Rock vs. Sand

It seems like there have been a lot of movies recently about one person who rises to the top and inspires the masses. While these movies have great music, screen plays, and actors to capture the moment at the end of the day people are still just finding hope in others accomplishments. They are building their hopes and dreams in the sand. Because while being truly great at something may be honorable and inspiring it will pass with time. It cannot heal a broken heart or bring someone back from the dead. It cannot deliver someone instantly from drugs or alcohol. It can only give us a warm feeling that will fade. I heard someone who was caught up in one of those moments say that he wished that he could bottle it and save it for later. But, it doesn't work that way. The Lord is the only one who can bring lasting joy and fulfillment. When we see someone else truly get a hold of the Lord and surrender something to Him it is inspiring and it makes us feel warm but it is deeper because the same Holy Ghost that worked that miracle in them will soon work a similar one in us so that we too will have nothing between ourselves and our Savior. That's the difference between having a rock or sand foundation.

A Salvation Explanation

I started working on this a couple months ago. My goal is to have a tract that people can easily understand who have had no church upbringing and have never heard of the salvation that Jesus Christ offers each of us. It still needs some work so any feedback you have for me would be greatly appreciated.

Are you saved? If you died tonight would you go to heaven? Well, let's back up. What does it mean to be saved? When we think of someone being saved, we typically think a victim of some kind being rescued, for instance, someone who is drowning. Usually, people who find themselves in need of salvation ask for it and receive it gladly. What if I told you that you are in a dangerous situation and don't even know you need salvation? Well, hopefully after you read about the danger you are in you will ask for and gladly receive the salvation that you need.
The Danger
In Romans 3:23 of the Bible we read that... all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; What is sin you might ask? We can read in I John 3:4 that sin is the transgression of the law. The law of God can be found in the Ten Commandments. In these God commands us not to lie, steal, use His name in vain, or commit adultery. Telling a white lie or telling a lie for a good reason is still lying. Stealing is still stealing even if it is something small. It is not uncommon in our culture to hear people say Jesus or God to express disgust or anger, which is to use His name in vain. You may think you are safe when it comes to adultery but Jesus said in Matthew 5:28 whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. God looks at our hearts. He looks at our true motivations and intentions. He knows every thought and every sin done in secret. So this is where the danger comes in. If you have lied, stolen, taken the Lord's name in vain or lusted after another who is not your spouse, you have broken God's commandments. Revelation 21:8 says that all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. I Corinthians 6:9-10 says Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And Exodus 20:7 states that Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
So when you stand before God on Judgment Day and are found guilty of breaking His commandments do you think you will go to heaven or to hell? If you think you will go to heaven despite being guilty because God is good, you have it backwards. A good Judge here on Earth will not let thieves, and murders go unpunished. Likewise, a good God will not let the guilty into heaven but rather the guilty will go to hell. Your next thought may be that you are a good person and will try harder to keep God's commandments. Unfortunately, good works do not erase sin. If a man guilty of murder stood before a judge his previous contributions to charities and good works would not keep him from going to prison. Our justice system is not based on a scale system where if the good outweighs the bad guilty parties are set free. God's system isn't set up that way either. So now you can see that the danger is even graver. Not only are you guilty before a Holy God but there is nothing you can do to redeem yourself. Now we come to the good news that God has provided a way for you to be saved.
Salvation
Romans 6:23 states For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord . The death in this scripture refers to the second death when people are completely separated from God and cast into hell. But, even though death is our just wage for sin, God has given us the free gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Imagine once more that you are in a courtroom. You are guilty of multiple crimes and have been sentenced to pay a very large fine or go to prison. Because you do not have the money you are being taken to prison when suddenly someone you don't even know comes in and pays your fine. This is what Jesus Christ did so we would not have to spend eternity in hell.
We justly deserve to go to hell for breaking God's commandments but…
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Two thousand years ago God sent His son Jesus Christ to live a sinless life and then be sacrificed by death on a cross so that by His sacrifice you can be saved. Jesus then defeated death when He rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion.
You can be saved from sin and hell if you will ask God to:
1. Forgive you for sinning against Him.
2. Trust in Jesus' sacrifice for your sins
3. Repent and turn away from your sin.
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
God loves us more than we know and longs to spend eternity with us in heaven. Eternity is a very long time and how we spend our time here determines how we will spend our time there. Now that you know the danger and how to be saved, do not put off dedicating your life to God. We never know which day will be our last. Today may be yours.

Truth

I wrote this a couple weeks after I first got saved in September of 2000

Truth

A misguided attempt at truth was my quest
A search for knowledge to be at my best

I wanted to know our origin and place
Who, what, or did anything start our race?

Why are we here and what is right?
Why do we hate and why do we fight?

Why are hearts filled and made dark?
Why does evil so easily make that mark?

I wanted to know what was true
So I would know the right thing to do

So I listened to all and mixed and matched
From all this a theory was hatched

Like many others this theory I would share
Even though evidence was not always there

I took others words and thought them right
But was never sure of truth till I saw the light

Though skeptical of church, I went
Not knowing that night I was God sent

He loved me and wanted me still
And for once I felt in my heart “This is real.”

The question of what is right diminished
A piece of me once lost, replenished

Jesus forgave me and provided unconditional love
A small piece of God sent from above

A new feeling I can’t describe
Overtook me and caused new life

Warmth and light filled the dark
Truth and love lit the spark

A ray of happiness filled my soul
At last joined with the Spirit I became whole

Now I hold the truth in my hands
And I want to be used by God to share it with man

The Race

The Race

Have you ever felt like you're in a relay race?
Dropped the baton but realized too late
Your teammates are waiting there's no time to waste to keep the lead

Well this isn't' your typical kind of a race
You don't have to be first, don't even have to place
And the only one who can set your pace is God

You could run this race a thousand times
You could run at the speed of light
But you will never reach the finish line without Jesus at your side

So don't look at the others as they run by
Don't get discouraged don't give up and die
We all have a lifetime to run

This isn't' your typical kind of a race
Sometimes it will feel like you're running in place
But to whom you're committed will keep your pace unto the end

His grace is sufficient His power is too
To Him every trial is nothing new
So wait on the Lord He will get you through today

This isn't your typical kind of a race
You don't have to be first, don't even have to place
So wait on the Lord He's your only way to reach the finish line

Talents

A man brought forth his talents to the LORD with a smile. As the talents were placed on the fire to be judged he considered all he had done for the LORD through he years and his smile brightened. However, it quickly faded as some of his most distinguishing moments were incinerated before his eyes. A sermon preached on salvation that resulted in fifteen saved, a spiritual argument with a co-worker in which he had been decisively victorious and a witness to those in the room, a home he had purchased for a widow and her children, and many more were turned to ashes until finally what had started as a reasonably sized offering was reduced to a very small pile of gold.

The man was stunned and turned to Jesus. “I don’t understand LORD. What happened?” “That which burned were things you did in life based on my principles but without my Spirit. That which did not was based on both.”

“What abut the sermon I preached when fifteen people were saved?”
“You prepared the sermon based on gossip you heard about your membership. You did not seek my counsel or my blessings. Those that were saved were honest seekers. I was able to save them because of their willingness not because of your preaching.”

“What about my argument with Bob that was a witness to almost all my co- workers?” “Bob was honestly seeking truth. Had you approached him in meekness you could have shared many of my truths with him. Unfortunately, you approached him in pride.”

“What about the house for the widow and her children?” The man asked. “How many people have you told about that house through the years?” Jesus asked in return.
“Well, several - I wanted it to be a testimony of what you had done.”
“No my child you wanted it to be a testimony of what you had done.”

The man was filled with sorrow as he realized how much of his time on Earth he had wasted for himself. Finally, he asked “LORD what is left?” “That which was not burned were those things which you allowed me to do through you.” The LORD pointed to a portion of the gold. “Here, when you forgave your father after years of hurt and bitterness.”
“But LORD I couldn’t forgive him - you gave me the strength.”

“Here when you led the bible study at the home for the elderly.” “But LORD I didn’t want to do that. You gave me the desire and what to share.”

“Here when you forgave your wife for the sin of adultery.” “LORD that tore me apart I wanted to leave her, it was only by your grace I remained.”

As the LORD continued the man stood wondering why all he had done of his own strength had burned while all that the LORD had done remained.

It was then he noticed that the small pile of gold reflected the perfect image of the LORD.

II Timothy

II Timothy 2:19-22 Nevertherless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Verse 20 says that in a great house there are vessels for honour made of gold and silver and also vessels made to dishounour. We decide what type of vessel we are to be by what we fill ourselves with. Verse 21 says if we purge our self from sin we will be a vessel for hounour. To purge is to separate completely. The things that cause us to war within ourselves have to be removed. In other words, if something triggers our struggles, a TV show, a magazine, a place, or a certain person then we have to separate ourselves from those things completely or as much as possible. Satan will try to make us believe we shouldn't have to separate ourselves, we are just being weak, but that isn't what the Bible says. It is wisdom to see danger and hide.

Proverbs 27:2 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and Hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

In verse 22, Paul lists what to fill ourselves with to be vessels for hounour; Righteouseness, faith, charity, and peace. Then we will have a pure heart. We can obtain those good things in prayer, bible study, and good Christian fellowship.

Differences between materials:
Wood and Earth don't reflect, they are flammable, and they decay. They are broken easily. Gold and silver are refined until they are pure. They can be dented but not destroyed. They can be melted down and reshaped. Gold and silver are harder to find and take more time and effort to make.

You my friend are designed to be a vessel of honour made for the master's use. He wants to fill you with wonderful things and use you to help others. To do this you must make yourself a clean vessel by separating yourself from the things that you know aren't good for you.

Staying Close

Romans 8:1-6 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The law could not free us because it depended on our ability.

We needed Jesus to come so we can rely on His ability. We cannot walk in the Spirit without His help. We can try but He doesn't want us to and we are destined to fail without Him. You have to walk after the Spirit to be free from the lust of the flesh. You have to stay close to God. You will not always feel Him. You will not often want to. It will always be easier not to. But you must press through all of these to get to the Spirit. He is life and we must seek Him as if our life depended on it because it does. Again and again in the scripture we are told to lean on the Lord.

John 15:4-5 (Jesus talking) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing.

Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world.

He overcame the world because we needed Him to so we could have the power to do so also. Remember how I told you about how good God was during my labor and how He helped me every step of the way? Well the next church service I was in was about the cross and I realized that Jesus endured all He did on the cross and did so alone so I would never have to. We can't do anything without His power. I know it seems backwards. Why would God want to do all the work? Grace. He did all the work to save us why not to keep us? Stay close to Him and He will take care of everything.

Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.

He will give you all you need and more but you have to go to Him to get it.

Psalm 139 in my own words

Lord, You have taken the time to really know me. My thoughts, my wants, my needs, and my heart. You know me and what I do all day. You understand what I'm going to think before I even think it. You surround me everywhere I go and know about everything I do. There isn't a word I say that You don't understand completely. You surround me and stake care of me. I don't understand why the God of the universe would care so much about me. There is nowhere I can go to hide from You. You will still lead me and Your presence will still be with me. If everything is going great You are with me. If I am miserable You are with me. Even when I feel surrounded by darkness You are there. The night shall shine as the day because You are there. You have directed e and known me since my conception. I will praise You because You wondrously made me and taught me right from wrong. Before I had form You saw me and knew where I was. You saw me before I was formed. You designed me before I was formed and then formed me according to that design. You or thoughts toward me are precious and great in number. If I could cont them there would be more that there is sand in the deserts. When I am awake I am with You. Surely You will kill the wicked God. Get away from me therefore who are Godless. For they speak against You wickedly and take your name in vain. I hate those that hate You and I am grieved with those who rise against You. I hate them perfectly they are my enemies. Search me and know me Lord. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, remove it or reveal it to me so I may remove it. Lead me in the way everlasting. Lead me to Your heart.

Mary

Almost every little girl dreams of her wedding day. I am sure that no matter the culture the desire to be joined to another and leave the family of origin is scary and exciting all bundled into one. Everything surrounding Jesus' birth was amazing. Imagine what kind of life Mary must have led. She had a perfectly normal life. She was betrothed and probably excitedly waiting the day he came to take her home. Then one night she was visited by an angel and her whole world changed. Joseph was a good and just man. When the angle told her she would conceive she didn't hesitate. She didn't bring up Joseph and what would he think. She didn't bring up the shame a pregnancy would cause her. She trusted God. She was willing to serve Him no matter the cost. God was faithful and worked everything out but she didn't know for sure that He would. she just stepped out in faith. I want to be surrendered like that. I don't want to hesitate no matter the obstacles. I want to trust God with a simple faith just like Mary did.

God wants us to believe in Him

I know it is an obvious statement. But it is not one that is always easily lived out. For me it is scary to believe the best about God. I think if I trust Him completely He will let me down. I think if I share my heart with Him He will leave me. These are not conscience thoughts. But they are lived out in my actions. We decide how close we get to God. John wasn't the only disciple who could have gotten close enough to lay his head on the Lord's chest he was just the only one that did. Our past and perceptions can keep us from a deep intimacy with the Lord. Our fear drives us from Him. A friend once told me when God reveals deep dark places in our hearts it is only new to us not Him. He has always seen those places. He chose to save us when our whole heart was one deep dark place. Jeremiah 17:7-9 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? God knows our hearts and He still wants to be our hope, our strength, and our rock. So believe in Him trust in Him hope in Him and He will not let you down. Our outward circumstances may not be to our liking but He will never leave us or forsake us and he offers a peace that surpasses all understanding and a joy unspeakable.