That's My King Dr. S.M. Lockridge - [OFFICIAL]

bible teaching, Christ Is My Savior Ministries Home

Please come check out my updated website.  I'd love a referral and your comments.  Thanks.

Yves

What was the first thing you thought when you saw this flag?  The blog isn't about the merits or the meaning of the flag.  However, the flag does have a connotation.  When you say you're a Christian, the same thing applies to you.  You can say being a Christian is ZYX but in the final analysis, it means you are a follower of Christ.  If you are not doing Christ-like things then you should question whether or not you are really carrying the Christian flag.  The question of the week is, what things are you doing now that does not represent Christ?  Let's talk about it.

7 Statements From the Cross - Statement 6

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (see Luke 23:44-49)

Jesus came into the world with an Angelic choir.  He was born, not at the Ritz Carlton, but in a humble and meager place.  He is now about to leave the earth quite different than how He came.  It looks like He is not only humiliated and defeated but now He is about to die.  After all, how dare He defy the rulers and Priests of the day?  How dare He upset the status quo?  Who did He think He was?  Pontius Pilate placed the inscriptions above His head that stated exactly Who He was. Yet, those were only words and this “man” is dying.  Possibly, the crowd saw a defeated man.  Possibly, His followers saw the end of this new “Way” and a Rabbi that was wrong.  Possibly, Mary saw the death of her first born.  What could be going through their minds?  What do you think about when you reflect on the “COST” that Jesus bore for us?

In truth, those people were witnesses to witness “Act 1” so to speak.  Jesus repeatedly told them this event had to happen in order for God to be glorified.  I image I would have felt the same as His family, friends and followers felt.  You and I have the privilege to, as some writers say, flash forward on the story.  We read the book but they were living it.  

Jesus showed obedience to God even while on the cross. Think about this for a second.  Our Lord was beaten and scourged and didn’t complain.  He was talked about and disrespected by the thief and people in the area. It should assure you that you have a Savior who loves us dearly.  


Jesus has now relinquished His spirit.  He is about to die for our sins.  He said, "into your hands I commit my spirit."  Jesus stayed obedient to God.  He stuck to the plan despite the heart ache and pain. In a sense, Jesus was saying, “Father, it’s now time to take this to the next level.  You will be glorified even more after I am resurrected in three days.”

It is debatable whether this statement was His six or seventh one.  Remember, we’ll go more in detail about the statements in our bible study.  For this internet study, we are seeing how the words apply to us.

As we wrap up, remember a few things.  First, Jesus was not thinking defeat. Nor, was He admitting defeat.  No, our King of Kings was about to take the sins of the worlds upon Himself.  Defeated individuals don’t look for another challenge. They run from it.  Jesus ran towards the challenge.  Second, Jesus was being obedient to God.  He was nearing the finish of this earthly mission.  Jesus was about to, in a word, kill or defeat death.

Last observation, it was an unbeliever who made the comment “Truly this man was the Son of God.” (Mark 15:37 NASB)  Can an unbeliever tell you are a Christian or do you act, talk and think like them?

This week, commit yourself unto God.  Be obedient to Him and Glorify Him through your work ethics this week.  Let your co-workers, family members or neighbors see you being the Christian you’re called to be.  Prayerfully, when they see you...they’ll see Christ.  Also, spend some time in prayer and bible study.  You’ll see more of the One whom we love and serve.

Bless you

7 Statements From the Cross - Statement 5

"I thirst" (see John 19:28-29)

Jesus, The Living Water, says, “I thirst.”  He has been beaten, flogged and crucified.  The Gospel writers did not mention Him wanting anything throughout this ordeal.  Personally, I’m amazed that He would have the strength to say anything after enduring all that torture.     


In this short article (as well as the entire 7-series) I want to illustrate what Jesus endured.  Jesus has helped countless people.  Now, with His hands nailed to the cross, He needed someone to assist Him.  My mind races to, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. (Isaiah 53:5).  When we look to and at the cross...remember His blood was soaked on those wooden limbs for our sins.  Let’s "thirst" for the righteousness of God.  Be blessed and stay thirsty for our Lord

7 Statements From the Cross - Statement 4

"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (see Matthew 27:45-50)

I’ve heard many people say that Jesus was praying to God when He says these words.  Then this is certainly a true statement if you take the stance that speaking to God is prayer.  Conversely, you’re equally correct if you take the stance that yelling out to God is simply communicating to Him.  I’m not certain which way Jesus was talking to God.  What I do know is this, at a time when He was hurting...He reached out to our Father.  This is an object lesson to us all.  It shows us that no matter where we are, God is there with us.  It is true that God was silent.  It is also true, this was one of the most pivotal moments in the annals of time.  For this study, our focus is on knowing Jesus took on our sins despite not being guilty of anything.  

God said that He was “well pleased” (depending on your bible version) with Jesus at least two times in the New Testament.  At this moment, God and Jesus were separated.  Let’s recap Jesus’ past few hours.  He was arrested in Gethsemane, His followers abandoned Him, He was falsely accused, He was beaten and humiliated,  He had to carry a cross (a symbol of death), then He was crucified on that cross, one of the fellow prisoner is mocking Him while on the cross and people were also mocking Him.  Now, after all of that...for the first time, Jesus is all alone.  Remember He prayed so hard in Gethsemane that His sweat was “like drops of blood.”  Despite all of those hardships, He took all the sin onto Himself for you and I.  Jesus carried away our sins on that rugged cross on Calvary.  

This week, try to remember His sacrifice.  Think about the things Jesus gave up to be here on earth with us.  Think about the pain He endured.  Ask God what do you need to forgive and forget this week.  Jesus dealt with all those issues for us without “a mumbling word.”  Many of us are ready to “lose our religion” if someone looks at us wrong or cuts in front of us in the grocery store line.  Lets be like Jesus.  Lets remember God has not forsaken us.  Lets remember Jesus knew His destiny and those things had to take place and He went through it for us.  Whatever God has set before you, go forward in the peace and understanding God has set it up for your good and His glory.

We should be thankful we have such a loving Lord God and Savior.

Blessings

7 Statements From the Cross - Statement 3

"He said to His mother, 'Dear woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother'" (see John 19:26-27)

In the first two statements Jesus was still ministering to the people.  He clearly displayed his deity.  Now, Jesus takes care of His mother.  What could be going through Mary’s mind?  Years earlier she received an angelic visit.  Mary was told she would be the vessel from which the Savior of the world would be housed, for a lack of a better term.  Now, her first born is on a cross and nearing death.  Despite His condition, He was concerned with her present and future condition.  We should take comfort in knowing that Christ is always looking out for us.  John, although now an adult and seasoned Apostle, has been adopted into Jesus’ family.  He wanted John to take care of His mother.  

Who can you take care of this week?  Is it through prayer?  Is it through a phone call?  Is it through the repairing of a fractured relationship?  Ask our Father to show you which direction you should go this week.  Also, if you have a parent...remember one key thing.  You are growing older and wiser...so are they.  Take time to show them love today.  Give them their flowers while they live.

Don't forget to review the previous statements.  Please remember we're looking at each statement from Ash Wednesday until Easter.

Blessings

Women At The Cross

John 19:25	Matthew 27:56	Mark 15:41
Mary, Jesus’ mother
Mary Magdalene	Mary Magdalene	Mary Magdalene
Mary, the wife of Clopas and Jesus’ Aunt	Mary, James and Joseph’s mother	Mary, James and Joseph’s mother
	Mary, the mother of the sons of Zebedee
		Salome

There Is No Gray In Moral Failure

Folks, my first book should be...should be, did I say should be?  Seriously, it should be published and ready for purchase on April 1, 2012.  I'll let you know if it is available before then.

You 2.0

Please click You 2.0 to see the Bible study on You 2.0.  This lesson concentrates on developing your spiritual life as well as self-reflection.  It's a continuation of our study on Becoming the Best Christmas Present You Can Be For Jesus In 2012.

If clicking on You 2.0 doesn't work, go to this link: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/20745358

7 Statements From the Cross - Statement 2

Statement 2: "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise" (see Luke 23:39-43).

Let’s look at both criminals.  The first criminal, as Luke states it, “was hurling abuses at Him, saying, Are You not the Christ (Messiah)?  Save Yourself and us!”  Let’s dissect this for a second.  There are two other people on crosses besides Jesus.  All of them had to be suffering in pain.  We know what Jesus went through but Scripture doesn’t tell us if they had to endure other brutalities before being attached to their crosses.  For instance, the first guy (the criminal) might have been flogged also.  If so, he would be in a lot of pain.  Scripture does not tell us that he had family or friend around him giving him water or offering kind words.  Yet, this criminal had the audacity to make those comments to Christ.  We can look at it in two ways.  First, he didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah.  So, his words are meant to be hurtful and mocking.  Second, he believed in the Messiah and was upset that the “so called King” was in the same predicament that he was in. 

The focus is on Jesus’ statement but I feel if we get a feel of the context, His words will resonate with us much better.  Now lets look at the second criminal.  This person realized and accepted the fact that he deserved his punishment.  He also recognized God in Jesus.  The Scripture does not record this man reciting the so-called “Sinners Prayer.”  Nor does it record him repenting of his sin.  Yet, he was cognizant of the Almighty in his presence.  He simply asked Jesus to remember him in Paradise/heaven.

In looking at the two criminals on the cross, we can almost see a few symbolic features of us carrying our cross

1. Either you’re holding up your cross and saying good things for and about Christ or you aren’t.  

• A bit of a stretch in the context of this setting but it’s a good word picture nonetheless
• I say this tongue-and-cheek but if the man on the right asked to be with Jesus, he might have been on the right hand or in the right. If the guy who mocked Jesus was on the left, he was just left out. 

1. Our simple but honest requests to the Lord are heard
2. It’s never too late to come to Jesus
3. Even sinners who are rightfully punished can still receive Grace.
4. God still hears from those who are mired in sin. 

• This is an about face from the popular premise, “God doesn’t hear the prayers of the sinful.”  It also goes against, “God won’t bless you in your mess.”

Let me clarify those two statements.  This is not to say that God doesn’t mind you doing wrong and He wants to bless you.  No, I believe it shows us that God is not boxed into a “You must do this in order to get that.”  Rather, His ways aren’t our ways.  He blessed this man only hours before their death!  This is, in my humble opinion, the first deathbed confession of Christ in the bible.  In other words, it’s never too late to come to Christ.

Note: Jesus said, “today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”  At face value, it indicate that as we close our eyes on this side of Heaven, we open our eyes in Glory/Paradise.

Lastly, let’s look at the cross from Jesus’ perspective.  Luke 22:44 shows Jesus praying the “Blood prayer” (my title only) only hours earlier in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus requested His three closest friends/disciples/Apostles to accompany Him to this spot.  Jesus picked a serene place to be with God.  He asked His companions, (1) the men who labored with Him for three years, (2) the men He had taught for three years, (3) the men He personally chose for His earthly mission, (4) His inner circle, (5) the ones who witnessed the Transfiguration, to simple keep stay awake and keep watch for Him.  They were unable to stay awake and keep watch for Him.  We’ll discuss those reason in a future lesson.  Take a moment and look at His prayer in Luke 22:39-46.  

Now, lets look at the disappointments Jesus endured prior to being crucified.

• He was betrayed by Judas
• Falsely arrested
• Betrayed by His people (Matt 27:20-21, Mark 15:11-14, Luke 23:18-23, John 19:12-15)
• Scourged (Matt 27:26, Mark 15:15)
• He was mocked (Matt 27:27-31)
• He had a crown of thorns put on His head (Matt 27:29)
• He was spat on (Matt 27:30)
• He was beaten on the head with a reed (Matt 27:30)

Note: Apparently His beating was so severe, He was unable to carry His cross all the way to Golgotha.  A believer had to help Him.  

A quick time line. All of these things mention above transpired after Jesus and the 12 had eaten dinner. Jesus didn’t go before Pilate until “early in the morning” (Mark 15:1).  Also, cocks crow at around dawn.  At 6:00AM (John 19:14) His people betrayed Him.  The Romans crucified (put Him on the cross) Christ around 9:00 AM (Mark 15:25).  

That’s a lot of things for one person to endure.  Now, go back an reread His statement.

Jesus says, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise".  Jesus was still ministering while He was suffering.  We should note this and remember to help others even when we are “going through.”  

I’m encouraging you to remember your wayward family or friends.  There is still a chance for them to receive Christ.  Don’t give up on them.  Continue to pray for them.  Jesus didn’t stop and nor should we.

Blessings to you

7 Statements From the Cross - Statement 1

The Background: Jesus uttered seven powerful statements while hanging on The Cross.  Each week leading up to Easter, we’ll look at each statement.  We’ll look at them individually and then collectively to see what He was telling us.  We’ll see God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The intent is to learn how we can change our lives to look more like Christ.

It is important to remember that Jesus was (1) beaten, (2) scourged and (3) forced to carry His vessel of torture - the tree or crucifix.  The cross was not some lacquered and beautifully even cut of prime wood. It they were more like scrap wood.  The criminals would get their cross and lug it through the streets to their “death station.” It is equally important to know the Romans made the criminals walk through the market place while carrying their crosses. This provided the onlookers, mostly Jews, with two things.  First, it instilled fear into all who witnessed the event.  The onlookers had no doubt in their mind what it meant to carry a cross. As 21st century Christians, the meaning may be a little lost on us.  However, for those first century listeners and viewers, they knew what Jesus meant.  It meant, “Dead man walking.”  Jesus challenged us to take up our cross. I think it’s important for us as a modern day Western Christian to keep in mind what it means.  For us, we need to bear the cross of Christianity.  We must bear the weight it carries with us.  It means we might not be popular any longer.  It means we should be distinguishable from the world, the casual onlooker who aren’t believers.  That’s our cross.  Second, it showed the Jews and everyone else that no one defied the Roman government.  The iron heel of the Roman Empire was on the neck of the oppressed Israelites.  Little did they know that it was all a part of the plan.  In our contemporary time, we are not oppressed.  However, issues like gay marriages are forcing some of us to forget the cross.  We accommodate, or show tolerance for unGodly things.

Jesus’ sacrifice provided us equal access to the Father.  His death, burial and resurrection provided us with eternal salvation.  We must be reminded to reflect on His sacrifices.  We also must walk the faith.  I can almost picture us walking with our figurative crosses through the street.  The streets are our everyday walk.  Our cross is our Christian lifestyle.  I can see those who want to be with the world (Romans) speaking bad about us.  However, “be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Cor 16:13 NASB).

Take time each week and think on what our Lord has done for us.  As you read the Scripture, put yourself inside the story.  “What were these people thinking? How would I have reacted?”  I also encourage you to reflect on what does the words of this 1st century Jewish teacher, prophet and carpenter (more so a construction worker) mean to me?

I pray your understanding grows exponentially. 

Statement 1: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (see Luke 23:34).

Nails in the foot of a crucified person

Jesus was falsely imprisoned; lied on by His people and the religious institution; mocked by the Roman court, spat on; beaten by the Romans and abandoned by His friends (the Apostles) and disciples.  What would you do in that situation?  You’ve been treated worse than anyone should be treated.  Your closest friends left you.  You’re defenseless.  You’ve been whipped with a tool of death.  Each lash on your back takes pieces of your flesh from your body.  You’re humiliated.  Then you are forced to carry a tree for some distance.  Now your torturers are cast lots to see who will get your garments!

Golgotha and Calvary at the top (March 2011

Ok, you’ve had enough time to think about what you’d do?  Jesus did the opposite of what we would do.  He asked God to forgive them.  Forgive them?  What?  He didn’t ask God to help Him.  He did not ask God to send down a legion of angels.  No, Jesus was saving people from themselves even as He hung from the cross.  He asked for their forgiveness!  Only Jesus, our sinless sacrificial Savior, would do that.   

Look at the cross and the nails in that man’s feet.  This is a picture of what our Lord went through. Well, not exactly since Scriptures says His bones weren’t broken.  The picture is a good illustration nonetheless.  Jesus asked for forgiveness of His torturers.  This week, see who you can forgive.  Or, see who you need forgiveness from.  Perhaps you can speak on forgiveness to someone.


Blessings

Can You Name The 10 Commandments Within 60 Seconds?

Why do some people complain about the 10 Commandments being taken out of public buildings?  Some argue the commandments belong in these places.  I just wonder, "Do most people know the 10 commandments?"  The argument might not be, "Should the 10 Commandments be in public buildings?" (I think they should)  The argument should be, "Are the 10 Commandments in me?"  Or, "Am I following the 10 Commandments?" 

In one minute can you name the 10 Commandments?  If you study the bible and have a little trouble remembering them, how well do you think the typical person would do in repeating the commandments in 60 seconds.  If we can't name the commandments, or don't know them...how can we profess to believe in them and want to defend them?  It's difficult to believe in or defend what we don't know.  

First, take the test and see how many commandments you know within 60 seconds.  You'll find the list of the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20.  Second, are you living those commandments?  If not, speak with our Father and ask for help in staying true to them all.  He will help you in your weakness if you are violating them.  Take this time to be like our loving Father.  Be holy as He is Holy (Leviticus 19:2).

By the way, if you couldn't remember even one of the 10 Commandments...that's ok.  Now is the time to learn them and learn about our Father.   No one can take this knowledge away from you once you learn about God and His love.  

If the 10 Commandments are important to us, "Why don’t we know them or keep them?"  Which ones do you not keep?  We know the Devil will break at least two of them.  Remember, his role is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).  Aim this week to be a commandment keeper rather than a commandment breaker. What do you have to lose?  Nothing.  But you have a lot to win. You'll grow closer to God and have divine guidance for your life.  Shoot me an email and I'll give you some words of encouragement.  I want you to be the best Christian you can be.

Blessings

What Will We Do In Heaven?

Saints, what do you believe you will be doing in heaven?  Will we be in an eternal state of happiness?  Will we singing songs of praise to our Lord 24 hours?  Will we turn into angels?  Or will we simply sit around and talk to the patriarchs of faith and talk about our time on earth?  Give me your thoughts.

A Case Of Misidentification: “I Thought You Were A Christian?”

An unfortunately reality the church faces is the fact that her non-church going members represent her.  In 2010, Helen T. Gray, McClatchy Newspapers, wrote an article title, “Survey: Many Christians Don’t Go To Church.”  She highlighted two people that left the church for 10 and 8 years respectively.  Both of these individuals, even during those years away from church, they considered themselves Christians.  They are examples of people in a recent Barna Group survey that found that three out of five U.S. adults who don't attend church are self-described Christians.  Americans identifying themselves as Christian make up the overwhelming majority, 83 percent, according to Barna. Other polls vary slightly.  In short, we have non-participating and non-crop bearing (fruit of the spirit) people speaking for Christianity.

If the numbers in those surveys are true, then 8 out of 10 people are Christian in America.  You can probably quickly survey your surroundings and see that those numbers can’t be true. In fact, a decade and a half old research refutes those numbers. Two studies on church attendance performed in 1993 and 1996 by C. Kirk Hadaway and P.L. Marler demonstrate that committed church members tend to exaggerate the number of times they attend church. The studies attempt to address a mathematical conundrum. Year after year, 40 percent of Americans tell Gallup pollsters they attended church or synagogue in the past week. Yet church membership has remained flat while the population has grown. Hadaway and Marler decided to take a closer look to see if church members were misreporting the numbers.  In 1993, Hadaway, Marler and researcher Mark Chaves examined attendance at Protestant churches in one Ohio county and in 18 Roman Catholic dioceses across the country. Instead of 40 percent of Protestants attending church each week, they found 20 percent. Instead of the 50 percent of Catholics who say they attend church, they found 28 percent.  The information is dated but it provides a glimpse behind the veil.  It should allow you to realize the enormity of challenge of share and teaching Christ.

Ok, all of that is nice background information but what about you?  Are you representing Christ correctly? How can the church encourage her congregants to be more active.   Let's not confuse going to church or speaking "Church-ese" as the same thing as being a Christian.  Being a Christian is life service...not lip service.  Let me hear your thoughts.

Work In Your Mission Field (Matt 28:19)

Wouldn't it be embarrassing to be get lost going to work?  We all have a mission field.  The problem is that many of us aren't in the field working.  Are you working in your mission field?

As a Christian you must realize you have a role in building the Kingdom of God.  Did you know that your actions or inactions can dilute the Word of God?  Unfortunately, not everyone in the church is saved.  Nor are they at your spiritual level.  Also they might not share your Christian values. Remember, just because they say they are Christian doesn't mean they live like a Christian. They are, however, looking at you and how you worship.  More importantly they look at how you don’t worship.  You can be a difference maker to them. Take a quick assessment.  If your life was displayed on the wall for everyone to see, would it encourage or discourage your brother or sister in Christ?

We all have a mission field within our church, family, neighborhood and jobs! I believe you are the key to bringing people to Christ.  It might sound strange for a preacher to think you are the key rather than the clergy. Why do I believe this?  It's simple.  You’re in a strategic position to help our brother or sister in Christ who may have not lived up to the doctrines of Christianity. Preachers are looked in one light while the person sitting next to them in the pews are looked at differently.  They expect you to live and act like them.  Ironically, we all are supposed to live holy...not just the clergy.  Regardless, you are an example to everyone you come in contact with.  Is the example good or bad?  If it’s bad, now is the time to change.  We have the same goal. What’s that goal?  It’s to preach and tell everyone about Jesus and further the kingdom of God (Matt 26:19).  If you aren't well-versed in the scriptures...teach what you know.  I believe there is a bible study going on at a church...somewhere in your area. If your church doesn't have a bible study, go to a sister church's bible study.  If you can't go to a bible study, buy a book.  If you can't buy a book, read The Book.  It has a lot of good things in it! (Smile).  Remember, we want to reduce anything from hindering the Gospel of Christ. Pastor Michael Steve Brown, True Vision Church, once said, “I might not be sinless but I do sin less.”  That's a pretty good saying.

Now go out to your mission field and show the world the Love of Christ.  

Blessings

Stay In Place Until God Says Leave

Let's do a quick line-by-line review of Paul and Silas' imprisonment.

Acts 16:16-18.  The spirit in the slave-girl knew who Paul and Silas were.  The spirit knew of Jesus.  Paul called on the Name of Jesus Christ to deliver the demon out of the girl.  Did the spirit intentionally annoy Paul and Silas so that they would get in trouble? Let's examine the scripture a little further before we make a decision.

Acts 16:19-21.  The slave-girls’ Roman masters were upset about their economic downturn and caused Paul and Silas to be arrested.

Acts 16:23.  Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown in jail.

Acts 16:25.  Around midnight, Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns.  I'm certain they weren’t singing a song of “Woe is me.”  I would like to say that when I’m beaten up by circumstances, I automatically praise God and sing songs.  Unfortunately, I don’t.  Paul and Silas’ example helps remind me what I should be doing.  They knew it was a reason they were beaten.  They were sent to this area to encourage other Christians.  They knew that the Christian life isn’t always peaches and cream.  If you do a careful review of the previous chapters, you’ll see exactly what I mean.  Yet, they stayed the course.

Acts 16:26.  God shook some things up by providing an earthquake to help Paul and Silas.

Acts 16:27.  The jailer slept through this incredible earthquake? I know it’s possible to do this since I've slept through an earthquake before. Yet this earthquake wasn't the normal type of earthquake.  Verse 26 tells us the foundations of the prison house were shaken, doors were open and everyone's chains were unfastened. Yes, this isn't a typical earthquake.  The jailer went to bed one way but he was going to get up another way.  Little did he know that he was about to be "shook up."

Acts 16:27-30.  The jailer believed the prisoners had escaped.  So, he was about to commit suicide.  His mind was probably racing, his heart full of fear, his pulse rate in overload and sweat pouring down his cheek.  This man knew life as he knew it was over.  Suicide was the only way. It was the only way.  Why would he do such a thing?  In those times, a Roman guard would be put to death if he let his prisoner escaped.  So, he was doing what he was trained to do.  He didn't have the mindset, "God doesn't want me to kill myself."  He is a nonbeliever.  In fact, it was his people, the Romans, that were persecuting the Jews at the time.  They kept their iron heel on the necks of the Jews.  Now, the one who was in power has become powerless.  Just then, he heard Paul and Silas cry out to him.  What could have possibly been going through his mind?  He was the voice of authority to them before he laid his head down to get some sleep.  Now, the sweet sound of their voice is now soothing his already overloaded heart and mind.  Paul and Silas told him, in so many words, "Don't kill yourself, it's going to be alright.”  The jailer had someone bring him lights. This indicates he wasn’t alone.  Once the jailer saw Paul and Silas, he wanted to be saved.  In a sense, he joined Paul in having a Damascus -like experience.  He goes from persecutor to disciple!  Aw, what a difference a day makes.  If Paul and Silas had taken this opportunity to escape the cold walls of prison, one less soul would have come into the Kingdom.  Did I say one?  Let's look a little further

Acts 16:31.  The jailer gets his answer.  It's the Lord who saves.

Acts 16:32.  The former prisoners are now welcomed, honored and cherished guest at the jailers home. I guess we can say, "What a difference a day makes."

Acts 16:32-34.  The jailers entire household was baptized and saved.

Recap:

Paul and Silas didn't get into any trouble until they pulled a demon out of a slave girl who was doing divination for profit.  Divination was something God didn’t like nor approve of (Deut 18:9-14).  An earthquake broke off or opened up the chains that bound Paul and Silas.  We don’t know if God or the Holy Spirit told them to stay in place.  What we do know is, if they had taken the unique opportunity that was presented to them to escape, lives for the Kingdom would have been lost.  They showed and presented God to their oppressor!   

Ok, what does any of this have to do with you?  Glad you asked.  Perhaps you are in the situation you are in now because you need to deliver a message from God to someone.  As my wife says, “May-haps” you have a mission that you haven’t fulfilled yet.  Don’t be discouraged by your present situation.  May-haps God has you there for a reason.  Pray to Him for guidance.  If this isn’t the case, you still have the obligation to share the Gospel with the world.  This week, how many people have you shared with Christ? I have that answer!  You share Christ with everyone you speak to and don’t speak to.  You have a dying world that looks to you, as a Christian, to show them who Christ is.  Therefore, what you do and don’t do shows them who Christ is.  My final question for you to ponder on is, “Are you showing them the right things about Christ or are you confirming the bad things people say about Christians?  I believe  St. Francis Assisi eloquently said it best,

             “Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary use words.”  

My fellow brother and sister in Christ, pleas seek God for what you need to be doing.  Until then, “Stay In Place Until God Says Leave.”  I know you can complete your specific mission.   Remember, He chose you out of everyone in the world to deliver His message.  

Blessings

24

Daily we all have to determine how we’ll spend our time budget.  Time budget?  Yes, we all have a budget of 24 hours.  While many of us wish we could get more, we all get the same amount.  It is up to us to determine how we use it.  How much of your time is devoted to prayer?  How often do you pray?  How do you know what God’s will is for you if you don’t spend time with Him?  You are in serious trouble if your prayer time is limited to saying grace at dinner and listening to the prayers at church.  How do you spend your day?  We realize the Jews went to the synagogue and prayed several times a day.  I’m certain you don’t have time to do this.  But, how do you spend your day?  Let’s do a little math.  There are 24 hours in a day.  No one can get more time than this.  Many will get less.  Therefore, you want to be certain you’re in a relationship with God before it’s to late.  Let’s subtract 8 hours from your allotted 24 hours if you are working or in school.  So, you have 16 hours left.  The typical person sleeps around 8 hours.  So, we’re down to 8 hours.  You have other obligations such as going to the grocery store, reviewing your child’s homework, watch TV, read, etc.  Let’s just say those items take 5 hours.  It shouldn’t be difficult to carve out 10 minutes of prayer from the remaining 3 hours you have in your day.  Obviously, those numbers are loose.  I just wanted you to see that we have a lot of time to devote to our Lord.  I would image you’ve found time to ask God for things you want.  Why not put in time to simple talk to Him about where you are and where you want to go.  As you talk with our Father, you’ll gain a clearer view of where He wants you to go and what He wants you to do.  Remember, prayer isn’t about you.  Rather, it’s about you finding out what He wants you do to.  This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for things.  Just don’t have all of your prayer time in with Him as a selfish endeavor.  The goal of prayer is the ear of God.¹ 


I challenge and encourage you to find out how much time you spend with the Almighty.  Anyone “seeks an example to follow does well to turn to the life of Jesus Himself. Our belief in the necessity of prayer comes from observing His life.  Surely if anyone could have sustained life without prayer, it would be the very Son of God himself.  If prayer is silly or unnecessary, Jesus would not have wasted His time at it.  But wait! Prayer was the dominant feature of His life and a recurring part of His teaching.  Prayer kept His moral vision sharp and clear.  Prayer gave Him courage to endure the perfect but painful will of His Father.  Prayer paved the way for transfiguration.  To Jesus, prayer was not a hasty add-on, but a joyous necessity. Commit to spend time in prayer with Him if you aren’t doing already.  In fact, right now is a great time to start. According to Oswald Chambers, “All Christians need more teaching in the art of prayer, and the Holy Spirit is the master teacher.  The Spirit’s help in prayer is mentioned in the Bible more frequently than any other help He gives us.  All true praying comes from the Spirit’s activity in our soul. ¹

1.  Sanders, Oswald J., Spiritual Leadership, (Chicago: Moody, 1994).