Honor your father and mother through reconciliation

Ephesians 6:2-3--"Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

     What a travesty to see so much separation and heartache between parents and children, especially amongst those who call themselves believers.  It saddens me to hear the stories of children that hate their mother, or fathers that have disowned their child.  Satan has created division where there was to be unity, discord where harmony was to be found.  How can such barriers be overcome?  How can the things that are broken be put back together again?

     God's Word.  Malachi 4:6a says, "And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..."  When the angel Gabriel came to Zacharias in Luke 1 he told him that he was to have a son and that his son would go before Jesus and, "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children."(vs. 17)  How would this occur?  When an individual accepted the teachings of John the Baptist, unity would result.  We must understand that true unity cannot come through psychology or psychiatry, but through the understanding and accepting of the teachings of God's Word.  When one truly understands the grace and mercy that has been bestowed upon them by God, it becomes possible for them to reciprocate that grace and mercy to others.  Without such and understanding bitterness and barriers will persist.

     Reconciliation.  II Corinthians 5:18-19 says, "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation."  As a believer there is not exception for bitterness and barriers, they are commanded to come down.  As much as depends upon us, we are to live peaceably with all men.(Romans 12:18)  That includes believers and unbelievers.  Christ has given each of us an identical ministry: reconciliation.  I understand, you have been wronged, maybe very seriously, but remember Christ tells us that those who have been forgiven much, love much. (Luke 7:47)  Remember your sin and trespasses that have been wiped away and do not fall into the trap of asking for mercy, while not giving it to others.  Jesus said, "if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:15)

     Pray.  Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."  If you are on the end desiring reconciliation, with no willing participant, do not give in or give up the idea of unity.  Let your requests be made known and do not lose heart.  I have heard some amazing stories at how God has softened the hardened heart and made a bridge where there seemed to be an impassable chasm.  We serve the God that deals in the impractical and promises that with Him, nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37)

     To close, let us be diligent to pursue peace with all men, especially those within your home.  Children, honor your father and mother.  Love them unconditionally.  In so doing, you will be displaying the same love that Christ has shown to you.

Be Not Ashamed

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

     We've been sent.  Matthew 28:19-20 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." There is no question what the responsibility of a believer is, so why does it seem like there is so little of it happening today?  Could it be fear?  Lack of education?  Lack of desire?  I am not sure, but I understand in my own life that disciple making is not an easy task, one that takes boldness.  Allow me to share a few verses to encourage you into action for your Savior.

     We are needed.  II Corinthians 5:20 says, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."  An ambassador is the highest ranking representative, needed to speak on behalf of another.  Christ desires to use you to teach others about Him.  As a believer, you are His highest ranking official.  We should not shirk from our duties, nor ignore our post.  It is Christ that desires to work in and through you for His good pleasure.  Allow Him to strengthen your tongue and mind so that you can speak words of truth to others.

     He will prepare you.  Isaiah 50:4 says, "The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned."  Its beautiful to understand that God will give us a word to speak to those that are in need.  We need not think that we must compose a masterpiece, but be willing to be a mouthpiece for Him.  He will give you the tongue of the learned.

     Do not be ashamed.  Luke 9:26 says, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels." Never allow yourself to succumb to the temptation to be silent when His Spirit says speak.  If you do, repent, and prepare yourself to be more obedient next time.  Stand for Christ, even while other "believers" are sitting on the sidelines.  Remember, it is not your fellow man that you are accountable to, but the One who will judge the living and the dead.  The One who has the power to reject you and send your soul to hell.  If we deny Him, He will deny us.

     May you stand for Christ Jesus and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of you,

Joy, Peace and longsuffering

Have you every struggled with joy, peace or patience?  From this message learn how to have joy, even in the midst of suffering; find peace that passes all understanding; and ways to suffer long when you feel like giving up.  My hope is that you will be greatly encouraged as His Word saturates your soul.
Listen here.

One thing God cannot do...that you can

Titus 1:2--in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

     The other day my sons asked me questions about the Lord's return, wondering how and when He would come again.  At the root of their questioning was one main thought: If God can do anything, couldn't He return differently than He said He would in the Bible?  How would you answer such a question?  Can't God do anything?  The answer is yes....and no.  Let me explain.

     Limits on the limitless.  Since God is, well, God He can do as He pleases; create what He wants, destroy what He wants, do what He wants.  But in all His limitlessness, He has assured us that He will not, no, cannot lie.  It is not in His nature.  God is Truth.  John 17:17 says, "Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth."  Why does that matter?

     All His promises are true.  II Corinthians 1:20 says, "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."  Understanding that God cannot lie allows us to fully trust in His Word and the promises that are contained therein.  Stand upon the promises found in God's word, allowing them to sanctify and encourage your body, soul and spirit.  Here is a list of just a few:

     Nothing is able to separate the believer from the love of God--Romans 8:38-39
     Sin shouldn't have dominion over the believers' life, you've been set free--Rom. 6:14, John 8:36
     You can partake of His divine nature--II Peter 1:4
     He will give you rest--Matthew 11:28-30
     He will supply all your needs--Philippians 4:19
     We can have true peace--John 14:27
     You can be saved and know it--Rom. 10:9-10
     Salvation is free--Rom. 6:23

     May you be blessed as you wholly trust in His word and the promises you find therein.