Song Series: Is God Pleased with Me (Good Good Father)

Is God Pleased with Me
 
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8 

I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like

But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night

And You tell me that you're pleased and that I'm never alone

FOLLOW UP TO WORSHIP TEAM PRE-PRACTICE BIBLE STUDY

Good Good Father (part2) 

 

Is God pleased with me? Yes, and there's nothing you can "do" to change that.

It is not what we do that merits God's favor 

but what Christ has done for us.

Q & A: 

• What do you think it means to turn back to worthless elemental things?
• Have you ever looked for answers outside of God's clear design for your life?
• How can we guard against our tendency to turn back?

 

For further study: Proverbs 4:23, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Philippians 2:13

Song Series: Good Good Father (part 2)

Good Good Father (part 2)
Who's are you?

But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? - Galatians 4:9

I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we're all searching for answers only You can provide
'cause You know just what we need before we say a word

When we forget Who’s sons and daughters we are, we slip back to the things that draw us away from Him (Gal. 4:9). When we seek first His kingdom and righteousness we live like Who's we are and draw near to Him (Matt. 6:33).

I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like
But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you're pleased
And that I'm never alone

God loves us not because of who we are, but in spite of it.


RECAP: His word says that He loved us "while we were His enemies" (Romans 5:8) and that when we are faithless He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). That's Who He is.

Who’s are you?

If you're not sure; let's talk!


Song Story: Good Good Father

Quiet Time: God Is Good (this Friday and Forever)...then why is there suffering?

The Hand of God, circa 1123

God is Good (this Friday and Forever)
...then why is there suffering?

Read: Romans 8

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:18

My daughter was about seven years old when she asked, "Dad, God is good right?" I answered,  "Yes, Candice, God is so good that He's better than the best good thing you can think of." She then asked, "The devil is bad, right?" "Yes, Candice, the devil is really bad; he is worse than the most wicked thing you can think of." Then she asked, "God made the devil, right?" I was shocked; not expecting to answer such theologically deep questions before her teen years! I can't remember my answer; but, I still remember the conversation because it is representative of the question often asked today, "If God is good, why is there evil and suffering?"

Obviously, in a short blog like this, the logical points and counterpoints can't be hammered out, but there is a straight forward answer in scripture:
Suffering exists because sin exists. Sin affected the whole of creation. One day, Christ will return. On that day, everything will be made right (Revelation 11:15). Until that day, Christ followers, as well as, all of creation, suffer the corrupting influences of sin in this imperfect world.

If you are a Christ follower, you live rejoicing in this present age. Though you have not seen Jesus, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.." (1 Peter 1:8). REJOICE! This is the only hell you will ever know!


If we are not a Christ follower,  then, surely we are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it (Psalm 39:6). We should indeed mourn! This is the only heaven we will ever know. (Hebrews 9:27)

God created all things good. Sin corrupts good things. Bad things happen when good things are corrupted. God is always good and works all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28)

Do you love Him?

Don't focus on the suffering; do focus on the Savior.


Further Study Links:


If God created everything, doesn't it mean He created the devil?


Why does God permit suffering to continue?

Song Series: Shout to the LORD

Shout to the LORD
Ruwa

Read: Psalm 98

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. (Psalm 98:4)

My friends and I loved to play sandlot baseball as boys. Often times our games were cut short by Clemente's mother. Although several houses separated her from the sandlot, her voice easily pierced the air with a call for her son to come home.  "CLE-MEN-TE! VEN ACA!" to which Clem would reply "YA VOY MOMIE" which pretty much meant "Clemente come here NOW"...and "I'm coming, Mom" If Clemente didn't come fast enough the seemingly impossible would happen. His mom's voice would get even louder and instead of answering her again, Clem would simply leave (in a hurry) and our game was abruptly over.

That's the idea we should have when thinking about "Shouting joyfully to the LORD". The Hebrew word is "ruwa" pronounced "roo-ah') it means to figuratively split the ears with sound. We're told basically to give a rousing ringing cry of joy and to use every instrument at our disposal as we do so. The psalmist wants people everywhere to join as one and rejoice in the Lord's final salvation of His people.

I love singing praises LOUDLY with God's people! But, Psalm 98 also makes me tremble. Look at (Psalm 98:9). He comes to judge the world in righteousness. Thinking of God as my Heavenly Father brings comfort, but, the thought of Him as the righteous Judge brings a since of impending doom. God cannot forgo His position as Judge any more than He can His Fatherhood. Yes, I shout joyfully with others who are saved by the blood of the Lamb and now call God Father. But, I also mourn bitterly, for there are many people in my life who have yet to place their trust in Christ alone for their salvation.

Won't you trust Him today?

• God loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him. (John 3:16)
• But, you and I are sinners and God is holy. (Romans 3:23)
• We deserve eternal damnation because rejecting Jesus is an eternal decision (Romans 6:23)
• But, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and can bring us before God(1 Peter 3:18)
• Won't you trust Him today and ask Him to save you? (Romans 10:13)

Then we can all SHOUT joyfully to our LORD  together for the joy of your salvation this Sunday!

Song Series: We Believe

We Believe

...but sometimes we doubt

Read: John 20:24-29

Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." - John 20:29

...but sometimes we doubt. 

I've been working on the song "We Believe" by the Newsboys that speaks so well to what we, as Christ followers do in deed believe. It a refreshing modern hymn that couldn't have come along at a better time.

You see, from time to time I run across people from my past. Often the first thing they ask, is "Where are you leading worship Brother Doug?"   Naturally, in return I ask, "And, what church are you attending?" Many times the answer is some variation of, "Well, we're kind of between churches." Now, you know what I'm going to ask next: "Why?" The answers vary, but for the most part they all boil down to one thing; doubt. We doubt God's sovereignty and presence; plain and simple.

Christ's crucifixion caused Thomas to doubt his initial faith in Jesus as Savior.Thomas did what many of us do when we struggle. He withdrew and reassessed the situation (John 20:24). But, Tom was open about his doubt (John 20:25) and never stopped hanging out with the guys who still believed. Interestingly, had he stayed away from the other disciples, Thomas may have never experienced the resurrected Christ. Tom maintained his fellowship when he could’ve just walked away and that's when Jesus showed up (John 20:27).

It's okay to doubt and struggle with God's presence and sovereignty. But don't stay there; and, by all means don't stay away from other Christ followers. Instead, be honest about your struggles, get with guys and gals who love Jesus. After all, Jesus is present, in their presence. (Matthew 18:20).

So, "What church are you attending Sunday?"  

Get in His presence and don't give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).

Here's a link to the song with lyrics:

 Link to story behind the song "We Believe"

 

 

Quiet Time: Anarchy

Unstable Isotope by JP Talma

Anarchy
 

he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. - James 1:8

It's like the car has a mind of its own.

I mentioned in a recent blog Well What Do You Know how my son's automobile has required a lot of my time lately and how  I'd fixed the issue. Well, the instability problem (rough idle) is back.

 This reminded me of today's focal verse from James and how many of us slip into complacency in our walk with Christ. Consequently, our personal bible study becomes sporadic, our fellowship with believers is limited to Sunday mornings (at best), we seldom share the Gospel with anyone, and our prayer life is paltry and impotent.

James reminded his readers that being double minded; literally, "wavering between two minds" causes instability. Actually, the Greek word for unstable- akatástatos - is pretty strong; think: anarchic, turbulent, or even lawless. So, we are either following or fighting Christ.


Faith ends the fight and fixes our instability issues.


In other words, Christians simply cannot have a mind of their own; but, God can give us the mind of Christ.


By the way, I'm pretty sure the car problem has been pin pointed to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Return) valve. Time to get to work.




Casual Christian by DeGarmo and Key is an oldie but a goody:

 

Song Series: Good Good Father

Good Good Father

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" - Galatians 4:6

I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we're all searching for answers only You can provide
'cause You know just what we need before we say a word

This is verse 2 of the song Good Good Father. I've been listening to it lately and will begin working it out on the keys and vocals tomorrow in hopes of adding it to my praise and worship repertoire. The song speaks to the father heart in me, as well as, the Father's heart to me. 

It reminds me of how God's love for me has affected my love for others. For instance, I love my kids. I love them when they mess up and I love them when they do really well.  I even love them when they pretty much ignore  my very existence. Frankly, that's when my human love is tested the most...when my existence doesn't seem to matter much. But, tests have a way of turning a heart toward Father God.

His word says that He loved us "while we were His enemies" (Romans 5:8) and that when we are faithless He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). That's Who He is.

That kind of love inspires me to seek Him and praise Him all the more. 

Spending time each day with our Father God is important because it helps us remember Who He is, Whose we are, and molds us to who He wants us to be. 

In short, God is good; it's Who He is. 

     You are loved by Him; it's who you are.

Quiet Time: Well, What Do You Know

Knowledge Without Wisdom

Well, What Do You Know
  
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool displays folly. - Proverbs 13:16

... increasing knowledge results in increasing pain. - Ecclesiastes 1:18 

 I've been spending a lot of time lately working on my son's car. The thing just wouldn't idle without conking out. So, a mechanic friend dropped by the house; and, after running an OBD (On Board Diagnostic) He recommended changing the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). The TPS costs $130 new and once you break the seal on the package, you've bought it. That knowledge hurt!

Solomon, literally the wisest man on earth, wrote both of the aphorisms in today's devotional. He affirms the benefits of acting with knowledge. In other words, don't just be a parts changer; understand the how and why of something before moving forward. I'm sure we can all remember a moment when we acted or spoke before thinking. Not good. 

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon seems to contradict his own God given proverb; but, when viewed in context we see that he is referring to acquiring meaningless facts and trivialities without a view to godliness. God wants us to know Him in every circumstance; even something as mundane as working on a broken car (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Knowledge is power, or so we've heard. However, I'm not so sure I agree. It seems that accumulating knowledge without acting upon it simply wears a person down. Kind of like knowing what the Bible says to do but not acting upon it. 

By the way, I did replace the TPS, but not before checking it with a digital multi-meter to determine if it actually needed replacing. (I also pulled a used TPS from a wrecked car at the junk yard for about $7). Outcome: I know how and why sensors work, how to test them, change them, and, oh yeah, no more conking out. Thank you Lord!


Here's a memory aid:

 

Quiet Time: Turn Out the Lights Let Darkness Reign

Turn Out the Lights Let Darkness Reign

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
            “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
            AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE - 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

 

I was invited to hear a celebrity speak at a local "evangelical" mega church today. So, I thought, "Wait a minute, isn’t this speaker one of those big time conservative talk show hosts; what is he, a preacher too?" Turns out I was partly right; he is indeed a big time talk show host, but not really a preacher of the Gospel.  He is however a strong Mormon.

So, I thought, "There’s no way an evangelical church would really invite a practicing LDS leader to speak from the pulpit on a Sunday morning; this guy must have become a Christ follower.” Turns out, yep, they would! And, nope, he is not a Christian. Apparently, he was invited to speak not only at this particular mega church, but several others, including Liberty University, Fellowship Church in Texas, and Gateway Church  to name a few.

Under this local church’s FAQ section, a person asked, “What about his religious beliefs?” Answer: “We know he has professed Jesus Christ as Savior and is backed by well know figures such as James Robison and Ravi Zacharias.”

So, there you have it. If you want to know if someone is a born again believer, just ask them to say out loud, “I profess Jesus Christ as Savior” and get a couple of well respected names to vouch for  yah and you’re good to go. 

Of course it helps if you’re a really good speaker, and if you can hold a crowd, and if you have political views that go along with the views of that particular congregation, then, you have a good shot at being invited to speak at a huge church one Sunday morning.

Look, I’m not against people believing whatever it is they want to believe. Jesus never forced anyone to follow him. Furthermore, my political views are the same as many agnostics, atheist, Buddhist, Mormons, and Christians out there. My point is this, do Christ followers really want cult leaders teaching from the pulpit on a Sunday morning where the plain and unadulterated Word of God is “purported” to be preached? Is this the new face of the “Christian” church?

BTW, “Born Again Mormon” is an oxymoron.  Why? The essential doctrines of Christianity and those of the LDS organization are completely incompatible. Not the least of which is salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Research for yourself.  Here’s a one good site: https://carm.org/teachings-of-mormonism

Song Series: This Is Amazing Grace: falling away and back again

Song Series: This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Whickam
Falling Away and Back Again

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ - Matthew 26:31

No one is perfect; but, falling away from following Christ is far different than simply committing a sin. 

Yet, here we see Jesus prophesying to His disciples that they would " all fall away". And, that's exactly what happened. These guys were the first followers of Christ, and even though they'd been in the very presence of God incarnate, still they left Him at the first sign of trouble. Chaos ruled.

The story doesn't end there, of course.  Jesus followed up His prophecy with words of hope. "But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee." (Matthew 26:32) In other words, "You guys are gonna come back again; and, I'll be in Galilee waiting for you." Order restored.

Have you turned your back on Jesus? Then, turn your back again. He's waiting for you.

Verse 3 This is Amazing Grace

Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory 

Song Story: This Is Amazing Grace

Think deep: If you can live without Jesus; then, you were never living with Him. (Matthew 7:21-23)