What is a tare anyways? Today the word is used as the measure of an empty container before weighing the substance of interest. In some ways this could be fitting. But, in biblical times, it is a type of young weed among grain that resembles the grain. It is an imposter. It is a weed that becomes more like a vine and wraps around the other plants and is hard to remove without hurting the grain plants. There are many people like that.
Continue reading “Beware of the Tares”Tag: God’s will
Prayers of the Bible: The Model Prayer
I thought I would switch gears a bit and discuss something many of us fall short of: Prayer. As you look through the Bible, there are many prayers. Some are short, some are long. All are heart-felt and sincere (except for one that I can remember where the Pharisee is praying that he is not like the sinner before him who is praying with sincerity…that is a good lesson for another time). If you have never watched the movie, The War Room,” you should. Powerful movie. Be sure to get the DVD and watch the bonus features. They provide a lot of insight and lessons from the movie. One thing I remember from one of these is that every church need to be ‘a praying church,’ not just a church that prays. Prayer should be a center activity in our lives and in our churches. Paul says, “pray without ceasing.” Whatever you are going through, good or bad, pray about it. If someone around you needs prayer, be an intercessor for that person. Seek out who needs prayer and pray for them.
So, what is prayer and how do we pray? I think there are many ways to pray. Sometimes it is just a short sentence praying for someone or something going on. Other times it is thanking God for all His goodness and remembering who He is. It may be confessing a sin or struggle you may have or asking for healing or comforting for yourself or someone you know. It is simply talking with God. What do you think? Do you have any experience in your prayer life you would like to share? Prayers answered? Frustrations? Questions? Please comment. Continue reading “Prayers of the Bible: The Model Prayer”
The Spirit is a Guarantee
In the previous post on God’s promises, we talked about the Holy Spirit promised by God to those who believe to help us, guide, pray for us, convict us. The Spirit lives in us to help us grow. God also reminds us that it is His great grace that gives us salvation. Nothing we can do will earn our way into heaven or gain God’s favor. He did it all. He gave us grace, the undeserved favor. Christ went to the cross to take away our sins. His work saves us. It is through faith we are saved. And He gives us the Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation. Continue reading “The Spirit is a Guarantee”
Don’t Be a “Pew-sitter”
As we go through our series on “I am Saved…Now what to do?”, we will discuss the importance of being involved in your local church. Probably one of the first things to do after you accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life is to find a good church, one that teaches the Bible with no compromise, one that disciples new believers, one who has a community of believers to help each other grow and encourage one another, one who is a praying church. Check out their mission statement, tenets of faith and what they offer. I am a strong believer in small groups. This is where people really get to know each other as they study God’s word. I also am a strong believer that everyone has a ministry that God has appointed them to do. We all need to be an active member of our church, participating in Bible studies, small groups, Sunday school, and ministries. Seek what the Lord has called you to do. Help where help is needed. That is a good way to discover your gifts and your calling. Don’t wait for it to come to you…but also know when to say no. God will lead you. Too many people come to Sunday services and think that is enough. I call them “pew-sitters.” Getting fed through the music and sermons is great, but there is more to it than that. How do you help to “feed” others? I believe this is what God meant when He says, “I know the plans that I have for you…to give you a future and a hope.” (See Jeremiah 29:11) Continue reading “Don’t Be a “Pew-sitter””
What Crown will We Receive?
There will be a day when we will be at Jesus feet. Some will see Him at the Great White throne judgment, and those of us who follow Him will see Him at the Bema seat. Those who decide to not follow Him will be judged by what they did in their life to determine where they will go. The Great White Throne is where He will judge the nations on whether they are worthy to enter into heaven. Unfortunately, none of us are good enough to enter heaven on our own merit. Continue reading “What Crown will We Receive?”
My Daily Scriptures 