For the Men

Love Is………

2010-07-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Love suffers long. Love is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself. Love is not puffed up. Love does not behave rudely. Love does not seek its own. Love is not provoked. Love thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in iniquity. Love rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things. Love believes all things. Love hopes all things. Love endures all things and Love never fails.
We use the word love freely. We often times use the word love too freely. We may say that we love our house, or our car, nice meals out or a number of things we have. But do we truly know what love is?
As I read 1 Cor. 13:4-8 I began to use the word love less in my daily conversations with others. I started thinking about the word love and its true meaning. My thoughts always return to Jesus.
John 3:16 tells us, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
When I think of the love Jesus has for me, for all of us, I think of the cross. I think of the wood the cross was made of, the wood that God made. I think of the hill where the cross was placed with Jesus nailed to it, the hill that God made. I think of all the sin Jesus took upon Himself He who knew no sin. When I think of Love, I think of Jesus. Jesus is love.
I then read 1 Cor. 13:4-8 again with fresh eyes, this is what I saw. Jesus suffers long, Jesus is kind, Jesus does not envy, Jesus does not parade himself, Jesus is not puffed up, Jesus does not behave rudely, Jesus does not seek his own, Jesus is not provoked, Jesus thinks no evil, Jesus does not rejoice in iniquity, Jesus rejoices in the truth, Jesus bears all things, Jesus believes all things, Jesus hopes all things Jesus endures all things, Jesus never fails…Jesus is love.
When I pray y nightly prayers, one item I say is, “I want to be more like Jesus.” When I read 1Cor .13:4-8 I see I have a long way to grow. I then think of my day, how I should not have said something when I did. Of How I should not have thought something when I did. I should not have done something when I did. Then I think of that cross, and the love Jesus has for me.
Love is not a thing. We may like our house, our car, our job (maybe). We may like a lot of things we have, but love can only be given to others through our actions.
Read the following a few times and take a personal inventory, look for areas you can improve: I suffer long, I am kind, I do not envy, I do not parade myself, I am not puffed up, I do not behave rudely, I do not seek my own, I am not provoked, I think no evil, I do not rejoice in iniquity, I rejoice in the truth, I bear all things, I believe all things, I hope in all things, I endure all things and I never fail.
When you realize the true meaning of love and you want to express true love to those around you; pray, pray and ask our loving Lord to provide His love in you and through you
Love is…Jesus.

Bro. Dan

God Forgives

2010-07-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

God Forgives

A few weeks ago I was standing behind the podium in my church, I was making a point and I asked a question. The question was this: “Is there anyone here today that would die for me?” As you can surmise, I was speaking about the love that God has for us. God loves us so much that he (God) “gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish but have everlasting life.”
To my surprise, when I asked, “Is there anyone here today that would die for me? “ A dear brother sitting in the congregation raised his hand. I was not expecting anyone to raise their hand. I smiled at the brother, thanked him and moved on with the topic at hand.
Later in the day as I sat in my cell thinking about my day, my thoughts returned to the moment when that dear brother raised his hand. Then I asked myself, “Is there anyone that I would die for?” I thought about the question for a few moments and the answer was “yes” there is a small hand full of people that I would die for.
Then another question came to me (by the Holy Spirit). The question was, “Would I bear anyone else’s sins upon myself. The answer came very fast and to the point. The answer was “no” I would not and could not bear anyone else’s sins.
Jesus Christ bore our sins for you and me so we could be redeemed: Jesus Christ also took upon Himself our sins, my sins, your sins, the sins of the world. There is no one in this world capable or willing to bear the sins of the world except Jesus Christ. That is how much God loves you and me.
Hebrews 9:28 says, “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” Jesus Christ bore our sins, all of our sins. This scripture also says that Jesus was offered “once”, once and for all. Jesus was not offered once a week, month or once a year. Once and for all.
1Peter 2:14 says, “Who Himself (Jesus) bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sin, might live for righteousness… by whose stripes you were healed.”
There are so many of my brothers and sisters that have not come to realize what God has done for them. In John 19:30 Jesus declared, “It is finished.” God is waiting for us to accept the fact that once and for all our sins have been dealt with. Jesus bore our sins.
When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you received eternal life, you received the Holy Spirit and you received God’s forgiveness for all your sins.
Take a moment to search your heart are you harboring any ill feelings toward someone? God has forgiven you of your trespasses, can you forgive those that have trespassed against you? Search your heart, and pray.
Take one more moment to search your heart and allow yourself to forgive yourself for something you have done in the past. Forgiving yourself can be the hardest thing to do . God has forgiven us.
When we can accept God’s forgiveness, forgive others, then forgive our selves, we can come to a much deeper relationship with God. Jesus bore our sins, accept the free gift.
God Loves You.

Bro. Dan

Shed Your Grave Clothes (part two)

2010-06-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

When Lazarus came forth, he was now alive, but he still had a hindrance. John11:44 says, “and he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
Lazarus was hindered by his grave clothes he was alive, but he had a hindrance. Think abut this for a moment: How many of us are saved, alive in Jesus Christ, and we are still struggling with our “grave clothes”? How many of us are still dealing with something from our past? We are alive! We are spiritually alive in Christ and yet we allow our grave clothes to hold us back.
I continued to read: Lazarus has now, “Shed his grave clothes” and Jesus has said, “let him go”.
A lot of Jews saw what had happened and believed in Jesus, they were saved. However, some of the Jews went and told the Pharisees what had happened. The Pharisees saw this as a threat to their power. To protect their power, they decided to kill Jesus and Lazarus. It seems that where ever Lazarus went, he was well known and many Jews became saved. Those that opposed Jesus now opposed Lazarus. They saw Lazarus as a danger to them because of his testimony of what Jesus had done for him. Jesus had given him life.
Lazarus only became a danger when he fully shed his grave clothes. Are you a danger to those that oppose Jesus? If you are not a danger to sin, why aren’t you? Are you tangled in your grave clothes and being held back? Jesus said, “Loose him, and let him go” John 11:44. Jesus called you to “come forth”, be saved. Jesus has also said of you, “Loose him/her, and let him/her go”. The only way you can still have grave clothes binding you is if you won’t let them fall to the ground.
You are spiritually alive. You are no longer spiritually dead. When you stop hanging onto your grave clothes you will begin to truly live, you will be a dangerous man or a dangerous woman. It is your choice. What are you going to do?
Just one more thought: When Jesus died on the cross for you and for me, was buried and raised from the dead, where were Jesus’ grave clothes? John 20:5-7 tells us that Jesus’ grave clothes were left behind in the tomb. Jesus did not take anything from our past, yours or mine with Him. All our sins were dealt with at the cross.
Take a moment, pray and ask the Lord to show you anything that you need to leave behind. What He shows you, give it to the Lord. Shed your grave clothes.

Bro Dan

What does God want?

2010-06-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

What Does God Want?

“What does God want from me?” That is a question I have heard many times over the years. This question is always asked by men and women seeking God’s will in their lives. It has been my experience that most people would rather have a direct answer and not have to “read between the lines.” How blessed we are to have God’s word, all the answers to any question can be found in God’s word.
What does God want from us? Isaiah 1:16-17 is a good place to start. The first five words in v. 16 says, “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean.” God wants us to be reconciled with Him. God loves us so much that He provided a way back to Him for us, through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. All we have to do to be reconciled with God is to accept Jesus as our Savior, a precious free gift to you and me. God loves us so much that he wants to spend all of eternity with us.
Isaiah 1:16 continues by saying, “put away evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil.” God wants us to be saved so He can enjoy our fellowship for eternity. When we ask Jesus into our heart, we also acknowledge our sinful past and we repent. Repent is defined as “Turning away from the past.” Our turning away from evil and turning toward God. If we turn back toward God, we are ceasing “To do evil.”
God wants us to be reconciled with Him, then God wants us to turn away from evil, a sinful life. Isaiah 1:17 continues with, “Learn to do good: Seek justice, rebuke the oppressor: Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” God is calling upon His people, men of God to take a pro-active stand in these areas. Learn, seek, rebuke, defend and plead for. A man of God is a man of action, a man of action for good, for justice, against oppression, to be there for the fatherless and to care for the widows.
God continues to speak to us in 1 Samuel 15:22b by saying, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” God wants us to be reconciled with Him, repent, turn away from evil, take a stand against oppression, learn to do good, defend those in need and to obey and heed God. Obey God; How do we obey God? We start by praying and telling God that we want to obey Him in anything he wants from us or for us. We then serve God by serving others, by serving God’s people.
Men enjoy the direct approach. God is more than willing to be direct, our last scripture is Micah 6:8 which says, “He has shown you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
God loves you and me so very much that He gave Jesus to be a sacrifice for us, in our place, so you and I could have a way back to God. Imagine how much God loves us, so much that He wants you and me to hang out with Him for all eternity. All God wants from us is for us to turn away from evil, learn to do good, protect those in need of protecting, to love mercy, be humble in your walk, listen and obey God.
What does God want? God wants you, all of you all of the time. God wants you to know and feel His mercy, grace and love. God wants men to stand for good and what is right. God wants men to stand against evil, protect those in need of protecting and to defend those in need of defending.
Take a stand, be a man of God. Be a man of Action.

Bro. Dan

Run the Race

2010-05-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Run The Race

I remember when I was ten years old, I received my first motorcycle. I was so excited; I wanted to climb on that motorcycle and ride. However there was one problem, I had not received any training in the art of riding a motorcycle.
My step-father tried to teach me the basics of riding a motorcycle, but I insisted that I knew what I was doing. My step-father said, “Okay, you are on your own.” I climbed on that motorcycle, started it up, put it in first gear and with a big smile on my face I rode that motorcycle right into the side of my step-fathers truck. I then received some instruction and guidance in the basics of riding motorcycle. With time, patience and perseverance I became pretty good at riding and working on motorcycles. I even did a little racing in my youth.
When I look back upon my life as a Christian, I see a lot of things I wish I would have done differently. There have been times that I could have shared the love of Jesus and I didn’t. Sermons I have preached that I know I could have done better. Many times when talking with my brothers, I should have been more patient.
When I look back upon my life as a Christian, if only I would have laid all my baggage at the feet of Jesus, I could have focused more on serving my Lord.
Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
As I grew spiritually as a Christian, I slowly accepted instruction from the Holy Spirit. With time patience and perseverance I have been able to “lay aside every (all most) weight” and rather than riding into the side of trucks, I can “run with endurance the race that is set before us (me).”
I can now look back upon my life as a Christian and see the precious moments when God has spoken to me, asking me to approach a brother and ask,” How are you?” Then ten or fifteen minutes later I have found myself holding my brother while he wept because a loved one had lost their life.
A moment when God directed me into the path of a very young man (a gang member) who spoke to me about wanting to kill another man because of the murder of his brother, I shared the love of Jesus and the forgiveness of Jesus with this young man, the Holy Spirit touched this young man and he forgave the man that had killed his brother.
When I carried the weight of my past with me there wasn’t any room in my life to “run the race”. There wasn’t any room to hear God, see the pain of others, obey God, reach out to those in need, serve God, watch God change lives around me.
When I lay “aside every weight”, my past, all that I had done and all that had been done to me, that is when my life truly and completely became God’s. I now “run with endurance the race. The race that is set before us (me)”. I still fall, I do not stay down and feel sorry for myself anymore, I now get up as fast as I can, pray and continue the race.
Come race with me!
Bro Dan

Bondservant part 2

2010-05-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Bondservant part 2

Let’s look a little deeper into this: within the business world, there are two types of basic relationships. The most common of the two is the “at arms length”.
At arms length is best explained as a person that goes into a store, pays for an item and leaves the store.
The other business relationship is known as a “fiduciary” relationship. Within a corporation, the C.E.O. and Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to the stock holders. They must place the interest and responsibilities of the share holders above their own interests.
How many Christians do we know that have an “at arms length” relationship with our Lord. Do you have a “fiduciary” relationship with our Lord? Do you place the interests and responsibilities of our Lord above your own? Are you a “Bondservant” of Jesus Christ of your own free will for life? Have you been sealed by the Holy Spirit?
Paul did in fact declare that he is a bondservant. Let’s look and see how he applied the word: Galatians 1:10 says, “For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ”.
We have all seen men and women of God that seem to be more concerned about pleasing men rather than our Lord. They are not bondservants.
Paul again writes in 2Corinthins 4:5, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake”.
Paul has not only declared that he is a bondservant of Jesus Christ, but has also declared that he is a bondservant to his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul is stating that he will place his responsibilities to Christ above his own interests. Paul goes further by stating that he will place the interest of his fellow brother and sisters above his own. Would you do that? Could you do that?
Paul also states in Ephesians 6:5-6 this,” Bondservants, (Paul is speaking to believers who have a job outside of the ministry) be obedient to those who are your masters (employers) according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ, (v.6) not with eyeservice as men pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”
As men and women of God, Christians, we are to place the interest of our employers above our own. If we have a job outside of the ministry, we are to give our employer 110% of our attention and loyalty.
Bondservant. What a wonderful word. I love the way this one word opens God’s word to us. I am a bondservant of Jesus Christ. I will try to always place the interest of Jesus Christ above my own. I will try to always place the interests of my fellow brother and sister above my own. I will try to always place the interests of my employer above my own. How about you, are you a bondservant of Jesus Christ?

Bro. Dan
A bondservant of Jesus Christ

Bondservant

2010-04-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

Bondservant

As I was reading God’s word, I noticed that Paul, James, Peter and Jude referred to themselves as “Bondservants” to Jesus Christ. The more I read, the more I wanted to do research on this word bondservant. What I found was a well of information that has lead to a deeper understanding of Paul, James, Peter and Jude’s relationship with our Lord and Savior. Also, I have learned that we too can have a deeper more personal relationship with our Lord and Savior by understanding the word “bondservant.
In order to fully understand the word bondservant, we must first understand the master and slave, or master and servant relationship.
During the Roman Empire, their economic foundation was based on a system of masters and servants. Today, our economic foundation is based upon the employer and employee relationship. In order for us to understand God’s word in a deeper way, we need to translate master and servant to employer and employee when we read God’s word. This will allow us to fully apply God’s word to our lives today.
In God’s word, there is a difference between a servant and a bondservant. A servant for the most part was someone who fell into debt to another and committed themself to that person for a period of no more than seven years. The norm was two to five years as a servant in order to repay the debt.
When the debt was fully paid the person who was the servant was free to go. However, if that person wanted to stay in service to the household, he could of his own free will stay.
The commitment was a life long commitment and had to be done of his own free will. Just as when you and I accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we did so as a life long commitment (and into eternity) and of our own free will.
They would seal the deal by placing the ear lobe of the servant against the door post of the house and pierce the ear with an awl (a tool like an ice pick). They would then place a ring in the ear and from that day forward he would be known as a bondservant.
A bondservant is someone who has committed himself to another, of his own free will, for the rest of his life. The deal is sealed by the piercing of the ear.
When you and I, of our own free will committed ourselves to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is for life. The deal has been sealed by the Holy Spirit.
We are starting to see the depth and understanding of what our fellow bondservants Paul, James, Peter and Jude meant when they stated that they were bondservants of Jesus Christ.

Continued:
Bro. Dan

EAT THE CHICKEN THROW OUT THE BONES *

2010-04-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

" Seven days without church makes one weak". I read this and thought it was great. It reminded me of something that happened in a Saturday service recently.

There were three brothers who came to a service that I was attending. One was a pastor. They came to share God's Word with us.

One of the brothers made a statement that was wrong. This statement was not the root of what he was talking about.

One brother (a member of that church) came to me and said, "Did you hear what he said?" I said that I had and continued to listen to the brother that was speaking. A moment later the brother that had come to me, was talking behind me about the statement. I asked him to be respectful. He got up and walked out.

The visiting pastor preached for about forty minutes. His message was a tremendous blessing to all that heard him. I thought of the brother that had left. I know that he would have been blessed had he stayed.

There is a saying, "Eat the chicken, spit out the bones, even if it is a skinny chicken." If the brother had spit out a couple of bones, he would have been able to feast on a good spiritual meal. We, as men are always being looked upon by others as examples. Being disrespectful and walking out of a service is not being a good example. If my family had been there, I would have explained the statement and the truth to them later.

The brother missed out on a wonderful sermon and some good fellowship.

Hebrews 10:25 says, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. As is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching. "We are told in the Bible to come together in Christ for praise, worship and fellowship. Who is going to be the example? You and I must be.

"Seven days without church makes one weak". We need to attend Bible studies, prayer meetings and services every chance we can, and we need to stand and be the example to others. We need to "Eat the chicken and spit out the bones".

By: Daniel R. Wiltse
Son of Pastor John Wiltse
Bread of life Christian Fellowship, Moundhouse

P.O.W.

2010-03-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

In a time of war soldiers are assigned different tasks. For example; the soldiers we hear about the most are those on the front lines. The soldiers that we hear the least about are the ones that serve as support to those that are on the front lines.
In the ministry, we too are at war, spiritual war with our adversary, Satan. Just like the military, the ministry has brothers and sisters on the front lines and the ministry has those that are rarely seen that serve as support to those on the front lines.
In war, there are times when soldiers are captured and held as “Prisoners of war” also known as “P.O.W. s”. A P.O.W. can hold any rank and may be assigned to any position.
In the ministry there are times when a brother or sister can be held as a spiritual “Prisoner of War” by our enemy. The most common method our adversary uses is to raise fear in the lives of believers. Fear in the believer can appear in many areas of our lives. We may have a fear of driving at night; this will keep the believer from attending night church services or night Bible studies. We may have a fear of our appearance and not want to be around people. No matter what the fear is the results are the same. The believer becomes a “Prisoner of War.” They are held by our adversary Satan.
Romans 8:14-15 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit), these are sons of God.” V15 “for you (place your name here) did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear (become a spiritual P.O.W.), but you received (You already have within you) the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out “abba, Father.” (NKJ)
Abba in the Greek is translated; Pa or Daddy. Abba is an intimate word. Verse 15 shows us the intimacy we have with our father. There is no reason for any believer to even have fear in their lives. One method Satan will use to ensnare the believer is to divide and conquer. This is an old military tactic; In short time a believer can find himself separated from his brothers and sisters in Christ and before he knows it, he is a P.O.W.
How do we avoid becoming a spiritual P.O.W.? We must train. This means that we must attend Bible studies, worship services and stay in fellowship with our fellow spiritual warriors.
When we study God’s word we learn who we are in Jesus Christ. When we learn who we are, we can then stand on God’s promises to us. Just as Romans 8:14-15 says, we are believers who can and should be led by the Holy Spirit, we are sons and daughters of God, we have the Holy Spirit within us, and therefore there is no room for bondage in fear in our lives, ever.
Do not allow fear to rule any part of your life. If fear starts to raise it’s ugly head, read Romans 8:14-15 and stand on the promises of God. Do not allow fear to stop you from serving God. We serve God not out of obligation or duty. We serve God because we love Him.

Fear is bondage. There is no place in the believer’s life for fear.

Bro Dan

SHINE A LITTLE LIGHT

2010-03-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

I have an affect on those around me. The things I say or do affect many people.

The people I have the most influence with are my family. The things I do or say In front of my wife and children have a great influence on them.
I forget this quite often. I forget the influence I have on those around me. This is not to say that I have been a bad influence, this is to say that I know I could be a much better influence.

I spent the afternoon at work with this on my mind. I started by just smiling at others as we passed. Then I sat at a table and made myself available to others. A couple of brothers came and sat with me. We talked, we fellowshipped. I found myself really enjoying the moment. I believe I was able to help them and they helped me as well.

Matt. 5: 14-16 states this, "You are the light: of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." V:15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.." V: 16 "Let your light so shine before men. That they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven."

In this world, there is enough negative. I know that when we walk in the world all day we can and do bring the negative home with us. This can reflect on how we talk to and interact with our wives and children. We may not show the negative at home, but what are we doing to influence our family in a positive way?

When we are at work, or out taking care of the daily needs of our home and family we need to walk and talk with our light for the Lord shinning bright for others to see.

As Matthew 5: 14-16 states, as Christian men and women, we are that light! We have a responsibility to walk in this very dark world as a beaming light. We can start with a very simple smile to all those around us, then a friendly "How are you today" to someone. When we come home we can ask our spouse and children how they are doing, all the while wearing a smile.

I will guarantee you that in a very short time you will receive joy from this. You will also have people ask you why you are so happy. This will open the door for you to tell them about Jesus and how they too can have peace, love and joy in their lives.

One bright light in a dark place can make a huge difference in a lot of lives. In a short time others around you will turn their lights up and the darkness will start to fade away.

Be that light, turn yours up! * ....Danny-
　

Danny’s Shed Your Grave Clothes

2010-02-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

Shed Your Grave Clothes

Have you ever thought about being a dangerous man or a dangerous woman for the Lord? I have. I have read about brothers and sisters smuggling Bibles into countries, risking a prison term or even death if they were caught.
Think about the faith these brothers and sisters put forth, they are risking their lives to further God’s word, the gospel. These brothers and sisters are dangerous to those who oppose Jesus Christ.
I had been praying for all of our brothers and sisters on this earth that place themselves in harms way for the word of God. Then I read about a man in the Gospel of John.
This man is named Lazarus. By all accounts Lazarus was a normal guy. He was the brother of Mary. This was the same Mary that anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair (John 11:2).
Lazarus had gotten sick and the sisters had sent for Jesus (John 11:3). Jesus’ response was, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” John 11:4. It is always important to remember that what ever we do is for the glory of God, not to feed our ego.
By the time Jesus made His way to Lazarus, Lazarus had been dead for four days and was in a tomb.
Jesus told them to, “take away the stone “that covered the entrance to the tomb” (John 11:39). This is when they told Jesus that Lazarus had been dead for four days and, “Lord, by this time there is a stench,” (John 11:39.
Lazarus, being dead for four days was smelling pretty bad, he stank!! I stopped reading for a few moments and thought about what was happening within scripture here. Then I thought about Isaiah 64:6, “All our righteousness is as filthy rags.”
Before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were spiritually dead, dead and stinking. We, on our own, had no hope of recovering from spiritual death. Our only hope for life was, and is, through our Lord Jesus Christ. This was Lazarus’ only hope for life as well.
Jesus made it very clear in John 14:6 when He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” No one can have eternal life except through Jesus Christ. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are spiritually dead.
Lazarus is dead has been dead for four days. He stinks. The tomb is opened and Jesus prays. Then, with a loud voice, Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” Once again I stopped reading for a few moments to think about what was happening within scripture.
Jesus called Lazarus by name to live! (If Jesus had just said, “Come forth: would all of the dead within the sound of His voice become alive? Just a thought.) Jesus called Lazarus by name to live. This is the very same Jesus that calls you and me to eternal life. If you are saved, it is because Jesus called to you with a loud voice to “Come forth” and become spiritually alive! Praise God!

Continued:

Bro Dan

I am a Christian

2010-02-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

I am a Christian. I was a Christian yesterday and I will be a Christian tomorrow. I am not a part-time Christian that wants to play at being a Christian only when it is convenient for me.

There have been many times in my life as a Christian that I have not wanted to do the Christ-like right thing. Most of the time I have put my old self behind me and done what a Christian should do. Notice that I said "Most of the time."

Matthew 10: 16 Jesus said, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. "(NKV) This statement made by Jesus was not just for me. (Imagine how many wolves are around Christians in prison?) This statement was made to us all all that are saved all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have seen too many people come to church on Sunday, praise and worship God only to compromise their walk (relationship with Jesus) on Monday, Tuesday, etc.The ones that have done this seem to fall hard in a short amount of time.

In prison, if one of the sheep wanders to far from the Shepherd (Jesus) the wolves devour them. I have seen this happen too many times.
All of us must stay close to the Shepherd. This world is full of wolves just waiting to devour the sheep, us.

Those that are "babies in Christ" need us older ones to keep them in the middle of the flock, surrounded for their own protection from the wolves. Those of us that are adults in Christ need to be on the outer edge of the flock protecting those within our care. We have a great responsibility to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We also need to be keenly aware of the wolves. We, as Christians need to be watchful and have our arms open wide, ready to embrace, ready to protect, always ready to show the hurt and hurting the way to Jesus Christ.

Too many Christians are closet Christians. We need to stand on faith and the promises of God and truly serve him. Jesus told us that he will send us out among the wolves. That we are to be wise as serpents. Wise as serpents! Always on the alert, always looking for an opportunity to embrace one of the hurting among the wolves and show them the way to Jesus.

We need to be smart Christians, aware, looking continuously for any opportunity to save the lost. We also need to be smart in protecting the flock. Protecting our own and protecting our brothers and sisters.
One of the ways we can do this is by encouraging them to attend church and Bible studies as much as possible. "My people perish for lack of knowledge." If we don't take a stand at the edge of the flock who will? Our Shepherd is always there with us to help us, to protect us.

How do we do this while being "harmless as doves?" I struggle with this. It is not my nature to be gentle as a lamb or harmless as a dove. There is only one way that I can accomplish this while dealing with wolves, Jesus Christ. When I do, I have the honor of experiencing Christ through me (The Holy Spirit) can touch lives, heal hearts, see the lost, hurt and desperate come to Jesus for a life renewed. This, of course, requires that I open my arms wide and embrace those among the wolves while also protecting my brothers and sisters within my care.

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." Everyday, 24-7, let us protect our own. Christians, let us be wise as serpents around all of the wolves of this world while keeping our arms open wide for those in need. Let us always be gentle as lambs, and harmless as doves.

Bro. Danny

Judging Others *

2010-01-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

We had a guest speaker in my church not to long ago. He preached on "Judging others". Specifically Christians judging other Christians.
When the subject comes up in a group of Christians, the reaction is always the same. We state that Christians should not judge one another. But is that statement biblical or just politically correct?

Our guest speaker was on the right track. He stated that we are to judge Christians (we do it anyway; we just need to learn the proper way to judge). I wish our guest would have continued into the standard of which we are to judge. Most Christians miss this point. I will press the standard of judging Christians in this article.

Who do we not judge? Proverbs 9:7-8 says, "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself" v.8 "Do not correct a scoffer, least he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." As we see in Proverbs, we are not to judge or correct a non-believer. The non-believer is condemned already, destined to suffer eternal separation from God. The non-believer will be judged by God on the standard of their acceptance of Jesus Christ. Did they or did they not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. The non-believers judgment will come from God, not us.

Matt 7:6 also states this by saying "Do not give what is Holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, least they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." Pearls within scripture refers to the assets that you have received from God (money, talents, blessings). Dogs and swine refer to non-Christian gentiles and non Christian Jews. We are not to give what is Holy (our judgment or correction concerning the Kingdom of God) to non-believers.

Am I saying that we should not talk to or associate with non-believers? Absolutely not. On the contrary, we have a responsibility to share the Gospel with every non-believer we can. We also have a responsibility to walk the walk and talk the talk of a Christian so all non-believers will see Christians amongst them. Our example to all that are around us should tell them that we are Christians. God does and will use us when the Holy Spirit is calling a non-believer to salvation.

We can use the standard found in Galatians 5:22-23 when dealing with non-believers. When we interact with non-believers (and believers) we should be seen in the following manner: Gal 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

If we walk the walk of love, express joy, peace, longsuffering (emotional quietness in the face of adversity), if we are kind, good, faithful, gentle and we show self control to all that we come into contact with, non-believers and believers, they will know we are Christians.

We have seen that we are not to judge non-believers and how we are to interact with them. The question remains concerning if we are to judge believers, other Christians, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us turn to Matt 7: 1, "Judge not, that you be not judged." It would be nice if we could all state that we do not judge our brothers and sisters in Christ. When Jesus Christ returns and we are all in His Kingdom, there will be no judging each other. Brothers and sisters will not judge one another.

The fact is we judge one another all the time. How many times have you thought about how a brother or sister dressed in church, either they dressed too highly or they should have dressed more highly. How many times have you thought that a brother or sister were doing something in the name of self glorification?

Matt 7:2, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." What a statement. Jesus Christ Himself is the one making this statement.
The majority of Christians believe this statement is a negative. This statement can be either a negative or a positive; it depends on the standard in which you are judging.

When judging us (believers), God will use a standard. The believer’s judgment will be for rewards, not concerning our salvation. Our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ.

In l Cor. 3:12-15 it speaks of our works being that of gold, silver or precious stones (works in the positive) or wood, hay and straw (works in the negative). These will be tested by fire. Wood, hay and straw will bum up. Gold, silver and precious stones will remain.

1 Cor 3: 15 says, "If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss (of reward), but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." The believers’ judgment is about works and not about salvation.

In Matt 7:2 when Jesus says, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged." is referring to rewards. If you judge a believer in a negative manner, that will be counted as wood, hay or straw and therefore be a loss of reward. If you judge a believer in a positive manner, it will be counted as gold, silver and precious stones and rewards will be added to you.

How do we define the negative and the positive judgment? How do we know if we are building with gold, silver and precious stones or with wood, hay and straw which will burn and be a loss of reward?

There is a standard we can use for both the positive and the negative. God will never leave us wanting, the answers are always within His Word.
If we judge a brother or sister by the flesh, or the lust of the flesh, this is a negative. Gal 5: 19-21 states that the "works of the flesh" are "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissentions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness and revelries."

When we judge a believer, are we using any of the above as a standard? Any of the negative listed above will be nothing more then wood, hay and straw when we are judged by God. All the wood, hay and straw, or all the negative judgments we placed on other believers will be burned and will result in a loss of reward.

We have seen the standard for negative judgment. Now let us look at the standard for positive judgment.

1 Cor 13 :4-8 is the standard we must use when judging others. 1 Cor 13 :4-8 states, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

What a wonderful standard to judge and live by. It all comes down to the wonderful judgment of love. If we all judged one another solely with the above as the standard, we would have so much gold, silver and precious stones to present at our judgment of works, that our rewards would be great.

How wonderful it would be if the non-believers could see the entire church working together, with one another, in a state of love. What a testament that would be. Imagine how many non-believers would come to church looking for the loving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We all judge. It is time that we understood the consequences of our judging. How do you judge? Be aware of the negative and the positive judgments you place on others.

Wood, hay and straw or gold, silver and precious stones, your choice.

Bro. Dan

Love Is………

2009-12-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

We use the word love freely. We often times use the word love too freely. We may say that we love our house, or our car, nice meals out or a number of things we have. But do we truly know what love is?
As I read 1 Cor. 13:4-8 I began to use the word love less in my daily conversations with others. I started thinking about the word love and its true meaning. My thoughts always return to Jesus.

John 3:16 tells us, "for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life."

When I think of the love Jesus has for me, for all of us, I think of the cross. I think of the wood the cross was made of, the wood that God made. I think of the hill where the cross was placed with Jesus nailed to it, the hill that God made. I think of all the sin Jesus took upon Himself He who knew no sin. When I think of Love, I think of Jesus. Jesus is love.
I then read 1 Cor. 13:4-8 again with fresh eyes, this is what I saw. Jesus suffers long, Jesus is kind, Jesus does not envy, Jesus does not parade himself, Jesus is not puffed up, Jesus does not behave rudely, Jesus does not seek his own, Jesus is not provoked, Jesus thinks no evil, Jesus does not rejoice in iniquity, Jesus rejoices in the truth, Jesus bears all things, Jesus believes all things, Jesus hopes all things Jesus endures all things, Jesus never fails…Jesus is love.

When I pray y nightly prayers, one item I say is, "I want to be more like Jesus." When I read 1Cor .13:4-8 I see I have a long way to grow. I then think of my day, how I should not have said something when I did. Of How I should not have thought something when I did. I should not have done something when I did. Then I think of that cross, and the love Jesus has for me.

Love is not a thing. We may like our house, our car, our job (maybe). We may like a lot of things we have, but love can only be given to others through our actions.

Read the following a few times and take a personal inventory, look for areas you can improve: I suffer long, I am kind, I do not envy, I do not parade myself, I am not puffed up, I do not behave rudely, I do not seek my own, I am not provoked, I think no evil, I do not rejoice in iniquity, I rejoice in the truth, I bear all things, I believe all things, I hope in all things, I endure all things and I never fail.

When you realize the true meaning of love and you want to express true love to those around you; pray, pray and ask our loving Lord to provide His love in you and through you
Love is…Jesus.

Bro. Dan

My Anchor *

2009-12-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been on a boat in the middle of a lake and have the motor stop running? Did you notice that any amount of wind was able to move the boat in any direction it wanted to? However, if you dropped an anchor overboard and the anchor secures itself, the boat will stabilize and no matter how bad the conditions become, the boat will stay secure.

In our Spiritual lives, our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there are times when we deal with storms. If we are unstable in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, we too can be tossed to and fro. If we are not anchored to and by Jesus, we can be lead astray by any false doctrine that comes along.

Ephesians 4: 14 states, "That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting "

In Ephesians 4:14 we find a Call to maturity, for every Christian to mature in God's Word. The Christian who is not maturing within God's Word is subjecting himself to trickery and any false doctrine that comes his way. When a Christian gains knowledge in God's Word, the Christian matures and is able to recognize when false doctrine is presented to him.
A Pastor told me the following story: "The Secret Service had in its employ a renown counterfeit expert. During an interview this Secret Service Agent was asked if he spent numerous hours studying all the false currency, this agent replied; "No, I do not study false currency, I have spent time studying the true and correct currency and therefore I am able to spot the false currency anytime it is presented to me."

This can be said about God's Word as well. If we spend our time studying and understanding God's Word, the true doctrine of God, then we will be equipped to spot false doctrine when it comes our way. If we are not well versed in God's Word, then we are subject to being tossed to and fro by any false doctrine that may sound good but is designed to draw us away from God.

Hebrews 6: 19-20 states "This hope (Jesus Christ) we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil," v.20 "where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

It is imperative that we understand who Jesus is. We understand that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, Jesus is God manifested in the flesh. We must also understand the intense depth of who Jesus is and what He has done for you and me.

Jesus Christ is in fact our High Priest, the author of our salvation which is anchored in Jesus Christ who is "sure and steadfast" (stable, established, permanent and everlasting). All believers have a High Priest who intercedes in our behalf before God. We are cleansed (unstained by sin) before God only by the precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

It is not always easy to mature spiritually, however, it is imperative that we do mature spiritually so we will not be deceived by false doctrine that has drawn some away from our Lord and Savior.

Let us dedicate ourselves (our lives) to the one true doctrine God's Word.

Bro. Dan

OUR RESPONSIBILITY *

2009-11-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

As Christians, do we have a responsibility to God? Yes we do. Some preach that God serves us, that if we have enough faith; all we have to do is tell God what we want Him to do for us and God will do this. If we don't get what we asked for from God, it is because we don't have enough faith. This theology is filled with untruth and places a lot of guilt on the believer.

Does God rule by guilt? No. Where does guilt in serving God come from? Guilt in serving God can only come from one source, Satan. You see, God is not here to serve us, we are here to serve God, and we serve a loving, caring, and merciful God. So what is our responsibility to God? Let’s start with another question. Why do we need a redeemer, a savior? For this answer let’s start at the beginning, in Genesis.

Before Adam and Eve sinned, they enjoyed fellowship with God, they also enjoyed eternal life. We see in Genesis 2:9(b}, "The tree of life also in the midst of the garden. " Adam and Eve were allowed to eat from the tree of life until they sinned. Then Adam and Eve, (and all of mankind) were forbidden to eat of the tree of life. At this point is when eternal life was taken from all mankind.

Our goal, as believers in Jesus Christ is to partake of the tree of life once again and enjoy eternal life. This is why Jesus (God manifested in the flesh), came to us and shed His blood for our sins. Jesus is our redeemer and savior. Jesus has made it possible for us, as believers in Him, to partake of the tree of life and enjoy eternal life.

In Genesis Chapter 3 we find that Satan waited until Eve was away from Adam and then Satan manipulated Eve into eating of the forbidden tree. Then Adam ate and sin was in the world. Here is an interesting point: When God asked Adam about eating from the forbidden tree; does Adam take responsibility for what he has clearly done? No. Read Genesis 3:11-12, in verse 11, God asks Adam about eating from the forbidden tree. In verse 12, Adam says, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate". Lack of responsibility. Adam blamed God for giving him the woman, and blamed Eve also in the same breath for his own actions.

Now there is sin in the world and we are not allowed to eat from the tree of life. In Genesis 3:22 we see that God has already made a way for us to come back to the tree of life. Verse 22(b}, "he [mankind] might reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever". Of course this way was made possible only through Jesus.

In Genesis 3:24, "He [GOd] drove out the man; and at the East of the garden of Eden He placed the Cherubim [angel], and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life" . This is where all of mankind is not allowed to eat of the tree of life. The tree is being guarded even today by an angel with a flaming sword. You and I, as believers in Jesus Christ, will eat of the tree of life and have eternal life with God. Let’s look at scripture for this promise from God. Revelation 22:14, "Blessed are those who wash their robes (The saved, the believers in Jesus Christ), so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates". This is the moment that we are completely redeemed and will once again eat from the tree of life and enjoy eternal life in fellowship with God just as Adam and Eve did before they sinned, Amen!

The judgment: Both believers and non-believers will be judged. The believers are saved, their judgment will be for what they have or have not done with their knowledge of Jesus Christ. This will determine their reward in Heaven. The non-believers however, will be judged for not believing in Jesus Christ and will be thrown into the lake of fire where they too will have eternal life; but their eternal life will be away from God. The best way I can describe the lake of fire is a volcano with melting lava. This is where the non-believer will be thrown and not die, but live forever in this lake of fire.

We see in Revelation 20:15, "And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire". We know that as Born Again believers in Jesus Christ that our names are indeed in the book of life. We see that those that are not believers in Jesus Christ, and are not written in the book of life, will indeed be condemned to be thrown into the lake of fire. I praise God and thank Him for my salvation and the salvation of many family members and friends. We will not feel the pain and agony of the lake of fire.

So what is our responsibility to God for this wonderful free gift of salvation He has blessed us with? Let’s look at this from a unique position. As believers, we know we are saved and will enjoy eternal life with God. Picture yourself standing and watching the non-believers being judged. You and I are watching people stand before God while He checks to see if their name is in the book of life. Then God tells each person, "Depart from me, I know you not". And that person is thrown into the lake of fire where you and I can see and hear their screams of agony. Then, you see someone you know in this line; a friend, someone you worked with, a cousin, a nephew, a niece, uncle, aunt, brother, sister, mother, father, wife, husband, son, daughter. When God tells them to depart from Him, how would you feel if they looked at you and cried out to you and said, "Why didn't you tell me about Jesus? Why didn't you make me understand how important this guy
Jesus is?!" Are you starting to see our responsibility here? Do we want to see loved ones thrown into the lake of fire?! We, as Born Again Christians, believers in Jesus Christ, must educate ourselves in God's Word so we can clearly explain to those that we love and care about, the importance of believing in Jesus Christ and serving God.

Study God's Word, accept your calling in Christ, support your brothers and sisters in Christ, and support the ministry. Always look for an opportunity to tell your loved ones about Jesus. Even those you don't get along with. In Matt 28:19(a) "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations". This is our responsibility, we are to be in the ministry; we are to educate our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ; we are to support the ministry; we are to preach the Gospel to everyone and bring them to our Lord so they to can have eternal life and eternal fellowship with God.
Those of us that are in prison today have this responsibility as well. There are men walking these prison yards, looking hard and callous and unreachable, but these men are looking, feeling empty inside, crying on the inside, wanting Jesus in their lives, they just don't know it. You and I are the God fearing men that God has called to tell them about Jesus. Walk the walk, God will open the doors. Stand with me, my brothers and let’s keep as many people as we can out of the lake of fire, Amen!

By: Brother Dan Wiltse Tehachapi Max

Proper Motives *

2009-10-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

The body of Christ, the church, is made up of brothers and sisters, Christians. We are all a part of the body of Christ, we are all a part of the church and we are family. Sometimes within the church we have brothers and sisters that mean well and are trying their best to serve our Lord with everything they have, however, sometimes motives can come into question concerning their service. This is when the Spirit of Discernment comes into play.

Let’s look at the definitions of the words 'Discern, Discerning and Discernment'. Webster's Dictionary defines 'Discern' as: "To detect with senses other than vision", 'Discerning' as: "Showing insight and understanding", and 'Discernment' as: "The quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure".

The gift of, or Spirit of Discernment is a necessary element within the church. The Spirit of Discernment when utilized correctly and with the proper motives will enable the church to grow in maturity. It is unfortunate that there are believers within the church that not only denounce the use of the Spirit of Discernment, but actually announce that the practice of the Spirit of Discernment is a false Doctrine.

A well-intended brother in our church handed me an article that was written by a respected man of God, claiming that the Doctrine of the Spirit of Discernment was a false Doctrine. I read the article. The article stated that when brothers and sisters within the church exercise the Spirit of Discernment, hurt and destruction always follow, which can never be good within the church. I agree with this concept. There• should never be destruction and / or hurt feelings between brothers and sisters in Christ. It is unfortunate that this has happened in the church. When the Spirit of Discernment reveals something in the church, it is the responsibility of the brother or sister to act upon what they have been shown in a proper manner. This means that they must act in a mature fashion.

Acting in a mature manner is the key to a successful Christian life when a believer has been blessed with the Spirit of Discernment. Just as when a parent is correcting a child, the parent can either correct the child in a mature manner with love and patience, or the parent can be destructive and at times abusive to the child. This can also happen within the church. There have been times when a well-intended believer has done a lot of harm by trying to correct someone in the church. They have become hurtful and destructive.

Hebrews 5: 14 says, "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (NKJ). This is a Call to the mature believer. This is a Call for all believers that are mature to exercise the Spirit of Discernment. However, when exercising the Spirit of Discernment, the believer must do so in the right manner and only when sure that God is telling them to do so. The believer must never correct another believer in a harsh and hurtful manner. Anytime this is done, it will only result in a hurt believer and most brothers or sisters will leave the church. When a mature believer corrects another believer with love, compassion, and patience, their motives are correct. Their motive should be to serve God. They should be motivated by the unselfish desire to protect the integrity of the Gospel and to insure the growth of the church.

Matt. 7:2 says, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (NKJ). In this scripture there is a warning to the believer. This scripture does not mean that we are not to judge. We are allowed to judge within the church, however, the warning is for us to possess the proper motives when we do judge because we will be judged with the same attitude as we judge others. If we judge others in a harsh and destructive manner, we are placing ourselves in a position of being judged in like manner.

On the other hand, if we judge within our church in a proper loving manner with compassion and patience, we to will be judged in like manner. I hope and pray that when that day comes when I am being judged, I will be embraced with the warm caring arms of my Lord. I pray that all my actions within the church be motivated by my desire to please our Lord and the furtherance of the Gospel, the ministry. My prayer is that all my brothers and sisters will embrace a "less of me, more of God" attitude.

Are you motivated by self glorification and self importance or are you motivated by a desire to please and glorify God for all that He has done for each of us.

Pray with me that we can maintain a proper attitude and God pleasing motives.
Bro. Dan

Judging Others

2009-07-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

We had a guest speaker in my church not to long ago. He preached on "Judging Others". Specifically Christians judging other Christians.

When the subject comes up in a group of Christians, the reaction is always the same. We state that Christians should not judge one another. But is that statement biblical or just politically correct?

Our guest speaker was on the right track. He stated that we are to judge Christians (we do it anyway; we just need to learn the proper way to judge). I wish our guest would have continued into the standard of which we are to judge. Most Christians miss this point. I will press the standard of judging Christians in this article.

Who do we not judge? Proverbs 9:7-8 says, "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself" v.8 "Do not correct a scoffer, least he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." As we see in Proverbs, we are not to judge or correct a non-believer. The non-believer is condemned already, destined to suffer eternal separation from God. The non-believer will be judged by God on the standard of their acceptance of Jesus Christ. Did they or did they not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. The non-believers judgment will come from God, not us.

Matt 7:6 also states this by saying "Do not give what is Holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, least they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." Pearls within scripture refers to the assets that you have received from God (money, talents, blessings). Dogs and swine refer to non-Christian gentiles and non Christian Jews. We are not to give what is Holy (our judgment or correction concerning the Kingdom of God) to non-believers.

Am I saying that we should not talk to or associate with non-believers? Absolutely not. On the contrary, we have a responsibility to share the Gospel with every non-believer we can. We also have a responsibility to walk the walk and talk the talk of a Christian so all non-believers will see Christians amongst them. Our example to all that are around us should tell them that we are Christians. God does and will use us when the Holy Spirit is calling a non-believer to salvation.

We can use the standard found in Galatians 5:22-23 when dealing with non-believers. When we interact with non-believers (and believers) we should be seen in the following manner: Gal 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

If we walk the walk of love, express joy, peace, longsuffering (emotional quietness in the face of adversity), if we are kind, good, faithful, gentle and we show self control to all that we come into contact with, non-believers and believers, they will know we are Christians.

We have seen that we are not to judge non-believers and how we are to interact with them. The question remains concerning if we are to judge believers, other Christians, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us turn to Matt 7: 1, "Judge not, that you be not judged." It would be nice if we could all state that we do not judge our brothers and sisters in Christ. When Jesus Christ returns and we are all in His Kingdom, there will be no judging each other. Brothers and sisters will not judge one another.

The fact is we judge one another all the time. How many times have you thought about how a brother or sister dressed in church, either they dressed too highly or they should have dressed more highly. How many times have you thought that a brother or sister was doing something in the name of self glorification?

Matt 7:2, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." What a statement. Jesus Christ Himself is the one making this statement.

The majority of Christians believe this statement is a negative. This statement can be either a negative or a positive; it depends on the standard in which you are judging.

When judging us (believers), God will use a standard. The believer’s judgment will be for rewards, not concerning our salvation. Our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ.

In l Cor. 3:12-15 it speaks of our works being that of either gold, silver or precious stones (works in the positive) or wood, hay and straw (works in the negative). These will be tested by fire. Wood, hay and straw will bum up. Gold, silver and precious stones will remain.

1 Cor 3: 15 says, "If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer lose (of reward), but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." The believers’ judgment is about works and not about salvation.

In Matt 7:2 when Jesus says, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged." is referring to rewards. If you judge a believer in a negative manner, that will be counted as wood, hay or straw and therefore be a loss of reward. If you judge a believer in a positive manner, it will be counted as gold, silver and precious stones and rewards will be added to you.

How do we define the negative and the positive judgment? How do we know if we are building with gold, silver and precious stones or with wood, hay and straw which will bum and be a loss of reward?

There is a standard we can use for both the positive and the negative. God will never leave us wanting, the answers are always within His Word.

If we judge a brother or sister by the flesh, or the lust of the flesh, this is a negative. Gal 5: 19-21 states that the "works of the flesh" are "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissentions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness and revelries."

When we judge a believer, are we using any of the above as a standard? Any of the negative listed above will be nothing more then wood, hay and straw when we are judged by God. All the wood, hay and straw, or all the negative judgments we placed on other believers will be burned and will result in a loss of reward.

We have seen the standard for negative judgment. Now let us look at the standard for positive judgment.

1 Cor 13 :4-8 is the standard we must use when judging others. 1 Cor 13 :4-8 states, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

What a wonderful standard to judge and live by. It all comes down to the wonderful judgment of love. If we all judged one another solely with the above as the standard, we would have so much gold, silver and precious stones to present at our judgment of works, that our rewards would be great.

How wonderful it would be if the non-believers could see the entire church working together, with one another, in a state of love. What a testament that would be. Imagine how many non-believers would come to church looking for the loving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We all judge. It is time that we understood the consequences of our judging. How do you judge? Be aware of the negative and the positive judgments you place on others.

Wood, hay and straw or gold, silver and precious stones, your choice.

Bro. Dan

Daily Teachers

2009-06-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

June 22,09

Matt 5: 19 says: "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

I read this with great interest. This scripture made me examine myself and my conduct with others. I am a daily teacher. All of us are daily teachers. The question is, what are we teaching? Who are we teaching?

I do not want to be called "least in the kingdom of heaven". I am very grateful for the free gift of salvation, which means that I will be in the kingdom of heaven; I still prefer not to be "least". So how do I accomplish not being the least?

Let us start with just one day, the first day. As we start our day, look at those around us; family members, those at the store, people we work with and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Family members: Everyday in a Christian’s life is a good day. We need to reflect these at all times. This means that first thing in the morning when we are half asleep and reaching for the coffee, when the kids are making a mess in the kitchen, the dog needs to be let out and your husband or wife looks as if he or she has seen better days; guess what! You have salvation! You are going to be in heaven! It's a good day! We need to do our morning routine with a smile of gratitude on our faces and be the example our Lord would want us to be. We need to start our day by being a positive teacher. Perhaps read a daily devotional at breakfast.

At the store: When we are at the store doing our shopping, we need to have that same smile on our face for others in the store to see. The way we act and interact with others in the store is us being teachers.

At work: When we are at work and interacting with our co-workers, this is a time for that smile. We may come into contact with many people in the course of our day at work. Our example to them can either be one of average, negative or someone who always has a smile for others and can be approached with personal problems. What are we teaching others at our work place?

Our brothers and sisters in Christ: We never know when a brother or sister in Christ may be around us. The people at the store we do our shopping at may be a brother or sister, some of the people we work with may be a brother or sister and they may not be strong enough in the Lord to let others know. However, if they know you are a brother or sister, I guarantee you they have and will continue to watch you. What are you teaching them?

It is so important to be the right type of teacher. You and I teach those around us everyday. Our family, those we interact with in society, our co-workers and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must be the positive examples that Christ wants us to be. Teach, teach all those around you everyday, all day long. Teach by showing others how grateful you are for the free gift of salvation. Teach by leading by example. Remember, everyday is a good day!

Bro. Danny

CROSSING THE BRIDGE

2009-06-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

Christian men and women are told in the Bible to raise their children to serve the Lord. This we must do. If we do not raise our children to serve the Lord, they will have the world’s conception of what an adult should be. Have you seen what the world would have our children be as adults? Have you seen how the San Francisco mayor is defying California law and handing out marriage licenses to same sex couples?

In other cultures they have ceremonies to bring their young men and young women into adult hood. We do not have this in our culture. We do not have a method of leading our children into adulthood. Ask any adult if they were told and I or taught by their parents how to act as an adult. 95% will tell you they have not had this training. Our children need this training from us.

As parents, we have a responsibility to our children to train them how to be a man or woman. Think about it for a minute, how is a young man or woman suppose to know what is expected of them as a man or woman unless they have been trained. This lack of training is why we have so many knuckleheads in society today.

If we turn the clock back to the 1930s, 40s and 50s, this was a time when a young man took walks with dad and dad had those long talks with the young man. Those talks consisted of, "Son, a man never hits a woman, a mans word is his bond, a deal sealed with a hand-shake with another man is more binding than any contract, a man's yes is yes and his no is no, a man is always respectful to his elders, a man takes care of those that are young and those that are (I must be careful here ) of much more wisdom. We must do this with our children. This is not just a concept that we see in the movies.

We, as parents are a walking talking example to our children. If we do not take the time to teach our children, they will learn how to act as an adult from outside areas, ie. the school yard, television and neighbors. Have you seen what is on the television these days?

A good example would be to talk to your children and educate them in the ways a man and a woman should act in this world. The key is communication and quality time spent with our young men and young women. We need to walk and talk as examples to them everyday and all day long.

Let’s help our youth cross that bridge into adulthood. Lets be the example that they will look back on with fond memories.

Danny

Be a Mentor

2009-05-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every Christian's life when he/she is asked to mature spiritually. How we respond to this spiritual growth determines our future within the body of Christ.

Just like raising a teenager, when it is time for a young person to mature, some will step into this new adventure and adapt easily while others will rebel and never truly grow-up.

There is a way to insure that a teenager grows-up to be a mature responsible adult. When a father, mother, aunt or uncle takes a teenager under their wing and mentors the young person, the results of mentoring are life lessons a young man or young woman will apply throughout their lives.

The same is true within the body of Christ. When we see a spiritually young person who is on the threshold of growing into a spiritually mature adult in Christ, are we stepping-up (assuming that we are spiritually mature ourselves) and assuming the role of a mentor? Being a mentor to the spiritually young is a responsibility that we must embrace.

We find in Titus 2: 1- 7 the following, "But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:" v.2 "That the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;" v.3 "The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things," vA "That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children," v.S "To be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed." v.6 "Likewise, exhort the young men to be soberminded," v.7 "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility."

We are told in Titus to mentor the young in the body of Christ. I believe this is not being done enough. We have brothers and sisters who are in positions of leadership within the body of Christ who have never been mentored into spiritual adulthood. We see this when we see a lack of love in the church. We see this when we see an emphasis on knowledge but lack an intimate personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.

The responsibility lies not only with those who are within leadership of the church, but those who are within the congregation as well. There was a time in our society when the elder folks took the younger ones under their wing and taught them "life lessons".. Most of these lessons could not be found in books, they were taught to the younger folks from generation to generation. We have lost this concept within our society and in our churches.

We have a generation of people who are lost. They are lost because they had no one to help them in this adventure we call life. I remember a time when a young man or a young woman addressed an adult with a "yes ma'am, yes sir" rather then the disrespect we see now.

We, as men are told in Ephesians 6:4, "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." We are not to provoke our children, we are to sit with them and have life lesson conversations with them. We are to raise them in the ways of the Lord. We can do this in love with our children.

Those of us that are in the body of Christ, those of us who are saved, have a responsibility to seek out the young people within the church and mentor them in love, mentor them in spiritual life lessons so they can become spiritual fruit bearing adults in Christ

We need mentors in the body of Christ. Be a mentor.

Bro. Dan

Judging Others

2009-05-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

Judging Others
We had a guest speaker in my church not to long ago. He preached on "Judging Others". Specifically Christians judging other Christians.
When the subject comes up in a group of Christians, the reaction is always the same. We state that Christians should not judge one another. But is that statement biblical or just politically correct?
Our guest speaker was on the right track. He stated that we are to judge Christians (we do it anyway; we just need to learn the proper way to judge). I wish our guest would have continued into the standard of which we are to judge. Most Christians miss this point. I will press the standard of judging Christians in this article.
Who do we not judge? Proverbs 9:7-8 says, "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself" v.8 "Do not correct a scoffer, least he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." As we see in Proverbs, we are not to judge or correct a non-believer. The non-believer is condemned already, destined to suffer eternal separation from God. The non-believer will be judged by God on the standard of their acceptance of Jesus Christ. Did they or did they not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. The non-believers judgment will come from God, not us.

Matt 7:6 also states this by saying "Do not give what is Holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, least they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." Pearls within scripture refers to the assets that you have received from God (money, talents, blessings). Dogs and swine refer to non-Christian gentiles and non Christian Jews. We are not to give what is Holy (our judgment or correction concerning the Kingdom of God) to non-believers.

Am I saying that we should not talk to or associate with non-believers? Absolutely not. On the contrary, we have a responsibility to share the Gospel with every non-believer we can. We also have a responsibility to walk the walk and talk the talk of a Christian so all non-believers will see Christians amongst them. Our example to all that are around us should tell them that we are Christians. God does and will use us when the Holy Spirit is calling a non-believer to salvation.
We can use the standard found in Galatians 5:22-23 when dealing with non-believers. When we interact with non-believers (and believers) we should be seen in the following manner: Gal 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."
If we walk the walk of love, express joy, peace, longsuffering (emotional quietness in the face of adversity), if we are kind, good, faithful, gentle and we show self control to all that we come into contact with, non-believers and believers, they will know we are Christians.
We have seen that we are not to judge non-believers and how we are to interact with them. The question remains concerning if we are to judge believers, other Christians, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Let us turn to Matt 7: 1, "Judge not, that you be not judged." It would be nice if we could all state that we do not judge our brothers and sisters in Christ. When Jesus Christ returns and we are all in His Kingdom, there will be no judging each other. Brothers and sisters will not judge one another.
The fact is we judge one another all the time. How many times have you thought about how a brother or sister dressed in church, either they dressed too highly or they should have dressed more highly. How many times have you thought that a brother or sister was doing something in the name of self glorification?
Matt 7:2, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." What a statement. Jesus Christ Himself is the one making this statement.

The majority of Christians believe this statement is a negative. This statement can be either a negative or a positive; it depends on the standard in which you are judging.
When judging us (believers), God will use a standard. The believer’s judgment will be for rewards, not concerning our salvation. Our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ.
In l Cor. 3:12-15 it speaks of our works being that of either gold, silver or precious stones (works in the positive) or wood, hay and straw (works in the negative). These will be tested by fire. Wood, hay and straw will bum up. Gold, silver and precious stones will remain.
1 Cor 3: 15 says, "If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer lose (of reward), but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." The believers’ judgment is about works and not about salvation.
In Matt 7:2 when Jesus says, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged." is referring to rewards. If you judge a believer in a negative manner, that will be counted as wood, hay or straw and therefore be a loss of reward. If you judge a believer in a positive manner, it will be counted as gold, silver and precious stones and rewards will be added to you.
How do we define the negative and the positive judgment? How do we know if we are building with gold, silver and precious stones or with wood, hay and straw which will bum and be a loss of reward?
There is a standard we can use for both the positive and the negative. God will never leave us wanting, the answers are always within His Word.
If we judge a brother or sister by the flesh, or the lust of the flesh, this is a negative. Gal 5: 19-21 states that the "works of the flesh" are "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissentions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness and revelries."

When we judge a believer, are we using any of the above as a standard? Any of the negative listed above will be nothing more then wood, hay and straw when we are judged by God. All the wood, hay and straw, or all the negative judgments we placed on other believers will be burned and will result in a loss of reward.
We have seen the standard for negative judgment. Now let us look at the standard for positive judgment.
1 Cor 13 :4-8 is the standard we must use when judging others. 1 Cor 13 :4-8 states, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
What a wonderful standard to judge and live by. It all comes down to the wonderful judgment of love. If we all judged one another solely with the above as the standard, we would have so much gold, silver and precious stones to present at our judgment of works, that our rewards would be great.

How wonderful it would be if the non-believers could see the entire church working together, with one another, in a state of love. What a testament that would be. Imagine how many non-believers would come to church looking for the loving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We all judge. It is time that we understood the consequences of our judging. How do you judge? Be aware of the negative and the positive judgments you place on others.
Wood, hay and straw or gold, silver and precious stones, your choice.
Bro. Dan

A SUCCESSFUL MAN

2009-05-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

In this present age, a man is defined by a very distorted measuring stick. I have seen grown men prance around like a proud peacock when they have beat up on someone. Not too long ago I saw a group of six men that had beat up three women, who were looked upon as heroes. I have heard men talking about how thy have brought their sons into their business of selling drugs. Is the above picture what society considers a man? I surely believe just the opposite. The above description is anything but a man in my eyes.

A true man is one that will stand up to his responsibilities in this life. Starting with his family. A mans relationship with his wife and the way he treats her is a large measuring stick of how tall he is as a man. The way a man interacts with his children says volumes about his manhood

It takes courage and strength for a man to properly provide for his family both financially and emotionally. For a man to come home after a hard days work and talk with his wife about the day she has had and really listen to her. (I wish I were better at this). We need to sit with the children and listen to them about their day.

When my wife and I talk, she tells me about the problems she is having in her day. The first thing that I want to do is fix it.. My wife has told me more than once, "I don't want you to fix it I just want you to listen to me." This, as a man, is one of the hardest things to do. It's hard to do nothing and just sit there and listen. I fail at this all the time. It is the nature of men to "fix-it".

When we provide for our children, there is more than making sure they have food on the table and clothes on their backs. Providing for our child also means making sure that we are at their baseball games, that we are there for the father and son (or daughter) banquets.

In the Bible, there are verses that speak about the qualifications of overseers. When we talk of how a man should act these same verses apply. 1 Tim. 3:2-" A Bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach". A true man is a one-woman man. There is not a mistress in his life. A man is true to one woman, is not a cheater. A man carries himself with integrity. A man of integrity cannot be accused of anything. A man is always aware of his behavior, is patient and takes his time when making decisions. This allows him to make strong proper decisions that will benefit him and his family. A hospitable man is a kind and caring man, one that considers others when interacting with his family and those outside of his family. A man is a teacher. Men teach their children, the question is, are you teaching them the right and proper way to be an adult? Or are you teaching your children how to be irresponsible as an adult?

The way we, as men, carry ourselves within our own family will define our children's lives. If our children see us in fmancial debt, we should not be surprised when they, as adults, get into debt. If we, as men, display an ill temper with those around us, our children will display the same as adults, or be victims to this behavior.

The Bible is a wonderful guide as to how a man should behave. We have a responsibility to our wives, children church and communities as men. I would ask that you take the steps to grow through out your life

this is a journey worth taking.

Danny

Self Examination *

2009-05-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

Self-examination is difficult; no one truly wants to look within them self for fear of what they may find. To look within our self takes courage, a lot of courage. The apostle Paul is asking us to do just that, to examine our self, to look within our self.

In 2 Corinthians 13:5 the apostle Paul says, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified".

The apostle Paul is asking us a very hard question, a very important question; are you in the faith? Are you saved? Do you have the blessed assurance that you have Life Everlasting through Jesus Christ? This is what Paul is asking.

Unfortunately, there are many people in this world who have been deceived, they believe they are saved. However, there are those who are not saved. Many of these people are well intended, their heart is in the right place, but they have subjected themselves to bad teachings, false doctrine. Act 17: 11 (b) says to "Searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things are so". If you are being taught doctrine that is not found in scripture, question the teacher.

The apostle Paul said to "Examine yourself". Examine yourself, pray and ask God to show you, reveal to you what is in your heart. Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, 0 God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties"; v.24 "And see if there is any wicked way in me. And lead me in the way everlasting".

Search me, 0 God, and know my heart. What a statement. There is so much courage in that statement. To ask someone to look deep within oneself and examine your heart is difficult enough. Now, imagine asking God to search, examine your heart and to reveal what is truly within your heart.

Jesus Christ is the only way to obtain the precious free gift of Salvation it is only through Jesus Christ, through His wonderful grace. If anyone has told you that Jesus is anyone other than God Himself manifested in the flesh, they have taught a false doctrine and your Salvation is at stake.
Examine yourself, look deep into your heart, pray and ask God to reveal to you if you are saved. Don't be frightened by the answer. Salvation is available to everyone, free for the asking. All you have to do is believe. Believe that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh, believe that Jesus died for your sins, repent of your sins, believe that Jesus was buried and rose from the dead on the third day. Accept Jesus into your heart and you will be saved!

To those of us that are saved; it is good from time to time to examine ourselves, to evaluate our faith, look into our actions to see if we are producing fruit. If you have wandered off the path, now is the time to pray, pray and ask God to reveal what needs to change within you.
Today is a good day to examine yourself.

Bro. Dan

RUN THE RACE

2009-03-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was ten years old, I received my first motorcycle. I was so excited. I wanted to climb on that motorcycle and ride. However, there was one problem. I had not received any training in the art of riding a motorcycle.

My stepfather tried to teach me the basics of riding a motorcycle, but I insisted that I knew what I was doing. My stepfather said, “Okay, you are on your own.” I climbed on that motorcycle, started it up, put it in first gear and with a big smile on my face I rode that motorcycle right into the side of my stepfathers truck. I then received some instruction and guidance in the basics of riding a motorcycle. With time, patience and perseverance, I became pretty good at it. I also became pretty good at working on a motorcycle. I even did a little racing in my youth.

When I look back upon my life as a Christian, I see a lot of things I wish I would
have done differently. There have been times that I could have shared the love of Jesus and I didn’t. Sermons I have preached that I know I could have done better. Many times when talking with my brethren, I should have been more patient.

When I look back upon my life as a Christian, if only I would have laid all my baggage at the feet of Jesus, I could have focused more on serving my lord. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, we also since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

As I grew spiritually as a Christian, I slowly accepted instruction from the Holy Spirit. With time, patience and perseverance I have been able to “lay aside every (all most) weight and rather than riding into the side of trucks, I can “run with endurance the race that is set before us (me).

I can now look back upon my life as a Christian and see the precious moments when God has spoken to me, asking me to approach a brother and ask, “How are you?” Then ten or fifteen minutes later I have found myself holding my brother while he wept because a loved one had lost their life.

A moment when God directed me into the path of a very young man (a gang member) who spoke to me about wanting to kill another man because of the murder of his brother, I shared the love of Jesus and the forgiveness of Jesus with him. The Holy Spirit touched him and he forgave the man that had killed his brother.

When I carried the weight of my past with me, there wasn’t any room in my life to “run the race”. There wasn’t any room to hear God, see the pain of others, obey God, reach out to those in need, serve God, watch God change lives around me.

When I laid “aside every weight” my past, all that I had done and all that had been done to me, that is when my life truly and completely became God’s. I now “run with endurance the race that is set before us (me)”. I still fall, but I do not stay down and feel sorry for myself anymore, I now get up as fast as I can, pray and continue the race.

Come race with me…………Bro Dan Wiltse
Bread of Life Christian Fellowship
Mound House, Nevada

One of a Kind

2009-02-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Psalm 139:14 says, "I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well." (NKJ)

Within the Body of Christ there are many different parts. All these different parts come together to make the Body of Christ whole. When the church, the Body of Christ has everyone working together, wonderful progress is made for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Time and again I have talked to brothers and sisters in Christ that feel they are not worthy to serve Jesus. They have become content to be on the side lines of the ministry and just watch other brothers and sisters serve in the ministry. Every Christian has an enemy; Satan. Satan's job is to destroy every Christian. Satan is good at his job, but he has lost the war. One of our enemy's most powerful tools is to convince the Christian that he or she is unworthy to serve God, unworthy to serve in the ministry. This is a lie.

You are special. There is not anyone like you in the entire world. There has never been anyone like you in the world from the start of creation and there will never be anyone like you till the end of this world.

You are special. No one has ever had your eyes; no one has ever had your smile, your nose, your hair, your hands, your voice.

You are special. No one has ever had your handwriting, your exact taste for food, clothing, music or art. No one laughs like you and no one cries like you. The things in life that make you laugh or cry are unique only to you.

You are special. You are the only one in all of creation with your abilities. You have talents, ideas and feelings that no one has or ever will have. You are a very unique and rare person. You are special, one of a kind.

Like all things that are unique, rare, special and one of a kind, you are very valuable. In all of creation, God created you just as you are. God has never made a copy of you. How special are you!

God created you special for a reason, for a purpose. God must have a special job for you that only you can do. Out of everyone in this entire world, God has chosen you.

Do not believe the lie that Satan will tell you. When you think you are not worthy to serve God, just think how special you are, how God created you just as you are for a purpose.

The Body of Christ needs you to serve. Allow your brothers and sisters within the body of Christ the honor of experiencing your talents, ideas, feelings, laughter and tears. Do not hide the special creation that God created; you.

You are, "one of a kind, "you are special"…………….Bro Danny

MY ANCHOR

2009-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been on a boat in the middle of a lake and have the motor stop running? Did you notice that any amount of wind was able to move the boat in any direction it wanted too? However, if you dropped an anchor overboard and the anchor secures it self the boat will stabilize and no matter how bad the conditions become, the boat will stay secure.

In our spiritual life, our relationships with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there are times when we deal with storms. If we are unstable in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, we too, can be tossed to and fro if we are not anchored to and by Jesus. We can be lead astray by any false doctrine that comes along.

Ephesians 4:14 states, “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.”

In this scripture we find a call to maturity, for every Christian to mature in God’s Word. The Christian who is not maturing within God’s Word is subjecting himself to trickery and any false doctrine that comes his way. When a Christian gains knowledge in God’s word, the Christian matures and is able to recognize when false doctrine is presented to him.

A Pastor told me the following story: “The secret service had in its employ a renowned counterfeit expert. During an interview this secret service agent was asked if he spent numerous hours studying all the false currency. This agent replied; “No, I do not study false currency, I have spent time studying the true and correct currency and therefore I am able to spot the false currency anytime it is presented to me.”

This can be said about God’s word, the true doctrine of God, and then we will be equipped to spot false doctrine when it comes our way. If we are not well versed in God’s Word, then we are subject to being tossed to and fro by any false doctrine that may sound good but is designed to draw us away from God.

Hebrews 6:19-20 states, “This hope (Jesus Christ) we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,” v.20 “Where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

It is imperative that we understand who Jesus is. We understand that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, Jesus is God manifested in the flesh. We must also understand the intense depth of who Jesus is and what he has done for you and me.

Jesus Christ is in fact our High Priest, the author of our salvation which is anchored in Jesus Christ who is “sure and steadfast” (stable, established, permanent and everlasting). All believers have a High Priest who intercedes in our behalf before God. We are cleansed (unstained by sin) before God only by the precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

It is not always easy to mature spiritually; however, it is imperative that we do mature spiritually so we will not be deceived by false doctrine that has drawn some away from our Lord and Savior.

Let us dedicate our self (our life) to the true doctrine, God’s Word.

Bro Dan

WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVES?

2009-01-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

In the world today there are a lot of people doing business in the name of greed. Unfortunately, this is true within the ministry as well. I am not speaking of all ministries. There are ministries that are doing a wonderful job representing our Lord and Savior. However, there are those who have questionable motives, those with questionable motives should heed God’s word.

Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” V.13 “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

God’s word tells us that all our motives are exposed to God; this includes any and all motives, even the ones we don’t want anyone to know about. Everything we say, think or do is revealed to God, this includes our individual motives. What are your motives?

Self examination in the area of our motives concerning our relationship with our Lord can be (and should be) difficult. However, self examination is very necessary in order for us to continue a personal and intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior.

A question that each of us (Born again Christians) should ask ourselves is “What do I want from God?” and “What does God want from me?” We have an example which is found in Hebrews 3:18-19, “And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?” v.19 “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

What does God want from us (Born again Christians). God wants us to be obedient to Him and God wants us to believe in Him, have faith in Him, and trust Him in every area of our life. An intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior is to be treasured, a conscience effort on our part is necessary to maintain obedience and trust in Christ.

What do we (Born again Christians) want from God? This question will have to be answered by each individual. We should be thankful for all that God has done for us and given to us; namely, Salvation. Jesus took all the sins of the world, everyone who has ever been and everyone who ever will be, Jesus took their sins upon Himself to pay the price for each of us.

What do I want from God? I want God to continue to provide me with opportunities to serve Him. I want God to be patient with me as I continue to falter while serving Him. I want God to see me only through the precious Blood of Jesus Christ. On that day (the day believers are judged for rewards) I want to hear God say to me, “Well done faithful servant, well done.”

What are your priorities, what are your motives? God sees all and knows all, even our deepest secrets. Self examination is good, seeking the proper motives to serve God is essential in the believer’s life.

What are your motives?

Bro Dan

Judging Others *

2009-01-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

STRONG = MATURE

2007-11-29T15:52:00.001-08:00

Romans 15:1-2 says" we then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourselves." V.2, Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." (NKV)
In the world today we are taught to get ahead in life at any expense, this includes stepping on people to climb the ladder of success.
How many people have you known that have used and abused others to get ahead? This happens all the time in the work place. Unfortunately, this mind set does enter into the family life. Mom and dad stop being partners and start competing with each other for a position of power. The children are the ones who suffer for this mind set; they begin to think that it is normal to compete for power within the family structure.
This same mind set can also be seen within many of our churches. This is seen when brothers and sisters compete for leadership positions within the church. This can only result in a spiritually dead church. A church that is not relying on the Holy Spirit. Spirit filled men and women are needed in our churches today. Spirit filled brothers and sisters who are willing to be lead by the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul understood the importance of this when he wrote Romans 15:1-2. When Paul wrote "We then who are strong" He was not speaking of using and abusing others in order to get ahead. Paul was speaking to Christians who were spiritually strong. Christians who are mature Christian.
Paul continued by saying: we who are spiritually strong" ought to bear with the scruples of the weak." Again, Paul was speaking of our brothers and sisters, Christians. Christians who were spiritually weak.
How many Christians have you known who in the world appear to be very mature, however, when dealing with others within the Body of Christ, the church, they reveal themselves as being very immature and at times even childish. This often happens when a discussion turns to doctrine.
Please don 't misunderstand me; there are times when discussing doctrine when one should stand his ground. I call this a deal breaker". Here is an example of a deal breaker; If someone says that Jesus Christ was not God, that Jesus was just a prophet or just a good man, they are denying the deity of Christ. The deity of Christ is the belief that Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh. If someone does not believe that Jesus is God, this is a deal breaker
Last weekend in church I was asked to give an example of a "non-deal breaker." Rather than start a debate into doctrinal issues, I stated that an issue of what color Jesus ' sandals were when he went to the cross was a non-deal breaker.
It is time that mature Spirit filled men and women of God make a stand within the body of Christ, the church, and come to the full understanding of what Romans 15:1-2 truly means. How pleased God will be with us when he sees us placing others above ourselves, especially those that are in need of our support.
Let us be mature, even when we don 't want to.
Bro. Dan

CONTENTMENT—THE SECRET OF LIFE

2007-11-29T15:51:00.001-08:00

I read the following short article and found that it applied to me. I have been the type of person that enjoys the "Get it done" attitude. Some have said that I am a type 'A' personality. It has been difficult, but I have come to the understanding of "Let go and let God." But just because I understand this, does not mean that I am successful at always "letting go and letting God." Contentment: What a wonderful word. Are you content? Read and enjoy the following article. It is based on 1 Timothy 6:6 which says, "Now Godliness with contentment is great gain." (NKJ)
CONTENTMENT –THE SECRET OF LIFE
Author unknown
A Bishop of the early church who was a remarkable example of contentment was asked his secret. The old man replied, "It consists in nothing more than making a right use of my eyes. In whatever circumstance I am, I first of all look up to heaven and remember that my principal business here is to get there: I then look down upon the earth. And remember how small a place I shall occupy in it when I die and am buried: I then look abroad in the world and observe what multitudes there are who are in all respects more unhappy than myself. Thus I learn where true happiness is placed. Where all our cares must end. And what little reason I have to complain."
We all know people who are always complaining about their situation: "If only we had a bigger home; if only we had a better car; I won't be happy until we move; this physical handicap is holding me back; we need to bring home at least $200.00 more a month."
Conditions and situations will never be perfect. We have become a culture which is always focusing on perfect conditions. But if we wait for perfection to be content we will never be happy. Things do not bring us contentment. It only comes about when we focus upon why we are here on this earth and then begin to live out this purpose. One of our famous sayings is, "If you're not content with what you have, you'll never be content with what you want." We meet many people who are always looking to the future. The next paycheck the next home, the next church, the next month, and the next school. We are a country characterized by discontent. Do you find yourself being drawn in to this mind set?
Recently we were visiting our grandson. As we were holding him, rubbing our hands through his hair, tracing he shape of his toes and fingers. Our minds started thinking about what he was going to be as he grew to manhood. Was he going to have good grades and go to college? Would he be a fireman, a pastor, a teacher, a coach, a salesman? Suddenly we realized that we were thinking about what he could be rather than focusing our thoughts and prayers on who he would be.
In today's culture we are all drawn away from spiritual pursuits to putting our hope in wealth (1 Timothy 6:17) and to building our lives around ways to accomplish this ambition. As we sat there in our grandson's room, we began praying that all of his extended family might teach him higher values than money, career, and fame. Not that these are evil. But the value we place on them can lead to your downfall (1 Timothy 6:9).
In today's passage Paul states, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). When we find ourselves looking to the future because we are not content with today, may God give us a peace of mind that lets us rest where he has placed us. Be content today!
Instead of being discontent with your station in life, start praising God for where you are.
Ask God to reveal to you what you can learn in your present situation.
Write a letter to God thanking him for all of your blessings. Name them individually.
Bro. Dan

P.O.W.

2007-11-29T15:50:00.001-08:00

In a time of war soldiers are assigned different tasks. For example: the soldiers we hear about the most are those on the front line. The soldiers we hear the least about are the ones that serve as support to those that are on the front lines.
In the ministry, we too are at war, spiritual war, with our adversary Satan. Just like the military, the ministry has brothers and sisters on the front lines. The ministry also has those that are rarely seen. They serve as support to those on the front lines.
In war, there are times when soldiers are captured and held as prisoners of War, also known as p.o.w. 's. A p.o.w. can hold any rank and may be assigned to any position.
In the ministry, there are times when a brother or sister can be held as a spiritual Prisoner of war by our enemy. The most common method our adversary uses is to raise fear in the lives of believers. This fear can appear in many areas of our life. We may have a fear of driving at night this will keep the believer from attending night church services or night Bible studies. We may have a fear of our appearance and not want to be around people. We may also have the fear of rejection and so won't talk to others about God. No matter what the fear is, the results are the same. The believer becomes a prisoner of war. Held by our adversary Satan.
Romans 8:14-15 says,
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) these are sons of Godv.15 for you (place your name in here) already have within you the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out Abba, Father. (NKJ)
Abba in the Greek is translated Papa or Daddy. Abba is an intimate word. Verse 15 shows us the intimacy we have with our Father. There is no reason for any believer to ever have fear in their lives
One method Satan will use to ensnare the believer is to divide and conquer. This is an old military tactic. In a short time a believer can find himself separated from his brothers and sisters in Christ and before he knows it, he is a P.O.W.
How do we avoid becoming a spiritual p.o.w.? We must train and trust. This means that we must attend Bible studies, worship services and stay in fellowship with our fellow spiritual warriors. And trust that the Bible is true.
When we study God 's word we learn who we are in Jesus Christ. When we learn who we are, we can then stand on God 's promises to us. Just as Romans 8:14-15 says, we are believers who can and should be led by the Holy Spirit. We are sons and daughters of God, we have the Holy Spirit within us, therefore, there is no room for the bondage of fear in our lives, ever.
Do not allow fear to rule any part of your life. If fear starts to raise its ugly head, read Romans 8: 14-15 and stand on the promises of God. Do not allow fear to stop you from serving God. Trust Him to take care of you. We serve God not out of obligation or duty. We serve God because we love Him.
Fear is bondage. There is no place in the believer 's life for fear.f
Bro. Dan

Proper Motives

2007-11-29T15:49:00.001-08:00

The body of Christ, the church, is made up of brothers and sisters, Christians. We are all a part of the body of Christ. We are all a part of the church and we are family.
Sometimes within the church we have brothers and sisters that mean well and are trying their best to serve our Lord with everything they have, however, sometimes motives can come into question concerning their service. This is when the Spirit of discernment comes into play.
Lets look at the definition of the words 'discern, discerning and discernment'. Webster's dictionary defines discern as, “ To detect with senses other than vision”. Discerning as: “showing insight and understanding”, and Discernment as, “The quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure”.
The gift of or spirit of discernment is a necessary element within the church. The Spirit of Discernment, when utilized correctly, and with the proper motives, will enable the church to grow in maturity. It is unfortunate that there are believers within the church that not only denounce the use of the Spirit of Discernment, but actually announce that the practice of the Spirit of Discernment is a “False Doctrine”.
A well-intended brother in our church handed me an article that was written by a respected man of God. The article claimed that the Doctrine of the Sprit of Discernment was a false doctrine. I read the article. The article stated that when brothers and sisters within the church exercise the Spirit of Discernment, hurt and destruction always follow, which can never be good within the church. I agree with part of this concept. There should never be destruction and/or hurt feelings between brothers and sisters in Christ. It is unfortunate that this has happened. When the Spirit of Discernment reveals something in the church, it is the responsibility of the brother or sister who sees it to first pray and get God's mind on how he wants them to act upon what they have been shown. This means that they must prepare to act in a mature fashion.
Acting in a mature manner is the key to a successful Christian life. When a believer has been blessed with the Spirit of Discernment it is all the more important. Just as when a parent is correcting a child, the parent can either correct the child in a mature manner with love and patience, or the parent can be destructive and at times abusive to the child. This can also happen within the church. There have been times when a well-intentioned believer has done a lot of harm by trying to correct someone in the church. They have become hurtful and destructive.
Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age. That is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (nkj).
This is a call for all believers that are mature to exercise the Spirit of Discernment. However, when exercising the Spirit of Discernment, the believer must do so in the right manner. The believer must never correct another believer in a harsh and hurtful manner. Anytime this is done, it will only result in a hurt believer and most brothers or sisters will leave the church. When a mature believer corrects another believer with love, compassion, and patience, their motives are correct. Their motives should be to serve God. They should be motivated by the unselfish desire to protect the integrity of the Gospel and to insure the growth of the church
Matthew 7:2 says, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (nkj).
In this scripture there is a warning to the believer. This scripture does not mean that we are not to judge. We are allowed to judge within the church, however, the warning is for us to possess the proper motives when we do judge because we will be judged with the same attitude as we judge others. If we judge others in a harsh and destructive manner, we are placing ourselves in a position of being judged in like manner.
On the other hand, if we judge within our church in a proper loving manner with prayer, compassion and patience, we too will be judged in like manner. I hope and pray that when that day comes when I am being judged, I will be embraced with the warm caring arms of my Lord. I pray that all my actions within the church be motivated by my desire to please our Lord and the furtherance of the Gospel, the ministry. My prayer is that all my brothers and sisters will embrace a “less of me, more of God” attitude.
Do self-glorification and self-importance motivate you or are you motivated by a desire to please and glorify God for all that he has done for each of us. Pray with me that we can maintain a proper attitude and God pleasing motives.
Bro. Dan