"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV
Just what is it about the cross that is passed off by some as nonsense and others as an offense? To some the preaching of the cross, (not preaching in general), insults the religious mind and to others is not worth a passing thought as unintelligible.
Beyond the facts of the betrayal, the trial, the blasphemy, the lies, the insults, the torture, the beating, the whip, the spit, the nails, the pole, the thieves, the forsaking of all, all of which might, and do, provoke sympathy and even anger from some; there lies another aspect to the declaration of the cross that flies in the face of man.
It it the "WHY" of the cross. Why did Christ Jesus suffer and endure it all? To set the example and show a way, a point of truth, or a manner of life that was acceptable with God? To show that forgiveness was possible and attainable by men? God help! NO! He did so because it was required and needed, not himself, but for me and you.
We could not do so and would not do so. Our inherent sin and existence forbid any hope of such. Our sin and eternal need of salvation insults the mind of the religious. They think that they can some way obey and live above it. The intellectual think themselves above it from birth and dismiss the thought of such punishment as foolishness, especially on their part. And the idea that someone, anyone, would stoop to such a low estate for those that hate them is completely confounding! Foolishness indeed!.
Yet, to those of us that are saved, (not being saved), the message is the power and wonder of God! It strips us of any boast of self in mind, might, or right. It leaves us in the dust of humanity faced with the reality of our helplessness without His complete work. It leaves us with no praise on our lips for our own righteousness, but glory for only God and Christ.
One should notice that this preaching is not what produces the perishing or the secure position of some, but finds the response of these. It is not preaching of the manger, ministry, or man that so much stirs such response, but the truth of the cause and cure that cuts to the heart and causes some to stumble and others to mock. But, to us which are called, (not being called), this truth thrills the heart with hope and the power of God. To the believer it directs our focus and tunes our lips with praise. Amen.

"In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 2:22 KJV
This morning's thought as I read is that we, as children of God, house the greatest power and privilege on earth within this fleshly vessel we call our body. Within the context of that thought, this day is not for me. It is not about how I feel or think as much as who lives here.
My purpose this day is to manifest Christ in every aspect and opportunity. Regardless of the moment or situation, my awareness of self should be to promote Christ in it. It is not about whether I feel good or not. It is not about whether I get to do what I wanted and planned or not. It is not about whether this a work day or day off. It is not about the appointments I made or opportunities that come. It is all about whether I remember and others see who lives in me!
Lord God, make me a vessel of honor today to pour out Jesus to thirsty souls that come my way. Start by filling me to the overflow with your presence and power and move me enough to let it flow out and not sit stagnant. In Jesus Name, Amen.

"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished." Proverbs 27:12 KJV
A wealth of information in this simple statement, yet even in the reading of it is the evidence of the principle. Do I take the time to consider the implications of this or just think, "Interesting, next"?
Do we learn anything from what we are told and experience? Do we alter our thinking in any way to change today from what we were taught yesterday? Do I temper my plans for tomorrow with, "If the Lord wills" or just blaze ahead in my own determination? The outcome declares the wisdom or foolishness of my/our actions of the day. "The day will declare it".
Do you see what's coming or are you oblivious to reality? And don't use the Lord as an excuse for ignorance on your part. "Lord, what would you have me do this day? Please lead me in the way you have marked and forgive me of my resistance and swerving. Amen."

The Bible talks about "landmarks" that have been established of old and are not to be removed or messed with. They were set to mark the boundaries of property given to God's people in the promised land. They are lessons to point out that God is the one that set the boundaries of our habitations. Scripture says that He does so with nations and with the seas that come to the shore and no farther. Should it be any wonder that He has established some limits for our lives?
Yet, one of the most fascinating aspects of the word "landmark" is that it defines {all the territory within the bounds}. Herein shines an incredible reality. So often we look at God's principles and laws as limitations to our lives, something to hinder us in our growth or enjoyment of this life. But, they are actually for us to take stock of all that God has given us within our grasp. Within the bounds the land is ours to posses. We are free to walk abroad and travel hill and valley, drink from the streams and eat from the trees, and harvest the fields that are ours by His blessing.
We spend our days among folks that hate their jobs, feel they are ignored or not appreciated. They are dissatisfied with their spouses and burdened by their children. They think themselves under paid and short of time to play. In fact, wasting too much time standing at the fence looking at someone else's land and not appreciating their own. Jealous and covetous of others and ungrateful for the expanse and bounty of what they have and will not posses.
God help us to know that your limits are for our good and do not bind us, but free us to move and have being in a land you have given and a harvest ready to be reaped. May we see the land before us and know it is the kingdom of heaven at hand. Go in and posses the land! "And as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Amen.

I kind of posted a few rambling thoughts along this line a while back, but I continue to observe this mentality, or so it seems. It would appear that Christianity has been reduced to a list of things to do. Perhaps a form of mind control adapted to a life that we think we manipulate to suit us if we tint it with a little religion.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are dos and don'ts in life. Yet, my old nature is no more adapt or capable of complying with God's way than before being born again. Therein lies one of the check marks in some minds. Well, let's see, need to do what is right. 1. Hear the gospel 2. Believe the gospel 3. Obey the gospel 4. Repent 5. Be baptized 6. Born again 7. Part of the family of God. 8. Ready to go to work and be a Christian.
Problem with that list is it is all out of wack. Until one is born again they can not do anything on the list. And only God has the power to give life and He does so to whomsoever He will. Then as a child of God you are dependent on His strength to get anything done in His service.
And yet, I see those that, so it seems, present the thinking: 1. Child of God 2. Christian 3. Need to be married 4. Find a spouse that acts like I think is right 5. Have kids 6. Maintain a code of ethics of some religious origin 7. Never falter.
Again, the problem with that list is no room for mistakes and life. And they come and it happens. You get sidetracked and forget to check the sheet or don't feel to have reached the mark and quit. Christianity is Christ lived in you and through you. Oh yes, it is you doing, but you following, praying, seeking, and thanking Him every day for what He has blessed you to do and the forgiveness for what you failed to do. It's not me working for Him, but Him working in me. It's not what's on the list for today, but "Lord what would thou have me do today?" Amen.

​"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13
Beyond the assumption that this includes jumping buildings and raising the dead, the context deals with dealing with circumstance and trails of this life. It certainly does not mean that we sin and do wrong with the strength of Christ as our aide.
And beside the all the futile efforts to convince others of the purity of the King James English, consider what one word being changed would do.
I can "try" all things through Christ that strengtheneth me. Wow, interesting isn't it? But, be honest that is more of how we use this text than we wish to admit. And the results speak for themselves, We find ourselves at the close of day after day as a failure at what we tried. And can not comprehend why God let us down again, because we really tried hard to do what He said.
And therein lies the trouble, we try! That is the effort of law and works. Love and grace submit to the righteousness of God, Jesus. Faith says do. Law says try and fail. It is the difference in looking for our satisfaction and assurance in self or finding it in the finished work of Christ.
It not "try", it is "do". Not "hearers", but "doers". I can do, not try. When this day closes, it will be done, not tried. I may be tried, but in Christ I am done! Rest comes to those that have ceased from their labors. Thank you Lord for the truth for today and ever, "It is finished". Amen.

Life precedes Action. This is a fundamental principle that is undeniable.
Most of religion believes that man comes into the world as a clean slate without sin, yet because of the condition of the world around him he is prone to yield to the influences of his environment and do wrong, thus becoming a sinner by action.
The truth of scripture is that all mankind is corrupted by the sin of the first man that ever lived, being created by God (who established right and wrong), and thus are sinful by nature and sinners by practice. There are none born innocent. We are conceived in sin and thus dead to God.
Whatever the system of religion is that holds any requirement of the individual, be that belief or obedience to code, is a system of hopeless logic. Without life that can be no ability or action to respond to reason.
Faith itself being the quality of the will to respond in confidence toward the things of God is given by Holy Spirit God by conception of life in regeneration. Only those that have eternal life can respond in faith. Thus, faith is not that gives life, but the action of the living. Principle undeniable. Amen.

​"For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given for edification, and not for destruction, I should not be ashamed:" 2 Corinthians 10:8
Please take note that Paul understood the authority given him was for edification (building up, instruction, etc.) and not for destruction (tearing down, debated, etc.).
Some have assumed that the authority of the gospel is to dominate the lives of the hearer in every action. That is the action of law. The authority of the church, the pillar and ground of the truth, is the gospel.
The authority of the church and her ministry is to hold and distribute the truth of the finished work of Jesus Christ. To preach Christ and not self. To hold up Christ as Head and not self. To present truth and not tradition. To declare one name, and that of Jesus Christ. To herald, "He is Lord!", and not, "make Him Lord".
Our contending is for what we preach and not so much what we do. What we do should not take away or distract from the message of Christ. What we do is to become the gospel, that is to glorify and magnify. Our priority and purpose is the gospel, not self or pleasure. We desire to draw attention to Him, not ourselves. May the Lord bless us to shine today in truth and in spirit. Amen.

​If your eyes ever behold the face of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory, if your feet ever are blessed to walk heaven's streets, if there be any hope within your heart this day of those things, it is because Jesus died for your sins.
Now, the question begs your attention, "Why did he have to die?" The answer is unheard of today, "Because you are a sinner and do not deserve in any way heaven's habitation." You have no ability to attain to that height. You are corrupt and without hope in this world, in fact, without God on your own.
Yet, you say that you have not been that bad. You do not realize that you were conceived with an inherent disease called sin. Your very nature is sinful and the actions of your character are dictated by that. And you fail to realize that the Judge of right and wrong/good and evil is God and not you.
If there be any hope for you and me it is in the blood of Jesus Christ, If there be any glory and praise it belongs to Him and not us and our religion. Heaven and Hell, you don't chose, that is done. Adam chose to rebel and lost all for you. Jesus chose you and died in your place and won all in turn.
There is ONLY ONE way, ONE truth, ONE life, and His name is JESUS CHRIST. There is no God, but ONE. There is no church, but ONE. There is no record of His truth, but ONE.
Repent of your idolatry and religious ignorance and turn to Christ! If that strikes any cord of conviction and raises any desire for heaven, you ARE a child of God. That is grace. Now act like and stand up, speak up, and submit to Him, TODAY!