The book of Judges in the Bible has been referred to as the Dark Ages of the people of Israel.  In Judges 2:13, we are told how the people of Israel forsook GOD.   A few verses later in Judges 2:23 we are told of God's response.  Even in light of the dark period described in Chapter 2, there is  a verse that should give ALL of us hope. It is found a few chapters later in Judges 11:1 (KJV)  "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah."

The narrative goes like this: Jephthah was rejected by his brothers.  They really exiled him because of their greed.  He was an illegitimate son of their father whose name was Gilead.  His mother was a prostitute who is not mentioned in the Bible again. Her name is not mentioned nor are we told any other facts about her.  It seems that the father, Gilead took the child Jephthah from the mother and she disappears from the scene.
 
The most important information we need to focus on is that when the father, Gilead died, Jephthah was driven away from the family because his step-brothers did not want to share their inheritance with him.  After all he was the son of a prostitute! 

We see that Greed, the passion for money, never seems to stop and it has been going on forever (since Genesis 3).  To make matters worse, it appears that his brothers threatened his life and he had to run away from his family.  BUT something happened to Jephthah. 

The Lord had not left Jephthah and we are told that in the meantime, he became a mighty warrior and a strong leader of a group of skilled fighters.   We see Jephthah then becomes God’s deliverer.  This is a very clear picture of a rejected person, a person who is unacceptable to others BUT now is being called by God to be used for HIS purposes.  (You can check out the whole account in Judges 11:4-11 and see for yourself!)

Have you ever noticed, when you read the Bible, that not everyone used by God has a great background.  Have you noticed that? What do I mean?  Perhaps because he was the son of a harlot, a prostitute, he would have been despised in his culture.  He would have been rejected and possibly even hated, but God used him greatly.    You see if a person’s heart is toward God, no matter what his past or family affiliations are, God can use him or her.

We see in this verse that Jephthah was “a mighty man of valor”. The phrase “mighty man” means that Jephthah was marked by “great bravery”. The word “valor” refers to “strength, ability and efficiency”.

This verse identifies Jephthah as a very courageous and powerful man.  He was the kind of man who refused to back down.  He was the kind of man you would like to have on your side in a battle.  He was the kind of man others would look to for leadership.  He was a strong, able and efficient man.

Even though Jephthah had a major drawback in life as he was marked by others as an illegitimate son of Gilead - he was still accepted by GOD!  Jephthah had to pay a price for the sins of his father. His father was a philanderer who brought an illegitimate child into the world. That child would have to live with the stigma of his father’s sins his whole life.

We can see that Jephthah’s father also had other children with his wife. When these legitimate children reached maturity or the father died, , they all turned against Jephthah and forced him out of the family home. I can only imagine what a painful childhood Jephthah must have had.

Your family is supposed to be the one that loves you and accepts you even if no one else does. To be rejected by your own family is one of the most painful things anyone can experience. I am sure Jephthah felt pretty worthless. Probably one of the reasons why Jephthah became “a valiant warrior” was that he had to in order to survive. He had to become tough inside and out to just be able to survive in this cold, cruel world.
Though it is not mentioned in the text, we know from the customs and traditions of Israel, that usually the question of inheritance would only come up after the death of the father. So, going by that tradition, it is possible that Jephthah’s family refusing to share the inheritance with him may have been after Gilead’s death.

Let’s face it, the sons of Gilead were most likely motivated by greed. Maybe with Jephthah out of the way, there was more money to share between themselves. Besides, Jephthah’s presence in the family would have been a constant reminder of their father’s infidelity.

Rejection is something many of us have faced at some point in our lives. You can all fill in the blanks why you have been rejected and by whom.   But there is a God who specializes in taking those whom people reject, in taking the least of the least, the weak, the downtrodden and the marginalized and making something beautiful out of them. He chooses the foolish to confound the wise. He chooses the weak to shame the strong. He chooses the lowly things, the despised things, the things that are not — to nullify the things that are! He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap!  He picks us up from the miry clay and sets our feet upon the solid rock!  We see this truth demonstrated in the life of the Lord Jesus, “The stone which the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone!” Hallelujah!
 
No matter who rejects us or looks down on us there is a God who unconditionally accepts us.  How do I know that?

• The God who remembers us in our low estate…His love endures forever! (Psalms 136:23).
• Isaiah 49:14, But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”
• Listen to God’s reply,“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15, 16,)

 
To you reading this let it be a warning to us not to reject or forget the Lord your God. In every victory, let it be said of us, my source of strength is Christ alone!

Jephthah was born as an illegitimate child of a prostitute. However, God appointed him to become the commander of the armed forces and once the war had been won over land he became the head of the nation. The lesson for us is clear.  God rejects no person, not for any reason.  The rejected and the outcast can come to the LORD, because He reaches out to help them and to receive them and meet any need they have.

The Lord who gave victory to Jephthah tells us that the LORD will give victory to us over all the enemies who are out to destroy and defeat us.  Yes, physical and spiritual enemies as well. There is no limit to our list of enemies who oppose us.  But there is glorious and wonderful news: the Lord can give us the power to conquer all enemies.
​
Remember: Victory is in the Lord.  It is the Lord and the Lord alone who can give us the power to walk through life as a conqueror and victorious, no matter who rejects you.  As long as you have chosen to humble yourself and walk with God.

Matthew 11:28 tells us: “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest”.
 
In this verse, which was spoken by JESUS, we see two pictures. 

One picture is of a person who is extremely weary and tired. This is the person who has gone as far as he can; he can go no farther, he cannot take another step.  The other picture is a person under extreme pressure.  This is the person who is  about to explode, he cannot take anymore and he knows he will soon explode like a volcano under pressure. 

Jesus offers an invitation: ”Come unto Me.”   Did you know that this invitational phrase, “Come unto Me“  is used nearly 3,000 times in the Bible and nearly always refers to a simple invitation with no stipulations, no one left out.  An invitation stating that ANYONE can Come.  ANYONE includes; the wealthy, the poor, the famous, the peasant.  ANYONE- without limitations!  The important inference is that when we come to Christ we are promised rest and freedom from all the cares of the world.
 
Several years ago, the Wall Street Journal carried a story about a young girl named Sally.  She was an overly conscientious youngster who made herself miserable over the smallest failures and setbacks.  Early one fall, while the leaves were still on the trees, there was an exceptionally heavy snowstorm.  Sally’s grandfather took her for a drive and said : “Notice those elms, the branches are so badly broken that the trees may die.  But look at those pines and evergreens.  They are completely undamaged by the storm.  My child, he said, there are two kinds of trees in this world, the foolish and the wise.  An elm holds its branches rigid.  As it becomes weighted down it reaches its limit and eventually its limbs break.  But when an evergreen is loaded, it simply releases its branches and lets the burden slip away.  Be like a pine tree, granddaughter.”
 
Christians who give up all their cares to the Lord can face life’s burdens much better than those who try to bear the weight themselves.  Charles Spurgeon, a 19th century evangelist said “The message of our gospel is the gentle word, ”Come”.  Our Lord says “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.  But the law says, “Go and do.”  The law says “Go and take heed to the path in which you walk.  Break the commandments and perish; keep them and live.”  The law drives men with a whip; but God draws men with cords of love.  The law repels; but the gospel attracts.  Christ is the good Shepherd who goes before His sheep and says “Come. I will give you rest.”
 
In a third-century debate on Christianity, Celsus said to Origen. “When most teachers go forth to teach they cry, Come to me, you who are clean and worthy, and they are followed by the highest caliber of people available.  But your silly master-Jesus cries; “Come to Me, you who are down and beaten by life” and so He accumulates around Him: ”A group  of rag, tag and bobtail of humanity."   Yes that is true BUT Jesus does not leave them that way.  Out of material you would have thrown away as useless, he fashions men and women giving them back their self-respect, enabling them to stand on their feet and look God in the eye.  They were cringing, broken things but God’s Son Jesus has set them free.”
 
So today, if you are heavy burdened come to Jesus.  Respond to His invitation.  Do you realize how special that statement is? It speaks to anyone….anyone in this earthly world who wants  to hear.  It invites people of all colors, all beliefs, all tribes, all nations, all situations.  It speaks to those addicted to drugs, alcohol, pornography to gambling, even to those addicted to their careers and it even speaks to those who go to church every Sunday.  That word “Come”  speaks to each one, quietly and individually.  COME and He will give you peace of mind and rest of heart.
 
The invitation has been sent will you accept HIS invitation?   If you are still not sure, be sure to check out the information on the "SALVATION" tab above.   We pray that your RSVP to HIS invitation is AFFIRMATIVE!

​At this time of year, many people give to their favorite charities.   But have you ever checked out those charities?   Over the years I have learned that some charity organizations pay their CEOs annual salaries anywhere from $500,000 to over $1,000,000 a year.   Many charities are routinely investigated for fraud and unaccounted money.   I also know that many of you reading this have felt pressured at your jobs to donate to specific charities  that you would normally not support.

It seems very deceptive when thousands of earnest people sacrifice to send in $10 and $20 checks, thinking they are helping so many victims, and not realizing that the organization first has to pay the CEO millions in big administrative salaries before even one penny goes to actually help the people who are in need.

I believe God wants us to be wise stewards of our money. So, if we see hypocrisy, shouldn't we warn others, like the watchman on the wall?   Checking out a charity prior to donating should be a must for Christians.   You may be supporting a group that you really do not want to support.   Remember Proverbs 3:13 tells us: How blessed is the man who . . . gains understanding.
                                                                                                                                                            

Let me give you just one  example:, the Susan G. Komen Bowl for the Cure, the breast cancer "pink" campaign seen in the pro football games in October each year, openly sends hundreds of thousands of dollars that they collected for breast cancer—to Planned Parenthood.   Is that where you would want your donation dollars to be invested?   It might be beneficial to you in your decision making if you check out the research that shows that there is a link from both birth control pills and abortions to breast cancer.   Most Christians would never send money for breast cancer research if they knew any portion of their donation was going to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S.

But many people do not do their homework and without realizing it, they are donating to groups like Planned Parenthood.

Regarding work, remember if you give to a charity you disagree with, in order to keep your job, you are saying that this life more important to you than the next. It would be better to be broke and trust God than to have money and trusting anything else.
                   . . . I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.
                                                                                                                                    —Psalm 37:2
 
Now to be clear, just because a CEO is paid $500,000 per year does not mean that you shouldn't give to the charity.  They may be worth that salary for managing a large organization, but at a minimum it is something that you should be aware of as you consider your donations.
 
Remember, since everything we have is from GOD, we should think of our resources - including our income - as God's resources.   This tells me that any charitable contributions should go to those who reflect Biblical values and are best managing their revenue for their stated purpose and mission. Here are five things to evaluate whenever you are considering support an organization:

1. Does the ministry or organization adhere to sound Biblical doctrine? Galatians 1:9
   
2. Is Jesus Christ the main focus in the ministry's work? Colossians 3:17 
   
3. Does the ministry employ good financial practices? Luke 16:12  
   
4. Does the ministry depend on God's people for support? 3 John 1:6-7  
   
5. Is God using the ministry to change lives? Galatians 5:22-23

 
Be alert, keep you eyes and ears focused on all these organizations and be sure that they use Biblical principles for giving.   There are plenty of good resources out there like ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) or even your favorite search engine, which you can use in your research.   Be wise in all that you do!

One of the most joyful sounds of the season is the singing of carols. There are nearly 10,000 songs about or for Christmas. Since the average song runs approximately 3.5 minutes, it means you would have to sing Christmas songs 24/7 from December 1 to December 24 to sing them all...Bring a throat lozenge!!
 
The carols that we sing each year do a magnificent job of underscoring who Jesus is and why He came. However, it makes me sad when I hear secular musicians sing Christmas carols who make no claim to believe in Jesus. They sing of the birth but they have no idea what or who they are singing about.Perhaps you are in a similar place, familiar with the tunes of Christmas because you have heard them every winter season, but you have never stopped to consider all their lyrics. I just want to mention one of these songs and the deep truth that it proclaims.
 
On Christmas Day, 1863, during the American Civil War, Longfellow wrote the words to “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” as a poem. Later on it was set to music. He wrote this after facing personal tragedy, the death of his beloved wife, his own deep, dark depression and his son’s injury in battle. The words
reflect Longfellow’s struggle to reconcile the traditional Christmas message of “peace on earth, good-will to men” with the surrounding reality of war and personal suffering.
 
Not unlike Longfellow, we also live in a violent world. Throughout the world, armies and organizations, who think they are God, are planning and preparing for military operations to control the world. We see and hear of political injustices, interpersonal strife and violence. But violence is nothing new, and do not
believe that God is not aware of it. Christmas is not just about baby Jesus. It is about the warrior-king Jesus who is coming back again to redeem His people.
 
From Genesis 4 with Cain killing his brother in cold blood and all the way to Revelation 22 we see throughout the pages of the Bible and read of: murder, violence, deceit, greed, hatred in every form. And so it continues. The same world we live in today, was the backdrop to the birth of Christ. Today, we love to focus on Hallmark movies, parties and gift giving to shape what we think Christmas should be. But it is easy for us to misread the story of Christ’s birth. We must see the warfare imagery that is attached to Christmas. The birth of Jesus was not a holiday, it was the fulfillment of an ancient promise that God would fight for His people. In fact, Mary the Mother of Jesus in (Luke 1:46-55) sings a song known as the Magnificat that magnifies the Lord, Jesus Christ as her Savior.   That song praises God for the way He would exalt the humble and humble the exalted.
 
Jesus did not come to proclaim a holiday season. He came to proclaim peace to those far and near, and to pay for our sin nature so we can spend eternity with Jesus Christ our Savior. The sentiment that Longfellow captured in his poem long ago was the promise of God’s unfailing Word. We can have
confidence that what the Bible says is true-the the bells we hear on Christmas, keeps us focused on the Day when the Prince of Peace, Jesus, will establish peace on earth. Yes, there is tension we all face at Christmas. But, all the way from Genesis to Revelation we read that the baby born in the manger was not given to us as a sentimental token of God’s love. No! The Lord Jesus promises: forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life to all who will come to Him.
 
When Jesus came the first time as a baby, there was chaos, and the world rejoiced at the death of Jesus just as we see the world rejoicing at evil today. But there will come a time when people will rejoice because of God’s glorious promises being fulfilled. The world is gloriously dark now because we are being prepared for the glorious Son of God who will bring great light.

In these times we are living in, there are so many people living together without the benefit of the legal papers. Christians and non-Christians alike are living together. They are saying that they are married.  Many are saying,  well I have "lived with" my husband prior to being married legally.  Others have said that we have all lived together even my sister and her husband, my friends and even workers, Christians and non-Christians also.   And they need to confirm the reality of the situation and by stating that many have been married for over 20 years without a legal marriage certificate.  

Recently I read this question being asked by someone who said that their nephew is now "living with" his future spouse. The person asking the question asserted: “they've been together since being high school sweethearts and are both working, going to college, committed to their relationship and plan to be legally married one day.  But the question she asked was that there is an upcoming family event in which one of the family members wants to put a stipulation on the nephew that he not share a bedroom with his fiancee while present at the reunion. Doing so would go against her convictions that sharing a bedroom is only for marriage. I agree with that; however, in my mind they are just as married now as they will be when they have a legal piece of paper proving that they married. It seems as if the legality of getting married is for the benefit of men, rather than for the blessing of God. God looks at the heart, not at the outward appearance.  So, help me out—does a person have to have a legal document to say they are married in God's eyes?”

Well this lead me to ask the question "what is a vow"?  A vow, marriage or otherwise, is a religious undertaking to do something or not do something.  Vows are taken voluntarily and in the presence of others as a witness because once taken they are regarded as compulsory.  God takes vows very seriously.

            . . . YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.
                                                                                                                      —Matthew 5:33
 
            . . .I shall pay my vows to the Lord; Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.
                                                                                                                       --Psalm 116:14

           . . .You shall be careful to perform what goes out from your lips, just as you have voluntarily                      vowed to the LORD your God, what you have promised                                   
                                                                                                                       --Deuteronomy 23:23

             . . .Your vows are binding upon me, O God.
                                                                                                                        --Psalm 56:12


Did you know that paper was not even used to record marriages as recently as 300 years ago. One of the reasons guests are invited to your wedding is to SERVE AS A WITNESS BEFORE GOD what you are vowing.    The vow is what is important, not the paper.

                                It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.
                                                                                                                          --Ecclesiastes 5:5
 
                                A good name is to be more desired than great wealth
                                                                                                                          --Proverbs 22:1


We are commanded by scripture to abide by the law of the land, which requires us to register our marriage VOWS. Did you know that in most countries, the tax you pay is based on your marital status? Therefore, we must obey the law.

Now back to the question that was asked regarding your sin-accepting mindset of your nephew: Just because you grieve God's heart with your own unrepentant sexual sin, it will never justify your nephew doing the same. Your brazenly cavalier attitude of "everybody's doing it" will cause you a great deal of heartache. Our hats off to the family member willing to take a stand for her Biblical convictions.
       And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 
                                                                                                                                -- Ephesians 4:30
 
      Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
                                                                                                                                -- Galatians 6:7


Let me give you a little illustration through a story: 

There was a story of a wealthy oil tycoon that one day lay on his deathbed.  His pastor talked to him of God's healing power.  

"Pastor," he gasped, "if God heals me, I'll give the church a million dollars."   

The pastor prayed for him and anointed him with oil.   Miraculously, the man revived and within a few short weeks was out of the hospital.  One day, several months later, he and the pastor chatted on the sidewalk in front of a hardware store.

"You know," the pastor said, "when you were in the hospital dying, you promised to give the church a million dollars if you got well. We haven't gotten it yet."

"Did I say that?" the tycoon asked. "

"I guess that goes to show how sick I really was!”


This is an amusing story to us, however, it illustrates how lightly we take vows in this generation.  At this time of year, many people tend to make "New Year's Resolutions".   We often joke about how quickly we broke that resolution to "not eat sweets", or "to go to the gym every day in the new year".   But again, it just illustrates how lightly we take our vows.    As you can see from the scriptures above, GOD does take vows seriously.    

As we head into the New Year, let's take a moment today to assess our lives.   What vows have you made that you have not taken seriously?   What sins are you making light of?  Let's resolve to get serious in our relationship with the LORD and live in a way that brings HIM glory!

This is a difficult topic to condense into a few paragraphs for a blog, but I believe it is an important topic for all of us to know about.

The title "Son Of Man" is used repeatedly throughout scripture to describe Jesus.   Did you know that in the Old Testament book of Daniel (Chapter 7), He had a vision of Jesus in which he saw HIM as the Son OF MAN?   Many books have been written on this topic and to adequately write about Jesus is like trying to gather the ocean in your hands - it is just not possible.   However, it is important to realize that even though Jesus has many titles and names in the Bible He used the title Son of Man more often when referring to Himself.

This title expresses His humility and allows us to see His lowliness.  The One "whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light".  This title refers to Him coming down from heaven, leaving HIS position in heaven to become the sacrifice for our sins.

In Matthew 24:30 Jesus is speaking of Himself and HE says: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (This is how Jesus refers to Himself at His second coming).

One interesting fact is that nowhere in Scripture - not in any portion of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation -  does satan - the enemy of Jesus - ever refer to Jesus as the Son of Man.

• Do you remember when Satan went to tempt Jesus in the wilderness he said: If thou art the Son of God. Even when demons came in contact with Jesus they always cried out, Son of God, never Son of Man.
  
• Do you remember the young maid, who was possessed by the unclean spirit, kept following Paul and Silas did not say that the Apostles were servants of the Man Jesus but called them servants of the most high God.
  

Throughout the Bible, satan concedes the divinity of Jesus, but does not want that we address Him as Man-God. This is one of the reasons why the Apostles insisted in their writing and preaching on the Mediator, the Man Christ JESUS.

The Bible clearly teaches us that Jesus came to earth to win man back to God.

Paul reminds us that there is One Mediator between God and men, the MAN-Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus -Himself- the MAN.

Jesus was never ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, for He participated in the same things as us. He was tempted in ALL things like we are but He never gave in to the temptation. In this way we can put our trust in Jesus.

Hebrews reminds us: that we have not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. So we can know the Jesus has compassion on us because He was tempted in everything that we go through, yet without sin.

This is why Jesus can make forceful invitations: “Let us, therefore, draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus feels our infirmities. He is relatable. Jesus is the Savior to the uttermost, a perfect Redeemer who saves us from ALL things.   

We also read that Jesus not only felt our infirmities but He also bore our griefs and sorrows. Our griefs and sorrows really cannot be explained.  Those times when we experience a heavy atmosphere which seems to envelop even the most consecrated life.

Perhaps a good lesson we can learn from Jesus is to not want great titles, neither proud degrees because all we are doing is distancing ourselves from one worm to another.

The Bible tells us that those who humble themselves shall in due time be exalted. This title Son of Man lets us know how much Christ loves us. The incarnate One did not do so in the dark. When he brought forth His Only Begotten Son into the world, He said, "Let all the angels of God worship him." It was told in heaven; it was not done as a dark secret which Jesus Christ would do in the night that none might know it; but all the angels of God were brought to witness the advent of a Savior.

The Bible says that Jesus the Son of man came to seek and the save that which was lost. That includes the entire world. John 3:16 KJV says For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

As we celebrate the Holiday Season, let us remember that JESUS is the SON OF MAN who came down to earth to give HIS life so that we can spend eternity in heaven with HIM!   If you have never done it before, turn your life over to JESUS, the SON OF MAN, today!​

If you have ever watched a prosperity theology televangelist or if you are on the mailing list of a TV ministry that sends you their material, it seems like in every piece of marketing material they give testimonies from various people who have given money toward their building fund or any other fund.  The testimonies are all very similar and state how after people gave to their ministry, they got a new house, a bigger house, a profit on an old house, a bigger salary, a new car, etc.etc.etc.   They often base this outcome on Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you."

I am quite sure if you are a Believer we all believe that that the Lord is the One who blesses us.  But, the question today is should we expect things in return?  Should we look at it like a financial prospectus?  Should we be playing: Let’s Make A Deal with our Lord - I give you this so that you give me that?

This thinking has been dubbed the "Prosperity Theology or Prosperity Doctrine" and honestly,  it is something that comes from the pit of hell.   These charlatans tend to take Scripture out of context and misapply it to meet their needs. 

Satan himself used the same tactics when he tempted Jesus.  Do you remember this passage found in Matthew 4:1-11: Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.    Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Satan used Scripture verses out of context!   Throughout these verses we see that Jesus corrected this "out of context thinking".  (Take a moment to read the whole account from Matthew 4:1-11)

Also note that the "Prosperity Theology or Prosperity Doctrine" tends to put the "giving" emphasis on temporal things instead of eternal blessings.   

Regarding the "personal testimonies," the Bible teaches us to not "let our left hand know what our right hand is doing".  This literally means that we are not to let anyone know how much or to whom we give.  
Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them . . . When therefore you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do . . . But when you do give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.  —Matthew 6:1-4
 
Regarding why you should give, it IS true that giving is good and it has tremendous rewards. But you are never to give to get something in return from God. That's like saying "God now owes me," and God never owes you anything!!!!!!!!!
               Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.
                                                                                               --Job 41:11 (all things belong to God).
 
The only reason we should give anything is because it's the right thing to do, from a willing heart.  Just as scripture clearly tells us:
                       . . . do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you . . .
                                                                                               --Deuteronomy 6:18
 
                      . . . whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord's contribution.
                                                                                               —Exodus 35:5

                        . . . do good . . . expecting nothing in return.
                                                                                               —Luke 6:35


Clearly, Prosperity Theology is not scriptural and the verses typically used are misapplied.   Remember, GOD is not a "get-rich-quick-scheme", HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD!   As we see in Romans 6:23, HE has given us the free gift of Salvation!  
            “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you haven't already, accept HIS FREE GIFT TODAY.   Focus not on what GOD will give you if you make a donation to some "ministry", but focus on obeying, loving and serving the ONE who gave HIS life freely for you!


​

I remember one Church service where I spoke about "No Retirement In The Bible".  As you can assume, there were many who were not happy with that message.  In fact, I received many calls asking me: are you saying that I can't retire from physical labor? That I must keep an actual job the rest of my life!!!!!!!??????

Working in order to provide food and shelter is what every man must do; it's part of the penalty of sin. Prior to sin, man had responsibility, but he didn't have to work to ensure he could eat.   By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, TILL YOU RETURN TO THE GROUND, Because from it you were taken; . . . —Genesis 3:19 (CAPS added for emphasis)
 
Well is retirement mentioned in the Bible? The short answer is no. When 21st century Americans think of modern retirement, we need to remember that it is a relatively new concept which the Bible doesn't specifically address.
 
Our purpose here on earth is to serve God until we die. Scripture doesn't teach that men are to save up so they can stop working at some point.  Obviously, as people get older, they might have to change from physical work to some other type of work or ministry or project.  However, we are to stay active and use whatever gifts we have been given for as long as God wants to use them.  Our modern version of saving and planning for the future might just give us more flexibility so that we can be free to do whatever GOD has called us to do.

As Christians approach retirement age, they often wonder what a Christian should do during the retirement years. Do Christians retire from Christian service when they retire from the workplace? How should a Christian view retirement?     Here are a few thoughts based on scripture:

1. Although there is no biblical principle that a person should retire from his work when he reaches a certain age, there is the example of the Levites and their work in the tabernacle. In Numbers 4, the Levite males are numbered for service in the tabernacle from ages 25-50 years old, and after age 50, they were to retire from regular service. They could continue to “assist their brothers” but could not continue to work (Numbers 8:24-26).
   
2. Even though we may retire from our vocations (even “full-time” Christian ministry), we should never retire from serving the Lord, although the way we serve Him may change. There is the example of two very old people in Luke 2:25-38 (Simeon and Anna) who continued to serve the Lord faithfully. Anna was an elderly widow who ministered in the temple daily with fasting and prayer. Titus 2 states that the older men and women are to teach, by example, younger men and women how to live.
   
3. One’s older years are not to be spent solely in the pursuit of pleasure. Paul says that the widow who lives for pleasure is dead while she yet lives (1 Timothy 5:6). Contrary to biblical instruction, many people equate retirement with “pursuit of pleasure” if at all possible. This is not to say that retirees cannot enjoy golf, social functions, or pleasurable pursuits. But these should not be the primary focus of one’s life at any age.
   
4. 2 Corinthians 12:14 states that the parent ought to save up for the children. But by far the greatest thing to “save up” is one’s spiritual heritage, which can be passed on to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Generations of descendants have been impacted by the faithful prayers of an elderly family “patriarch” or “matriarch.” Prayer is perhaps the most fruitful ministry outlet for those who have retired.

 
The Christian never really retires from Christ’s service; they only change the address of their workplace.

In summary, as one reaches “retirement age” (whatever that may be for you) the vocation may change but one’s life work of serving the Lord does not change. Often it is these “senior saints” who, after a lifetime of walking with God, are able to convey the truths of God’s Word by relating how God has worked in their lives. The psalmist’s prayer should be our prayer as we age: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18).
 
We are not saying men, as head of the home, shouldn't save money as God allows. Just that the purpose is not to stop working.

The Bible speaks positively about providing for oneself financially through work. In 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul gives a warning against idleness. He reminds the Thessalonians of how he and his companions worked to provide for themselves while serving the church, despite the fact that they had a right to receive monetary support from the church. In verse 10 Paul says the rule is that “the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” It seems, then, that we are responsible to provide financially for ourselves when possible. The question becomes whether we should save money during our working years in order to provide for ourselves during our retirement years, when we are unable to generate income.
 
The book of Proverbs has many admonitions that promote saving money and other resources. Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Proverbs 6:6–8 uses an insect as an illustration of the need to save: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
 
Recognizing a future need and making provisions for it today is a biblically wise thing to do.  Financial stewardship now, including saving for retirement, can enable us to better serve others later.

We see Joseph exemplify the wisdom of saving in Genesis 41 when he stored provisions for the prophesied famine to come. We could even say that God’s command to the Israelites to gather enough manna on the sixth day to provide for both Friday and Saturday is a form of saving for a future need (see Exodus 16). Of course, “some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none” (verse 27). In their failure to plan ahead and save, they went hungry.
 
On the other side, we have passages like Matthew 6:25–34 in which Jesus encourages us not to be worried for tomorrow or to seek after the things of the world. Later, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who had such an abundance of crops that he planned to build a larger barn to store up provisions for himself so that he could “say to [himself], ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry’” (Luke 12:19). “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” (verse 20). Jesus concludes with this application: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God” (verse 21). The issue in both passages seems to be one of heart. Jesus is not speaking against saving now for needs in the future. What He is talking about is where our hearts should be focused. We are to value the things that God values, trust in His provision instead of our own wealth, and also live wisely.
 
Christians are wise to examine their current spending patterns and their perceived future financial needs. When considering how to save for retirement, it is good to pray over the matter, search the Scriptures on the appropriate use of money, and meet with a financial adviser. Saving is wise, and trusting God is wise. As we save for retirement, we recognize that the goal is not a selfish enjoyment of a lavish life after years of work. The goal is not even self-sufficiency, since our dependence is always on God.

The goal is to exercise godly wisdom in providing for our needs in future years and having enough to continue giving to others. Our trust is not in government programs or 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts. Our hearts are set on things above, where our true treasure is. Ultimately, our money belongs to God and is directed for His purposes.
 
Perhaps this is a good time when men and women can give back and do some work for the Lord.  Ask GOD what HE would have you do for HIM today!

I don't usually like to talk about satan, but I thought it was appropriate for this time of year. People’s beliefs concerning Satan range from the silly to the abstract—from a little guy who wears a red suit with a pitch fork in his hand to poke you to a guy with horns who sits on your shoulder urging you to sin - to go against God’s commandments.  None of these extremes are accurate, however, the Bible gives us a clear portrait of who satan is and how he affects our lives.

Put simply, the Bible defines Satan as an angelic being who fell from his position in heaven due to sin (his sin was and is pride-he wants to be God ) and he is now completely opposed to God, doing all in his power to stop God’s purposes and plans.
 
Here is what the Bible tells us:

• Satan was created as a holy angel. 
  
• Isaiah 14:12 possibly gives us satan’s pre-fall name as Lucifer.
  
• Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes satan as having been created as a cherub, apparently the highest created angel.
  
• He became arrogant in his beauty and status and decided he wanted to sit on a throne above that of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6).
  
• Satan’s pride led to his fall. Notice the many “I will” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15.
  
• Because of his sin, God permanently removed Satan from his exalted position and role.
  
• Satan became the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2).
  
• He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10),
  
• a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5),
  
• and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3).
  
• His very name means “adversary” or “one who opposes.” Another of his titles, the devil, means “slanderer.”

 
Even though he was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world and encourage opposition to God’s kingdom. Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God and those who follow God. However, satan’s destiny is sealed—an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
 
Years ago I remember teaching a Sunday school class and the message that day was on forgiveness.  I had a young man in that class ask this question: "If Satan asked forgiveness from the Lord, would the Lord forgive him and even bring him back into the Kingdom of Heaven?"
Good question and unfortunately, I had to answer "NO".   There are two reasons which confirm this answer. The  Bible tells us:

1. It is written by God (and it WILL come true): And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. —(Revelation 20:10 ).                                                       
2. Remember hell was created by God for Satan and his demons not for man.  But man chooses his future for eternity.).  In Ezekiel we are told that The devil is an angel (Ezekiel 28:14) and Jesus came to redeem mankind (not angels); therefore Satan's sins were not paid for on the Cross.   You were the anointed cherub who covers,  And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire. —Ezekiel 28:14   . . . there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved —Acts 4:12 . 

 
Satan and his lesser satans or demons  act as executioners: they tempt people into sin, accuse sinners for their misdeeds, and finally execute divine judgment as angels of punishment.  This angel satan became the devil and was banished from God's presence.  In the Book of Revelation, satan appears as a great red dragon, who is defeated by Michael the Archangel and cast down from Heaven. He is later bound for one thousand years, (during the Millennial Kingdom) but is briefly set free before being ultimately being defeated by God and THEN cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity.
 
Not such a great ending picture is it?   Today, remember, that we need to be aware of our adversary, but DO NOT need to listen to our adversary!   Choose this day whom you will serve!   If you are on the fence, just look at the final picture...satan will be in the Lake of Fire  while JESUS will be on HIS ETERNAL THRONE leading us in the New Heaven and the New earth!   Choose wisely...choose JESUS today!

There was a Christian hymn made popular by Mahalia Jackson many years ago.  The Song was His Eye Is On the Sparrow.  The words are:
 
Why should I feel discouraged?                                                                           
And why should the shadows come?                                                                                  
And why should my heart be lonely,                                                                   
And long for heaven and home?                                                                                    
When Jesus is my portion,                                                                                     
My constant friend is He                                                                                              
His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.                                                          

I sing because I’m happy.                                                                                     
I sing because I’m free.                                                                                                               
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
                                           
It’s so comforting to know that our Savior, every moment, is watching over and looking after us. (Matthew 10:29-31;Luke 12:6-7)
 
The Christian life is not an easy life (1Peter 4:12-13) - but it is an abundant life as is written in John 10:10. God knew we’d need to depend upon His strength, not our own.  He knew that we needed to let Him work through our weaknesses and strengths as we surrender our bodies as living sacrifices to Him - to not be conformed to this world’s value system but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:1-2).  

He put His Holy Spirit into us, so that HE can lead us to experience the abundant life promised by our Good and Gentle Shepherd, Jesus Christ. (John 10:10).   The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth (John 16:13) through a balanced diet of His spiritual vitamins and supplements for the soul.

In addition, God allows trials in our life.  We have no control over them, only how we handle them.  He comforts us in those trials so that we can comfort others in their trials (2 Corinthians 1:4) with the same comfort God gives us in our trials.  And we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) in every trial and suffering.

What problems and difficult circumstances have you come through?  You may even be experiencing some difficulties right now. 

Scripture gives us many reminders of why we should be encouraged today!

• Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending (Revelation 1:8) - The Blessed Controller of all things. 
  
• He sees the end from the beginning and HE works all things together for good to those who love and serve Him (Romans 8:28).  
  
• His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). 
  
• The steps of a righteous man are ordered of Him (Psalm 37:23). 
  
• We have become that “righteous man” because He who knew no sin became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). 
  
• He tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding; but in all [our] ways acknowledge Him and He will direct [our] path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 
  
• Those who ask Him, receive from Him.  Those who seek Him, find that He has already been searching for them, and He runs to embrace them.  Those who knock on His glory-filled throne room, find His door immediately opening to them! (Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 15:11-32).

So, what hardships have come upon you?  What difficult situation(s) have you gone through?  What difficulties are you facing today? 

• Have you been beaten and robbed on the Jericho road? (Luke 10: 29-36) 
  
• Have you been born blind? (Luke 18: 35-43) 
  
• Have you been crippled since birth? (Acts 3: 1-8)  Have you been suffering with disease for 38 years? (John 5: 1-9) 
  
• Are you one of the ten lepers who came to Jesus to be healed?  Or maybe even the only one who returned to say thanks? (Luke 17:12-19)  
  
• Have you been a notorious tax collector thief, who wishes he’d been a better person? (Luke 19:1-10) 
  
• Have the soldiers of this angry world pressed a cruel crown of thorns on your head?  Have they led you off to a hill to punish you like a common criminal? (John 19:1-3, 16-18) 

The Bible tells us:

• “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:36-39).
  
• Let the joy of the Lord be our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).  He sees our courage in the battle with what appears to be overwhelming odds.  But each of us and He together, represent overwhelming firepower! 
  
• Do you remember when Elisha’s servant saw all the horses and chariots of Aram surrounding them?  Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes would be opened.  And when they were opened, he saw that the horses and chariots of fire from God far outnumbered all the others. (2 Kings 6:8-23). 
  
• As believers, we are reminded that:
  
  • He who is in us is greater [by far] than he that is in the world (1John 4: 3-4). 
    
  • No weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)! 
    
  • With every trial or temptation, our Lord provides a way of escape (1Corinthians 10:13). 
    

Trials in our lives are to make us better not bitter – the difference between the two is whether we see and embrace an “e” (representing eternal outcomes) or an “i” (representing immediate outcomes). 

The eternal outcome is that we are always being shaped into the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  As the Apostle Paul proclaimed, “…that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead….Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3: 10-14).

So, today let’s trust in the Lord and be encouraged.   Let HIS word encourage you today, no matter what you are going through!