May 28, 2010

Overcoming Disappointment

by David F. Esquivel

Psalm 118:8 (ESV)
"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man."

Disappointment comes from expectancy. We place standards on people to perform or act in a certain way. When our standards and expectations are compromised by those individuals. That is when we will find ourselves saying," how could you do that to me?" But really nothing was done unto you but rather you did it to yourself because of your expectancy? God in his Word has made it very clear that you can not trust in man because he will fail. On the other hand God will forever be at you side even if your own parents cast you aside. The certainty here is trusting in God not in man. Quit trying to put such high standards on people and live life knowing that the God we serve will always come through for us. 

This same question was asked of me by a family member and when I explained what I have understood he called me a pessimist. I replied with this," I am not walking around expecting the worst from people but rather I have an understanding why people do what they do. So, it is not difficult for me to release forgiveness and move on. God had already let me know that man would always fall short so, why hold it against them? I don't have a problem saying I forgive you and truly mean it." Brothers,  It was a total release from the bondage of resentment the devil was trying to put me under.

Jesus walked with his disciples and taught them even though he knew that they would betray him in the end. Yet, Jesus completed the task at hand and fulfilled the work of His Father. Now, look at his disciples and what they became of. If Jesus would have said I know you will fail me and sob in it where would we be today? Something to think about.

Be Free in Christ,

David F. Esquivel



Psalm 22 Ministries
GOD has not forsaken you
http://www.psalm22.net

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - Jesus

May 25, 2010

Could This Be You?

The Lord's Prayer Drama

Characters

  • Person (seen)
  • God (unseen)

Script

Person:
Our Father, who...
God:
Yes?
Person:
Don't interrupt me! I'm praying.
God:
But you called me.
Person:
Called you? I didn't call you. I was praying. Our Father who art in heaven...
God:
There, you did it again.
Person:
Did what?
God:
Called me. You said, "Our Father who art in heaven." Here I am. What's on your mind?
Person:
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, sort of like getting a job done.
God:
All right. Go on.
Person:
Hallowed be thy name...
God:
Hold it! What do you mean by that?
Person:
By what?
God:
By "hallowed be thy name"?
Person:
It means...it means.... Good grief! How should I know what it means? It's just part of the prayer. (pause) By the way, what does it mean?
God:
It means honoured, holy, wonderful.
Person:
Ah, that makes sense. I never thought about what hallowed meant before. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
God:
Do you really mean that?
Person:
Of course! Why not?
God:
What are you going to do about it?
Person:
Do? Nothing, I suppose. I just think it would be rather good it you got control of things down here the way you have up there.
God:
Have I got control of you?
Person:
Well, I go to church.
God:
That isn't what I asked you. What about that bad temper? You've really got a problem there you know!
Person:
Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of those hypocrites down at the church!
God:
Excuse me, but I thought you were praying for my will to be done? If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Person:
Oh, all right! I guess I do have a few hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I probably could name some others.
God:
So could I.
Person:
I haven't thought about it much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I really would like to know how to be free.
God:
Good! Now we're getting somewhere! We'll work together, you and I. Some real victories can be won. I'm proud of you!
Person:
Look, Lord, I need to finish this up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does! Give us this day our daily bread .
God:
You need to cut out the bread you're a little overweight as it is!
Person:
Hey! Wait a minute! What is this? Here I am doing my religious duty and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my faults!
God:
Praying is a dangerous thing. You could end up changed, you know. That's what I'm trying to bring across to you. You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep on praying. I'm interested in the next part of your prayer. (Pause) Well. go on!
Person:
I'm scared to...
God:
Scared of what?
Person:
I know what you'll say!
God:
Try me and see.
Person:
Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.
God:
What about Peter Brown?
Person:
See! I knew you would bring him up! Why, Lord he told lies about me, and he cheated me out of some money. I swear that I'll get even with him.
God:
But your prayer. What about your prayer?
Person:
I didn't mean it.
God:
Well, at least you're honest! But it's not much fun carrying around that load of bitterness inside, is it?
Person:
No, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even! Have I got some plans for old Peter!
God:
You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you really are. But I'll change all that.
Person:
You will? How?
God:
Forgive Peter. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Peter's problem and not yours. You may lose the money, but you will have settled your heart.
Person:
It doesn't sound easy, but deep down, I know it would be worth the effort. Thank you, Lord, for helping me work through this. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. AMEN.

This document copyright (c) 1995 by Mathew Pole. Reproduction and/or distribution for non-commercial purposes is permissible providing that the drama is left fully intact. Permission is given to modify the drama for personal use, under the condition that the changes are not redistributed. Please send additions or corrections to Mathew and Paulyn Pole (mathew.paulyn@iname.com)
Last changed: Saturday 12 August 1995


Psalm 22 Ministries
GOD has not forsaken you
http://www.psalm22.net

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - Jesus

May 17, 2010

Understanding Eternity

Have you ever seen the Tom and Jerry episode where Tom goes to heaven via an escalator? He travels right on up, as expected, to the fluffy clouds in the sky. It is no wonder that we have not even a vague understanding of eternal life.

To be fair, the Bible does not give us a plethora of detail when it comes to the intermediate state; that is the time after a believer dies but before Jesus Christ returns and literally establishes His kingdom on earth. I guess you could say this is where our friend Tom is after Jerry hits him with a piano. What we do know is that the Bible says that to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). That is great news!


However, lost in the ideas of going to heaven, fluffy clouds, and playing harps is the truth and reality of the resurrection. For the early Christians, this was their hope. It must become ours as well. Being absent from the body and in the presence of the Lord is a wonderful thing. I am convinced that those who have died knowing Christ would never want to come back to this life. In fact the Apostle Paul was torn between life here on earth and dying to be with the Lord Philippians 1:21-24). However, the hope that the Bible speaks of is not what happens when we die, but rather what happens when Jesus returns! (Romans 8:23-24)


The believers ultimate destination is not to go to heaven, but rather heaven is destined to come to earth! We must come to grips that when the Messiah returns, those who have followed after Him by faith will inherit the earth (Matthew 5). It says nowhere about spirits inheriting fluffy clouds, a halo and harp. Those who are dead in Christ, that is those in the intermediate state, will return and be resurrected as Christ was on the third day after his crucifixion. Then those who are alive on the earth will join them to meet the Lord in the clouds as He returns to earth. The Apostle Paul speaks of these things in 1 Thessalonians 4. What a glorious day that will be!


Remember that in the beginning God created everything! We find this at the beginning of our Bibles in Genesis 1. Now flip on over to the end of the Bible (Revelation chapters 21, 22) and see for your self that God will renew this creation which has been corrupted by sin. Imagine the garden of Eden, but better; much better as the world will be without sin! This is the new heavens and the new earth that the Bible speaks of. That is the hope that has motivated those who have been persecuted and martyred for the sake of Jesus Christ throughout the centuries. It is a hope that we must regain if we are to endure the trials and tribulations that Jesus promised would come with the Christian life.


Can you imagine the earth without sin, restored and renewed? It is so refreshing to meditate on. It's also a lot more fun than imagining fluffy clouds. Think upon the return of Christ and think upon it often. It will do wonders for you spiritually!

--
Scott A. Hescht

Life Spring Church  <)))><
(832) 217-9278
http://www.lifespringfamily.org

Psalm 22 Ministries
GOD has not forsaken you
http://www.psalm22.net

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - Jesus

May 14, 2010

Procrastination and Priorities


 

 

---choose you this day whom ye will serve---Joshua 24:15

There are two words that, at first glance, might not seem to go with one another: procrastination and priorities. We think of procrastinators as people who put off doing what should be done--that is, life's priorities. But that doesn't mean procrastinators put off everything. They do what is important to them--even procrastinators have priorities!

And that applies to everyone. All of us have things we choose to do each day based on our personal set of values. And if the disciplines of the spiritual life are continually excluded from our day--week after week, month after month--then it means they don't have the value in our lives that would move them higher on our list of priorities. We need to be honest with ourselves and with God. Calling ourselves Christians, but failing to manifest Christlike characteristics in our life--prayer, service, acts of compassion, study of God's Word, worship--sets up a disconnect for which we will one day give account.

Take stock today. Are you procrastinating about the real priorities in your spiritual life? This would be a good day to move them higher on your "To-Do" list.(Turning Point)



Psalm 22 Ministries
GOD has not forsaken you
http://www.psalm22.net