Monthly Archives: January 2017

Matt. 17:4, “Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for  Elias.”  This is a powerful statement.  One can read Mathew 17:1-9 to get the context and the content of the story.  I would like to share three promises (simple truths) and what we learn will help us to enjoy and walk with God well.

1. God is good.  In truth “it is good to be here.” We may not be able to see or feel the good.  Yet, “… we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

2. We do not need to always understand or know the whys to live well. Peter did not understand as he said, “If thou wilt, let us make three tabernacles.”  He was confused and spoke in error.  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Pr. 3:5-6).”

3. God gives us the understanding and sight as we need it.  Peter never met Moses and Elisa, yet he knew them. As Peter sought to live for Christ God gave him the insight needed. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”(Mt. 7:7). God will provide all we need to know, when we need to know it, as we seek and live for Him.

How do we truly enjoy these promises in 2017?  First, we must trust and receive Christ the Lord and Savior.  Second, we simply walk with Him and wait upon Him.   Wow! It truly is good to be here, even though I do not know all the what’s and why’s, but I do know walking with Christ and waiting upon Him is the answer to any question that I will have.  How are you getting your questions answered in 2017?

Heb 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  This is a well know verse, which finds itself into many sermons and all kinds of announcements. Oftentimes people get tired of hearing they need to be in Church and Sunday School (Bible studies). Most people wrongly believe the pastor is simply trying to boost the attendance. This is a false belief.  Let’s take a look at the two main truths and reasons behind being called to worship regularly in church. The first reason is the pastor (shepherd) deeply cares for your soul. Yes, the godly shepherd will at times be up all night in prayer for your soul, and you will never know it. Heb. 10:23, explains what the pastor is praying for the soul. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)”.  People must attend church worship in order to be fed and encouraged, thereby, they do not waver (slide away) from God’s promises (greatness intended for them). One may well argue that they have grown and can fed themselves with the Word of God.  This brings us to the second reason one should not be skipping church meetings.  This second reason is given twice.   The first time it is given to us in the verse right before Heb 10:25. This verse reads, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” This second truth is also stated in the last part of Heb. 10:25, “…but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” In other words those who can feed themselves well, need to be in church meetings to help those who cannot feed themselves, and those who cannot feed themselves need to be in church meetings to get fed.  Of course, let us not kid ourselves, for there are times we all need help and encouragement, thereby, assembling with other believers allows one to truly give and truly receive the strength needed, even as the days get more difficult (which they will). On the other hand, the part time attendees neither really give to others the full strength they needed, nor receive the encouragement which they need.  One cannot rightfully blame the church for not meeting their needs, as God has fully place the responsibility in each person’s hands.  The truth of success and failure is truly on self, no others. Hope to see you regularly in church gatherings, so we can encourage one another and grow successful together.