Today starts a 40 day "season" that has traditionally been a time some sort of fasting for the Christian Church. Some may abstain from solid foods during this time, others may partake of a restricted diet, while others may "fast" some activity, such as TV (although, this by no means fulfills the true intent of the season).
The purpose, at least in the early years of this practice, was to set aside worldly, physical endeavors, in order to focus upon the spiritual life.
The practice of fasting, if undertaken with proper motives, is a profitable discipline regardless of the season. The Bible says much about the flesh and it's detriment to our spiritual life, if not kept in check; and, fasting is a great way to deny the flesh.
But the real benefit comes from replacing the things laid aside with spiritual pursuits, such as prayer and studious reading of the Scriptures.
I would like to encourage all who read this to join with me in reaching across the ages to Christians of by-gone generations, and observing this season with prayer, fasting, and a genuine pursuit of the things of God.
This just may result in a personal revival in our hearts and lives that will bring us into a higher realization of God's great will and purpose for our lives.
God Bless.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Living With A Divided Heart
This is a phrase that I came upon in the early days of my Christian walk. It seemed strange to me then, but after walking with the Lord for the better part of four decades, I more fully understand why a "divided heart" is something to be guarded against.
I have rarely recommended a movie, frankly because the vast majority of them are spiritually defiling, but there is a film from several years back entitled "Time Changers", starring Gavin McLeod, that, in my opinion, is well worth watching. The premise of the movie is that a Christian scientist from the 1800s invents a time machine and is transported to modern time.
There is very obvious "culture shock" as the ungodliness of modern living is encountered- even in the church! It is very eye-opening as the viewer is brought face-to-face with issues that modern society has become comfortable with. There is one particular scene where the visitor from the past flees from a movie theater, where he has gone as part of a church outing, totally shocked that there was open blasphemy, taking the Lord's Name in vain, being spoken in the film.
A divided heart rapidly loses awareness of the "wrongness" of such things. After all, such is just a part of life in 2010. Is it any wonder that God tells us to keep our heart with all diligence.
Friend, how is it with your heart today? Would you be inclined to flee evil, as our fictional friend from the past did? Or, would you sit, munching popcorn, wondering what was wrong with this "religious nut"?
I can answer for no one but myself, but I think the ability to be shocked, embarrassed, and made to feel uncomfortable in the presence of that which offends the Lord is a healthy attitude of heart that ought to be nurtured.
Jesus said it best of all: "No man can serve two masters...". May we choose wisely.
God Bless
I have rarely recommended a movie, frankly because the vast majority of them are spiritually defiling, but there is a film from several years back entitled "Time Changers", starring Gavin McLeod, that, in my opinion, is well worth watching. The premise of the movie is that a Christian scientist from the 1800s invents a time machine and is transported to modern time.
There is very obvious "culture shock" as the ungodliness of modern living is encountered- even in the church! It is very eye-opening as the viewer is brought face-to-face with issues that modern society has become comfortable with. There is one particular scene where the visitor from the past flees from a movie theater, where he has gone as part of a church outing, totally shocked that there was open blasphemy, taking the Lord's Name in vain, being spoken in the film.
A divided heart rapidly loses awareness of the "wrongness" of such things. After all, such is just a part of life in 2010. Is it any wonder that God tells us to keep our heart with all diligence.
Friend, how is it with your heart today? Would you be inclined to flee evil, as our fictional friend from the past did? Or, would you sit, munching popcorn, wondering what was wrong with this "religious nut"?
I can answer for no one but myself, but I think the ability to be shocked, embarrassed, and made to feel uncomfortable in the presence of that which offends the Lord is a healthy attitude of heart that ought to be nurtured.
Jesus said it best of all: "No man can serve two masters...". May we choose wisely.
God Bless
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Last Sunday
"The Last Sunday". That's the title of a song recorded by the Cathedral Quartet many years ago. It tells the story of a normal Sunday morning; some people off to church, some going to the lake, others mowing their lawn, some involved in illicit affairs, others seeking the things of God.
Suddenly, business as usual is interrupted by the sound of an angelic trumpet, and the sudden disappearance of those who are ready for the rapture of the saints.
The song speaks of the terror inside of a church as half the congregation is suddenly missing. While, at a local bar, no one notices anything unusual. An elderly woman is gripped with fear as children who were playing by her yard are gone!
Jesus actually said that it would be just this way. People would be eating, drinking, marrying, giving in marriage- business as usual.
There will be no 2 minute warning prior to this event! Yet, multitudes live as if this day cannot possibly overtake them as a thief in the night, but, this is exactly the way that it will happen according to the Bible.
So, in light of this, how are we to live? The answer is simple: Live as if you are expecting the Lord to come today! Do not foolishly presume upon some future opportunity to get ready that may never come.
We have His word, we have His promises, and we have the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we have everything that we need to be prepared for this blessed event whenever it transpires.
May we live in the light of this truth.
God bless.
Suddenly, business as usual is interrupted by the sound of an angelic trumpet, and the sudden disappearance of those who are ready for the rapture of the saints.
The song speaks of the terror inside of a church as half the congregation is suddenly missing. While, at a local bar, no one notices anything unusual. An elderly woman is gripped with fear as children who were playing by her yard are gone!
Jesus actually said that it would be just this way. People would be eating, drinking, marrying, giving in marriage- business as usual.
There will be no 2 minute warning prior to this event! Yet, multitudes live as if this day cannot possibly overtake them as a thief in the night, but, this is exactly the way that it will happen according to the Bible.
So, in light of this, how are we to live? The answer is simple: Live as if you are expecting the Lord to come today! Do not foolishly presume upon some future opportunity to get ready that may never come.
We have His word, we have His promises, and we have the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we have everything that we need to be prepared for this blessed event whenever it transpires.
May we live in the light of this truth.
God bless.
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