Your Word Is In My Heart

Psalm 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

I’ve said before – that living for Jesus is enhanced – even made possible – through our being open to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came to teach us all things and to remind us of the things that Jesus taught. We’ve also said that we cannot understand the Bible without the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. As we search the truths in the Bible – inspired and urged on by the Holy Spirit – we grow in our knowledge and understanding of Jesus.

A deep knowledge and understanding of the Word of God is only possible through a deepening of our walk with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The more we know – the deeper we search the Word of God – the more useful a tool it will be for us in our spiritual journey. I once said – the more we use our Sword (our Bible) the more useful that tool becomes to us – so we would encourage people to bring their Bibles to church and to follow along during the sermons. Today – we can read our Bible on our smart phones and even follow along on them by following sermon notes by using the URL found in the bulletin each week. There are so many tools available to us as we read the Bible. But – none of them has worth to us without the Holy Spirit.

Reading and storing up the Word of God in our heart – in our mind – is so important. Jesus resisted the Devil when he tempted Him by quoting the Word of God. Jesus was such a student of the Word of God – that He knew when Satan was using it wrongly! Matthew 4:1–11 – ¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ²After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ⁵Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” ¹¹Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Witnessing Our Faith

Isaiah 55:11

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.  NKJV

Today’s devotional thought is short and sweet. I would like to address a concern that I hear – far too often. It usually comes from a parent or from a spouse who loves Jesus and has a child or a spouse who doesn’t love Jesus. I know this is real for some in our church. It comes from others as well – friend to friend – co-worker to co-worker – and more. Those with a concern talk about praying for their lost family members or friends and feeling helpless at times to touch their hearts. Please don’t give up or stop trying.

Today’s passage gives us hope in these and other circumstances. So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. When we witness and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ before others – God will not allow our efforts to spread His word to go out and come back void. That doesn’t mean that everyone we witness to will be saved – but something good will come out of our witness for Jesus – so keep it up!

A member of our Monday Bible Study recently talked about witnessing to his daughter-in-law. He almost came to tears – when someone said – she may not come to believe because of your words – but – she will never forget your words to her. Keep witnessing your faith and sharing about Jesus. God’s Word will not go out and come back void! Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you in your opportunities to witness your faith.

Just something for us to think about today as we go on our way.

Traditional Faith

Matthew 28:18–20

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Today’s presenting scripture has been called the the Great Commission. It is often seen as the marching orders for the Christian Church. It will be a part of our sermon on Easter morning this year.

We are called to go and make disciples of or for Jesus Christ (whichever makes the most sense to you – lol). In the early years of the Methodist movement – making disciples – followers of Christ – seemed to be the main focus. Revivals and Camp Meetings were all the rage and altar calls were common place in Methodist worship – as pastors challenged parishioners to be transformed after the likeness of Christ. I typically have an altar call each week to challenge those in attendance to faith – or to a deeper faith – or simply to pray about something that has been a challenge for them. Even online – we challenge people at the end of our services.

Early Methodists were called to holiness – they were part of the holiness movement in the United States. We were taught to study the Word of God (the Bible) and to strive to live our lives after what it taught. We were even encouraged to avoid some of the ills of our society. The way it was explained to me (as a third generation Methodist pastor) – Methodists were encouraged to abstain from alcohol – from playing cards – from dancing – even from playing pool. The reason – again as it was explained to me – was because these social activities were often associated with bars and night clubs – with gambling and behavior and places that were not appropriate for folks striving to follow after Christ. We were encouraged to avoid even the appearance of evil or sin (we actually called behavior contrary to God’s will – sin in those days).  We were encouraged to keep Sunday set aside for the Lord. In my home growing up – Sunday was a day for worship and Sunday School in the morning – a family lunch – a nap time – youth group – and worship in the evening. Sunday was a day set aside for being with God and with other Christians.

Never Be Lacking in Zeal

Romans 12:11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Baseball season is only 8-9 days away. Carolyn and I had a wonderful time attending three spring training games for the Orioles earlier this month. The team is young and exciting to watch. They won 101 games last year and we have high hopes for them to win 95+ again this year. The fans at spring training were excited and cheering for their team. A man next to us in the stands one game was really friendly and excited for the upcoming season. NO ONE had to pump up the fans – they were excited and had loads of zeal.

Gone are the days (at least for a few seasons) when we might worry about losing 100 games or even coming in last place in our division. The future looks bright and we have a lot to be thankful for in the coming years. For three straight years – we have had the #1 minor league player and might have a 4th year next year. Let’s fill Oriole Park at Camden Yards this year. With new ownership and an increased gate – we might even be able to sign some of our young players to a second contract to keep them around!

Lent 2024 – Guard Your Mouth

Psalm 141:3

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

We are in the midst of Lent 2024. Day 9 is upon us. Lent is a time to deny self and do more to witness Jesus and bring Him praise and glory. What have we decided to give up and how will we bring God praise and glory?

I remember one time – playing basketball – and missing every shot – or so it seemed. I mentioned that someone must have put a lid on the rim. Of course no one had – but the idea of a lid on the rim – keeping the ball from going thru the basket is something that a number of players has claimed when they go cold shooting. I wish my knees would allow me to return to the court – even if I missed a lot of shots. I miss playing basketball so much!

Have you ever heard the phrase – put your brain in gear before putting your mouth in motion? Too many of us shoot from the hip – so to speak (see what I did there?). Too many of us speak before we think – and then wish we could capture our words and take them back. Has that ever happened to you? I know it has happened to me – far more times than I wish to remember.