Men's Ministry

Spirit Power

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

(Acts 1:8 NKJ)

Our Pastor preached an awesome sermon Sunday from the above captioned verse of scripture. His message caused me to think about how we need to be following the lead of the Holy Spirit that is given to each of us who have believed in Jesus as Savior. The power that comes from His leadership is almost more than we can comprehend.

Away from the Holy Spirit, our lives look just like anyone else. According to scripture, we should be sensitive to the Spirit and we should take time to listen to the voice that only comes from Him. Hold firmly to the truth that He will guide you and me through decisions and details of our daily life.

As we learn to walk in the Spirit, God will never ask us to do anything that violates his Word. That Holy Spirit direction will always line up with the Bible, even though it may not line up with our church tradition or our pre-conceived notions.

Satan is constantly trying to make us listen to everything and everyone else, instead of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit turns our eyes from self to the most powerful source of direction.

Try keeping a list of times when you sense the Spirit prompting you. This small and simple process will help you become sensitive to the Spirit, but it will also strengthen your commitment to obey and follow God’s guidance for your life.

I like how C. H. Spurgeon said it, “look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith….follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee.”

Will you make mistakes? Yes you will, but don’t forget the grace that abounds from God. When you misunderstand the prompting of the Spirit, and make a wrong decision or choice, confess your failure and move on. Our Father forgives.

As my Pastor said so well, the Spirit gives us the power to share our testimony and tell the good news of Christ in our community, our state and our world. Thank you Father.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(I John 1:9 NAS)

The List Maker

So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17(NLT)

I recently talked to someone about how busy life is and how I struggle to accomplish things. This person related to me that they keep lists. Lists of things they want to accomplish in the day, and they check them off as the day goes along to remind them of what they have accomplished. Well, I probably need a legal pad.

We all have 168 hours in each week. How do you invest that time? Here a few thoughts for making better use of our time.

First, analyze your lifestyle. Think about how you lose (waste) your time. Try keeping a record of how you spend your time each day and you will quickly see how your time is being used either wisely or unwise.

Secondly, don’t procrastinate. According to the above captured scripture, make the most of every opportunity to do good. Do it now, don’t wait. Eliminate those things that waste time. Paul reminds us in 1 Cor. 10:23, that not all things are useful. Many things are good, but not necessarily the best and most useful.

Finally, make that priority list for the day. What does God have for you to accomplish today? If you don’t have time to do God’s will, check your life. Are you doing something God never intended for you to do? Are you not doing what God intended for you to do? Are you doing the right thing, but the wrong way?

God does not assign you a purpose in life without providing you time to do it. Not enough time to get it done, perhaps God did not intend for you to do it all. What is your God given purpose?

Enjoy the day.

Never boast about tomorrow. You don’t know what will happen between now and then.

Proverbs 27:1

But you are blessed, because you see with your eyes and hear with your ears."
(Matthew 13:16 NCV)

I am growing one tomato plant. Yes, one plant with cherry tomatoes. I don't even eat tomatoes, but it seemed like a good idea a few weeks ago when buying new replacement plants for the yard. I planted the tomato plant in a pot and yes, we now have green cherry tomatoes growing. My son and daughter in law have planted themselves a nice garden. Mixtures of tomatoes, peppers, asparagus (yum), and other not so common veggies. Their garden looks great.

Our Bible is full of imagery from the agricultural world. Today's look at Matthew 13 is no exception. Jesus often used parables and stories related to agriculture to illustrate truths about God's kingdom.

"What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the message about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away what was planted in that person's heart. And what is the seed that fell on rocky ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and quickly accepts it with joy. But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life, so he keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, he quickly gives up. And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and the temptation of wealth stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit in that person's life. But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes a hundred times more, sometimes sixty times more, and sometimes thirty times more." (Matthew 13:18-23)

So how is your garden growing this spring. Much fruit yet? Keep those weeds out and keep it watered. Before long, the yield will be a blessing.

I am recovering nicely, driving my wife bonkers. Thank you for praying for me. I am out of the office this week, per my doctor's request, but hopefully back to work next week. Each day is an improvement. My reports should be back next week. Keep me on your prayer list as I continue to pray for you.

"You have been chosen to know the secrets about the kingdom of heaven, but others cannot know these secrets." (Matthew 13:11)

Resurrection News

The resurrection of believers is going to be a transforming experience for our bodies and a triumphant moment in history. The dead in Christ shall rise from their graves just as the Lord promised. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Caring for patients on a daily basis reminds me of just how fragile our bodies are. Every day I see people who try things that should only be done by someone 10 years younger than their present age. Observing my parents as they move into their middle and upper nineties, is a reminder that our bodies are in a decline. We all face at one time or another, just how mortal these bodies are.

Physical death is not preventable, but there is good news for those who have accepted Christ as Savior. Death can’t hold us. As a Christ follower, we will move from this earthly existence into a heavenly home, with the company of all who have believed in Christ.

Receiving such amazing news, that is, indestructible bodies, life forever with God, and death permanently destroyed one day, how are we to live on earth? Paul tells us, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58)

Consider the thought of Jesus and what He did for us…….. and what He promises will one day be ours……. motivate us to wholehearted Christian commitment. Living for the Lord and pleasing Him is our aim. As believers, we value the triumphant, eternal work of Jesus. Let’s be sure the unbelieving world can see Him reflected in our relationships, work ethic, and everyday activities.

Additional study: 2 Cor. 4:14-18