Everyone else does it!”
If we, as children, were to keep turning back to God when we mess up and draw closer to Him instead of pulling away, we would find that our loving Father would wrap us in His forgiveness. We would find the peace and joy that only He can give.
David described it best in one of his songs, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is fulness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Take a walk with the Lord today. Find comfort in being in His presence and (re)discover the peace that can only come from time spent with your loving Father.
May the Lord bless you.
As I go about my day, I often catch myself humming a tune. I’ve always enjoyed a variety of music. Some days a fast beat helps me get motivated and moves me right along. On other days, the down-to-earth sound of Bluegrass matches my mood best. Then there are times when it’s just God and me in the silence. That’s when the songs of my childhood come back to me and tug at the edge of my thoughts. Songs like “In the Garden”
“In The Garden”
(1st & 2ed stanzas)
I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
As I sing this, in my mind I see images of a quiet walk in a grassy garden with flowers, shrubs, and trees all around. The thought that God will meet us where we are and wants to spend time with us one-on-one humbles me. He created man for fellowship. He wants to spend time talking with us every day.
“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou?” (Gen. 3:8-9)
This leads me to believe that Adam’s walks with the Lord were a regular occurrence; and when Adam sinned, he couldn’t face God. So he hid. More often than I care to admit; that’s what I do. When my wayward spirit leads me down the wrong path, I find myself pulling away from God. I hide myself in distractions like TV, loud music, and even ‘busyness’. Do you ever do that? Some call it drowning out the voice of our conscious. I suspect I hide because if I were to face God, I would need to confess my sin and turn away from it.
Sometimes I get stubborn and don’t want to confess and repent. The more I dig my heals in, the more my pride rears up. Why should I have to humble myself? After all, everyone else sins sometimes.
You know, in really thinking about it, that sounds just like a rebellious child. If you’ve ever spent any time at all around children, you’ll remember watching them make the most irrational excuses for not being obedient. My favorite one is: “Everyone else does it!”
If we, as children, were to keep turning back to God when we mess up and draw closer to Him instead of pulling away, we would find that our loving Father would wrap us in His forgiveness. We would find the peace and joy that only He can give.
David described it best in one of his songs, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is fulness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Take a walk with the Lord today. Find comfort in being in His presence and (re)discover the peace that can only come from time spent with your loving Father.
May the Lord bless you.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Does God Have Faith In You?
Silly concept, ridiculous idea may be your response and that maybe accurate but it is a thought that entered my mind. I am sure the Holy Spirit placed this in my brain to be mulled over and to instruct me and to lead me to a greater knowledge of God.
We often hear people make comments concerning their faith and trust in another person. They may say such things as, “I have complete faith in John, and he is so dependable and always honest in all he does. I am sure he would be very trustworthy in this situation.” The opposite is also true. People respond with distrust about certain people. Their opinion is based on observed or ‘hear say’ evidence. If God does have faith in people, he might have faith in the first but it is very doubtful if He would in the second.
I haven’t found a direct reference in the Bible where God states that He has faith in some person. In a sense he did express confidence in Job. Job was an honorable man and is spoken of very highly in the Bible. Some of the characteristics of Job mentioned in the book bearing his name included: Job was said to be perfect. This means that Job was obedient to God and did as he was instructed to do. Job feared God. Job had a proper and healthy concept and respect for God. He reverenced God. Job avoided evil: Job avoided even the opportunity to do evil. We are not told Job was sinless but that he avoided sin to the best of his ability. Job was a family man: Job had a wife and seven sons and three daughters. Job was active in their lives and taught them in spiritual matters. Job was a businessman that was very successful. And lastly, Job was respected by his peers.
Job is our example of one of God’s children that He had faith in. Job had strong credentials to fulfill this place of trust with God. Makes me wonder if I come remotely close to such a place of faith. Let’s eavesdrop on conversations in heaven and see how God allowed Job to show his makeup to the world and particularly to Satan.
It seems from this story of Job that the angels had the practice of reporting to God from time to time. Remember Satan was once the angel Lucifer. It is the time for the angels to report and it is Satan’s turn to speak with God. God asks Satan what he has been doing to which Satan response that he has been traveling over the earth. God then brings up Job; he asks Satan if he has considered Job. God speaks highly of Job. Now it is Satan’s turn to respond and he does so by asking the question, ‘Does Job fear God without a cause? Have you not protected him and blessed him abundantly?’ Satan makes a wager with God: “Put forth your hand a touch all Job has and he will curse you.”
The gauntlet has been thrown down and God gives Satan permission to touch all he has but not to touch Job physically. Round one of the fight has begun. Satan hurries for the throne room of God and goes directly to Job and begins to take away all he has. If you have ever though you have had it bad; think on what happened to Job. Job first loses his oxen, then his sheep, followed by his camels. His final loss was the sudden death of his seven sons and three daughters. Now hear this: after all this, Job rent his clothes, shaved his head and fell to the earth and worshipped. Not a foolish charge brought against God; Job simply remained without sin throughout this ordeal.
A frustrated, upset Satan returns to God to up the stakes. His first boast had been wrong but he was confident that his next approach would bring the desired results. God agrees to allow Satan access to Job’s body and to inflict him with painful boils. Even with the loss of all material blessings and the loss of his health, Job continued to praise God.
Now back to the original question about God having faith in you. If Satan approached God would God ever consider bringing your name before Satan for such a test? I am sure this testing has happened at other times. Would you be as understand and keep your focus and allegiance on God as all you have and your health disappeared?
I have evaluated myself as I have been typing this and to my shame I find that I would probably fail such a test. An even worse problem is that God would never consider me for such a test. I don’t think it would be recorded of me that I am perfect, or that I have the proper reverence for God or that I always avoid evil. Yes, I have a family and I am a businessman; and for the most part, I am respected by my peers. It is sad to be at this stage in my life and have to honestly grade myself as failing the requirements for a test like this from God. Maybe I have spent too much of my life concentrating on those that speak of relationship with people. Maybe my reputation with man is more than my reputation with God. Does God have faith in you? This is your question to answer.
Spreading His Word, Don
We often hear people make comments concerning their faith and trust in another person. They may say such things as, “I have complete faith in John, and he is so dependable and always honest in all he does. I am sure he would be very trustworthy in this situation.” The opposite is also true. People respond with distrust about certain people. Their opinion is based on observed or ‘hear say’ evidence. If God does have faith in people, he might have faith in the first but it is very doubtful if He would in the second.
I haven’t found a direct reference in the Bible where God states that He has faith in some person. In a sense he did express confidence in Job. Job was an honorable man and is spoken of very highly in the Bible. Some of the characteristics of Job mentioned in the book bearing his name included: Job was said to be perfect. This means that Job was obedient to God and did as he was instructed to do. Job feared God. Job had a proper and healthy concept and respect for God. He reverenced God. Job avoided evil: Job avoided even the opportunity to do evil. We are not told Job was sinless but that he avoided sin to the best of his ability. Job was a family man: Job had a wife and seven sons and three daughters. Job was active in their lives and taught them in spiritual matters. Job was a businessman that was very successful. And lastly, Job was respected by his peers.
Job is our example of one of God’s children that He had faith in. Job had strong credentials to fulfill this place of trust with God. Makes me wonder if I come remotely close to such a place of faith. Let’s eavesdrop on conversations in heaven and see how God allowed Job to show his makeup to the world and particularly to Satan.
It seems from this story of Job that the angels had the practice of reporting to God from time to time. Remember Satan was once the angel Lucifer. It is the time for the angels to report and it is Satan’s turn to speak with God. God asks Satan what he has been doing to which Satan response that he has been traveling over the earth. God then brings up Job; he asks Satan if he has considered Job. God speaks highly of Job. Now it is Satan’s turn to respond and he does so by asking the question, ‘Does Job fear God without a cause? Have you not protected him and blessed him abundantly?’ Satan makes a wager with God: “Put forth your hand a touch all Job has and he will curse you.”
The gauntlet has been thrown down and God gives Satan permission to touch all he has but not to touch Job physically. Round one of the fight has begun. Satan hurries for the throne room of God and goes directly to Job and begins to take away all he has. If you have ever though you have had it bad; think on what happened to Job. Job first loses his oxen, then his sheep, followed by his camels. His final loss was the sudden death of his seven sons and three daughters. Now hear this: after all this, Job rent his clothes, shaved his head and fell to the earth and worshipped. Not a foolish charge brought against God; Job simply remained without sin throughout this ordeal.
A frustrated, upset Satan returns to God to up the stakes. His first boast had been wrong but he was confident that his next approach would bring the desired results. God agrees to allow Satan access to Job’s body and to inflict him with painful boils. Even with the loss of all material blessings and the loss of his health, Job continued to praise God.
Now back to the original question about God having faith in you. If Satan approached God would God ever consider bringing your name before Satan for such a test? I am sure this testing has happened at other times. Would you be as understand and keep your focus and allegiance on God as all you have and your health disappeared?
I have evaluated myself as I have been typing this and to my shame I find that I would probably fail such a test. An even worse problem is that God would never consider me for such a test. I don’t think it would be recorded of me that I am perfect, or that I have the proper reverence for God or that I always avoid evil. Yes, I have a family and I am a businessman; and for the most part, I am respected by my peers. It is sad to be at this stage in my life and have to honestly grade myself as failing the requirements for a test like this from God. Maybe I have spent too much of my life concentrating on those that speak of relationship with people. Maybe my reputation with man is more than my reputation with God. Does God have faith in you? This is your question to answer.
Spreading His Word, Don
Friday, April 10, 2009
Special Message From A Friend
HAVE YOU MADE THE DECISION TO ACCEPT JESUS? You will make many big decisions throughout your life. Where you will go to college, what career you will have, who you will marry, having children, are just a few. However, there is no decision that you will make during your life greater than where you will spend eternity when this brief life is over.
The Bible teaches us that tomorrow is promised to none of us and that each day is a gift from God. When you die, your body will go back to the dust of the earth as God mandated, but your soul, the part of man made in God's image is eternal. Where your soul spends eternity is a choice each individual who lives will make during their life. It is God's desire that ALL come to repentance and none be lost. He sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of all mankind so that thru faith in Jesus man could be reconciled back to God and have the assurance of everlasting life with his Creator.
My friend, nobody who is honest will dispute that they will die one day, and nobody who is honest will dispute they commit sin. We ALL sin and fall short of God's glory and it is our sin that separates us from a holy God. GOD LOVES YOU! He is willing to forgive you of your sins if you will simply ask Him. There is nothing you have done in your life that God won't forgive you for if you ask Him. He does not want to see your soul perish for eternity, but wants you to spend your eternity with Him.
Please, take a few moments, the most important few moments you will ever spend and read the following few paragraphs. These words can literally change you for all eternity. I am praying for you!
For God so loved the world, HE GAVE. Today is the day that we celebrate one of the greatest events in human history. We celebrate today the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God's gift to the world. Today is truly a day of rejoicing. Because of this gift from God, we can be forgiven of our sins and reunited with our Creator for eternity. So much of what I deal with each day in this Devotional is to help you walk through this short journey here
on earth victoriously and productively. But we must never forget that our time here is very short, and there is an eternity waiting for us when this journey is completed.
I want to focus for just a minute on this most special day, to that split second when our life on this earth is finished and we are launched into eternity. Do you have the assurance this very moment that when your life is complete, your eternity is going to be spent in Heaven with God your Creator?
If the answer to that question is anything but a resounding YES, then let me just share this simple truth with you. You see, our God, our Creator so loved this world, so loved His creation, that He sent His Son, His only Son to be part of this world. Jesus had one mission in this life. It wasn't to be a great teacher, though He was a great teacher. It wasn't to be a great prophet, though He was a great prophet. It wasn't to be a great miracle worker, though He did work many great miracles. No my friend, Jesus came to this world to perform only one job...to die.
You see, the reason it was vital for Jesus to be immaculately conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin was so that He was not infested with the same problem you and I are born into this life with, sin. Otherwise, the best He could have done was to die for His own sins. Jesus lived on this earth for some 33 years before it was time to complete His work. That work was finished on a cross on the hill called Calvary where He hung, and then died as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of this world. That is why,
whosoever believes in Jesus, shall not perish, but have everlasting life!
Believing in Jesus is the only way to be saved because it was Jesus who died for our sins. There are no other ways to be saved, no other roads to God, there are no other plans of salvation!!! This is God's one and only plan to reconcile His fallen creation back to Himself. This is the only way that you can escape eternity apart from the God who created you in His own image. It is through His grace and by your faith in Jesus Christ!
There are many incredible mysteries in the Bible. There are many doctrinal issues that will never be fully understood until we are in Heaven. But God made the most important decision of this life very easy and simple to understand. He gave every one the same opportunity to have their sins washed away and be assured of an eternity in Heaven. That is why we celebrate Good Friday today. That is why we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
The most important decision you will make in this life is not who you will marry, or where you will live, or what kind of job you will have. The most important decision you will make in this life is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you have not done that yet, the Bible says that TODAY is the day of salvation. I would invite you to go to, http://www.liveprayer.com/bdy_salvatn.cfm. Pray to ask God to open your heart, read the words, pray the prayer, and accept today God's gift to you this Easter season, the gift of everlasting life through His son Jesus.
I love you and care about you deeply. For those of you who already know Christ as your Savior, I would encourage you to forward this to someone that you know who is lost and without hope this Easter. What better present to give someone than the opportunity to know Jesus as their Savior and God's free gift of everlasting life. I pray that you will take time today to focus on the gift that God has given to us in His Son Jesus. He gave His very best gift to us, which is why I will continue to encourage you each day to give your very best to Him.
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
The Bible teaches us that tomorrow is promised to none of us and that each day is a gift from God. When you die, your body will go back to the dust of the earth as God mandated, but your soul, the part of man made in God's image is eternal. Where your soul spends eternity is a choice each individual who lives will make during their life. It is God's desire that ALL come to repentance and none be lost. He sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of all mankind so that thru faith in Jesus man could be reconciled back to God and have the assurance of everlasting life with his Creator.
My friend, nobody who is honest will dispute that they will die one day, and nobody who is honest will dispute they commit sin. We ALL sin and fall short of God's glory and it is our sin that separates us from a holy God. GOD LOVES YOU! He is willing to forgive you of your sins if you will simply ask Him. There is nothing you have done in your life that God won't forgive you for if you ask Him. He does not want to see your soul perish for eternity, but wants you to spend your eternity with Him.
Please, take a few moments, the most important few moments you will ever spend and read the following few paragraphs. These words can literally change you for all eternity. I am praying for you!
For God so loved the world, HE GAVE. Today is the day that we celebrate one of the greatest events in human history. We celebrate today the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God's gift to the world. Today is truly a day of rejoicing. Because of this gift from God, we can be forgiven of our sins and reunited with our Creator for eternity. So much of what I deal with each day in this Devotional is to help you walk through this short journey here
on earth victoriously and productively. But we must never forget that our time here is very short, and there is an eternity waiting for us when this journey is completed.
I want to focus for just a minute on this most special day, to that split second when our life on this earth is finished and we are launched into eternity. Do you have the assurance this very moment that when your life is complete, your eternity is going to be spent in Heaven with God your Creator?
If the answer to that question is anything but a resounding YES, then let me just share this simple truth with you. You see, our God, our Creator so loved this world, so loved His creation, that He sent His Son, His only Son to be part of this world. Jesus had one mission in this life. It wasn't to be a great teacher, though He was a great teacher. It wasn't to be a great prophet, though He was a great prophet. It wasn't to be a great miracle worker, though He did work many great miracles. No my friend, Jesus came to this world to perform only one job...to die.
You see, the reason it was vital for Jesus to be immaculately conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin was so that He was not infested with the same problem you and I are born into this life with, sin. Otherwise, the best He could have done was to die for His own sins. Jesus lived on this earth for some 33 years before it was time to complete His work. That work was finished on a cross on the hill called Calvary where He hung, and then died as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of this world. That is why,
whosoever believes in Jesus, shall not perish, but have everlasting life!
Believing in Jesus is the only way to be saved because it was Jesus who died for our sins. There are no other ways to be saved, no other roads to God, there are no other plans of salvation!!! This is God's one and only plan to reconcile His fallen creation back to Himself. This is the only way that you can escape eternity apart from the God who created you in His own image. It is through His grace and by your faith in Jesus Christ!
There are many incredible mysteries in the Bible. There are many doctrinal issues that will never be fully understood until we are in Heaven. But God made the most important decision of this life very easy and simple to understand. He gave every one the same opportunity to have their sins washed away and be assured of an eternity in Heaven. That is why we celebrate Good Friday today. That is why we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
The most important decision you will make in this life is not who you will marry, or where you will live, or what kind of job you will have. The most important decision you will make in this life is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you have not done that yet, the Bible says that TODAY is the day of salvation. I would invite you to go to, http://www.liveprayer.com/bdy_salvatn.cfm. Pray to ask God to open your heart, read the words, pray the prayer, and accept today God's gift to you this Easter season, the gift of everlasting life through His son Jesus.
I love you and care about you deeply. For those of you who already know Christ as your Savior, I would encourage you to forward this to someone that you know who is lost and without hope this Easter. What better present to give someone than the opportunity to know Jesus as their Savior and God's free gift of everlasting life. I pray that you will take time today to focus on the gift that God has given to us in His Son Jesus. He gave His very best gift to us, which is why I will continue to encourage you each day to give your very best to Him.
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
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