I've heard it. You've heard it. We've recited it (in my case, for many years). We've probably even SUNG it. But can we truly say we comprehend what it means to offer a "sacrifice of praise" to God?
Here are some Biblical references (emphasis mine):
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (Psalm 27:6, KJV)
I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. (Psalm 54:6, KJV)
The next two are the ones I remember singing:
And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:26, KJV)
The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 33:11, KJV)
In the Old Testament the words we read as "sacrifice" have a few meanings, but in the New, the meaning is entirely clear. To SACRIFICE means to "put the animal to death". There is no phraseological magic applied here by the composers of the English translations. To sacrifice means to kill something to God, or to give something up in favor of something better.
So how can I "kill something with praise"? Here's the clearest Biblical definition I could find:
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15, KJV)
Giving thanks to God with my lips (i.e. out loud). Continually (i.e. without stopping, even when I think it would be smarter to be doing something else with my time). And of course, please notice the Old Testament scriptures that describe the act of bringing the sacrifices of praise "into the house of the Lord" (i.e. coming to church, even when that small act takes a personal sacrifice).
The word "sacrifice" used in Hebrews for sacrifice of praise is identical to the word used in Romans 12:1, below, where we're to offer our bodies as "living sacrifices":
Romans 12:1 (NLT) - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Jesus died physically 2,000 years ago, so believers can live spiritually forever with God. And the scriptures encourage us to follow in Christ's footsteps (NOT to kill ourselves in the physical sense, but to offer/subordinate our physical natures to the spiritual/Christ-like nature, that of praise and worship to God so much and so often, it takes the place of our earthly activities and pasttimes.) I must point out that Jesus didn't kill himself. He offered his body up to be sacrificed as a substitute for all our sins. There's a BIG difference between the two.
Sacrifice my lips to God, by praising him when I could be saying something else. Sacrifice my time, talent, and yes, even my tithes to Him, when my intellect complains, telling me "it doesn't take all that".
Yes, it does. Offering my life to God through my praise. That's Biblical.
God Bless you all.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
WHERE is My Belief?
Sometimes I tell myself
not to think about you, LORD,
or even mention your name.
But your message burns
in my heart and bones,
and I cannot keep silent.
not to think about you, LORD,
or even mention your name.
But your message burns
in my heart and bones,
and I cannot keep silent.
Jeremiah 20:9 (CEV)
Unlike some "cradle Christians", I remember when I didn't believe. Looking back on my life, I know I didn't believe in the Lord Jesus Christ from the day of my birth until Saturday, May 15th, 1993 at about Noon.
During those 35 first years of my life, I truly thought my mindset and activities were consistent with those of the Christians around me, so I too would be "goin' up yonder" as the song says. But after that day in 1993 when God saved me, I realized my past wasn't what I thought. Sure, I could walk the walk and talk the talk. In some churches I attended, I had even been chosen into positions of leadership. But I wasn't saved, because I didn't BELIEVE.
Romans 10:9 tells us that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. As I look back, I realize I was confessing with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, AND I believed God raised him from the dead.... sort of. You see, my belief was in my head, just like my "belief" in Abraham Lincoln and my "belief" in the laws of physics. I had a belief that I now recognize was merely intellectual assent. My head told me anything's possible, so I went along with the notion that God can raise Jesus from the dead. So that meant I believed, right?
The Greek word from which we translate the English word "believe" is πιστεύω. This word can mean a deep-seated, heart belief, or it can mean a shallow, intellectual, head belief. So it's easy to see how some people can think they believe, yet not believe. The only way to differentiate between the beliefs is to ask yourself, where inside me does my belief in Jesus exist?
How can you tell the difference? Here are a few of the external differentiators I apply to my own life, that I use to tell me if I'm "in my head" or "in my heart". Perhaps they'll be helpful for you as well:
HEAD BELIEF:
When I'm looking at my watch, and getting concerned about the length of the service, I'm in my HEAD.
When I find myself thinking about anything except what the preacher is talking about (such as bills, my calendar this week, whether my tie is straight, etc.), I'm in my HEAD.
When I'm concerned about how silly I'll look if I fall on my face in worship, I'm in my HEAD.
When I get to church when I get there, and immediately head for a seat in the back of the sanctuary where I won't be noticed, I'm in my HEAD.
When I choose to attend one or perhaps a couple services throughout the week, but decide I'm too busy to attend all the services, I'm in my HEAD.
When I skip Sunday School (which occurs between our Sunday morning services) because I have "things to do" (EVEN THINGS FOR THE CHURCH), I'm in my HEAD.
When I think that tithing is too expensive and won't fit into my budget, I'm in my HEAD.
When my worship involvement is merely doing what the people around me are doing, I'm in my HEAD.
When I go the entire day and never think if Jesus (even if I've thought of "church"), I'm in my HEAD.
When I zip through the ritual of saying grace before my meals, instead of truly giving thanks, I'm in my HEAD.
When I don't pray and instead tell myself "The Lord knows my heart", I'm not in my heart. I'm in my HEAD.
When I find I have to use a book or other written aid to formulate my prayers, I'm in my HEAD.
HEART BELIEF:
When I suddenly find tears welling up in my eyes, I'm in my HEART (BIG indicator).
When I don't care what the people around me think, and praise God as loud as I like, I'm in my HEART.
When I find myself yearning to get into the sanctuary to worship - often indicated by my arriving early to service and zipping past the greeters and my friends - I'm in my HEART.
When I find myself giving - of my money, time, or talent - based on how I feel led rather than how my budget or schedule look, I'm in my HEART.
When I yearn to share my testimony, even though some may think I'm being too open or too trusting, I'm in my HEART.
When I find myself wanting to share about the goodness of Jesus with everyone, even those I don't know, I'm in my HEART.
When the scriptures become a "burning fire" inside of me that I can't stop from repeating, I'm in my HEART (Jeremiah 20:9).
Luke 24:32 (NIV) - They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Get Jesus into your HEART. If you're unsure about Jesus' location inside, just ask "Jesus, I know I've messed up in my life, but today I accept you as my Lord and savior. I ask you to come into my heart, and live there." Next, ensure you're "plugged into" a church that preaches God's word so much that it begins to burn inside you. Attend as much as you can, and stay there no matter how uncomfortable the word seems. God's word has the power to convict, to heal, and to transform.
He did it for me, and he can surely do it for you. God bless!
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
What Was Jairus Thinking?
In Mark 5:21-43 are two important instances that occurred simultaneously. In the first few verses, Jesus is approached by a synagogue leader named Jairus, who pleads with Jesus to come lay hands on his daughter so she will recover from her nearly-fatal illness.
Then, as Jesus, Jairus, and their entourage move toward Jairus' home, a woman with a twelve-year issue of blood touches his garment, and stops the entire procession.
During the time of this "delay", when the woman is healed, Jesus stops, and Jesus and the woman are conducting their dialogue, Jairus' daughter dies.
Later in the chapter, Jesus restores life to this girl, but during the time of his delay while healing this woman, do you think Jairus (the girl's father and leader of the synagogue) was really focused on how Jesus was healing the woman with the twelve-year issue of blood? Was he giving God the glory for doing what God wanted to do, and in God's own time?
My gut tells me no. In verse 35, even Jairus' servants suggested that he didn't need to bother Jesus anymore, because they thought his daughter was past the point of salvation. Perhaps that's why Jesus chose to ignore them and tell Jairus (in verse 36) to "Don't worry. Just have faith!" (Contemporary English Version).
Everything occurs because God allows it. Nothing occurs that surprises God. He knows our endings before he allows us to face any situation. When I'm faced with my own "Jairus Situation", I pray that God gives me the peace and courage to cling to hope, by clinging to Him.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) - Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Please pray for the saints.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Then, as Jesus, Jairus, and their entourage move toward Jairus' home, a woman with a twelve-year issue of blood touches his garment, and stops the entire procession.
During the time of this "delay", when the woman is healed, Jesus stops, and Jesus and the woman are conducting their dialogue, Jairus' daughter dies.
Later in the chapter, Jesus restores life to this girl, but during the time of his delay while healing this woman, do you think Jairus (the girl's father and leader of the synagogue) was really focused on how Jesus was healing the woman with the twelve-year issue of blood? Was he giving God the glory for doing what God wanted to do, and in God's own time?
My gut tells me no. In verse 35, even Jairus' servants suggested that he didn't need to bother Jesus anymore, because they thought his daughter was past the point of salvation. Perhaps that's why Jesus chose to ignore them and tell Jairus (in verse 36) to "Don't worry. Just have faith!" (Contemporary English Version).
Everything occurs because God allows it. Nothing occurs that surprises God. He knows our endings before he allows us to face any situation. When I'm faced with my own "Jairus Situation", I pray that God gives me the peace and courage to cling to hope, by clinging to Him.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) - Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Please pray for the saints.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Lord, Help Me Grow Up
As I go through this Christian walk, I'm often reminded that my life is incomplete without God's grace, mercy, and love. I'm so very thankful that he chose to save me back in May of 1993 during my Cursillo weekend (a weekend of Christian renewal; more on Cursillo in a later blog). But after I got saved, I spent lots of time just basking in the glow of God's love. I used to walk around with this great big grin, because I now BELIEVED, and knew I had been plucked out of darkness. I was SAVED, y'all!
But there's more to living a Christian life. Much, much more. We're told we need to tell our testimonies to others, so they too can know that the God of the Bible is true, living, and loves them far more than they could ever comprehend. But we're also told we're to study God's Word, so that we don't have to rely on our big grins to start conversations with intelligent folk.
Hebrews 5:11-6:3 (The Message) I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you've picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one--baby's milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God's ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong. So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by self-help" and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get on with it!
Soon after coming to Christ, we should be studying the Bible so much that we will be prepared to TEACH it to other Christians. I didn't realize I had an obligation to learn the Bible, but after reading Hebrews, it became apparent. I must dedicate the time to learn the Bible. Church sermons, group Bible study, Sunday School and Our Daily Bread are all well and good, but they're INSUFFICIENT to teach me enough so that I can teach it to others.
I've got to READ THE BIBLE. That's the only way I'll grow to be a complete and mature witness.
Now, instead of picking up the Bible and reading a verse or two, I read whole chapters. And recently, I told my prayer partner that "the verses are coming together", which was my way of saying I was finding verse after verse after verse that I recognized. And they were coming more and more frequently. I guess that's one indicator that I'm "growing up"!
Are you allowing yourself to "grow" as much as you should, by taking the time to read the Bible? If reading isn't your "thing", then skip over to http://www.firefighters.org/ and download the entire Bible on MP3. It's a wonderful ministry offering from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, and was released to the internet without royalty restrictions. Burn it to a couple CDs and play it in your MP3 player or MP3-capable CD player. Keep it running, day and night. Listen to it as you go to sleep, and listen to it as you awake. After a while, it'll get into you. And then you'll always have your "sword" (Ephesians 6:17).
If you don't like reading, you DO have alternatives.
2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
And Amen.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
But there's more to living a Christian life. Much, much more. We're told we need to tell our testimonies to others, so they too can know that the God of the Bible is true, living, and loves them far more than they could ever comprehend. But we're also told we're to study God's Word, so that we don't have to rely on our big grins to start conversations with intelligent folk.
Hebrews 5:11-6:3 (The Message) I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you've picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one--baby's milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God's ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong. So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by self-help" and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get on with it!
Soon after coming to Christ, we should be studying the Bible so much that we will be prepared to TEACH it to other Christians. I didn't realize I had an obligation to learn the Bible, but after reading Hebrews, it became apparent. I must dedicate the time to learn the Bible. Church sermons, group Bible study, Sunday School and Our Daily Bread are all well and good, but they're INSUFFICIENT to teach me enough so that I can teach it to others.
I've got to READ THE BIBLE. That's the only way I'll grow to be a complete and mature witness.
Now, instead of picking up the Bible and reading a verse or two, I read whole chapters. And recently, I told my prayer partner that "the verses are coming together", which was my way of saying I was finding verse after verse after verse that I recognized. And they were coming more and more frequently. I guess that's one indicator that I'm "growing up"!
Are you allowing yourself to "grow" as much as you should, by taking the time to read the Bible? If reading isn't your "thing", then skip over to http://www.firefighters.org/ and download the entire Bible on MP3. It's a wonderful ministry offering from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, and was released to the internet without royalty restrictions. Burn it to a couple CDs and play it in your MP3 player or MP3-capable CD player. Keep it running, day and night. Listen to it as you go to sleep, and listen to it as you awake. After a while, it'll get into you. And then you'll always have your "sword" (Ephesians 6:17).
If you don't like reading, you DO have alternatives.
2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
And Amen.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
I'm a Nobody, BUT...
I've heard it many times. People are asked if they can assist in the ministry through some sort of position or tasking, and for many, their first reaction is to say "no". Some (perhaps justifiably) say they're too busy. Others cite various other reasons. But perhaps we should all examine our motives. Are we telling the requestor "no" because we are truly too busy, or are we perhaps saying "no" because we don't feel capable or qualified to perform the task?
I have often struggled with my insecurities throughout my life. Abused early in my teens, attempted (and failed) in marriage - more than once - and much more. Yes, I have stumbled through this life, and I remember trying to imagine "what would have been", if only this or that hadn't occurred the way it did.
My life, using most human measurements, hasn't amounted to much. I used to feel like a failure, like I was smiling at times only to cover the pain and shame I truly felt about my life. I felt like a NOBODY. And I'm pretty certain I'm not alone in this world. Perhaps there are others out there like me. When someone (our pastor, perhaps?) asks us to assist in the ministry, PERHAPS we're saying "no" because we don't believe we can be effectively used by God.
But what does God's Word say about 'nobodies' like me?
1 Corinthians 1:25-29 (CEV) - Even when God is foolish, he is wiser than everyone else, and even when God is weak, he is stronger than everyone else. My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame. What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. God did all this to keep anyone from bragging to him.
Worthless? Useless? Nothing at all? The Word tells us God CAN use you, but you have to agree to be used. God used Legion (Luke 8), the tenth leper (Luke 17) and the Samaritan woman (John 4), because they allowed themselves to be used, and didn't mind giving God the glory for any greatness they may have accomplished.
So the next time someone asks for your help in the Christian ministry, give some thought to whether you want God to use you, or whether you're holding back because you think you may fail. Give God a chance, and you may be VERY surprised with the result!
Blessings to you and yours!
© 2008 Scotty Ward
I have often struggled with my insecurities throughout my life. Abused early in my teens, attempted (and failed) in marriage - more than once - and much more. Yes, I have stumbled through this life, and I remember trying to imagine "what would have been", if only this or that hadn't occurred the way it did.
My life, using most human measurements, hasn't amounted to much. I used to feel like a failure, like I was smiling at times only to cover the pain and shame I truly felt about my life. I felt like a NOBODY. And I'm pretty certain I'm not alone in this world. Perhaps there are others out there like me. When someone (our pastor, perhaps?) asks us to assist in the ministry, PERHAPS we're saying "no" because we don't believe we can be effectively used by God.
But what does God's Word say about 'nobodies' like me?
1 Corinthians 1:25-29 (CEV) - Even when God is foolish, he is wiser than everyone else, and even when God is weak, he is stronger than everyone else. My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame. What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. God did all this to keep anyone from bragging to him.
Worthless? Useless? Nothing at all? The Word tells us God CAN use you, but you have to agree to be used. God used Legion (Luke 8), the tenth leper (Luke 17) and the Samaritan woman (John 4), because they allowed themselves to be used, and didn't mind giving God the glory for any greatness they may have accomplished.
So the next time someone asks for your help in the Christian ministry, give some thought to whether you want God to use you, or whether you're holding back because you think you may fail. Give God a chance, and you may be VERY surprised with the result!
Blessings to you and yours!
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Friday, May 23, 2008
No Rewards for the Wagon Either
During my prayers this morning, the Lord gave me an interesting "word picture". There were four items in the picture:
A Man
A Child
A Wagon being pulled by the child
A Pet in the wagon
As it was shown me, the man represented God, who was leading the child. The child was dutifully following the man's lead.
The child seemed to be my pastor. He was listening to God, doing his level best to follow where God led him. If the man (God) turned left, the child would turn left, so that his course closely followed his Father's course.
The wagon - in my picture - was the majority of our church membership (including me). We were part of the child/wagon combination, and always followed the child. The child would turn left, and we'd dutifully follow in the direction we were led (key word). The child would speed up or slow down, and we'd follow. We were, after all, connected for as long as the child chose to hold onto the wagon's handle (perhaps through his calling as our pastor?)
The Pet in the wagon were the other people who - for lack of a better phrase - were along for the ride. If the wagon went in an unexpected or perhaps undesirable direction, the pet was free to jump out and go their own way. If the wagon was going to slow or too fast, the pet's attention would turn elsewhere, and distractions would cause the pet's interest to draw them, so they would jump out and follow their own course. If the church would have an activity, they'd come (perhaps). They'd attend some services on some Sundays, but certainly didn't feel the need to ALWAYS be in the wagon (going along with the vision of our pastor, as he was being led by God). They were there, at times, and wanted to be counted among the number who were "following the Father" (because they were in the wagon/church and were being pulled by the child/pastor.
But then the Lord showed me what happens at the end of the road.
The Man and the child enter the home and sit down to a beautiful dinner. The door closes behind them, and the Pet AND THE WAGON remain outside.
Now let me bring it back to myself. Regardless how much I try to attend every service and prayer meeting, regardless how much I try to do things exactly as I believe my Pastor desires, in the end, I'm responsible for my own spiritual walk.
Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT) - Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
So we all pretty much know about the Pet, those who do what they want, and participate in church business when it suits them. I've heard my pastor say there are people who are "playing church". But God showed me there is also a danger in merely following the Pastor, no matter how enthusiastic or dilligent I am in doing so. Because our pastor is - first and foremost - concentrating on his own salvation (see above scripture). And MY concentration needs to be not on following Pastor Hunt, but on following God.
And I shouldn't have to be told what to do. The Word of God speaks about those who need coaxing and encouragement and phone calls and chiding to walk the Christian's Walk.
Psalm 32:8-9 (AMP) I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like the horse or the mule, which lack understanding, which must have their mouths held firm with bit and bridle, or else they will not come with you.
My salvation is entirely up to me. If I am distracted or led elsewhere like the pet, I'm in trouble. But if I use Pastor Hunt as my SOLE direction, and don't work on my own salvation, I'm also in trouble. My salvation is not my pastor's responsibility; it's mine. I choose to obey or disobey. I choose to attend or to do something else. I choose to read the Bible or to watch the idiot box. I choose to wake early and pray or catch a few more winks. I can offer my body (see below scripture), or I can do what I want to do.
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Don't let me stay a wagon, Lord. Change my way of thinking, so I take personal responsibility for my own salvation, instead of just trying to reach salvation through associating with Pastor Hunt. Transform me, so I can follow YOU.
Everybody have a safe holiday weeekend.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Monday, May 12, 2008
Scariest Two Weeks of My Life
"Will a man rob God?"
These words from the prophet Malachi ran through my head, day after day. You see, I had "run into difficult times" financially, and just didn't have enough money to pay all my obligations on one recent Sunday. So for that one pay period, I chose to withhold my tithe. I paid all the other offerings at the church, but didn't pay my tithe for that paycheck.
From the moment I made the fateful decision to write the check minus my tithe, I was uncomfortable. I made sure to include my wife's tithe amount, as we always do. I wanted her to remain untouched by my decision. But the discomfort I experienced was palpable, and I felt it every step of the way to the offering table. But I had made my decision and written the check, and that was that.
Malachi 3:6-10 (AMPLIFIED VERSION, emphasis and underlines mine) - For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, How shall we return? Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
For the next two weeks, I thought almost constantly of Malachi's prophetic scripture. It came up during our Bible Study, during our Sunday School, and of course, was mentioned during our regular services. And every time I heard it I winced. I was that robber. I had consciously withheld some of my blessing from God, who has never withheld his blessings from me.
So I almost ran to the offering table to give my DOUBLE TITHE on the next payperiod. There was no relief like that I felt as I dropped my tithe envelope into the basket, and received the oil of anointing on my forehead. I was so thankful that God hadn't chosen take me out of this world as a robber.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (KJV) - But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
God can do all things but fail. He has asked some things of me (to believe in him, to allow him to renew my mind, to give without feeling like I'm compelled to give, to trust in his will in every area of my life, INCLUDING my finances). This was a lesson I do not plan to repeat. I got it, God. I GOT IT.
A while ago, one of the young men in our church said something that may sound cliche, but fully expresses my feelings on the matter of giving:
"Give God what's RIGHT, not what's LEFT."
Superb words, Deacon Maurice.
Blessings to you all.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
These words from the prophet Malachi ran through my head, day after day. You see, I had "run into difficult times" financially, and just didn't have enough money to pay all my obligations on one recent Sunday. So for that one pay period, I chose to withhold my tithe. I paid all the other offerings at the church, but didn't pay my tithe for that paycheck.
From the moment I made the fateful decision to write the check minus my tithe, I was uncomfortable. I made sure to include my wife's tithe amount, as we always do. I wanted her to remain untouched by my decision. But the discomfort I experienced was palpable, and I felt it every step of the way to the offering table. But I had made my decision and written the check, and that was that.
Malachi 3:6-10 (AMPLIFIED VERSION, emphasis and underlines mine) - For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, How shall we return? Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
For the next two weeks, I thought almost constantly of Malachi's prophetic scripture. It came up during our Bible Study, during our Sunday School, and of course, was mentioned during our regular services. And every time I heard it I winced. I was that robber. I had consciously withheld some of my blessing from God, who has never withheld his blessings from me.
So I almost ran to the offering table to give my DOUBLE TITHE on the next payperiod. There was no relief like that I felt as I dropped my tithe envelope into the basket, and received the oil of anointing on my forehead. I was so thankful that God hadn't chosen take me out of this world as a robber.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (KJV) - But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
God can do all things but fail. He has asked some things of me (to believe in him, to allow him to renew my mind, to give without feeling like I'm compelled to give, to trust in his will in every area of my life, INCLUDING my finances). This was a lesson I do not plan to repeat. I got it, God. I GOT IT.
A while ago, one of the young men in our church said something that may sound cliche, but fully expresses my feelings on the matter of giving:
"Give God what's RIGHT, not what's LEFT."
Superb words, Deacon Maurice.
Blessings to you all.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Evangelism through IM
"God is Awesome!" These were the only words in my Instant Messenger profile. Nothing about my work, school, religious affiliation, or even my social standing. People would only find me if they were - for lack of a better term - searching for "God".
So it was a bit curious when someone popped up desiring a conversation. I accepted, and this began a seven month long conversation with a young man who sought to show me in every intellectual way how God didn't exist, how he didn't need God, and how I was weak if I chose to believe. He'd come back, day after day, and assert that God was only a phychological construction for the weak-minded, how numerous learned people had given great thought to God's existence and had determined there was no God. And he shared their opinion. There was no God, and I was misleading people by even conversing about the matter.
Each day, I would greet him in a friendly manner. I gave him hour after hour of my attention, choosing to show my interest in him as a person rather than to "win" the argument. In many of the conversations, I would agree with him - to a point. But then I'd share with him about my life, and how I had witnessed things in my life that defied logic. I would tell him that I too was an intellectual sorta guy, but there was a gap in my knowledge. Some things I'd experienced in my own life just didn't fit into the realm of human knowledge. I explained to him that I labeled that gap FAITH, and that no amount of human reason seemed capable of reaching across that gap. Faith just required..... well, FAITH.
He told me, over and over, how I was wrong, how I needed to denounce my God, to remove "God is Awesome!" from my profile. I kindly and politely said the profile accurately described me, and it would stay. Finally, he stopped visiting. I prayed for him, and silently wished him well.
Six months later, this young man re-visited my instant messenger, but when he popped up on my screen, he began with three words:
"God IS Awesome!"
You see, this young man had found God in his own life, and was now telling his friends and family about how God had saved him!
I praise God I was able to witness to this young man's life, and that - Lord willing - I'll meet him when we both cross over.
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
So it was a bit curious when someone popped up desiring a conversation. I accepted, and this began a seven month long conversation with a young man who sought to show me in every intellectual way how God didn't exist, how he didn't need God, and how I was weak if I chose to believe. He'd come back, day after day, and assert that God was only a phychological construction for the weak-minded, how numerous learned people had given great thought to God's existence and had determined there was no God. And he shared their opinion. There was no God, and I was misleading people by even conversing about the matter.
Each day, I would greet him in a friendly manner. I gave him hour after hour of my attention, choosing to show my interest in him as a person rather than to "win" the argument. In many of the conversations, I would agree with him - to a point. But then I'd share with him about my life, and how I had witnessed things in my life that defied logic. I would tell him that I too was an intellectual sorta guy, but there was a gap in my knowledge. Some things I'd experienced in my own life just didn't fit into the realm of human knowledge. I explained to him that I labeled that gap FAITH, and that no amount of human reason seemed capable of reaching across that gap. Faith just required..... well, FAITH.
He told me, over and over, how I was wrong, how I needed to denounce my God, to remove "God is Awesome!" from my profile. I kindly and politely said the profile accurately described me, and it would stay. Finally, he stopped visiting. I prayed for him, and silently wished him well.
Six months later, this young man re-visited my instant messenger, but when he popped up on my screen, he began with three words:
"God IS Awesome!"
You see, this young man had found God in his own life, and was now telling his friends and family about how God had saved him!
I praise God I was able to witness to this young man's life, and that - Lord willing - I'll meet him when we both cross over.
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Am I LIGHT?
Genesis 1:4 (KJV) - And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Light and darkness; they truly can't co-exist.
Thayer's lexicon describes 'darkness' as being without light. No light = darkness.
God's Light (Jesus) gives us life (John 1:4)
Evil fosters darkness (John 3:19)
Darkness is of Satan, light of God (Acts 26:18)
Light is from heaven and darkness is likened to death by Zechariah (Luke 1:78-79)
God is light. He has no darkness (1 John 1:5)
Jesus is the light of the world, and if you walk with him, you will not live - will not walk - in darkness (John 12:46, 8:12)
If we walk in Jesus, we are children of light (Eph 5:8, 1 Thess 5:5)
God calls us out of darkness into his light (1 Pet 2:9)
And trouble awaits those who try to call their dark deeds 'light' (Isaiah 5:20).
If we claim the light, but hate our brothers, we aren't being truthful. We are still in darkness/sin (1 John 2:9)
God provides the light in our dark worlds (Psalm 18:28, Isaiah 42:16)
So a person is either (this means ONE OR the OTHER. Can't be both):
Holy or not. (Romans 14:23b)
Hot or cold. The lukewarm Christian is valueless to God (Rev 3:15-16).
James 1:17 (AMP) - Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
So as a Christian, I'm either righteous or not. Clean or not. A follower of Christ or not.
I'm Light or I'm darkness.
The Bible doesn't offer opportunities to live in half-light or live 'mostly good' lives. According to the Bible, we're conducting our lives according to God's light, or we're not.
"AM I LIGHT?"
God Bless!
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Light and darkness; they truly can't co-exist.
Thayer's lexicon describes 'darkness' as being without light. No light = darkness.
God's Light (Jesus) gives us life (John 1:4)
Evil fosters darkness (John 3:19)
Darkness is of Satan, light of God (Acts 26:18)
Light is from heaven and darkness is likened to death by Zechariah (Luke 1:78-79)
God is light. He has no darkness (1 John 1:5)
Jesus is the light of the world, and if you walk with him, you will not live - will not walk - in darkness (John 12:46, 8:12)
If we walk in Jesus, we are children of light (Eph 5:8, 1 Thess 5:5)
God calls us out of darkness into his light (1 Pet 2:9)
And trouble awaits those who try to call their dark deeds 'light' (Isaiah 5:20).
If we claim the light, but hate our brothers, we aren't being truthful. We are still in darkness/sin (1 John 2:9)
God provides the light in our dark worlds (Psalm 18:28, Isaiah 42:16)
So a person is either (this means ONE OR the OTHER. Can't be both):
Holy or not. (Romans 14:23b)
Hot or cold. The lukewarm Christian is valueless to God (Rev 3:15-16).
James 1:17 (AMP) - Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
So as a Christian, I'm either righteous or not. Clean or not. A follower of Christ or not.
I'm Light or I'm darkness.
The Bible doesn't offer opportunities to live in half-light or live 'mostly good' lives. According to the Bible, we're conducting our lives according to God's light, or we're not.
"AM I LIGHT?"
God Bless!
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Thursday, May 1, 2008
"Special Purpose" Altar Calls?
I know I'm a long way from where God tells me I could be, through his word given in the scriptures. And I know God is true to his word, even if I seem to have problems keeping my side of the agreement.
On Sundays, I listen intently at the time of the altar call, to hear if it 'applies' to me. You see, the altar is where I can go to unburden my soul and lighten my spirit. I arrive with my "mess" and leave renewed to strive another day. As I leave the altar following an altar call, I often feel much lighter (I have many burdens to turn over, you see). But I don't always come up when the altar call goes out, because it seems not every altar call 'fits my situation'. Sometimes, the pastor or preacher makes rather specific statements about the altar call, and though I feel the spiritual need to go up and "unload" frequently, the criteria spoken by the preacher doesn't always seem to apply to me. I'd feel pretty weird going up when the pastor called for "those who need prayer for healing in their bodies", or "those who don't yet know Jesus as your Lord and savior".
I am so very very thankful for those last, almost second thought, altar call statements that invite anyone who wants to come for prayer.
Because that DOES fit me.
Here I come, Lord!
On Sundays, I listen intently at the time of the altar call, to hear if it 'applies' to me. You see, the altar is where I can go to unburden my soul and lighten my spirit. I arrive with my "mess" and leave renewed to strive another day. As I leave the altar following an altar call, I often feel much lighter (I have many burdens to turn over, you see). But I don't always come up when the altar call goes out, because it seems not every altar call 'fits my situation'. Sometimes, the pastor or preacher makes rather specific statements about the altar call, and though I feel the spiritual need to go up and "unload" frequently, the criteria spoken by the preacher doesn't always seem to apply to me. I'd feel pretty weird going up when the pastor called for "those who need prayer for healing in their bodies", or "those who don't yet know Jesus as your Lord and savior".
I am so very very thankful for those last, almost second thought, altar call statements that invite anyone who wants to come for prayer.
Because that DOES fit me.
Here I come, Lord!
© 2008 Scotty Ward
Yes, But Why ME, Lord?
Lord, I love you and I trust you. You and I both know I'd be dead without you. I've messed up so much in my life, I should be dead right now. All I have of value is my belief and confidence in you. Everything else comes second. Of course I love my family dearly, but I also realize you've had a hand in their lives as well, so they're also part of your plan (even the ones who don't yet know you).
So I know and acknowledge you've had a hand in all my affairs, past, present, and (I pray) the future.
So why did you pick ME to be saved, Lord? It seems to me I'm already on the sidelines in my family. I mean, some of my kids won't even speak with me. And my parents and siblings seem to want to keep me at arm's length ("we'll come visit you, but we're NOT going to your church").
So why me, Lord? Why not my father or mother, who are so full of love and care for everyone? Seems to me they'd make finer choices than messed up old me. They seem to have done so much in their lives, and obviously transcend the lines of division so prevalent in the family. Why me, and not them? I don't mean to be telling you how to do your business, but doesn't that make more sense?
2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT)- "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began - to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus."
Lord, I don't understand, but I trust your plan for my life and those around me. You've called me not because of anything I've done. You've called me because you're God. Amen.
P.s. Lord, while I've got your attention, could I ask you to please save my family as well? You gave them to me, and I sure do love them. Thanks.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
So I know and acknowledge you've had a hand in all my affairs, past, present, and (I pray) the future.
So why did you pick ME to be saved, Lord? It seems to me I'm already on the sidelines in my family. I mean, some of my kids won't even speak with me. And my parents and siblings seem to want to keep me at arm's length ("we'll come visit you, but we're NOT going to your church").
So why me, Lord? Why not my father or mother, who are so full of love and care for everyone? Seems to me they'd make finer choices than messed up old me. They seem to have done so much in their lives, and obviously transcend the lines of division so prevalent in the family. Why me, and not them? I don't mean to be telling you how to do your business, but doesn't that make more sense?
2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT)- "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began - to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus."
Lord, I don't understand, but I trust your plan for my life and those around me. You've called me not because of anything I've done. You've called me because you're God. Amen.
P.s. Lord, while I've got your attention, could I ask you to please save my family as well? You gave them to me, and I sure do love them. Thanks.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
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