Verse Of The Week (07/21/17)

Verse of The Week (12/30/16)

Shot taken from the Augusta Canal Locks at Savannah Rapids
Park in Martinez, GA on October 12, 2016 at 11:25 A.M.

This turtle decided it was time to get out of the current and rest above its pull.

Is the world's value system pulling you in?  Are you tired of fighting the current, sapped of joy and void of strength?  Jesus invites you to rest.  He is the Solid Rock and He's not going anywhere.  

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Mt. 11:28)

Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 5)

WHERE DOES THIS SON OF THE PROPHETS GATHER THE GOURDS?

“Then one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine . . .” (2 Kin. 4:39).

• THE SON OF THE PROPHETS FINDS THE WILD VINE AND ITS GOURDS IN THE FIELD.
• What does Jesus say about “the field”?
• Explaining the meaning of one of His parables, Jesus says that, “The field is the world” (Mt. 13:38a).
• By 'world', Jesus means not planet earth but the values, interests and behaviors of those who do not serve Him.
• The main behaviors of those who are dominated by the world are pride and covetousness. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 Jn. 2:16)
• NOW YOU KNOW HOW A SON OF THE PROPHET CHOOSES WILD GOURDS OVER HERBS – THAT'S NOT DIFFICULT WHEN YOU'RE WANDERING IN A HOSTILE DOMAIN (THE WORLD) AND DRIVEN BY WHAT YOU WANT!
• Lesson: What business does a believer in Jesus have consulting and adopting the ways of the world? “ . . . for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14)
• Lesson: When you are in the “field” (the world), expect things to get wild!
• A wild vine always produces wild gourds.
• Worldly values and methods can never produce righteousness.
• When you go on a “field” trip, you will find what you didn't know you wanted and what you aren't prepared to handle.
• Don't forget – wild gourds are poisonous!
• Don't forget – what the world offers is lethal!

In tomorrow's post: Why does this son of the prophets have to gather herbs anyway?

The Vessels Were Carried Away (Dan. 1:2)

Read Dan. 1:1-2.

A "vessel" was something that assisted in worshiping the true God.  Solomon, king of Israel, made vessels of gold for the temple (1 Kin. 7:50-51).  Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carried away these vessels.

What are some of the "vessels" we've allowed worldly culture to carry away? 

• Prayer.  Put prayer meetings on your calendar, but don't attend.  If you do go to prayer meeting or to the altar, stay long enough to appear spiritual but not long enough to see change in your life.  Whatever you do, don't pray out loud or get "emotional."
• Fasting.  This is a good idea but always find an excuse not to participate.
• Witnessing.  Don't tell someone else what's good for him.  It works for you and that's fine, but it's not your place to push your belief on anyone else.
• Services other than Sunday morning.  One service per week is enough.  Twenty-first-century Christians know you go to church Sunday morning and then take the rest of the day to do what you want.  Use the words "family" or "work" consistently and everyone buys your excuses.  Spiritualize your absences with the phrase "God understands my situation."
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Don't say it's unbiblical, just don't pursue it with the aggression you once did.  If you've had this glorious experience, don't get too excited.  Keep it quiet.  Continue to entertain the thought it might not be necessary for today.  Whatever you do, pastor, don't mention this unless it's Pentecost Sunday.  (I won't be here that day, so you're okay.)

Without these things worship is weakened, testimony is compromised and impact is minimized.  Resist the pull by the masses.  Think differently on these 5 things.  Think biblically.

Rock Snot in the Yough

This is an illustration people won't forget, though they may want to.  Can you imagine the conversation at lunch?  "So what did the pastor preach this morning?"  "I don't know...something about rock snot."