Fallen Truth

Isaiah 59 is a description of how it was then, but upon reading it sure does sound like our society today as well. I don't think I need to tell you all of the statistics of how far we have fallen away from obedience to God, because I'm sure you've heard all about the problems as I have. Verse 14 talks about how the truth has fallen. We discussed what we could do to stand truth back on its' feet. Here are some ideas...
1. We must decide that we will do right no matter what the cost...in our homes, at our places of employment, and each place we find ourselves.
2. We must make sure that we are doing what is right and encouraging others to do what is right.
3. We need to follow the instructions that God has given to us in His Word.
Please feel free to share any other thoughts you might have on getting the truth back on its' feet.

What are my options?

I don't know about you, but I like to know what my options are. I have on too many occasions been disappointed because I didn't know that I had other options. We looked at three options presented for us in Deuteronomy 29 and I just wanted to focus on one of them.

De 29:18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; 19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: 20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

This is the guy that says, "I'll take my chances." This is not a wise option, but this person has been fooled into thinking that he will just do it his way and everything will be O.K. God's Word is given to us so we can live a life of joy, but some look at it as having to spend time in jail. God has said he would bring a curse, but this man says he will bless himself and have peace as I do what I want. That phrase, "Adding drunkenness to thirst" refers to fulfilling the utmost indulgence in all sensual gratification.

Of course verse 20 explains how God feels about this man's lifestyle, and what He is going to do about it. I look at this man and I think about how proud he is, but then when I get a glimpse of myself I can see that man in me. Living for the pleasure of myself is one option that I do have, but the wise option is to live your life in obedience to God and His Word. May God bless each of you as you seek to walk in His will.

The Gospel Truth

One of the things missing as we share the Gospel is the awfulness of sin. The Gospel makes perfect sense when we see the awfulness of our sin, and recognize our need for Christ. People do not see themselves as sinners in today's society so we must use terms that they can understand and relate to. The fact is that we are sinners and sin has consequences. The beautiful part of the Gospel is that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to take our punishment. People must recognize the bad news before they can truly appreciate the good news.

How does this apply to us today?

1. We need to quit talking about sharing the Gospel and just start sharing.

2. We need to stop trying to sugar cote the Truth and just proclaim the Truth as it is

Thinking about small group Bible studies

I have had several people say that they would be interested in getting together in small groups for Bible study. This has brought several questions to my mind, and I'd like some input on the best way to go about it. I want the Bible studies to be beneficial and enjoyable for all that attend. Here are a few of my questions...

1. What type of groups do we want?
- Divide men and women?
- Combined men and women?
- Offer both?
2. Who will lead the groups?
3. Where will the groups meet?
4. When should the groups meet?
5. How many groups should we have?
6. How many people should be in each group?
7. What topics should we study?

These are just some things that are going around in my brain these days. I'd love to hear what you think or how you have seen it done before. Of course, I have a few ideas of my own, but I am looking forward to seeing what God does in each of our lives through these small groups.

How Can I Keep All of the Commands

I have really enjoyed our Wednesday night studies in the book of Deuteronomy! I never realized how many spiritual gems are found there. Last night we were discussing whether or not having a desire is enough to get something done. Once again the New Year is here and along with that come our resolutions for the year. Every year at the top of my list you will find exercise. I really do have a desire to be in shape, but desire is not enough, as you can probably tell by looking at me. Let me just remind you of some of the Truth's we talked about from Deuteronomy 27 and 28. We asked the question, "How can I keep all of God's commands?" Here are three things found in this passage of Scripture that can help.

1. We need reminders Verses 1-8

- Make monuments for special places in which God has worked in your life

- Mark it down so you don't forget how God is working in your life

2. We need to be real v. 15-26

- These verses are very straightforward. There is no beating around the bush it gets right to the point

- These verses are very specific. They need no room for questions.

- We need to be straightforward and specific about the sins that we are dealing with and ask God for the help that we need

3. We need to be responsible Chapter 28:1,14

- It is our responsibility to obey v. 1

- It is our responsibility not to stray v. 14

These three things will help us keep the commands of God. I know you have the desire, but now you have some help from God's Word.

Abiding in the Vine in 2009

This is what God has been dealing with me as we begin a new year. John chapter 15 speaks of abiding in the vine. That sounds so good, but what and how can we do this? Here are some practical tips that I trust will help you Abide in the Vine in 2009.

1. Saturate everything in prayer v. 7

2. Sole goal (not soul glow) to glorify God v.8

3. Sensitivity to obedience v. 10

4. Step out of your comfort zone