1 Kings

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Chronicled

Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 1 Kings 14:29

Can you imagine having every act you do chronicled? A chronicle is like a daily journal or a diary.

It’s one thing for you to write about yourself, “Dear Diary, I was awesome today! …”

It’s another thing to have someone else writing about you with your good days – AND YOUR BAD DAYS!

In the case of most rulers, their people were only allowed to mention the victories and great accomplishments with long paragraphs of praise. The losses of war and the agonies of defeat were given a mere mention.

But you don’t have a choice of how your life is written up. God is keeping a record of everything.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Cor 5:10

Your deeds will follow you – even what you say!

I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Matt 12:36

But Jesus says,

“Behold, I make all things new.” Rev 21:5

Trusting in Him as your Lord and Savior will erase the past –

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor 5:17

Accept Jesus as Savior and change what is recorded about you.

Abba, thank You for Your grace and mercy that wipes away my horrid past. Thank You for the fresh start in Jesus. YES&AMEN

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What do you want from Abba?

man praying in churchAnd now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31

Everyone wants to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I know I really enjoy it.
But what is the reason that you want to be filled with God’s Spirit?
Many just enjoy how it makes them feel. I know I really enjoy it!

But the early church did not ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They asked for boldness in preaching the word!
They also asked for healing power and miracles.
Still, it all started with asking for boldness to speak God’s word.

God responded with the filling of the Holy Spirit.

It reminds me of King Solomon.
That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 1 Kings 3:5
Solomon could have asked for anything!
His response – Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9

It pleased God so much that He gave Solomon wisdom. He also gave him great fame and wealth.

There are a few things you must remember.

First, seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matt 6:33
And humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10

I am praying for brokenness and humility before God. I just want to serve Him. I want to be able to preach and teach God’s word with simplicity for everyone to understand. I want to lead more to Christ. It’s not about me. It’s about Christ.
As John the baptizer said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30

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The Permissive Pastor

kirbyvilleWhile I was attending JBC I was often sent to churches to preach. Many of these trips were to just fill-in and a few were in view of a call.
However I never was called to be a pastor at any of them. Continue reading →

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Supply and Demand

There are many Bible stories that seem very far-fetched! If I had not experience the saving grace of God, the forgiveness through Jesus, and the filling of the Holy Spirit, I would find it easy to be an atheist.
But because I am continuing to experience a relationship with the Lord God, I not only believe in Him but in His word. Continue reading →

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What do you want?

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 1 Kings 3:5
What would you ask from God if he offered you anything you want? Continue reading →

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Drought and Sin

It’s another rainy morning.
As I sit down to read my Bible, pray, and write, it is pouring down. It’s quite a stark contrast to last year.
In fact, I think we have had more rain in July than we received all of last year!
The drought was hard on us. Oppressive heat and lack of moisture dried out vegetation and brought on the worse wildfire in the state’s history. Continue reading →