December 9, 2009

Numbers 6: 23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Every letter has a writer and a receiver. The person who writes the letter is the writer and the person who receives the letter is the receiver. Are you still following me? Good! Think about Valentines Day. Remember back when you were in elementary. The girls would get little heart shaped cards that sometimes had as sucker attached to it and the boys ( actually the boy’s moms) would take a card that was a little bit more masculine but served the same purpose. On the back side of the card both would have the same two words: “To:” and underneath “To:” there would be the word “From:”.
That would show you who the card and sucker went to and also show you who the card and sucker was from. Still following me? Great! Now when I read this passage of Scripture, I couldn’t help but think about what God has given to us. In this passage of Scripture I see “To: Us” “From: God” seven things: 1. God’s blessings- certainly God wants to bless His children and He does every day. 2. God’s Protection- I am so thankful for His daily protection in my life. Without Him, I would be in serious trouble. 3. God’s Love- God’s love is great. We see how much He loves us just by reading John 3:16. He “SO” loves us. 4. God’s Grace- Getting what we don’t deserve. 5. God’s Favour- something that we should pray for everyday is God’s Favour. I personally pray that I might find favour in God’s eyes and in the eyes of others. Teenager, it is important for God to find favour with you. 6. God’s Peace- there is nothing like the peace of God. I get His peace daily, but I have personally felt it in times of extreme difficulty. I know the peace that God can give when you bury not only one child but two. I have experienced the peace that God can give when you have to do the most difficult tasks. God’s peace is awesome. Finally, God’s Name- when we got saved, He gave us His name. We are His children and we are called “Like Christ” or Christians. Do you live up to your name? Teenager, God loves us and cares for us like no one else. He has given To: us -these seven things! From: God! And our thanks should be unto God!
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

November 25, 2009

Numbers 2:34 And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

We as Christians need to stick by our “standards.” According to the Webster’s New World College Dictionary the word “standard” means “any figure or object, esp. a flag or banner, used as an emblem or symbol of a leader, people, military unit, Etc.” The Hebrew word that is translated “standard” is “degel” which literally interpreted is “a flag: —banner, standard.” Most think of standards as a moral compass. We may not do something because of our standards and certainly this is a good usage of the word, however in this verse it is saying “they pitched by their banner or flag or standard. We need to have standards that guide us morally, but if we stick by our “Banner” then our moral compass will be just fine. See teenager, we need to be sticking with the Word of God. The Bible is our banner, our flag, our standard. We live by It’s precious pages. Because of the Bible we know who God is. We know that God died on the cross for our sins. We know that He arose three days later. We know that if we accept Him into our hearts then He will take us to Heaven someday. We know about Heaven. We know about hell. We know how to live. If it wasn’t for our banner, then we would not know anything about salvation, Heaven, hell, Jesus, or the need for Jesus. Teenager, we need to pitch by our “Standard” the Word of God. If we don’t, we will be in a world of trouble. I think about Lot. He pitched his tents toward Sodom. He lost his family, he lost his pride, he lost home, he lost his dignity, and he lost his testimony. Why? Why did Lot lose almost everything? because he pitched his tents towards the wrong “standard.” What are you pitching your life by? Is it fame, fun, fortune, family, friends? What are you pitching your life by? Teenager let me urge you to live by your “Standards” and the Christian “Standard” is the Word of God.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,

Brother Nate

 

November 24, 2009

Numbers 1:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Numbers 1:18 And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. When I was in college we use to joke around and tease about putting off studying. For example there is a saying that goes “Why worry when you can pray, trust Jesus to lead the way.” Well, we college students would change that to “Why study when you can pray, trust Jesus to give an A.” Of course I don’t think that is the way you should study! But it is true that we sometimes put off what we should do longer than we should put it off. For example, do you remember the times that you had a book report due in two weeks and you waited until three days before it was due to start reading the book? Bad Idea! You have semester exam coming up in just a week, but you wait until the night before to start studying. Bad Idea! Your parents tell you to clean your room before they get home from work and you wait until 15 minutes before they are expected back. Bad Idea! Teenager don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Moses understood this. Look at verse one, half way through the verse “on the first day of the second month.” Now look at verse 18 “on the first day of the second month.” God came to Moses and said “Moses I want you to number all the men that are over 20 years of age who are able to fight.” Moses was told that on the first day of the second month. By the end of the first day of the second month it was, if not completed, well on its way to being complete. “Well Bro. Nate it isn’t that big of a deal, it’s just counting.” Teenager, there were 603,550 men that they had to count (just start counting to 600,000 and see how long it takes). It was a big challenge, but Moses didn’t start complaining and Moses didn’t’ say “Man I’ll never get done!” No! Instead he started supervising and he started counting. Simple thought for today, even though the mountain looks big, a person with a determined spirit and a shovel can move it. What is it that God is asking you to do that seems impossible? Start doing it and let the God of the impossible use you.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

October 26, 2009

Leviticus 17:11  For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

God is all knowing.  The word we use for this definition is Omniscience.  I was reading verse 11 and the first thing I thought was “George Washington could have used this verse.”  Isn’t it interesting that Doctors have finally caught up with Scripture.  It was known and a traditional practice that bleeding someone would heal them.  Thinking the blood was what caused sickness, they would take the blood out.  If they would have read the Bible, they would have known that the life is in the blood.  This is great for two reasons:  Number one, the Bible is always proven right, even when the great known scholars of the day say differently.  Number two, it reminds me that not only does physical blood help heal the body, but His precious blood will heal my soul.  See, the life of the flesh is in the blood, and His blood makes atonement for our soul.  Don’t forget the Bible will be proven right 100% of the time (pretty good odds) and that our blood can help heal us physically, but His blood will heal us eternally.

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,

Brother Nate

 

September 23, 2009

Exodus 4: 19 And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.

The story of Moses is a very interesting story. You know his life story well I’m sure, so we will skip to the part where he saw an Egyptian task master beating one of the Israelites which made him angry and in return he killed the Egyptian task master. Of course Pharaoh found out and Moses became the number one wanted man in Egypt. His life being sought after, he decided to flee. He made it to the dessert and to make a long story short he got a wife and became a shepherd. Forty years later (now 80 years old) God appeared to Moses for the first time. God told Moses that He wanted him to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. Moses was concerned. Moses right away started making excuses. “They won’t believe me.” God told Moses to tell them that “I AM” hath sent thee. Well Moses was still afraid, so God had Moses throw his staff on the ground and it turned into a snake. God told Moses to pick it up and it turned back into a staff. God also had Moses put his hand into his robe and pull it out. His hand turned leprous. He put his hand back into the robe and God made it whole. After those wonderful displays of power, Moses was still afraid. Moses was more afraid of public speaking than he was of a snake and of leprosy. But I believe in the back of his mind, there was another fear. The fear was that he was the most wanted man in Egypt. God knew his fear but God still asked him to go. Teenager, are you surrendered to God. Maybe you are afraid of what God has in store for you. You need not be afraid, because God will guide, protect, and give you a joy that you never had before. After Moses surrendered to do what God wanted him to do and after Moses packed his bags and was fixing to go to Egypt, God revealed to Moses that all those who were seeking his life was dead. Can you imagine how well Moses slept that night? Teenager, God may not reveal what He wants you to do until after you surrender. Because if you surrender only because you know you will like it, well that isn’t surrender at all. God wants you and me to be willing to do whatever He asks us to do, whether we like it or not. I enjoy doing what I do and I believe everyone that is surrendered to God also enjoys what God has for them to do. Don’t fear God’s will, embrace it. Be totally surrendered to His will and God will use you for His glory.

Just a thought,
Because of Christ
Brother Nate

 

September 9, 2009

Exodus 40: 12 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.
13 And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Service is something every believer should do. We all as Christians need to serve God. When Moses was told by God how to do service in the Tabernacle, the Lord showed me four things that Moses had Aaron and his sons do that we all need to do in order to be a servant. Number one we need to be clean. The Lord shouldn’t have to use a dirty vessel. In verse 12 Aaron had to wash with water. In other words he had to be clean before he could serve. In verse 13 he had to be sanctified. The word sanctified means to be set apart. As a believer we are set apart for the service of God. God has a specific task for you to do. He has set you apart for His service. The third thing I saw was Aaron and his sons were different. Verse 13 and 14 talk about how they were dressed and they looked different from anyone else in the camp. As a believer, I should be more different than anyone else in the world. I should act different, look different, and be different. The final thing that I see is that Aaron and his sons were anointed. When I think of anointing I think of the power of the Holy Spirit. I can never truly serve unless the Lord serves through me. I was His the moment I got saved. He bought me with a precious price and if I don’t have His power in my life, what I do is void and empty. If you want to serve the Lord you need to be clean, be set apart, be different and have God’s anointing power in your life.

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

August 12, 2009

Exodus 16: 8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

Have you ever complained against authority?  I mean your parents or your teacher gave some sort of instruction and when they left you complained to all your friends about how unfair it was.  I can tell you from personal experience as once a teenager and as a person who has been put into a role of leadership that complaining does happen.  It shouldn’t happen, but it does.   Moses had a difficult task a head of him.  He was 80 years old, he was just as tired, just as hot, just as thirsty, and just as hungry as all the children of Israel, plus had to listen to the complaints of over a million people.  As a leader, it is frustrating to have people complain about things that you have control over but it is very frustrating to have people complain about things you have NO control over.  Moses couldn’t produce food from the sky.  Moses couldn’t bring water from a rock.  Moses couldn’t lead where God was not letting him.  Moses had no control over these issues and yet the people continued to gripe and complain.  I mean these people were unreasonable.   They were concerned that they were going to die in the dessert.  O.K., I can see how concerned one might be about dying, but they were unreasonable.  Listen to what they said in verse 3 “Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt.”  WHAT!?  I must point out how ignorant that statement is.  My thinking is if you’re going to die, do you really want die as a slave?  I like what old Patrick Henry said “Give me liberty or give me death!”  I personally would much rather die free than to die a slave.  Also, do you really want God to kill you by His own hand?  Not me!  So you can kind of see what kind of people Moses had to put up with.  Moses finally put them in their place.  He said “Your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.”   Here is what I want us all to remember, when the leader is following God and people gripe and complain, they are not gripping and complaining about the leader, they are gripping and complaining about God the Almighty!  When God give command such as “Children obey your parents” then when you complain against their authority you are not complaining against them, you are complaining against the LORD JESUS CHRIST!  When in Hebrews 13:17 the Bible tells us to “obey them that have the rule over you” that is what God wants.  If you have a concern, tell your leader (parent, teacher, preacher etc.) but don’t complain about it.  If they are unreasonable and they won’t listen, tell God and let Him fix it, but don’t complain about it.  If they ask you to do something that goes directly against the Word of God, don’t do it and also, don’t complain about it.  Gripping is a sin against God and we need not to do it.

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 11, 2009

Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

God, when He wants something done, will provide someone to do it. Teenager, I believe that God has a specific plans for your life. He doesn’t have things happen by accident. He has chosen you for a specific task. What is it? I don’t necessarily know, but God does. When God told Moses how to build the Tabernacle and all the stuff that needed to be built He provided a man by the name of Bezaleel. See, Bezaleel had been prepared for this moment. All of his life, he had no idea that God was going to use him in work that God had planed, but it was big. See, God gifted him in understanding, knowledge and in all manner of workmanship. But Bezaleel also had the Spirit of God and wisdom from God. Both of those are something each and everyone of us need to have in order to fulfill what God has for us. We are going to have knowledge, understanding, and the ability to work, but if we don’t have wisdom and the Spirit of God, it will not be used for the glory of God. Listen to me very carefully, God has gifted you with understanding, knowledge and workmanship in the area that He would have you do. Be filled with the Spirit and pray for wisdom and trust the Lord. God isn’t going to call you and then leave it up to you. He is going to call you and then work through you. Teenager, don’t be afraid to surrender your life to God. It is the best decision you could ever make besides Salvation. I could give you example after example of how God has prepared me to be where I am at. I had no idea at the age of 17 or 18 what God was going to be having me do, but I surrendered and daily I sought His will and I seek His will still. I am where I am at because of daily surrender to God. You don’t know what God has planned for you at 18, but God does. If you daily seek His will and you follow His leading, when you’re 34 you will be exactly where God wants you.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 9, 2009

Exodus 14: 31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Follow God and you will be proven right.  Think about all Moses went through.  The people had fought, kicked, and screamed all the way to freedom.  They accused Moses of trying to kill them.  They told Moses that he didn’t know what he was doing.  They griped and complained.  Look at Exodus 14:11-12 “11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”  I can imagine that Moses felt lower than a tad pole.  Millions of people were accusing him of trying to kill them.  Through this experience, I see two things- one if God puts you in charge, then you’re in charge.  I guarantee that if they were to hold an election at this particular time, then Moses would have lost by a land slide.  But God put Moses in charge.  Teenager when God puts you in charge, He then equips you to handle the task.  But the second thing I see is because Moses followed God, Moses was proven right.  You will never, ever, ever, be proven wrong if you follow God!  Verse 31 say “the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.”  Because Moses followed God, he was proven right and given the respect of the people.  Teenager you can not go wrong with following God.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 8, 2009

Exodus 10: 10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

It is a terrifying thing to fall into the judgment of a just GOD.  One of many sobering phrases in the Bible is “and the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart.”  Why?  Why did God harden Pharaohs heart?  I don’t know all of the reasons, but one reason that I see is because Pharaoh thought that he was like God.  It could be that Pharaoh had heard about God.  We know that Pharaoh rejected God.  Let’s think back to the beginning of time.  Lucifer wanted to be like the most High God.  God threw him out of Heaven and now we know him as satan or the devil.  God is not willing to share His glory with anyone and Pharaoh had decided to stand up to God and was trying to show Moses and all of Egypt that he was equal with God.  God will have none of that.  Pharaoh had rejected God one to many times.  Teenager, Pharaoh had opportunities.  God even showed him His power and might, but Pharaoh rejected.  Pharaoh went past the point of no return with God so God hardened his heart.  May I plead with anyone that is reading this devotional, please don’t reject God.  You might be reading this and you’re not saved and the Youth Pastor and the Pastor and your friends have asked you to be saved and you keep putting it off.  Let me remind you that it is a terrifying thing to fall into the judgment of a just GOD!  Don’t reject Jesus.  God will never force Himself on you.  Rejecting Him or accepting Him is your choice.  But there will come a time where you will reject Him one last time.  Let me tell you what Hebrews10:31 says “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Get saved today.  If you are saved, pray for and tell those that do not know Jesus.  Be submissive to His will in your life.  Make a difference in the life of someone else.  Be like Moses and Aaron and stand up and speak up for God.  You might think “But people will reject me.”  Did Pharaoh reject Moses or God?  He rejected God.  People don’t reject me when I tell them about Jesus; they reject the One who loved them enough to die for them.  Do your part and tell.

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 7, 2009

Exodus 11: 7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Have you ever had a dog move his tongue towards you? I was visiting one of my teenagers who had been missing church the last couple of weeks.  I had visited her before and I had driven a van to pick her up several times.  Every time I would pull up in the van or make a visit, her pit bull, which she kept inside, would jump up in the window and almost tear the curtains off trying to get to me.  Well it was a nice sunny day out and as I said before, I was visiting her because she had missing church.  I go up to the door and knock and she comes to the door.  However, this time she made a mistake, her dog was waiting in the background ready to pounce.  She opened the door and the dog made a b-line straight towards me.  That dog had one thing on his mind and that was “Leg of Nate”.  He lunged towards me and it was as if it were in slow motion, I jumped back and my leg moved so fast that my paint leg was still were my leg used to be.  That dog grabbed my pant leg and ripped my pants.  He circled around and came back for seconds, but this time I was ready.  I reached down grabbed him by his neck with both hands and held him at arms length.  That precious teenager came running out and grabbed her dog with one hand and said “I got him.”  I said “Oh no you don’t!  Not until you use both hands.”  She then grabbed him with the both hands and pulled him inside.  You could say that that dog was moving his tongue at me the wrong way.  When I read this verse, I couldn’t help but thank God for His hand of protection. Sometimes when we are in Gods will doing Gods work, He allows us to go through some adversity.  However, if He doesn’t want the adversity to happen, He won’t allow it.  Teenager, if you are in the will of God and doing what He says, then not even a dog can move his tongue at you in the wrong way without His permission.  This reminds us that God is in total control.  If God wants you to do something and it is His purpose for you to complete that task, then nothing can stop you.  Why?  Because you are under the protection of God.

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 6, 2009

Ex 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

“Dear God, please give me favour in the sight of You and in the sight of others” is a prayer that I pray almost every day, if not every day.  Why?  Because, I want favour in the sight of God.  There are few things, if any, more important than having God’s favour in ones life.  Daniel had God’s favour.  David had God’s favour.  Abraham had God’s favour.  Joseph had God’s favour.  Peter, John the Baptist, John the beloved, and Paul had God’s favour.  It is important to have God’s favour.  I want God’s favour in my life.  I want Him to shine down upon me.  Israel and Moses had God’s favour.  But not only do I pray for Favour in the sight of God, I also want favour in the sight of others.  In this passage we see that the Children of Israel had favour in the sight of the Egyptians.  Who gave them that favour?  God did.  God in His omnipotence caused the unsaved world to look upon His people with favour.  When an Israelite went up to an Egyptian to borrow jewelry, the Egyptian gave it to them.  It doesn’t make since, why would the Egyptians that treated the Israelites as slaves give them their jewelry?  Because, God caused the Israelites to find favour in the Egyptians sight.  I pray that we as believers can find favour in the sight of others.  Even though the world and its philosophy consider us low lives and worthless, that by the power of the Almighty we will find favour in their sight.  I pray that the Government will allow prayer in Public Schools.  I pray that when a church needs a building permit that God will give favour in the eyes of the building inspectors.  When a Christian goes door to door soul winning, I pray that they find favour with the person behind the door.  When a missionary travels to a foreign field, they find favour in the sight of the government and the people of that land.  It is good to find favour with those around us.  The old saying you attract more flies with honey.  BUT, if I had to choose between favour in the sight of God or favour in the sight of man, I choose favour in the sight of God.  Never compromise your walk with God to receive more love from the world! NEVER!

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 27, 2009

Exodus 10:9 And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.

Pharaoh wanted to know who Moses thought should go out in the dessert to worship the LORD. The reason for Pharaohs inquiry is he wanted to set the rules. He wanted to let Moses know that he was in charge. Moses knew the reason behind Pharaoh’s question, but he stood his ground. God wanted all of the Children of Israel to go and worship. There was no compromise. It would either be God’s way or God’s way! My friend, we don’t need to compromise with the world to survive, we need GOD! Pharaoh told him that the men could go. God told Moses to send a plague. Pharaoh came back in verse 24 and said take your wife and children but leave your cattle. NO COMPROMISE! God told Moses it was time for another plague. The final plague was God killing all the first born who didn’t have blood on the door mantles of their home. Pharaoh comes back and tells Moses to take the men, the women, the children, the flocks, the herds, and be gone. And they left. See teen, there was no need for compromise, GOD IS IN CONTROL! I believe that to many believers are going to lose an eternal blessing because they compromised their standards, their Bible, their church, their lives. My encouragement to you and to me is let us not be weary in well doing for we will reap if we faint not. Keep on keeping on. Stick with the old paths. We need to stay with the God of the Bible. We don’t change the world by being like the world- we change the world by being like CHRIST!
Just a thought.
Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 26, 2009

Exodus 9:1 Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Moses had been doing exactly what God, the Great I AM, had been telling him to do. Pharaoh would have some sort of affliction happen to him and he would tell Moses that if God would stop the plague he would let the Israelites go. Of course he would lie each time and God would send another plague. In this passage of Scripture we see that Moses, again, tells Pharaoh God’s words “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” When I read this passage, a thought came to me “It’s hard to serve the Lord when you are in bondage to the world.” To many Christians are in bondage to the world. This is probably the reason why people aren’t serving the Lord like they should. I can remember a time when people actually put God before sports, work, and entertainment. Now if God doesn’t fit in to their schedule, the attitude towards God is “Well get you next week.” This is a person who isn’t serving God because they are bound by the world. The Bible tells us that it is hard to serve two masters. God was intent on having His people serving Him and Him alone. However, the world, the flesh, and the devil, is intent on keeping God’s people in bondage. Teenager, or who ever might be reading this, it’s time for us loose our chains and serve God. He has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Love God more than we love our habits, pleasures, entertainment, friends, and family and we can do something for God! We can’t if we are bound or if we are in bondage to the world.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 15, 2009

Exodus 8:10 And he said, To morrow.  And he said, Be it according to thy word:  that thou mayest know that there is non like unto the LORD our God.

The story of Moses and Pharaoh has always fascinated me.  I must admit, however, that one of the most intriguing parts of the story to me is when the frogs came hopping to town.  I guess you know the story- Moses was told by God to tell Pharaoh that because he didn’t let God’s people go, there were going to be a great swarm of frogs.   And as always, what God says happens.  The next day there were frogs everywhere!  I can’t imagine what that was like.  How it must have felt and how it must have smelt.  Well Pharaoh wanted the frogs gone and so he told a lie and said that if the LORD could get ride of the frogs, he would let the people go.  I love Moses response “Glory over me (sounds like Moses got excited): when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?”  Basically Moses is asking “When do you want the frogs gone?”  Pharaohs answer- “Tomorrow!”  WHAT?  Tomorrow?  Why not right now?  Why not this minute or better yet this second?  Why would you want one more night with the frogs?  It reminds me of how people live their lives.  “Wouldn’t you like to trust Jesus to be your Savior today?”  “No, not right now. Maybe later.”  WHAT?  Not right now?  Why not right now?  Why not this minute or better yet this second?  How foolish to risk an eternity in hell for one more night in sin.  What about the saved?  “Won’t you get right with God tonight?”  “Na, maybe tomorrow.”  Or “Maybe when I get a little older.”   Why? Why one more night with the frogs?  It doesn’t make since to me either.  If you’re not saved, get saved now.  If you are saved and you’re not living right, get right now. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 8, 2009

Exodus 3:5  And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 

Moses was in the dessert being a shepherd.  This is a far cry from where he came from.  He was use to the palace life.  At one time he had the finest cloths, the finest food, and didn’t have to work.  As a matter of fact, being a shepherd was looked down upon by the Egyptians.  Now he had poor mans clothing, common food, and he was doing the job that was despised by those who reared him.  Certainly things are different.  To this point, God hasn’t spoken to Moses yet.  Moses was watching his sheep when he notices a bush on fire but not being consumed.  He was curious, as I would be, so he went to see this thing.  God saw that he was coming so God spoke to Moses for the first time.  God said “Moses, Moses.”  Isn’t it great that God knows his name?  Isn’t it even better that God knows our names?  God tells Moses to draw nigh, but before he does, God tells him to take his shoes off because he is standing on Holy Ground!  Why take his shoes off?  Were they dirty?  Did they stink?  His feet, without his shoes, were probably just as dirty and probably stank about the same.  So why?  Why did God have him take his shoes off?  I believe that God had Moses take his shoes off because God wasn’t going to have His Holiness compromised.  Dirty, filthy shoes can be taken off.  Feet can’t be.  God expected Moses to clean up as much as he possibly could before he could touch the Holiness of God.  Teenager, God expects you and me to live a Holy, Separated, life.  God’s Holiness will not be compromised.  Yes we are sinners saved by grace, so we will always have our sin nature with us until we die or until the rapture.  However, we need to let God clean us and we need to make sure that the things of God stay Holy!  We better never drag the name of God through the muck and mire of life.  We better not be responsible for allowing His Holy Name to be associated with the filth of this world.  He is Holy, Holy, Holy!  Our teens, our parents, our children and our churches need to take off our shoes and start realizing that God is Holy!  May God help us to do just that.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 4, 2009

John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

I love NASCAR.  Some of you don’t and that’s fine, but I just so happen to love it.  I love fast cars, I love competition, and I love a good NASCAR wreck.  One of the fastest, if not the fastest, races the race in Talladega.  Usually at this race, there are several wrecks.  This was the case at the last Talladega race.  It was the final lap and cars were fighting for position.  There were a lot of fast cars, but two cars stood out on that last lap, Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski.  Edwards was in the lead and Keselowski was pushing Edwards to the finish line.  Of course second is never good so Keselowski dropped below Edwards, in an attempt to pass him.  Edwards didn’t know that Keselowski gotten below him and he tried to block, but instead  he ran right into the front pumper of Keselowski.  This sent Edwards up the track right into Ryan Newman’s car. Edwards went air born hit the fence and totally demolished his car.  Thankfully Edwards was not harmed.  Keselowski finished the race and won.  What happened next was impressive.  Edwards got out of his car and started running.  Medical care people tried to stop him to make sure he wasn’t injured, but he ignored him.  Was he mad?  Was he going to go tell Keselowski what he thought of him?  The simple answer is, NO.  He wasn’t mad.  He told a reporter in an interview after the race “That it was just racing.”  So why was he running?  Edwards answer was profound, “I just wanted to finish the race.” He was running to finish the race. Oh, if we could just get believers to have the same kind of attitude.  Yes, there are going to be bumps in the road and sometimes your going to get wrecked, but don’t let it stop you from finishing the race. God has something for you.  He has a work for you to finish.  Don’t quit, FINISH!
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

March 12, 2009

Genesis 42:1 Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?

When I was a kid I use to do some pretty stupid things.  Many were the time that my dad would get onto me and I would say “But I didn’t mean to.”  To which my dad would always respond “Then you better start meaning to do something.”  What my dad was trying to teach me was if I mean to do something than most likely I won’t do the wrong thing, unless of course I meant to do the wrong thing, which would bring about a totally different response from my dad.  When I read this verse I couldn’t help but think about these grown men standing around pouting about not having any food.  Jacob, their much older father, looked at them and said “Why do ye look one upon another?” which to me he was saying “Why are you standing there with your hands in your pockets wondering how you’re going to eat?  Get down to Egypt and buy food!  Don’t expect the food fairy to come along and provide dinner.  Don’t expect the government to provide your dinner.  God gave you two good legs and a brain, use them.”  Of course I took some liberties at what he really might have said, but that is pretty much how I interpreted this saying.  Standing there looking at each other wasn’t bringing food to the table.  I heard someone say this statement once “Don’t ask God to do for you what you can do for yourself.”  Basically don’t ask God to brush your teeth in the morning when He has giving you a hand, water, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a sink.  Of course we are always dependent on God.  Without Him we couldn’t exist.  But too many people stand around and wait for God to miraculously provide when all they need to do is put feet to their prayers.  Teenager, pray as if everything depended on God and act as if everything depended on you.  Don’t sit around waiting for hand me outs, work.  Don’t ask God to fill you thirsty mouth with water when you have a drinking glass and a water faucet in front of you.  “Why do ye look upon one another?” get to work.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

March 11, 2009

Genesis 41:1a  the Bible says “And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed:”

Joseph is a great Bible character.  I am amazed at the story of his life.  Although it ends well, I can’t imagine how it must have been for him.  He was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, lied about and put into jail, and forgotten in jail.  Through it all you can see the hand of God moving in his life.  The part of the story that I want to focus on is the last part, forgotten in jail.  You remember the story don’t you?  The butler and the baker each have dreams.  The butlers dream meant that after three days he was going to be back serving the king.  The bakers dream wasn’t as fortunate.  His dream meant that after three days he was going to be beheaded.  Remember after Joseph interpreted the dream for the butler he asked the butler not to forget him in prison and asked him to show kindness and tell Pharaoh so that Pharaoh could get him out of prison.  What happened?  The butler forgot.  In Genesis 41:1 the Bible says “And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed:”   As I was reading this passage a great thought struck me.  Who gave Pharaoh this dream?  Then I thought of another question- who gave the butler and the baker the dream?  The answers are the same – GOD!  When Joseph thought he was forgotten, God sent the butler and the baker a dream.  Two years after the butler got out of prison and Joseph thought he was forgotten again, God sent Pharaoh a dream.  God doesn’t forget!  God had allowed everything up to that point to happen to Joseph and God was always in control.  Two years had past and God caused Pharaoh to dream a dream which allowed the butler to remember Joseph.  The test was over and Joseph past with flying colors.  Joseph now had what he needed to do the work that God had for him. His reward, second in command in Egypt and knowledge that through it all God was in control and God doesn’t forget us even when we are in the pits.
Just a Thought.

Because of Christ,

Brother Nate

 

January 27, 2009

Genesis 21:29  It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. 

Laban was upset.  Laban was probably embarrassed, angry, hurt, and frustrated, but most certainly he was upset.  Was Laban truly upset about Jacob leaving because Laban didn’t get to say goodbye to his daughters and grandchildren?  Maybe, but I don’t think so because we have already seen that Laban was a liar (side note- if you’re a liar, you can’t be believed in anything).   Laban told Jacob that he would have thrown them a grand party and sent them off with presents if Jacob would have told him that they were leaving.  Would he have?  I don’t know because Laban was a liar (if you’re a liar, you can’t be believed).  Here is what I do know; Laban was out to get Jacob.  He was probably going to hurt him or maybe even kill him for leaving. However, God had a say in all of this.  God came to Laban and told Laban that he had better not talk good or bad about Jacob, let alone hurt him.  Laban may be a liar, but he wasn’t stupid.  He knew if God directly came to him and told him not to speak good or bad to Jacob, then he had better not.  Laban tells Jacob that he had “the power” in his “hand to do” Jacob “hurt”.  Basically he was telling Jacob he had a law given right to hurt Jacob, because someone stole one of his idols.  However God wouldn’t let him.  I take comfort in this.  I am glad that “NO ONE” can do me harm unless God allows it.  If my enemies want me destroyed, they have to get by my God.  Sometimes it is God’s perfect will to let different things happen to His children so that He can get some kind of glory out of it.  Sometimes He lets things happen as punishment for getting out of His will.  But all things that happen to me, has to go through Him first.  I take great comfort in this.  You might be sitting there thinking “I don’t want God to let anything happen to me!”  What you need to realize is that if God lets things happen for His glory, then He will give you the grace and peace to go through and He will be with you all the way.  If God lets things happen because of sin in our life, then He is trying to get us back in fellowship with Him (which is the best place for us to be).  And yes, He will be with you in that as well.    This should give us the courage to stand for God and be a witness for Him, knowing that He will guide, direct, and protect.
God is in control at all times.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

January 23, 2009

Genesis 30:27  and Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes,  tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hat blessed me for thy sake. 

If you have God’s blessing you will be a blessing.  I find it interesting that Laban, who was the father-in-law of Jacob and who deceived Jacob about marrying Leah, needed Jacob.  Jacob wanted to go, but Laban wanted him to stay.  The reason that Laban wanted him to stay wasn’t because of his daughters.  It wasn’t because of his grandchildren.  And it wasn’t because he necessarily liked Jacob.  The reason he wanted Jacob to stay was because the LORD had blessed Laban because of Jacob.  Who has the LORD blessed because of you?   I want the blessings of God on me.  I believe that if God’s hand of blessing is upon you, then you will be a blessing to someone.  I know that this earth is blessed because the children of God are still here.  Once all the Christians are removed, then this earth will go through a terrible “Tribulation.”  If you are saved and living right, then God’s blessing will be upon you.  No that doesn’t mean you’ll be a millionaire or that the person you work for will be a millionaire because of you, but it does mean that others can be blessed because of you.  Maybe it is the opportunity to tell someone how they can receive eternal life- that certainly is a blessing.  Maybe it is encouraging someone with the promises of God.   It could even be that the business that you work for thrives while you are there because of God’s blessings on your life.  Teenager, be a blessing by being blessed.  How can I be blessed?  Great question!  Number one, you need to be a Christian.  Number two, you need to walk according to Scripture.  Number three, keep short accounts with God.  Number four, surrender your life and let God have your hopes and dreams.  Number five, remember the promises of God- you’ll need to remember them when things don’t go the way you thought they would and you get discouraged.  And finally, be a witness for Jesus.  These are good points to live by.  I want to be a blessing to others and I can be, if I am blessed by God. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,

Brother Nate

 

January 13, 2009

Genesis 24:8 “And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.” 

God Lets You Choose.  When I read this passage of Scripture, something stood out to me.  The last phrase of verse seven says “he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.”  You might be thinking what is so interesting about that?  Well, besides Abraham having faith and besides Abraham talking about God sending angels to prepare people, what made this verse stand out to me was the next verse.  “And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.”  God lets you choose.  See Rebekah was chosen by God, but Rebekah could have refused.  Abraham new that the girl could refuse, the servant new that the girl could refuse, and God allowed the girl the opportunity to refuse.  You see teenager, God has a special plan for your life.  No, it may not be the privilege of being the mother of millions and it certainly isn’t the distinct privilege of being the great, great, great, etc. grandmother of Jesus.   But God does have something that He has chosen you to do.  He has chosen you for the distinct honor of being the person for the job, but He will not force you and He will not make you, but He will call you.  If you say no, then YOU must live with the regret.  If Rebekah would have said “No!” then she would have regretted it for the rest of her life.  Teenager, what is it that God may ask you to do today?  Be willing and ready, because He will call.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

January 8, 2009

Genesis 22:23  And Bethuel begat Rebekah:

Obeying God is very important.  This verse is interesting to me for the simple fact that Rebekah is mentioned for the first time.  You might say “Why is that interesting?”  In the previous verses we find Isaac being submissive to his father and Abraham being submissive to God.  God had asked Abraham to offer his son Isaac.  Isaac could have run away, being much younger and healthier than his dad.  But he didn’t.  Instead he submitted and laid down his life on the altar.  Those two acts of faith are followed up by the verse “And Bethuel begat Rebekah”.  Who is Rebekah?  Rebekah is the future wife of Isaac.  After Isaac did what was right, God made Rebekah for Isaac.  I find that very neat and very comforting.  Teenager, when you do right and you make right decisions, God has something special in store for you.  For Isaac, it was the preparation of his future wife. For Abraham it was the preparation of the young lady that would help God fulfill His promise to Abraham; “I will make of thee a great nation.”  Trust God!  He will never let you down.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

January 7, 2009

Genesis 21:1 And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

I was reading my devotions today and I started with Genesis 21:1.  I try to make it a practice to write down, what I call, “Gold Nuggets” of Truth.  When I find a promise or a thought that I hadn’t seen, I usually underline it and write a little note to the side of the verse to remind me of its promise.  I had read the first four or five verses of chapter 21 and then I stopped and had to go back and read verse one again.  In my haste, I missed a great little promise.  What a tremendous verse.  Sometimes we get to reading and if we are not careful we will miss a Spiritual blessing.  It is not a new truth that I saw; rather it is an old truth.  However, I believe God puts things in Scripture for a reason.  In this verse, God could have said “The LORD visited Sarah.”  No, instead He made sure that two times in this verse we saw that God’s promises are always kept.  “And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.” Teenager if God says it, it will happen.  He has never broken a promise and He has never lied.  He is always going to keep His promises and He is always going to tell the truth.  We can take great comfort in knowing that His promises are sure.  If I have said it once, I have said it a hundred times- when God says I will never leave you nor forsake you, He means it.  When He tells us that He holds us in the palm of His hands and no man can pluck us out, that is exactly what that means.  When He lets us know that His love for us is the greatest, He means exactly that.  Teenager, God doesn’t lie.  Find out the promises He gives from the Word of God and cling to them and hold tight to them.  Those promises will bless your heart and comfort your mind.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

January 6, 2009

Genesis 12:1  Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Faith!  The Bible tells us that Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.  Abram (later called Abraham) was a man of faith.  Here we have God, who Abram has not seen, ask Abram to go to a land that Abram does not know and Abram goes.  That is faith.  When reading this passage, I have often thought about Sarai (later known as Sarah) and how that conversation went between her and Abram.  Abram comes in and tells her that their moving.  “Where?”  Sarai asks so submissively.  “I don’t know”, answers Abram so kindly.  “What do you mean you don’t know?”   Asks Sarai, ever so patiently.  “Well God has told us to leave and when we leave, He will show us.”   To me, Sarai had to have double faith.  She didn’t hear God tell Abram to leave, so she needed to have faith that Abram knew what he was talking about and she needed to have faith that God was leading Abram right.  Teenager, do you have faith?  If God asks you to obey your parents, and you can’t find one good reason to do it, do you still have faith that God knows best?   If God wants you to go to a Christian College, but you want to go to a different college, do you trust God enough to know what’s best for your life, or do you trust yourself?  Faith is a very important part of a believer’s life.  When God tells us something, we need to obey.  Whether it makes since or not, we just simply need to trust God.  He didn’t let Abram and Sarai down and certainly He will never let us down.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

 

January 4, 2009

Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease.” 

“Global Warming” has been a tool that people have been using to strike fear in the hearts of millions of people.  They say things like “If you drive an S.U.V. the polar bears are going to drown because the earth is getting warmer and all the ice in the North Pole is going to melt.”  Teenager, that is a bunch of “Hog Wash”.  God made man the keeper of the earth, so with that responsibility I believe we aught to be responsible for taking care of the earth, but don’t buy into the non since that earth is going to destroy itself because we have to many power plants that is burning a hole in the “Ozone”.  It is simply not true.  God tells us very clearly that “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease.”  I guess the only question left to answer is- when does the earth get destroyed? Well, I know the earth is still in exsitance when the rapture occurs.  I know the earth is still around durning the tribulation.  I also know that when the Lord comes back and sets up His earthly reign the world is still here (although it is seemingly put back in a pre cursed form).  The Bible does tell us that there will come a time when the “the first heaven and the first earth” will be “passed away.”  This happens at the Great White Thrown Judgment (Revelations 20:11).    So until that time, we will have seedtime and harvest.  We are going to have summer and winter.  And we are going to have hot days and cold days.  This doesn’t free us away from the responsibility of taking care of what God has given us, but it does free us from worrying about the end of civilization just because we drive a Hummer.  Remember, God is in control and He takes care of His children. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

December 16, 2008

Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat. 

The story of Adam and Eve is fascinating.  Not only because it tells us about our beginning, but because it tells us about the affects of sin.  Unfortunately, most people categorize sin:  Really bad sins, bad sins, not so bad sins, and not harmful sins.   But to God there is just sin.  Adam’s sin was eating a piece of fruit that he was told not to. This “not so bad” sin of disobedience cost mankind and Jesus a lot.  Teenager, God hates sin and Adam’s sin of disobedience was enough to cause mankind to be separated from God.  Don’t mistakenly think that there is such a thing as “non harmful sins.”  There is just sin.  This so called “not so bad sin” of disobedience cost Adam a lot.  It cost him his fellowship with God, his admiration for his wife, his dignity, his pleasure, his home, and then it cost him two sons: Abel when he was killed and Cain when God sent him away.  Teenager, sin will cost you way more than you will ever want to pay.  Don’t ever forget that.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

December 5, 2008

Genesis 2:19  And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, the was the name thereof.

We are made in the likeness of God, and you are precious.  As a father of two girls, I can’t tell you how much enjoyment I get when I secretly watch them play with their toys or read a book to their stuffed animals or dolls.   I sometimes will ask them questions to see what they will say.  I get amused and I enjoy their innocents.  It is precious to watch your children do things in a pure innocent way.  The reason that I get so much enjoyment out of watching them is because they are my children and I love them.  I have watched them grow and develop from the beginning and they are precious to me.  When God called all the animals over to Adam, God, in His great pleasure, watched Adam name them.  God got pleasure in the innocents of Adam naming the animals.  God enjoys your company.  Even in the simplest of things, He enjoys your fellowship.  God loved Adam and God loves you and me.  Invite God to be a part of your life, no matter what it is- ball games, dating, school, home, work, etc.  I could talk about the responsibility that Adam had, or the privilege he had in naming all the animals, but I wanted you to see this verse in a way that a father might look at a child.  This is just more proof that we are precious in His sight. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,

Brother Nate

 

December 4, 2008

Genesis 1:27    So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

God has created many beautiful things.  Some clear evening go outside and look up at the stars.  Try and count them.  Then think about how far they are away.  Some are thousands of light years away.  God is awesome.  In the morning look at the way the sun comes up and how beautiful that is.  Look at the trees, mountains, rivers, oceans, fields, and animals.  God, after He had created all of that, had one more creation and that was mankind.  God said “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.”   God had created many wonderful things, but the most loved creation that God has created is mankind!  You are special to God.  God has made you in His image.  Notice God said “Let Us”, “In Our”, and “After Our.”  There is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  These Three God Heads make up the Trinity.   We are made up of a Body, a Soul, and Spirit.  We are made in His likeness.  I will go a step further, if you are saved, then your body is the “Temple” of God.  You are special.  Don’t do things that would hurt you.  Don’t hate yourself or harm yourself.  You are precious to Jesus.  You are made in His likeness.  Psalm 139:14 says that you are “Fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, pornography, fornication, (and the list could go on) are harmful to you, to you physically and spiritually.  Teen, Jesus loves you like nothing He has ever created and because He loves you, He made you in His image.  You are wonderfully made.  Don’t let anyone ever tell you different.

Just a thought.

Because of Christ,

Brother Nate

 

December 1, 2008

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

It is so important to make right decisions.   Good decisions produce good results.  If you go down the right path, you will end up at the right spot.  How many stories I could tell you about going down the right road.  Yet I could also tell you some stories about going down the wrong.  Do right.  Making Godly decisions will most certainly bring you down to a Godly place in your life.  There is a quick story I want to tell.  A young lady needed to make a decision to hang around the wrong type of people or to go with her husband.  She was frustrated, because she and her husband had no job and no place to live.    She and her husband did search diligently both for a job and for a place to live, but to no avail.  She was discouraged and she was at a cross roads.  Stay with the wrong people and have a place to live or go with her husband and trust God.  It was a hard decision.  She was frustrated and tired of not knowing where she was going to sleep that night.  After thinking about it and after being tugged by both sides she made her decision.  She went with her husband.  The very next day she and her husband found a job and found a place to live.  A few weeks later her sister got saved.  The next week her mother got saved.  The week after that her other sister got saved.  Praise the Lord.  Good decisions produce good results.   Also remember, when you don’t do good when you know you should, it’s sin. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

October 16, 2008

Revelations 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
What are you worthy of?  Have you ever really sat down and thought about that?  Are you worthy of respect?  Are you worthy of trust?  I hope that your reputation with others would merit you both respect and trust.  What are you worthy of?  Money.  Maybe you think you deserve a lot of money because your parents are rich.  Maybe you are worthy of good grades because you study hard. Maybe you feel that you are worthy of athletic accolades because you practice more than any one else.  What are you worthy of?  I hope that I don’t offend you by telling you this, but let me tell you what you are worthy of, nothing except for a place called hell.  I don’t deserve one thing except dying and going to hell. Why?  Because I am a dirty rotten sinner.  But thank God Jesus died on the cross for my sins and since I put my faith and trust in Him He has allowed me the privilege of going to Heaven and the joy of serving Him.  But I don’t deserve Heaven.  What does God deserve?  Well He is worthy to receive glory and honour and power.  He deserves all the glory He can get and more.   He deserves all the honor that could be bestowed upon Him and more.  And He deserves all the power that He has (which is ALL Power).  Because He is God and Worthy of all this, He chose to die for you and me so we could go to Heaven.   If we put our faith and trust in Him then we will go to Heaven, not because we are worthy, but because He is worthy.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

October 15, 2008

I John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
“Actions speak louder than words!”  Did you know that this is a Biblical principal. God, through the pen of John the beloved, wanted us to know this.  Words sometimes are cheap.  We can say anything.  For example- someone could come into my house with a gun sit me on a wooden chair hold that gun to my head and say “tell me you love me!”  The fact of the matter is God wants us to love everyone, however at that particular time, I may not feel the love.  For illustration sake lets say that I said “OK I love you!”  Do you think I mean it?  My point is anyone can say I love you, but actions speak louder than words.  You may say you love your mom, but do you obey her?  Teenager, you can learn to say anything and not mean it.  Back up what you say with your actions.  Tell your mom you love her, but also show her you love her.  Surprise her and clean your room with out being told.  Do the dishes without her having to ask.  You can also show your dad you love him to.  Most importantly, show the Lord you love Him.  As a Christian we should have no problem telling Jesus we love Him.  Saying it is easy, living it is proof.  He deserves my love not just in words, but in actions.  Do you love Jesus in word only?  Or do you love Him by your actions?  Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

October 14, 2008

I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
I must admit that it is frustrating sometimes living in this world and being a Christian.  There are so many temptations that are at our finger tips.  TV, internet, radio, cd, dvd, telephones, etc.  Not to mention the easy access to drugs, prescription or illegal narcotics, and alcohol.  Sometimes it can get down right irritating.  You want to do right, yet your flesh wants to do wrong.  Unfortunately to many Christians quit fighting the good fight of faith.  Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel?  Have you ever felt like the fight is to great and you can’t possibly win?  Remember this teenager, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!  You can overcome anything, not because you are strong, but because He that liveth in you is strong.  Our problem doesn’t lie with the fact that God isn’t strong enough, our problem lies in the fact that we try to do things in our own strength.  We try to overcome our enemies without the power of God.  It is very important that we keep close fellowship with God and rely on His strength to get us through this evil world.  We cannot do it in our own flesh.  We will fail.  But God can bring us through the battles and the wars and see us to victory, because He is greater than all those that would see us harmed.  Always remember that you are a winner either way!  You’re saved and going to Heaven, but here on earth you need to be above reproach and you need live as Godly as you can.  How? Well you need to trust in Him, rely on Him, Depend upon Him, be submitted under Him, and don’t go around Him and He will see you through.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

September 3, 2008

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
In today’s society, the word love is thrown around with very little meaning.  I love my car, I love football, I love the outdoors, I love my girlfriend (the eighth one you have had in the last two years), I love my hair, I love my dog etc.   I am not saying that there is anything wrong with these different things, but the fact of the matter is do you REALLY LOVE them. You may like them, you may find them appealing, you may even care for them deeply, but do you love them?  I guess what I am trying to say is that love is more than just a word.  Love should be shown by our actions. However, if our actions of love goes outside the realm of the Truth (Word of God), then it is not love.   T.V. uses it when they talk about immoral relationships- i.e.  “making love.”  This meaning has nothing to do with love, but everything to do with selfishness. Love outside of what God has deemed pure and holy isn’t love but selfishness.  So you must realize that love is not selfish and showing your love must not go against the Bible.  This feeling, that goes against the Bible, may be passion, it may be lust, but it is not love because it is not in accordance with truth.  If you say you love your mom, but you treat her like trash, do you really love your mom?  If you say you love God but you don’t do what He says, do you really love Him?  The Bible tells us to love not just in words, but in our deeds and in truth.  Teenager, if you love your mom, it isn’t just the words that prove it.  How do you show her?  If you love God, it isn’t just telling Him that proves it.  How do you show Him?  Do you obey?  Do you serve?  Do you strive to live according to His commandments?  We love not only in words, but in deeds and in truth.
Just a thought.
Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 30, 2008

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also..
It is sad that so many people in the world go to Bible believing churches and do nothing for God.  They sit in the pews and refuse to see that their faith is dead.  How do we know that their faith is dead?  Well it is simple really, if they sit in church and do nothing for their church except come, then their faith is dead.  Don’t get offended, it isn’t me that said it, it is God.  It is high time that the people of God stop sitting in the church and start serving the King.  It is frustrating that no matter what church you go to, 10% of the people do 90% of the work.  What if it was different?  What if 90% of the people worked and only 10% of the people did nothing?  Souls would be saved and churches would be packed.  We need revival.  We need to get back to normal.  We need God’s touch in our lives.  We need to not only have faith but work like our faith is real.  The Bible clearly tells us that “faith without works is dead.”    Not sick, not hurt, not in a bad way, but D-E-A-D!  Teenager, is your faith dead?  It can be proven- do you serve Jesus?  Are you living your life for Him?  If you are, it is because you have faith in what He says.  See, if you believe in something, you promote it, you defend it, you protect it, you stand for it, and you live for it.  Football season is coming up and there will be millions of fans thinking that their team is number one.  They will dye their hair, paint their face, spend thousands of dollars on tickets and paraphernalia.  What about NASCAR?   I heard a commercial about NASCAR.  It said if you will drive nine hundred miles to watch someone drive five hundred miles, you must be a NASCAR fan.  There are some Christians that won’t drive five minutes to church. Why?  Because they don’t believe in what Christ has asked them to do.  Teenager, is your faith dead?  It is if your not willing to prove your faith by working for the things of God.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 23, 2008

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Why do you do the things you do?  I know that this question has been asked before, but it is still a great question.  Many times we live our life so that we might obtain something.  For example- you might be nice to the person in church who drives a BMW and not so respectful to the person who drives a POJ (piece of junk).  The reason you’re nicer to the BMW driver is because you think he might be able to help you out more.  Maybe he could give you a hundred dollars or maybe let you borrow the car.  Those driving the POJ don’t have money and you don’t want to borrow their car.  The word “Conversation” means “Manner of Living.”  Your lifestyle.  Teenager, don’t let your lifestyle be about money or possessions.  Don’t look for the person that can help you get what you want.  The Bible tells us to be content with such things as we have.  There is nothing wrong with “things”, but when “things” become your focus then God is not.  I know of people living their life for money, possessions, toys, and all kinds of  things.  They look happy, but they are not.  Have you ever seen the bumper sticker that says “He who dies with the most toys wins!”?  That is not true- the truth is “He who dies with the most toys dies!”  However, we can lay up treasures in Heaven.  The reason we shouldn’t make things our focus, is because God is all we need.  He even promises to provide all our needs.  Don’t live form money, live for the Messiah.  Don’t live for fame, live in faith.  Don’t live for jets, live for Jesus.  Don’t live for houses, live for Him.  Don’t live covetously, live for Christ.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

July 17, 2008

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)
We need to “Keep on Keeping on!”  It is so easy sometimes to get distracted.  “We need to hold fast the profession of our faith, without wavering.”   As we look at the world around us, we see so many distractions.  Music, movies, money, and materials are some of the things that distract us.  We need to hold fast.  It is hard to take a stand in this day and age, but it wasn’t easy to take a stand in the early church age either.  As a matter of fact, it has never been easy to take a stand at any time, but it has always been worth it.  Don’t waiver in your commitment to Christ, stand for what is right!  Why?  Two reasons: first God has told us to and second He has promised His blessings and protection and He is faithful to fulfill all things that He has said He would do.  Take comfort and Joy in the fact that Christ is pleased with you for standing fast in the faith.  He is coming soon- be ready!
Just a thought

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

June 23, 2008

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I just received a phone call from my three year old daughter Autumn.  She has been sick and has a slight fever.  Her mom told her that I was going to the store and so my wife has her call me and in her three year old voice asks me if I could pick up some “Tyenole.”  For those who don’t speak three year old language that means “Tylenol.”  She had a need and she had no fear in calling her daddy and asking me to get something that makes her feel better.  She boldly called me and asked me to help her in her time of need.  What kind of daddy would I be if I wouldn’t help her? Not a very good one.  Well, just like our earthly father would help us in our time of need, how much more would our Heavenly Father help us.  Teenager, if you’re saved and you have a need, go to the Father!  If you’re unsaved, you have a need and that need is salvation, Go To The Father!  He can save you from your sins.  I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father is approachable and loves me and is always there to help me in time of need.  Aren’t you?
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

June 17, 2008

My wife and I celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary.  For our tenth year of marriage, we decided to visit the largest home in America, The Biltmore.  This house is enormous.  The Biltmore was built around 1895 and at the time was very modern.  It actually had electricity and electric lighting (even under the swimming pool).  This house is incredible.  Of course Mr. Vanderbilt was very, very wealthy.  At the time, I believe, he had two hundred million dollars.  In today’s money that would be an astounding NINETY BILLION DOLLARS!  To say the least, he was rich.  Over a hundred years later, the house and all it’s wealth is family owned.  Of course the current owners did not make ninety billion dollars, so how did they get this beautiful house?  They inherited it.  They were heirs to George Vanderbilt.  And because they were heirs, they now own and run this magnificent house.  Here is the best part, if you are saved, you have been made an heir of the things of God.  I will tell you this, the Biltmore is an ant hill compared to what God has.  How exciting it is to be an heir to God.  Of course if we are saved we need to live like an heir.  How should we live?  We should live our life holy and acceptable to God and we should “Be careful to maintain good works (v. 8).”  Live like and heir.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,

Brother Nate

 

June 3, 2008

I Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
This is our last devotional on I Thessalonians 5.  In verse 16 we see that we need to “Be Grateful.”  In verse 17 we need to “Be Prayerful.”  Verse 18 “Be Thankful.  Verse 19 “Be Clean.” Verse 20 “Be Convicted.”  Verse 21 “Be Wise.”  And finally verse 22 “Be Careful.”  Teenager we all need to be careful of how we act, where we go, what we look like, who we hang around with, what we watch, what we read, and what we say.  The Bible tells us to “ABSTAIN from ALL appearance of evil.”  The devil hates us.  Now that we are saved, his goal is to ruin our testimony and to make us miserable.  The devil wants us to slip up and sin.  The devil wants us to fall into his traps.  We need to be careful, people are watching us.  There may be a younger teen or a young child watching you, they want to know how they should act or what they should and shouldn’t do. You may be the only Bible they read.  Live your life so that you will lead them to Christ and not away from Him.  Live your life so that you won’t be a reproach to the name of Christ.  “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”  Teenager, “quench not the Spirit”, listen to preaching, prove the preaching by studying the Word of God, always be prayerful, be thankful, be grateful and be careful about your testimony and God will use you for His glory.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

June 2, 2008

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Be wise!  It is certainly true, teenager, that everything you hear (even from the pulpit) needs to be studied or tested.  The Bible is the grounds for which we test things.  For example, if you here something about your church, family, friends, etc. you would want proof.  You’re not going to trust something that goes against what you strongly believe.  You would need proof.  God tells us to prove all things.  I remember listening to a preacher one time when I was younger.  He said something that caught me off guard.  It wasn’t necessarily wicked or wrong, but it didn’t set well with me.  I felt in my spirit it wasn’t right.  So I went home and found out the answer.  How did I find the answer?  Well I talked to my dad and discussed it with him and then I took the Bible verses that he gave me and studied it for myself.  That is an example of proving.  Unfortunately, there are preachers who don’t preach the Word of God.  They preach their ideas, their philosophies, their preferences, but they don’t stick to the Word of God.  I have the privilege of teaching Bible class at our Christian School.  I train my students to think for themselves and to study the Word of God.  What I don’t want is for a teacher or a preacher to have a smooth tongue and a personal interest in preaching or teaching their own doctrine.  Prove them.  Compare Scripture with Scripture.  Every Godly preacher or teacher wants you to prove what they say is right.  Teenager, God wants you to study the Word of God.  Preachers, youth pastors, Sunday School teachers, deacons, and Godly parents are teaching you the Word of God.  They are there to help, but you are the one responsible to study God’s Word and prove what they say is right.  And most likely what they say will be right.  Once you find out the truth, hold fast to that truth and don’t let it go!
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 30, 2008

I Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
Continuing our thought on I Thessalonians 5:20-  There are so many things in life we despise, snicker at, abhor, and hate, but Bible preaching shouldn’t be one of them.   The word “prophesying” in this verse isn’t talking about foretelling or predications, or the future, it is talking about preaching of the Word of God.  Teenager, when you sit in church you shouldn’t be talking, writing notes, daydreaming, drawing, or now a days texting.  You should be listening to the man of God.  It shouldn’t be a painful thing to go to church.  You shouldn’t despise it.  The house of God and the preaching of the Holy Bible is something that will help you and strengthen you spiritually.  It is something we need.  We shouldn’t consider preaching a time to get homework done, it should be a time to get “house cleaning” done.  A time where you should be cleansing your life through the precious Word of God.  Dr. Curtis Hutson uses an illustration of a man asking him about reading the Bible.  The man said “For me reading the Bible is sometimes like running water through a strainer, it doesn’t hold much.”  Curtis Hutson replied, “Yes, but it does keep the strainer clean.”  You might not think your getting much when you read the Bible and go to church, you might not hold much, but it will keep your life clean.  Love preaching, desire preaching, put high value in it, and have great affection for it.  Certainly, don’t “despise” it.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate 

 

May 27, 2008

I Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
The word “Quench” is used two other times in the New Testament.  Matthew 12:20 says “Smoking flax shall He not quench.”  The second time the word “Quench” is used is in Ephesians 6:16 “Shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”  Both of these verses refer to putting out some sort of fire.  The word “Quench” is a word used for “putting out” something.  Here we have very clear understanding of what we are not to put out.  We are not to Quench the Holy Spirit.  When thinking about fires, there are a couple of ways you could quench them.  Number one you could throw water on it and number two you can throw dirt on it.  Throwing water on the Spirit is doing things contrary to what His nature is.  If He is fire, then water is the opposite.  What is the opposite of the Holy Spirit?  The Holy Spirit is love, is good, is pure, and is Holy.  Doing anything that goes against the Holy Spirit is like throwing water on a fire. Teenager, you need to “be convicted” about what and how you act.  By acting in a way that goes against the Holy Spirit, you hardening your heart.  There is another way of putting a fire out and that is by dirt.  Of course dirt is made of earth.  The more that we want the things of earth, the more we want the things of the world, the more we throw dirt on “The Fire.”  God is all we need, and the more we seek and search for treasures here on earth, the more we leave our first love.   Teenager, there is nothing wrong with money or possessions, but there is something wrong with loving them.  The Bible tells us that the “love of money is the root of all evil.”  That is a pretty universal statement.  The Bible doesn’t leave us with a whole lot of leeway in the matter of loving money.  But the dirt that can quench the “Fire” is not just loving money, but it is also living a life not pleasing to God.  The more you do the wrong things, the easier it is to do the next time.  The first time you did it, great conviction came.  The second time, not as great of conviction came.  Now you do it, and you can’t feel the conviction.  You are now living in a very dangerous place for a Christian.  Teenager, we all need to “be convicted” about how we live our life and do our part not to quench the Spirit.  We need to kindle the fire not quench it.  Kindle it by reading your Bible and praying.  Kindle it by going to church and doing what is right.  By hanging around other young people that have the same desires and convictions about serving God as you do. By loving one another and by not throwing water or dirt on the “Fire.”
Just a Thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 21, 2008

I Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
In I Thessalonians 5:18 we have a verse that is necessary for us all to remember- “In everything give thanks.”  Notice it doesn’t say “For everything give thanks” but says “In everything give thanks.”
You know as well as I do, that not everything in life is pleasant, but our attitudes can be. We can always give thanks.  Even when things are going bad, we can give thanks.  Not necessarily thankful for the bad things that are happening, but thankful for a God who will meet our needs and walk with us every step of the way.  Why should you give thanks?  Because it is the will of God.  God’s will for my life is to give thanks.  God’s will for your life is to give thanks “IN” all things.  I have to be reminded of this simple truth as well.  When I am hurt or down, I don’t feel thankful, but I can be thankful.  Thankful for the love of God.  Thankful for another day of life.  Thankful for my family.  Thankful for the luxuries He has allowed me to have.  Thankful to know that no matter what happens, someday I will be in the presence of God forever.  Teenager, in everything give thanks.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 20, 2008

I Thessalonians5:17 Pray without ceasing.
To continue our discussion of I Thessalonians 5:16-22 we come to verse 17.  “Pray without ceasing.”  CAUTION- do not pray with your eyes closed and hands folded while driving!  Of course you know that when it says “Pray without ceasing” that the verse doesn’t literally mean you can’t have any other conversation except for God, but what it does mean is that you need to always be able to go to God with a request.  Your attitude and life should be clean of all sin so that you can “boldly approach the Thrown of Grace.”  Of course you should be praying in private, with your family, and in public.  Teenager, are you always in the attitude of prayer?  Is your life in a way that if something were to happen right now, that you would be able to boldly go to God and ask for help, or would you feel like you would need to get reacquainted first?  It is good to keep short accounts with God.  Teenager, our life should be a constant sweet communication with God.  There should be no goodbyes with God. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 19, 2008

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

The next few verses of in I Thessalonians have tremendous meaning. I want to look at them for the next few days and I want to encourage us to "To Be..." Verse 16 is where we will start- Rejoice Evermore. I have to admit that this was one of my favorite Bible verses to memorize. The reason that I liked it so much, was because it was short. Even I could memorize that verse. However, this verse is very poignant. Teenager, the Bible makes it very clear that we need to rejoice evermore. We need to always"Be Grateful." We have so much to rejoice over. As a Christian, we need to be full of joy. Notice the Bible says "Rejoice Evermore." From the time I got saved until the time God ceases to exist (which is never) I need to rejoice. It doesn’t say that I need to rejoice until something bad happens, no it says to rejoice evermore. It doesn’t say that I need to rejoice until I get upset or unhappy, no it says to rejoice evermore. Not every circumstance is happy, but we can still have joy through the circumstance. God give us the joy. The Psalmist asks God to restore unto him the joy of his salvation. When we get away from God, we don’t seem to have the joy that we should have. Thus David was asking God to restore unto him the joy. When we have proper joy, we will have proper rejoicing. Keep short accounts with God, keep your life pure, and rejoice evermore.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 5, 2008

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
 Matthew 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
The other day a friend and I was cleaning out from behind a shed at my house.  We had chainsaws, weed eaters, and had a blade put on the end of a weed eater to cut down small trees.  After we had accomplished that task, I decided to pull off all the vines that were stuck to the back of the building.  Near the top of the building setting so delicately on these vines was a birds nest. Of course I thought it was an old birds nest until I yanked on the vine that had the birds nest setting on top.  All of the sudden three small birds fell out of the nest and landed safely on the ground.  I must admit that I am getting soft in my older age.  I had some old gloves on and I picked up the feisty little birds and put them back in the nest.  “What’s the big deal?”  You might ask.  “They are just dumb old birds.”  I agree, but I couldn’t help but think of the mother and the father, who were watching me, squawking at me for knocking their babies out of the nest. I also thought about God and remembered this passage of Scripture, that God watches the sparrow.  If my children fall, I want God to pick them back up.  If I fall I want God to pick me back up.  If you fall I want God to pick you back up.  God goes on to say that we are more valuable than many sparrows.  If God cares about one sparrow, and we are more valuable than many sparrows, then God cares a lot about us.   Teenager, I just want you to know that God cares for you.  He watches you, loves you, and even has the hairs on your head numbered.  God cares!  If you fall, He is not there to stomp on you or to forget about you, He is there to help you back up.  Why?  Because He cares.  Always remember God Cares!
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

May 1, 2008

Mt 5:13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Salt!  I like salt.  Do you realize that when God called each believer salt what that implied?  Think about salt for a second.  Salt supplies taste.  I like french (I mean Freedom) fries, but only if they are salted.  Certainly salt makes things taste better.  We being the salt of the earth, have the ability to make bitter experiences better.  How? By bringing the Bible and God’s love.  Salt also stops corruption.  We as believers have the opportunity to tell others about Jesus.  If we tell others and they get saved and grow in the Lord, then we have been used to stop a life from corrupting in sin.  Salt is also used to sterilize wounds.  We should help heal the wicked sinful hearts by telling them about Jesus.  But I think this is most interesting to me- salt shows a miracle.  Salt is made up of Sodium and Chlorine.  Both taken separately are poisonous and deadly but together they produce salt.  What is even more amazing than that is that I am a dirty rotten sinner and God is a Holy Just God.  God’s Justice and Holiness could and should destroy my sinful wicked flesh, but the day that I asked Jesus into my heart, He made me salt.  If you are not saved, get saved and become the salt of the earth.  If you are saved, be as salty as you can.  Have you heard the saying “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink” ?  Give him enough salt, he’ll drink.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

April 29, 2008

Ephesians 6:1 ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
I know this verse has probably been the verse your parents read to you the most.  However, it is a very important verse.  It comes with promises and rewards.  But I want to focus on the last phrase of the verse.  When any child is asked to do something, most of the time the first response is “Why?”  “Clean your room!”  “But Why?”  “Mow the lawn!”  “But Why?”   Lets be honest, when a child is asked to clean the room the child knows why, because it is messy.  When a child is asked to mow the lawn, again the child knows why, because it needs cut.  I love the answer Paul gives through inspiration by God.  God knew that children always asked why, so God gave us the reason- because it “is right.”  Teenager, you need to obey your parents.  “But Why?”  Simply because it “is right.”  It’s the right thing to do.  I believe that we can answer a lot of questions that we have with the simple phrase “for this is right.”  Why should I go to church?  Because it’s right.  Why should I study hard?  Because it is right.  Why should I read my Bible?  Because it is right.  Why should I tell others about Jesus?  Because it is right.  Why shouldn’t I fool around with my boy friend or girl friend?  Because it is right.  Why shouldn’t I do drugs, or drink, or smoke?  Because it is right.  I know being a teenager you want a more “adult” answer, but teen that’s the best answer.  When the Bible says “For this is right”, it is telling us that this is what pleases God.  The reason we obey our parents is because it pleases God.  The reason we do other things that God wants us to do is because it pleases God.  The reason we don’t do the things we shouldn’t do is because it pleases God.  Teenager, do God’s will “For this is right.”
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

April 23, 2008

Galatians 5: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
As I was praying today and thinking about truths from Scripture, I started to confess my sins to God.  I truly have always done my best to keep short accounts with God.  As I was praying, I was doing my best to verbalize what my heart was trying to say.  Fortunate for me God looks and listens to the heart.  In my attempt to explain myself to God, I some how got on the idea of “If I only had one wish” what would I wish for.  If I knew God would grant me, for sure, one thing what would I ask for?  While I was praying, my heart was sincerely crying out and saying “If I had only one wish, I wish to be more like you.”  Then my flesh kicked in.  I started to think “What if this was for real?”  Then I started to think.  Well, maybe I would really ask for money so I could get out of debt, or I have family member who have health issues, maybe I would ask God to heal them completely so they can live a healthy, happy, continued productive life. Or would I want to be more like God?  It is funny how your mind starts playing games with you.  You know, the reasoning games- “If I got out of debt, I could use my money in the ministry and I could give more to missions and for mission trips.”  And “If I could get people healthy, they could serve God a whole lot better and stronger.  More souls would come to a saving knowledge of Christ that way.”  What would you choose?  If you had one granted wish from God, what would that one request be?   Would it be to be more like Christ, or would it be something else?  I must confess it bothered me that my flesh kicked in and started making excuses for what I would ask for.  My heart got it right the first time, but my flesh didn’t like it and tried to reason it in another way.  I guess I started looking at the cares of this world, however the song writer got it right “Turn your eyes upon Jesus... and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”  I look forward to the day when all of my thoughts are His thoughts and all of my ways are His ways.  Until then, I’ll just have to “keep my heart pure”, keep my eyes on Him and I’ll have to keep fighting the flesh and fighting the battles.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

April 22, 2008

Ga 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
I was in 5th or 6th grade and I had wonderful teacher.  He was kind, he was kind hearted, and he taught us more than book knowledge, he taught us character.  One of the character lessons that I learned was by this story he told us.  One day my teacher was at church and this lady came up to him and asked him what he thought about the hat she was wearing.  According to our teacher, the hat was very ugly and it was not attractive at all.  Our teacher responded very kindly and smiled and said “It sure is a unique hat.”  Trying not to lie, but also trying not to hurt her feelings.  Well that wasn’t a good enough answer for this lady so she asked him again, this time more direct, if he liked the hat.  Again our teacher, trying to be respectful but honest, said “It’s a style that I have not seen before.”  It wasn’t good enough, so she kept asking.  Finally our teacher as kind as he could said “Ma’am, I don’t particularly like your hat.”  Well the lady got offended and walked off.  My teacher was trying to make a point and that point is you never, ever lie.  I don’t know what the hat looked like, but he told the truth.  Did my teacher become her enemy because he was honest with her.  Not in my opinion.  Who knows, maybe that lady is sitting down right now looking at pictures and thinking “Boy that hat was ugly.”  Teenager, I should not be your enemy because I tell you the truth.  However, I should try to tell you the truth in love and with compassion, but I should always tell you the truth and vise versa.  If you get mad at someone for telling you the truth, then the problem lies with you.  If you get mad at how someone told you the truth, then the both of you need to work it out.  Paul was asking the church if he was their enemy for telling them the truth.  They may have thought so because of their wicked pride, but the reality was that Paul loved them and that is why he told them the truth.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

April 21, 2008

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Kindness, I think it is a lost art.  The Bible tells us that we need to be kind one to another.  The Bible also tells us that a man who wants friends must show himself friendly.  It does seem easier to be kind to someone who is also kind to you.  But what about that person who is not kind to you, should you be kind to him?  A few months ago a member of our community passed away.  Three things stood out about this man: number one he was not very old when he died.  Number two he was very large man.  Number three he was a very gracious and kind man.  The story that I am about to tell you is true and certainly shows Godly, Christian love and character.  This man and his wife was eating out at a well known restaurant.  There was a group of people sitting and eating at the same restaurant who was, obvious to everyone in the restaurant, making fun of this rather large, but kind man.  The wife was embarrassed for here husband and wanted to go to the table and let them know that what they were doing was unkind and inappropriate.  But her husband wouldn’t let her.  She then wanted to get the manager, but again her husband wouldn’t let her.  The waitress, obviously somewhat embarrassed for this kind man, apologetically brought the check.  The man then did something that no one expected, he asked the waitress to give him the bill for those people sitting at the table who were making fun of him.  When he walked out, he never said an unkind word, he just paid he and his wife’s bill and the bill for those who were making fun or him and trying to embarrass him.  Teenager, that is godly and that was well pleasing to the Lord.   Can you imagine how those people felt when the waitress came by and told them that their bill had been paid for by the very same man of whom they were making fun of?  The didn’t have to open the door when they left, they could walk under it.  Teenager, I hope that we can show kindness, even to those who do not show us kindness.  Certainly that is what Jesus would do. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

 

April 18, 2008

2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 
“When I am weak, then am I strong.”  Sounds confusing doesn’t it?  But really it isn’t.  In teen church Wednesday night I described it by taking two young people, one strong young man and one small little girl. I took a 30 lb dumbbell and asked the little girl to do a curl.  She couldn’t even do one.  I then asked the young man to do a curl and he did about 18 (pretty impressive).  However, on the 18th one he struggled and couldn’t even pick up the dumbbell on 19.  The girl was weak from the beginning, but now the boy was weak.  See teenager, when we are weak, then we can be strong.  I got down and asked the girl to try and do another curl.  This time when she grabbed the dumbbell, I grabbed her hand and together, her and I,  did about 10 curls with no problem.  I then turned to the young man and said “do some more curls” and he did about two more and then was done.  I then said “grab the dumbbell” and he did and I grabbed his hand and together we did about 10 more curls with no problem.  My point is this, when we are weak, then we are strong.  They were strong because of my strength.  We can be strong only when we are weak, because when we are weak we rely on God’s strength.  It is all about Him.  He doesn’t want you and Him to get the glory, He wants and deserves the glory alone.  We can’t do anything without Him.  Remember the young man?  I had to wait until he couldn’t do any more before I helped Him.  The reason so many Christians get burnt out on God, is because they do things in their own strength.  We need to rely on God’s strength.  Remember, God is Omnipotent (all Powerful) and He doesn’t run out of strength.
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

April 14, 2008

2Co 10:12 ¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
It is never wise to compare ourselves to someone else.  For example: “I am smarter than he is.”  Well that may be true, but I guarantee that there is some else who is smarter than you.  “Well I am better looking than she is.”  Again that may be true, but I will also guarantee that there is someone who is better looking than you.  One of my hobbies is lifting weights.  I have been doing this for a few years now and I have come to this conclusion- no matter how strong I get, there is always someone else who is stronger.  If I lift 200lbs, then there is someone who can lift 250lbs.  If I lift 300 lbs, I then meet someone who can lift 400lbs.  Teenager, you can’t compare yourself with others in the physical sense and you most certainly cannot compare yourself in the Spiritual sense.  “I am better than they are.”  No you’re not.  You may think you are better than they, but you’re not.  The Bible tells us that our righteousness is as filthy rags.  That doesn’t sound to impressive to me.  Don’t mis understand me, we need to live our life as righteous and as holy as we can, but we are all sinners.  When we start comparing ourselves to another person, we start thinking that we are something special.  When we start comparing ourselves to others, we then look for those people who are doing wrong, so we can look better.  I remember studying for tests.  I would review the answers that I new over and over again, because it made me fell like I knew the answers.  Unfortunately, I didn’t do so well on those tests because there were more questions that I didn’t know than those questions that I did know.  What was I doing, well, I was comparing my knowledge with my knowledge and not comparing my knowledge with my teachers knowledge.  We need to compare ourselves to Jesus and not to others.  We always fall short of Jesus.  It’s kind of hard to get arrogant and prideful when we compare ourselves to Him.  Teenager, don’t look at your friends for standards, look at the Bible. 
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate

 

April 7, 2008

 2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
“Look daddy, I drew you something.”  For any dad that has a three or a four year old, this could be interesting.  You take the drawing and hope you see what she sees.  I have daddy eyes and my little girls have little girl eyes.  “Is it a pony on a rainbow?”  “No Daddy, it is you me and mommy at the park!”  “OH!  Good Job Honey!”  And I am sure it was a good job for a three year old.  See I was looking with daddy eyes and she was looking with little girl eyes.  She saw something different than I saw, but she knew what it was, because “she drew it.”  How are you looking at life?  With physical eyes or with God’s eyes.  When things happen, we often look with our physical eyes and not with God’s eyes.  We see bad things happen and wonder why, but don’t realize what God has in store.   We look at how we can get rich, but we don’t see how it is going to help us lay up treasures in Heaven.  We look with temporal eyes, but not with eternal eyes.   I was reading verse 18 and thought “dear God, give me eternal eyes.”  The things that I do, I want it to last for eternity, not just my life time.  Look for the things not seen and for the things which are eternal.  Lay up treasures in Heaven, not on the earth.  Remember, if you’re surrendered to God, God will let things happen that will help you lay up treasures for eternity, trust Him, He  knows what is best, after all “He drew it.”
Just a thought.

Because of Christ,
Brother Nate