Haggaion

What Are You Talking About?

2009-09-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. - Matthew 12:36

‘Idle words’- just the common everyday things people talk about. Things such as: weather, sports, news, politics, movies, music, jokes, family, friends, work, etc. The vain earthly things that men spend most of their lives preoccupied with.

And Jesus says we shall give an account for these words in the day of judgment!

That is serious. That is sobering.

“Oh, be careful little mouth what you speak,” “for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks!”

What are you talking about?

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Are You Laughing or Crying?

2009-07-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.

Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. ~ Ezekiel 9:4-7
　
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. …Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. ~ Luke 6:21 & 25

Take a look around you. There is much abomination in the land.

Are you crying...or laughing?

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Would You Dare Usurp the Holy Spirit?

2009-06-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Before you lead a person in the ‘Sinner’s Prayer’ to be saved, stop and ask yourself “Is what I am about to do biblically correct?” Then go and read the entire New Testament and search for the answer to that question. See if you can find one example of the apostles or disciples doing such a thing.

You may be very shocked to find the answer is...NO! No where in scripture will you find the apostles or disciples leading a person in a ‘Sinner’s Prayer.’ Search for it, you will not find it. The ‘Sinner’s Prayer’ is a man made evangelizing technique which is unbiblical and actually usurps the authority and work of God the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, this technique can give a person a false sense of security. He is led in a prayer by someone else, given the very words to pray. Afterwards he is told something like “Congratulation, you’ve been born again.” or “Welcome to the family, you’re now a Christian.” He believes he has done what was necessary to become a Christian. He is assured that all is well with his soul. But, in fact, it is not. He has been converted by men but not the Spirit of God.

Certainly it is true that all who call upon the Lord shall be saved. But, calling upon the Lord goes way beyond simply repeating by rote some words given to you by another person to pray. It is not some quick “Repeat after me” prayer man has invented. Rather, it is the work of God! Consider Jacob of old who wrestled with the Lord through the night until he received the blessing and Saul (later named Paul) who was blinded and in agony of soul for three days.

For a person to be born again, he must be born by the power of God, not the crafty persuasions of man! The Bible says:

"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” and “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing" (John 6:63, John 1:13)

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:" (Romans 8:14-16)

When the Spirit of God converts a man, that man does not need someone else to tell him how or what to pray. The Holy Spirit will do that. Neither does he need man to assure him that he has been born again. The Spirit will do that also. Truly, salvation is the work of God!

Consider this before you lead another person in the “Sinner’s Prayer” and remember that only God has the right to tell someone he is His child. We have no right to usurp His sovereign authority and will in this matter. Salvation is of the Lord!

As Paris Reidhead said: “No one in the universe has the right to tell a person they’re born of God except the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of adoption. He has never ceded that right to anyone. He reserves that as His sovereign prerogative. The only one that has the right to tell a person they’re born of God is God the Holy Ghost.”

Would you dare usurp the Holy Spirit?

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Are You Sitting In Darkness?

2009-06-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

(Matthew 4:16, 6:23; Luke 11;35; John 1:5, 3:19, 8:12, 12:46; Acts 26:18; Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 1:6)

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Who Drew You To Jesus?

2009-06-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

"… Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)

The word except is a conjunction with the same meaning as the word unless. It is a word that indicates the circumstance. With it’s use, one condition is stipulated by another. Therefore, the condition of perishing is determined by the condition of repentance. If one repents, he will not perish. Likewise, if he does not repent, perish he will.

We see this also in the following verse:

"… Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)

The stipulation for seeing the kingdom of God is that one must be born again. If a man is not born again, he will not see the kingdom of God.
　
Now, consider what Jesus said in the gospel of John.

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)

You will note that Jesus did not say “no man will come.” Rather, he said “no man can come.” For one to be able to come to the Son, he must be drawn by the Father. If he is not drawn by the Father, he can not come to the Son.

That is a serious stipulation!

Too many people think they have come to Jesus, when the truth is they have not. They have been coaxed or pressured by men to come. They have been told by men what to believe, what to do, and how to do it. They have simply accepted a religion passed on to them by family or friends. They have been taught by men and not by God. (John 6:45) Yet, no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him.

Have you not read that those who are born again are born of God and not by the will of man? (John 1:13) Do you not know that that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit? (John 3:6)

Conversion is a work of God in a man’s heart. Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29)

I urge you to "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" ( 2 Corinthians 13:5)

Who drew you to Jesus?

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What Are You Afraid Of?

2009-05-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. ~ Psalm 9:20

I recently did a search on the various fears people may have. Checking numerous sources, I found the following to be among the ten most common, though not necessarily in this order:

1. Spiders
2. Heights
3. Flying
4. Storms
5. Death
6. Crowds
7. Confined spaces
8. Vomiting
9. Cancer
10. Germs

I read of people becoming so bound by their fear that it is a great hindrance in their lives. For instance, some become so afraid of germs that they will never leave their homes, while others fear cancer so much they avoid anyone they know who has it.

There is a sobering irony in all of this. Men being cumbered in fears they should not have, while lacking the one fear that should utterly grip their hearts. That is... the fear of the Lord.

Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. (Psalm 33:8)

Jesus said… “But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” (Luke 12:5)

Sinful men are at enmity with their Creator. They have violated His holy standards. They have rebelled against their Maker. They have become defiled and unclean things. God is angry with them. His wrath now abides upon them. One day this just and mighty God will pour out His wrath upon all who work iniquity and cause offence. They will be cast into hell where they will spend an eternity separated from Him.

Should not men fear God? Indeed! Yet, to the destruction of their own souls, they do not.

Look at the list. Do your own search. You will not find the fear of God among the common fears people have. Truly, as we have been told:

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:18)

How utterly tragic this is. Because…

He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them. (Psalm 145:19)

and…

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy. (Psalm 147:11)

Do you "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling?" (Psalm 2:11)

　
What are you afraid of?

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Do You Really Want To Know Jesus?

2009-04-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ~ Philippians 3:10

　
Here the apostle Paul speaks of a ‘knowledge’ of Jesus that goes way beyond some simple head knowledge and is much deeper than a sentimental affection. Truly, it is a knowledge of the most intimate type.

Paul wants to be so identified with the nature and character of Jesus that he is willing to suffer to the point of death that he might know the power of His resurrection.

Listen to what Paul is saying.

He is saying:

I want to know what it is to be mocked, despised, and tormented for God.
I want to know what it is to be so hated by this world that I am put to death.
I want to know His victorious power of resurrection to life!
I want to know Him!!!

Obviously, Paul is not talking about some casual Sunday-go-to-meeting type fellowship. He is speaking of a total sold-out surrender that goes way beyond that.

Think about that for a moment.

Let that sink deeply into your mind.

Then ask yourself... “Do I really want to know Jesus?”

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Is There Something You Are Hiding?

2008-12-12T00:28:00.000-08:00

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. ~ Luke 12:2

A little girl stole a pretty red barrette from her cousin. Cleverly she slipped it into her dress pocket.

When confronted by her cousin, she denied having it. Upon examination by her mother and aunt, she carefully and with slight of hand removed the barrette showing her pockets to be empty. Thus, she convinced the adults that she was being wrongly accused.

As her family drove away leaving her cousin in tears, she glowed in triumphant thievery.

Yet, the story does not end here.

Nearing her home, the thought suddenly entered her mind that she wouldn’t be able to wear the barrette. Certainly her mother would know where it had come from. Most definitely she would be punished for this offence. It seemed as though the barrette was now burning a hole in her hand. She no longer glowed in triumph, rather she smoldered in torment of mind. What would she do?

Upon arrival home, she wanted nothing more than to be rid of the whole thing. So, she decided to hide the barrette and to do so as quickly as possible. Thus, she bounded into the house and hastily tucked the little red barrette into the first thing she saw.

That first thing she saw just happened to be the family Bible.

No doubt, Providence would have it so.

A few moments later, her father entered the room and noticed a lump in the Bible. What did he find but the little red barrette! Truly, her sin had found her out!

Needless to say, she was chastised for her transgression. She was also humbled in that she was made to call and confess her sins to her aunt and cousin. The stolen item was returned to it's rightful owner at the first available opportunity.

Just like the little girl in this story, there are many who think they can hide their sins from God. But, they too will one day learn that there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.

Is there something you are hiding?

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Are You As Stubborn As A Mule?

2006-12-24T20:58:00.000-08:00

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. ~ Psalm 32:8-10

We learn from these verses that God will instruct us and teach us the way that we should go. He will guide us with his eye! He is willing to impart to us wisdom and guidance. He wants to direct all our paths.

Interestingly, He also tells us to not be like a horse or mule. What does He mean by that?

In order to get a horse or mule to follow your lead and do as you are directing it to do, you must use a bit or bridle on it. The former will inflict a slight pain under the animal's tongue. These instruments are necessary to control the animal.

Why?

Because the animal has a will of it's own. He may stubbornly want to go in his own direction. Yet, a slight tug on the bit and bridle will prompt the large beast to comply to your will and go the direction you desire. He can be made willing to follow your lead.

God doesn't want us to be like that. He doesn't want to have to use a 'bit' or 'bridle' on us, so to speak, in order to make us willing to follow His lead. He wants us to be willing of our own accord. He wants us to humbly submit to His guidance and instruction. He does not want us to be as the horse or as the mule.

Are you willing surrendered to God's guidance and leadership or are you being as stubborn as a mule?

Have You Forsaken All Your Idols?

2006-12-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

"For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

The Apostle Paul instructed the Christians at Colosse to:

'Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.' (Colossians 3:5)

Mortify means to put to death. He told the early Christians to put these types of deeds to death in their mortal bodies. That is, he was telling them not to practice these things.

You will note that he likened coveting specifically to idolatry. What is coveting you may ask?

Coveting is being greedy. It is having a miserly desire to gain or horde wealth, even to the extent of fraud or extortion. It can also mean to eagerly wish for something of pleasure or gain beyond what you currenlty have.

Now, the question is, 'Have you turned from idols to serve the living and true God?'

What Are Your Days Like?

2006-12-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good: let him seek peace, and ensue it.
~ 1Peter 3:10-11

What kind of days are you having? Good or bad? Would you like to see good days? Are you doing the things necessary for that?

By the way, the wages of sin is death. So, ask yourself, 'Do I really love life?'

What Will Your Harvest Be Like?

2006-10-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." ~ Galatians 6:7-8

You've heard the saying, "You reap what you sow." Here is the Bible verse that inspired it and also explains the meaning to us.

Sow to the flesh = reaping corruption.

Sow to the Spirit = reaping life everlasting.

Are you sowing to your flesh or sowing to the Spirit?

What will your harvest be like?

What's Your 'One Thing'?

2006-08-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. ~ Psalm 27:4

So, if you could have anything you asked for; but, you could only ask for one thing...what would you want?

How's Your Portfolio Looking Lately?

2006-06-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Timothy 6:27-19

How have you been investing in your future? Are you building a good foundation against the time to come?

Who Taught You?

2006-06-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." ~John 6: 44-45

Have you heard and learned from the Father about His Son? Who taught you about Jesus?

Why Do You Believe In Jesus?

2006-06-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

'And many more believed because of his own word; and said unto the woman,"Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."'~ John 4:41-42

So, do you believe in Jesus because of what you have heard about Him, or because you have heard HIM yourself? Think about that...seriously.

Are You Having Good Conversation?

2006-04-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." ~Philippians 1:27

The word conversation in this verse has the meaning of 'conduct'. A person's conduct is their behavior, their deeds, their speech.

A Christian should have conduct that becometh the gospel of Christ. Their conduct should testify to the truth of the saving, cleansing power of Jesus.

Are you having good conversation lately?

What Are Your Affections Set On?

2006-03-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.~ Colossians 3:1-2

Are the majority of your thoughts and desires centered on the things of this earth? Such as: material possessions, recreational activities, jobs or careers, politics, friends, family or physical fitness. You get the idea. What are your affections set on?

If you are truly risen with Christ, your affections should be set on things above.

Why?

Because that is where HE is at!

What Are You Doing With Your Hands?

2006-03-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands."~Proverbs 14:1

In this verse, hands symbolize our deeds.

By your deeds are you 'building' your house or 'plucking' it down?

What Are You Singing About?

2006-03-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage."~Psalm 119:54

The Psalmist said, "Thy statutes have been my songs."

The statutes he's referring to are God's written word, His laws and commandments.

What songs are on your lips?

What are you singing about?

How Are You Doing?

2006-03-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. ~ Colossians 3:17

Whatever we do is to be done for the glory of God.

Whatever we do should bring honor and praise to Jesus blessed name.

Whatever we do should not be for the praises of men, but rather the approval of God.

How are you doing?

What Makes You Cry?

2006-03-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

"I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word."~Psalm 119:158

Does sin in your life burden your heart?

When you see sin in others does is grieve you?

What makes you cry?

What's Your Wattage?

2006-03-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

Let your light so shine, before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16

Are your deeds bringing glory to your Father in heaven?

Is your lamp trimmed and burning bright?

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

What Are You Listening To?

2006-03-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

"A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue."~Proverbs 17:4

A 'naughty tongue' has the meaning of one who seeks to work ruin or is mischievous, such as a talebearer or slanderer. However, you will notice that the one who 'listens' to this type of speech is called a 'liar' and lying is an abomination unto the Lord.(Proverbs 12:22)

"Oh, be careful little ears what you hear."

What Are Your Children Learning?

2006-03-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk with them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."~Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Are you 'diligently' teaching the things of the Lord unto your children?

What are they learning and whom are they learning it from?

Who Do You Seek Counsel From?

2006-03-03T04:54:00.000-08:00

"Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors."~Psalm 119:24

I've often heard it said, that there is 'nothing' which pertains to our lives that God has not covered in His holy written word, the Bible. Amen!

Are you in need of marriage counseling? Read the Word.

Maybe you'd like more wisdom for parenting? Read the Word.

Are you having financial problems? Yep, it's in there.

The more you study the Bible, the more you'll see just how loving God is and how much He wants to 'counsel' us as we go along in this life.

Truly, He's covered it all for us. So... READ THE WORD!

What's Your Dream Job?

2006-03-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

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."~Psalm 84:10

The Psalmist said he'd rather have the job of opening and closing doors in heaven than to dwell with the wicked.

Looking for a better job or position than you currently have?
Maybe you should consider applying for this one.

What Are You Looking At?

2006-03-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me."~Psalm 101:3

Let this be a litmus test for what things are 'before your eyes'.

What sort of things are you looking at when you read, watch T.V. or a movie, go to the mall, etc.

Are they evil, or good?

What Are You Hungry For?

2006-02-28T23:03:00.000-08:00

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.~Matthew 5:6

Righteousness means to be in a 'right relationship' with God.

It means to be accepted as holy and without sin.

The only righteousness we can have is found in the Lord Jesus Christ, who 'is our righteousness'. (2Peter1:1)

So, the question is: What are you hungry for?