All dark clouds have a silver lining.

Last night we had a storm that caused really heavy rain. It had been raining all afternoon then about eight p.m. it began to rain really hard for over an hour. This hard steady soaking of rain after having already had so much rain that afternoon caused large amounts of water to accumulate very quickly.

To put it in perspective, my neighborhood never really floods but about 8:45 p.m. last night I looked out my front window. There were literal six plus inch waves in the street and someone’s car had stalled out in the middle of the intersection when they tried to drive through the water. The water in the intersection was knee deep even though only an hour before when I had arrived home there was no water accumulation. It was a very hard rain without let up for an hour and the water accumulated very quickly.

One of the results of this rain is that the roof of the convenience store in my neighborhood caved in. As I drove by this morning the store looked like it had been hit by a bomb with debris pilled up waist deep all over the inside of the store. I heard about the cave in from a neighbor last night and she had reported that the clerk on duty and the one customer that were in the store began hearing a “cracking” sound in the back of the store and ran out the door just in time to avoid being crushed by the ceiling and roof when they came down.

I began to think, “man am I glad I don’t own that store.” Actually, it is a Valero chain store but I have no idea who owns the store, probably some big corporation. But I started thinking what if you owned the store. Would you be down in the mouth and complaining? Think about it…odds are the owner has lost revenue until a time the store can be repaired, if it can be repaired at all. Immediately the owner lost the inventory, equipment, cash and so forth in the store. Or would you be glad that your employee and your customer got out in time and thankful that you had insurance on your business?

Thinking about this reminded me of a couple of verses from Scripture:

“Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:12-18)

I wonder how often the Lord protects us or heals us or gives us guidance and we forget to circle back and praise the Lord for His blessings?

Another example along these lines; what if someone wronged us in some serious way but the Lord led them to repentance? I came across someone with this exact issue just the other day.

Would you like so many of us often do hold on to your bitterness and wanting your pound of flesh (so to speak) in retribution or would you simply praise the Lord for His restoration of your brother / sister in Christ?

How many have lost a job and they are so stressed about it that they forget to thank the Lord that He had provided them a savings account to see them through till another job could be found.

It seems that if we are not careful we quickly fall into the trap where our prayers are simply a list of wants and needs. Granted James did say that we “have not because we ask not” but at the same time our prayers shouldn’t be exclusively the equivalent of making a wish list for Santa Clause either. Our prayers if done Biblically should include things we need, or things we need wisdom and guidance about but they should also include praise and thanksgiving for that which the Lord has blessed us with.

Even in the worst of cases we can still praise the Lord that He loved us so much that He sent His son to die for us on a cross. We can also praise Him even in the worst of times that He is there with us every step of the way and will never leave us:

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

So I would challenge you today. Whatever your circumstances in life might be, are you forgetting to praise the Lord and say thank you for what He has blessed you with instead of focusing on your problems?

Where your treasure is your heart will be.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

I wonder how often in today’s busy world that we forget to stop and really consider what our priorities are in life?

So I work hard and get ahead at the office, maybe make a few more bucks, will that really benefit me in the long run?

It won’t benefit you at all and in fact can really hurt you if we get out of our own little narrow perspective for a bit and have a look at things from God’s eternal perspective.

Jesus said no one can serve two masters and that a man will love one and hate the other. Then Jesus made it very clear what He was talking about when He said, “You cannot serve God and mammon” in Matthew 6:24.

Sure seems to me that a lot if not most of the church these days are serving mammon and trying to “keep up with the Jones’” instead of seeking first the Kingdom of God.

How many do you know that put on a mask for church on Sunday morning and then live as bad or even in some cases worse than the rest of the world the other six days and twenty-two hours of the week? Sadly, I know plenty of people that are like this, even a few so-called pastors. Not a surprise that when pastors are all about making money and chasing after fame that their congregation members would be the same way is it?

I actually know a pastor in my area that is always pushing his congregation members to give more. But then this pastor lives in a home that rivals corporate CEO's in the area and his kid drives a hummer to school. Care to guess the motives? This man is all about making a name for himself. Sad really. God will not share His glory with anyone so you can bet this particular pastor had better enjoy the "fame and fortune" now because it is all the reward he will ever see for his efforts.

So lets assume for a moment even some of these that live like the world most of the time are even saved. Even if we make this assumption it is certain that in the long run their way of life in seeking after the things of this world will cost them.

Everything in this world they might earn is temporary. Eventually they will die and all they have earned will be left to heirs. Likely even ungrateful heirs in many cases will be the ones who benefit from riches accumulated in this world. Prophecy states that eventually all of this in the “here and now” will be burned up to make way for a new Heaven and new earth so really any fame, money and so forth you might have now is temporary in the divine and eternal view of things.

Please note that if you continue to refuse the Gospel of Jesus and refuse to make Him the Lord of your life then this message is not for you. You will face judgment no doubt but your judgment will be eternity in hell for refusing to accept the Gospel and trying to earn your way to Heaven.

But the believer will face a different judgment. It will be one where the question is not a destiny in Heaven or hell but a judgment of eternal rewards gained or lost.

“each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it (the only Foundation of Jesus) endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 NKJ version with comment added)

So what sort of work will endure this test as by fire? It sure won’t be making the greedy corporate boss a few more bucks in screwing the little guy over. It sure won’t be building a bigger house and teaching your kids that it is all about “show me the money”. It certainly won't be fleecing the flock "in the name of Jesus" so you can build a bigger house and get your kids a really "cool" car to drive.

No things you have done in the name of Jesus with the proper motives in your heart will be rewarded. The kind deed done, the time spent praying for others, visiting that sick person in the hospital, sharing the Gospel with a lost soul, teaching a Sunday school class. I could go on and on but these are the types of things that will receive eternal rewards. These are the things you do because you yield daily to what the Lord would have you to do. They are not things you would do with a motive of "getting paid" for your "work."

Makes you stop and think about how you allocate your time each day doesn’t it? Sure makes me stop and think about what my priorities are.

True remorse leads to repentance

“True remorse is never just a regret over consequence; it is a regret over motive.” ~Mignon McLaughlin

Someone sent me the above quote and I thought to myself, how true!

Ever know the person involved in adultery that suddenly becomes remorseful when they get caught? Or the inmate who is suddenly remorseful when they find themselves facing a long jail term? Ever notice both of these types of people often suddenly become very "religious" more often than not also? The kid that is stealing candy from the kitchen counter and Mom or Dad walks in and gives them a spanking? These people are not sorry for what they have done, they are only sorry that they now face consequences for their actions. They are sorry they were caught but not for what they have done.

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church at Corinth to strongly rebuke them for many problems that were in the church. In that church you had it all…adultery, drunkenness, believers suing one another in court, abusing Spiritual gifts, you name it they were doing it.

Paul was not trying to judge them or beat them up in writing 1 Corinthians. He was confronting them hoping that it would result in Godly sorrow that would lead to repentance.

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

If we are truthful…conviction from the Holy Spirit when we step out of line produces repentance, or at least it should. It results in a change in actions and confessing our sins first to God then to those we have wronged if we truly have any fear of the Lord in us at all.

I continue to be amazed by this “brave new world” of political correctness around us these days. Heaven forbid if one should call a spade a spade in this day and age. You will quickly be labeled judgmental and divisive.

Sadly however the “never ‘offend’ anyone” politically correct attitude has found its way into the church. Rick Warren and other apostates of his ilk today preach a “feel good” message because they don’t want to make anyone feel bad about being a sinner. I continue to ask the question however that if you are not telling someone they are a sinner in need of a savior how exactly are you sharing the Gospel with them? You may be tickling their ears or entertaining them but this is not leading them to Christ. All you are doing is creating “religious” folks that like to “do church.”

Granted, we don’t want folks to feel bad if we can avoid it but sometimes some need to face the truth that they are indeed living in sin and it will land them in hell if they don’t change their ways. If a person really honestly cares about someone they would risk “offending” that person to keep them out of the fires of hell. Sometimes with a lost person or a brother in Christ that has fallen into sin we have to care enough to speak up and share the truth from God’s word without apology. It is hard to even risk a relationship with someone but sometimes that is what needs to be done.

Some would say they love the Lord and have respect for His word. However, if they don’t speak up for the truth at times are they not paying lip service to the Lord?

Many don’t like to feel uncomfortable when hearing the word of God, so sadly the Laodicea minded church of today decides to water down the message? Yeah, that took true brilliance to come up with that plan which conveniently has made a few very wealthy with lots of acclamation or fame thrown their way. I hope they enjoy it while they can because mocking and misrepresenting God is sure to have very dire consequences.

Have you ever wondered sometimes what the “seeker sensitive” pastors of today would write to the church at Corinth?

My guess is they would write a feel good message telling them why they need to give to the church’s latest fund drive and there would be no mention of living in an ungodly manner or repentance…how sad!

Honestly, when is the last time you have heard a sermon at one of today’s mega churches about repentance from sins? Heaven forbid if you told someone they needed to change their ways, confess and make things right where possible.

What ‘seeker sensitive’ crowds miss is that feeling uncomfortable means change is needed and some people like their lifestyle and don’t want to give it up. People don’t want to change because they like living in sin so instead they become “offended” when the word of God is preached. Why would I as a man want to use my finite little mind to think I am smarter than God who put the “offensive” portions of Scripture in there?

If someone is uncomfortable when hearing God’s word, why do some such as Rick Warren or other “seeker sensitive” types take it upon themselves to try and help someone avoid this uncomfortable feeling? I mean Heaven forbid if someone were forced to take an honest look at themselves and it resulted in Godly sorrow that led to repentance?

Are the ‘seeker sensitive’ pastors more interested in making the lost feel good now than they are the eternity a lost person might spend in hell?

Letter To a Skeptic

The article below written several months ago by Hal Lindsey really needs no additional comment other than to encourage you to visit Hal's website at

Hal Lindsey Oracle.com

By Hal Lindsey

I recently received a letter from someone who saw a broadcast of my television program, The International Intelligence Briefing, on TBN. According to my correspondent, I'd have to be an idiot to put my faith in the Bible.

"Hal:
I saw you on TBN and boy, I am impressed. Why don't you pick up a science book and learn the real truth? All religion is mythology. People of many religions have been predicting the end of world for years. The Garden of Eden, The Flood, The Last Supper, the Resurrection story, The Trinity, etc. were all in religions before Christianity. Do you deny that? Do you honestly believe the Earth is only 6,000 years old? That we lived with dinosaurs? That we did not evolve from apes? Do you think there is a conspiracy of scientists in all different fields against the Bible? Einstein, Darwin, Sagan etc. were not out to disprove the Bible they were seeking knowledge. Because of them the world is a better place."

I often get letters like the one above, but I usually answer them privately. This one deserves a wider hearing.

Dear Sir:

You argue that because of Darwin and others the world is a better place. A woman has a "right to choose" to kill her unborn baby - the baby has no right to "life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness." Families are breaking up, kids are turning schools into war zones, perjury is no longer a "real crime," gangs run rampant in our cities and serial killers are now commonplace. Sure, things have never been better.

(Who told you I believe that the earth is only 6000 years old? The Bible does not teach or require that belief.) Also, please explain the fossilized human footprint in the same impression as a dinosaur footprint located in the Permian Basin outside Midland, Texas. So far, science has been unable to. Apparently, you are willing to put your faith in science books alone. I'm sure it provides you with plenty of hope for the future.

I agree people have been predicting the end of the world. Indeed, that comes as no surprise to those who eschew the "real truth of science" ("man will never fly" - "bloodletting will cure disease" - both once scientific truths) for the "myths" of the Bible. How many people do you think have tried to prove the Bible wrong in the last 20 centuries? Philosophers, thinkers, scientists and doctors from every generation, on every continent, for 2000 years have tried to conclusively disprove the Bible - archeologically, historically, medically, scientifically - the one who found a single provably incorrect statement in any of these fields would prove the Book was written by a man.

Such a one would utterly destroy the underpinnings of the Judeo Christian ethic and would be the most famous philosopher who ever lived. The man who proved the Bible wrong! Surely history records such a genius - it's not like the Bible and its precepts haven't been under constant attack throughout history. But, sadly, there is no record of our historical genius.

You can't really believe you are the first to question it. I challenge you to conclusively disprove the Bible. While you're at it, can you conclusively prove evolution? Science demands empirical evidence that can be re-created in a laboratory before it labels something as "fact." Consequently, we teach evolution as fact in schools, but call it the "theory" of evolution. Look up "theory" and you'll find it means "a supposition" - an unproved fact.

On the other hand, the Bible is made up of 66 books, written by at least 40 different men in different cultures and places over a period of 2,000 years. Yet the message is perfectly consistent, homogenous, connected and progressive.

The Bible details history, medical information, scientific information (the Book of Job tells us, among other things, the world is round, wind moves in cyclonic patterns rather than a straight line and that light is in motion), without contradicting the latest findings of science. Archeological information has never disproved but rather confirmed the details of the Bible. Archeology has proven the existence of such key figures as Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas the High Priest, and we also have the record of Flavius Josephus, the secular Roman historian who mentioned the life of Jesus.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. And if you're right, the same thing happens to me as happens to you when we die - nothing! If you're wrong, however, you will pay for all eternity.

I'm unwilling to gamble on a discipline (science) that has been wrong so many times before, when I have before me a discipline (Biblical Christianity) that has never been disproved a single time in history.

So, I thank you for your suggestion that I pick up a science book and learn the "real" truth. But I already have and found that "truth" wanting. When I was a boy, science told me it was impossible to split the atom. Science told my dad that man would never fly. I've lived to see both scientific truths disproved; yet I still await the disproval of a single point in all 77,000-plus verses of Scripture.

I've studied science. I've read dozens of books on dozens of scientific theories and breakthroughs. Have you read the Bible? Or are you basing your condemnation of me on only half the evidence necessary to support your argument? Surely you aren't saying to me "I've read science, but not the Bible, and I conclude the Bible is wrong and science is true," are you? That wouldn't be very scientific, would it?

I'd like to invite you to know the One Who not only wrote the "real" Truth, but has kept it to this day. You can meet Him here.

Sincerely in Christ,

Hal Lindsey

Don't clean up your act, simply accept forgiveness

So many today believe that they have to clean up their act in order to have a relationship with Jesus or more importantly to receive salvation.

This just isn’t the case; all you have to do is turn and repent of your sins after making the decision to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

A friend and I were talking just the other day. He had a great story to explain or describe how silly it is that we would need to clean up our act prior to coming to Christ.

The story went something like imagine that you had lost your child in the woods for several days. After the several days you are really starting to loose hope that you would ever find your child again. Surely no child could live in the wilderness among the bears and other predators for days on end with no food, no water and no shelter.

But then what if you were out searching and you saw your child across a field. You would both start running towards each other, almost like in the movies where the man makes it back alive from a war and he and the long lost love are running in slow motion to embrace each other. However, what if as you get closer you notice your child is really dirty. Covered in mud, maybe even has some leaches on them, perhaps some dried blood from a cut or two. Would you stop and so “No way, you go take a bath and then I will give you a hug and a kiss?”

Honestly, I don’t think you would. I think you would be so happy to realize your child was alive that you would run right up, hug them and tell them you love them.

How much more would our Father in Heaven embrace us if we were to come running back to Him?

“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I (Jesus) did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:13)

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

We do not need to clean up our act in order to ask Jesus to come into our hearts. All we need to do is realize that we are a sinner in need of a Savior. Jesus said that if we seek Him we will find Him.

Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8. He simply told her “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

With Jesus all you need to do is simply ask Him to be the Lord of your life and He will be faithful. In the instant you ask Him to be your Lord the Holy Spirit will immediately take up residence in your heart and begin to change you from the inside out. If you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to be the Lord of your life you will be received with forgiveness just like the prodigal son.

Won’t you trust Jesus for your Salvation today?