Pep Talk

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Encouragement, Food for Thought, Purpose | Comments Off on Pep Talk
12May2016

“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22-24)

Listen up!

I know it’s tough out there, but you’re going to get through this because you’re a soldier and soldiers don’t give up (2 Timothy 2:3). The cross is heavy, friend, but that didn’t stop our Captain, and it’s not going to stop you either because His strength is unbeatable, His will is supreme, and He will never, ever let you down (Hebrews 2:10; Mark 8:34; John 12:27; Psalm 62:11; Isaiah 46:10-11; Hebrew 13:5-6).

You’re not alone in this. A yoke implies two (Matthew 11:28-30). He is not out ahead of you waiting while you catch up. He is not behind you cracking the whip like a slave driver. He is beside you. Like a Brother, he’s got your back; He’s sharing your load, and He will lend you His might without measure (Hebrews 2:11; Isaiah 40:29).

I know the future makes you nervous. There are so many “what if’s.” Stay focused on that which you have power over: this moment. Stop worrying about the perceived problems of tomorrow and give diligence to the issues of today (Matthew 6:34; Philippians 4:6-7). Change is inevitable, but your faith is in He Who does not change (Hebrews 13:8).

The flaming arrows aren’t going to stop (Ephesians 6:16; 1 Peter 5:8). In fact, the closer you get to the goal, the more intense the onslaught will become. But remember that, with Him, there is no temptation that cannot be overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is no mountain that cannot be removed (Matthew 17:20). There is no foe so large that they cannot be fell (1 Samuel 17:45-47). The dragon is fierce, but he’s not going to win (Revelation 20:10).

So, get up!

Remember who you are. You are a blood-bought child of the Ancient of Days, the Great I AM, the Creator of worlds, the blessed and only Potentate, THE Lord God Almighty (Acts 20:28; 1 John 3:1-3; Daniel 7:9; Exodus 3:14; 1 Timothy 6:15). If He is for you, who can be against you (Romans 8:31)? You have been called to be a partaker of the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:2-4); to proclaim the praises of He Who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). You are a member of a kingdom which serves as the pillar and ground of the truth (Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Timothy 3:15).

Therefore you must stand firm! When the world tells you to move, you plant your feet upon the Solid Rock and tell it “no!” I don’t care how intense the winds become or how blinding the rain is, you stand fast (Ephesians 6:10, 13; Matthew 7:24-25)!

Shake and shine, my friend. Shake and shine (Matthew 5:13-16). Do not be overcome with evil, no matter what its form (disappointment, loss, frustration, difficulty, temptation, etc.). Overcome evil with Good (Romans 12:21; Matthew 19:17).

God speed, soldier. Make Him proud.

Why Do We Have The Old Testament?

Posted by Devin Roush in Sermons, That's a Good Question | Comments Off on Why Do We Have The Old Testament?
9April2016

This 8-Lesson series examines the reasons God has inspired and preserved the Old Testament for us today.

Lesson 1 – To tell us where we came from and why we are here

Lesson 2 – To explain the origins of sin and suffering

Lesson 3 – To show us the meaning of sacrifice

Lesson 4 – To establish the character of God: omniscience

Lesson 5 – To establish the character of God: omnipotence

Lesson 6 – To establish the character of God: Righteous Judge

Lesson 7 – To lead us to Christ

Lesson 8 – To help us understand the church

The Operation

Posted by Devin Roush in Food for Thought, Obedience, Salvation | Comments Off on The Operation
5April2016

“After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (Luke 5:27-32)

If you had a disease that was going to kill you and Someone offered to perform the operation necessary to cure you (the cost of which you could never afford) for free, would you put yourself on the operating table?

I think it is safe to say that all of us would answer “yes” to the question posed above. The kicker is that the scenario outlined is applicable to each and every one of us. How? Why? Because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 3:23 & 6:23)

When we break God’s laws (cf. 1 John 3:4), the result is a cancer more severe than those which can inflict our fleshly bodies. It is a cancer that permeates our very souls and severs our connection to God (Isaiah 59:1-2). If left untreated, said severance will last throughout all eternity (Revelation 21:8)!

That being said, Jesus, in the passage quoted above from the fifth chapter of Luke, refers to the fact that He has come as a spiritual Physician. One who is willing to operate on us and remove all traces of sin. Such a procedure is made possible through His death on the cross. His blood paid the price for our opportunity to be healed!

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:6-9)

“Therefore take heed to yourselves [the Ephesian elders – vs. 17-18] and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

And so the question becomes: “How does one place themselves upon God’s operating table?”

The answer is found in the book of Colossians…

“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;” (Colossians 2:11-13 – KJV)

When an individual demonstrates faith by confessing Him as the Son of God (Acts 8:37), repenting of their sins (Acts 2:38), and being baptized for the remission of their sins (Mark 16:16), God operates.

Baptism puts one into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27)…

Baptism connects one with Christ’s blood (Revelation 7:13-14)…

Baptism is the appointed place…

Baptism is the point at which man is cleansed…

Baptism is when faith saves (1 Peter 3:21).

Baptism is not, as some propose, a “work” (as in a work of the law of Moses) through which we attempt to merit salvation. Baptism is a humbled spirit lying themselves onto God’s operating table in trusting faith of His ability to cleanse and heal so that they can then rise to walk in a newness of life!

Have you been healed by the Great Physician?

The great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus.

Your many sins are all forgiv’n,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus;
Go on your way in peace to heav’n,
And wear a crown with Jesus.

All glory to the dying Lamb!
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Savior’s name,
I love the name of Jesus.

Refrain:
Sweetest note in seraph song,
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus.

– The Great Physician by William Hunter

God’s desire is for you to be saved. He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

“The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:20-23)

Where Are The Nine?

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Food for Thought, Gratitude | Comments Off on Where Are The Nine?
1April2016

Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19)

When is the last time you said “thank you” to God?

When is the last time you counted your blessings?

It is funny how certain moments from your life stick with you; how certain moments become critical ones that define you and your outlook on life. I will never forget the time that I, as a young boy, was complaining about what I did not have. I was sitting in my room and my father was speaking with me. I don’t remember the specifics of how the conversation got started or the details of what I was discontent about, but I will never forget my dad asking me a question. He asked, “do you realize how many things you have to be thankful for?” He went on to ask if I’d ever taken the time to count all of the toys that I had in my room. I hadn’t. He left the room and I sat there looking around at all my toys. I got it.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]

– Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Why is the Christian able to have peace even in the midst of trouble? (Philippians 6:6-7)

Why is the Christian able to rejoice despite great difficulty? (James 1:2-3)

Why is the Christian able to be happy when facing persecution? (Matthew 5:11-12)

Why is the Christian able to be pressed, but not crushed? Perplexed, but not in despair? Struck down, but not destroyed? (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

I will tell you why…

Because the Christian knows that even if every good thing that this world can provide is stripped away, their connection to God will remain. If we are left alone with no family or other human being who might be called a friend, we are yet not alone (cf. Hebrews 13:5-6). If our bodies begin to fail us or are damaged beyond repair, our soul and spirit shall continue in His strength as we await our new, eternal body (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Yes, we rejoice because we know that in Him we are more than conquerors. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ (cf. Romans 8:31-39).

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:20-21)

So which are you today? Are you among the 90% who have neglected to say “thank you?” Or, will you be among the few who count their blessings today and show gratitude to He from whom every good and perfect gift comes down? (James 1:17)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Have You Ever Tried?

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Food for Thought, Purpose, That's a Good Question | Comments Off on Have You Ever Tried?
19March2016

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

It is quite common to hear Christians talk about their imperfection. There is, of course, good reason for this. Paul explained in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” John wrote in 1 John 1:8 that “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Indeed, to forget that we are sinners in need of God’s grace will pull us back into a self-centered existence that leads only to eternal destruction!

“For he who lacks these things [cf. vs. 5-8] is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (2 Peter 1:9)

But…

Does the fact that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) mean that we are incapable of Christ’s perfection?

Consider with me for a moment what the word of God (which Paul describes as “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16) and the Hebrew writer describes as “living,” “powerful,” and “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12)) is capable of…

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

God has given us His word so that we can be “complete,” or “perfect!” (KJV)

God has never asked the impossible of us. Can we, on our own, be without flaw? No. Else, Christ would not have had to enter this world as a man to die on our behalf! Can we, in Christ, be without flaw? Now that is a good question!

I can remember my grandfather (who I am blessed to still have with me on this earth) saying on many occasions, “people say ‘I can’t be perfect.’ But, have you ever tried?”

That, indeed, is the question! Have you ever actually tried to be perfect? Have you ever actually made it your number one goal and priority to walk as Jesus walked? Think like Jesus thinks? Love like Jesus loves? Hate sin like Jesus hates sin?

I am not saying that you are never going to make a mistake again, and, it would be the utmost in arrogance to pretend that I, as I write this, am a perfect reflection of my Lord and Savior. But, I am sick of compromising. I am tired of making excuses. I am done with the idea of Christianity being some kind of mask that we wear to make others think we love God. And you should be too!

It is time to start making our best effort; to put our best foot forward; to be the best Christians we can be. Not for our own glory. Not so that we might have something to boast about. But, so that we might glorify our God and be the light and salt that this world so desperately needs!

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

“Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” (1 Corinthians 14:20)

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

The key is a knowledge of God’s word. Do you have it? Do you study? Do you read? God revealed long ago through the prophet Hosea that His people are destroyed because of “a lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6) If we want to be “transformed” (Romans 12:1-2) into the perfect image of Christ, we have to spend time in the word of God. It is as simple as that.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror [cf. James 1:22-25] the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

I will never be Jesus Christ. Neither will you. But, we can be like Him. And, if we want to make heaven our home someday, we had better be trying!

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.” (Matthew 10:24-25)

No Place Else To Go

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Food for Thought | Comments Off on No Place Else To Go
9February2016

If you’re like me, you have regrets. You’ve made mistakes and you’ve left undone things that ought to have been done.

If you’re like me, there are times that you wish you were dreaming; that, at any moment, you’d be jolted awake; back to a time when things were simpler; to a time when things were easier. You wish you could wake up in that moment when everything was right; when everything was as it should be.

It seems to be a fantasy that we all share as human beings: the ability to travel back in time and redo things in a different and better way.

“Oh, that I were as in months past, as in the days when God watched over me; When His lamp shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness; Just as I was in the days of my prime, when the friendly counsel of God was over my tent; When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were around me; When my steps were bathed with cream, and the rock poured out rivers of oil for me!” (Job 29:2-6)

But…

The truth is that we can’t go back. We can’t erase our mistakes. We can’t do what we should have done. We can only move forward. We can only push ahead.

One of the greatest gifts that a person can possess is hope. Hope looks ahead with optimism of something better. Hope gives us a reason to keep fighting. Hope makes this life tolerable when the darkness seems to overwhelm and we feel as though we’re drowning in difficulty.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Thanks be to God that, while we can’t undo our mistakes or go back and do what we should have done, we can be forgiven!

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses…” (Colossians 2:11-13)

Thanks be to God that, while we can’t “wake up” from how things are to a different time and place, we can learn from the past and move forward with greater knowledge, wisdom, and strength!

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

Thanks be to God that this life is not all there is. There is joy that awaits those who are found in Him (Galatians 3:26-27). The greatest memory you have; the greatest dream you can dream; neither even begins to compare with how glorious and awesome heaven will be.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

I want to go there.

If you’re like me, you do too.

Today; this very moment is the first of the rest of your life. Don’t dwell on the past. Keep moving forward because the truth is…

There’s no place else to go.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Right Where You Left Him

Posted by Devin Roush in Food for Thought | Comments Off on Right Where You Left Him
16January2016

“When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.” (Luke 2:43-45)

A famous pianist once said that if he went a day without practice, he would know it. If he went two days without practice, the conductor would know it. And if he went three days without practice, everyone would know it.

How long could you go without Christ before noticing that He was missing? It took His parents a whole day before they realized that He wasn’t there. And where was He? He was in the temple seeing to His Father’s business (Luke 2:49). The account illustrates for us a very important point. It was not Jesus who had left His parents. It was they who left Him. And when they sought Him, they found Him right where they left Him.

“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5)

I’m sure we’ve all, as children, misplaced something and, when complaining to a parent or guardian about not being able to find it, been told, “well, it’s gotta be somewhere. It didn’t just grow legs and walk away.” And what did we find upon locating the missing object? It was, indeed, right where we left it.

When we find ourselves without Christ, it is not because He forsook us. Rather, it is because we, through either carelessness or conscious disobedience, left Him behind.

“Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 9 – ESV)

The good news is that, unlike those pesky car keys or the match to that black and grey sock, Jesus is not hard to find. He can’t be stolen, moved, or sucked into the realm of lost socks. He will be right where you left Him.

How blessed are we to have a heavenly Father who is always willing to welcome us back home.

“But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:20-24)

Where are you as you read this? Do you need to return to the Lord?

Come home.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

New Legs

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Purpose | Comments Off on New Legs
28December2015

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

It is natural, at the dawning of a new year, to reflect upon the past one. It is also our tendency to begin thinking about what is to come; to set goals for ourselves; to resolve to improve and/or accomplish certain things in the days ahead.

Sometimes, over the course of a year, things happen that are quite devastating. Sometimes things happen that make us feel as though the proverbial rug has been pulled out from under us or, like Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the movie Forrest Gump, we no longer have legs to stand on.

Gone

givingup

Lt. Dan: I was Lieutenant Dan Taylor.
Forrest Gump: You still Lieutenant Dan.

Whether it is the loss of a life, a relationship, a valued possession, or a job, the feeling of despair can be overwhelming. It can leave us feeling as though our very selves have been lost.

What we must realize, though, is that no matter what life throws at us, nothing can take away the hope and identity we have in Christ Jesus our Lord; unless we choose to let it.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

Jesus asked the rhetorical question in Matthew 16:26, “what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” Likewise, we might ask, “what has a man really lost if he yet possesses his own soul?”

Do Not Give in to the Darkness

wheelchair

It can be easy to give up; to conclude that life is just too hard; to lose ourselves in drugs, alcohol, pornography or some other worldly pursuit.

It is during these moments that we must look unto our Savior. Remember the example He has left for us when He faced a most terrifying fate: the cross.

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” (John 12:27-28)

“Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)

Jesus didn’t give up. He kept moving forward. And we, through Him, can do the same.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Ice Cream

icecream

Instead of focusing on what might have been, we need to open our eyes to what yet can be. Remember: it could always, always be worse. Focus on the positive!

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

God will work things together for good to those who love him (Romans 8:28 cf. John 14:15). Remember the example of Joseph who was betrayed by His brothers and sold as a slave into Egypt. In the end, God used truly terrible events to bring about the salvation of thousands.

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

What message will you deliver to the world through your response to difficulties in your life? What message will you deliver to Satan? Are you going to let him win?

New Legs

newlegs

Forrest Gump: You got new legs! New legs!
Lt. Dan: Yeah, I got new legs. Custom-made titanium alloy. It’s what they use on the space shuttle.
Forrest Gump: Magic legs.

As you begin this new year, determine to be the best “you” you can be. Realize that it is often the most trying of events that reveal the best versions of ourselves; that unlock strength and abilities that we never thought ourselves capable of. Even diamonds start out as coal.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

Always remember that you + God makes a majority. If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

“He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

May God bless you as you continue to fight the good fight in the year ahead!

When You Don’t Know What To Do

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Food for Thought | Comments Off on When You Don’t Know What To Do
28November2015

“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

It has been said that life is full of twists and turns. If you have lived very long at all, you are aware of the accuracy of that statement. Sometimes life does not go the way that we plan for it to. Sometimes we find ourselves facing seemingly insurmountable odds and simply do not know what to do.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

In times of darkness, we need to embrace the light of God’s Word for guidance, comfort, and hope. What should we do when we don’t know what to do? I believe we can find the answer to that by looking at the example of king Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. In the context of this chapter, the nation of Judah was facing an alliance of three nations (vs. 1, 10) that was determined to utterly destroy them. The king did not know what to do, however, despite this, we find his first course of action.

Pray

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)

Jehoshaphat did not sit around worrying. He did not go around to all of his friends griping and complaining. He prayed. He appealed to the One who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). We are encouraged to do the same today as we approach Him through our Mediator, Jesus Christ.

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in allpoints tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Trust

After Jehoshaphat’s prayer, the Spirit came upon Jahaziel thus providing instruction (vs. 14).

“And he said, ‘Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says theLord to you: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”‘” (2 Chronicles 20:15)

We must always remember that, no matter how dire things become, God has promised to never leave or forsake us. Why then should we fear? (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Do What You Know Is Right

“‘Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:16-17)

Did it makes sense in the mind of the king and the rest of the people to go out against this massive army? Surely not. However, they determined to do so because God had given them the instruction (vs. 20). Sometimes God’s instructions might seem contrary to our instincts (“love your enemies,” for example (Matthew 5:44)), but the truth of the matter is that God’s way works. Always.

“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30)

Worship and Praise

“And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.” (2 Chronicles 20:18-19)

Not only did the people praise God leading up to their inevitable confrontation with their enemies, but they did so on the battlefield as well:

“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.’ Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)

Isn’t it amazing that Judah’s enemies were defeated not by the sword, but rather by their demonstrated faith in God which culminated in their public praise of Him?

Will you praise Him even in the midst of whatever storms you might be facing this day? Will you count your blessings even when it is so easy to focus on all that you don’t have? (cf. Philippians 4:6-7)

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Conclusion

I do not know what difficulties you are dealing with this day, but I do know that God is bigger; He is stronger; and He is able to deliver thee.

“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.” (Daniel 3:17)

When you find yourself not knowing what to do, listen to what God has revealed. Pray. Trust. Do. Praise. If we follow His formula, it will work out for good. (Romans. 8:28)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

The Dangers of Biblical Arithmetic

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Food for Thought, Obedience | Comments Off on The Dangers of Biblical Arithmetic
7November2015

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)

It seems to be a common thing these days to hear about councils of men making changes to the doctrine of their respective “churches” (of course, there’s nothing new under the sun – Ecclesiastes 1:9). God, in His word, on several occasions, warns against the practice of adding to, subtracting from, and dividing up His revealed will as we see fit.

Adding

It doesn’t say not to, so that means we can, right? Can you imagine how many additional volumes we would have from the mind of God if He had directed the writers of Scripture to include all the things He doesn’t want us to do? The truth of the matter is that God didn’t have to do that. He has specified what He does want. When God specifies, all other options are ruled out.

“Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” (Leviticus 10:1-2)

“But the person who does anything presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the Lord, and he shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.” (Numbers 15:30-31)

Subtraction

If you have a recipe for chocolate chip cookies and do not follow it, what will be the result? Say, for example, that you leave out the sugar? Or, what if we bake the cookies for only 2 minutes instead of the appropriate time given in the instructions? Why do men often show more respect for a chocolate chip cookie recipe than they do for the inspired Word of God?

“Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’” (Ezekiel 33:1-6)

Who Do We Think We Are?

In the United States, we are blessed to be able to vote and have a say in what our nation’s laws will be.  God, however, has not established a democracy. He, through His Son, has established His kingdom. (Colossians 1:13-14) A kingdom is ruled by a king. Christ makes the laws. We are expected to follow them.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

God has provided us with everything that we need. He has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us.” (2 Peter 1:3) If, in order to justify your beliefs and/or practices, you have to go to a creed book, church manual, or some other work of man, you might want to pause and think about what you are doing. Likewise, if you have to ignore this passage or that one in order to legitimize your behavior, there is a serious problem.

It is my hope that these thoughts will help us all to think more soberly about our responsibility to honor God at His word. Remember, “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14)

“For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11-12)

“But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God?” (Romans 9:20)