The MOST dependable Builder...

"Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain." -- Psalm 127:1

My wife and I used to watch the HGTV program "Holmes on Homes". The stories of poor construction and careless contractors were repeated weekly. In response, Mike Holmes would come in with a team of skilled builders to save the day. The conclusion was always the same; every project should be done by a reputable and dependable builder.

Jesus spoke of our spiritual houses in Matthew 7:24-27 and the Psalmist called our attention to the best builder. We can hammer and saw away every day, but unless the LORD builds our spiritual house, all our work is in vain. We will have leaky pipes, rotten floors and faulty electric. The conclusion is simple; every spiritual building should have THE reputable and dependable Builder.

The process is just as basic as the program "Holmes on Homes". When we are ready to build, we need to seek the only One who knows how to build spiritual homes. Don't try to be the "Tool-man" and end up with a mess on your hands. Take your need to the Lord and ask for HIS plans. Read his Word and you will find the building details laid out with precision. Before you build, take note my friend; you need a reputable and dependable Builder... you need the LORD.

No Middle Ground ...

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned." -- John 5:28-29

We go through school and receive grades according to our academic performance. The more we study, the better our grade. Then comes that frightful day when we take the road test for our driver's license. We don't get a better grade if we study more. We don't get an "A", "B" or "C" license; we either pass or fail by our actions. It's one way or the other, there's no middle ground.

Eternity is one of those tests that one either passes or fails. It's all a matter of choice in this life. If we choose life in Jesus and are changed into righteous people, we will pass into eternal life. On the other hand, should we choose to embrace evil throughout life, we will fail into eternal condemnation. It's one way or the other, there's no middle ground.

There are many people who expect their eternal destiny to be determined on a graded scale. You may figure that enough good works will bring a good grade and a well deserved place in heaven.  But the simple truth is, we pass or fail by our action of choice. Jesus is the only way, there's no middle ground. How will you choose?

Stay the Course ...

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." -- John 4:34-35 

Having lived in old houses all our married life has given our family an appreciation for the ongoing work that is needed. The list of jobs is never-ending and it keeps you going from one spare moment to the next. At times you might think the work is finished, but then you open your eyes and there is much more to be done. Some responsibilities take a lifetime and more.

Jesus was focused on a pressing task and all other pursuits came afterward. He was totally committed to finish the task assigned by the Father. At the same time he points out the ever present harvest of souls standing before us, if we will only open our eyes. The responsibility of reaching the lost and helpless multitude with the gospel is never truly finished. The task will take a lifetime, only to be passed on to the next generation.

Open your eyes my friend, and what do you see? Is it your neighbor, friend, fellow worker, classmate or family member? Do you see the crowds on your way to work or while you're shopping? How many of them are lost and helpless, in need of the Savior? The harvest will take a lifetime, and must be passed on to the next generation. Stay the course and never give up!

Light changes everything...

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." -- John 3:19

Studies tell us that one of the simplest steps of crime prevention is the flood light. As a result of that knowledge we have a number of flood lights installed around our home. I also have more flashlights than can be counted for the same reason. Light changes everything.

Criminals will always run from the light to hide their actions. Darkness hides evil from correction just as it hides vermin and insects from extermination. There are those who live in the dark purposely, so they can continue in their immoral or illegal ways. Other people choose the light of Jesus because they want to change their evil ways. Light changes everything.

Have you chosen to live in the dark, hiding your lifestyle from the light of the Lord? The verdict tells us why some make this choice, but it also tells us that Light has come to provide a way out. Will you make that choice? Remember, Light changes everything.

More amazing over time...

"... Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” -- John 2:9-10

You shop for a new car. The salesman treats you like a long lost brother and after your purchase you're lost again. The car you buy is absolutely amazing for a while, then time passes and it's not so amazing anymore. That's how life is: things seem to get less amazing every day. Is there anything that gets more amazing over time?

Our Lord's first miracle tells us so much about his future ministry in our lives. When we first come to the Lord it is so amazing. The sense of peace and joy is overwhelming and we wonder if the feelings will last. But as time passes the peace and joy only grows stronger and deeper. Far from the way of our world, when the Lord does his work, it only gets more amazing over time.

It was best said in Isaiah 55:2, "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare." Choose wisely my friend and look to the Lord for his provision. When he blesses, it only gets more amazing over time. 

Share your joy!

"Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus." -- John 1:40-42

I wanted to tell the world the day I was engaged. I also wanted to tell the world the two days that my sons were born. We all have exciting life changing moments that motivate us to tell the good news to as many people as possible. Why do we make such an effort to spread the news? It's because we want everyone to share in our joy. 

When Andrew found the Lord and spent time with him, the very first thing he did was tell his brother. He was excited about finding the long awaited Messiah and he wanted everyone to know. He was overjoyed with his discovery and couldn't keep it to himself. He wanted everyone to share his joy.

Since you came to the knowledge of the Lord how has your life changed? Has the Lord blessed you in tremendous ways? Who have you told about these wonderful things? Why not be an Andrew today and share your joy with everyone?

Surrounded by the Almighty...

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore." -- Psalm 125:1-2

After our recent move, we are now surrounded by the mountains of Pennsylvania. Our days are quite pleasant, being surrounded by the hillsides, protected from wild coastal winds. In addition, we are often blessed with the splendor of beautiful rainbows and unparalleled valley sunsets. These mountains are the same for us as they were for the first settlers; they have never been shaken.

With such a picture the Psalmist likens the care and protection of the Lord. For the Lord surrounds his people like an unshaken mountain. The storms may come with ferocity and power, but the children of God are well protected in the "cleft of the rock" (Exodus 33:22). We are held in the palm of his great providential hands. And to put it simply, you're in good hands with the Almighty.

On any given day, you may feel threatened by the unknown and uncontrollable. Anxiety may press upon you like a heart attack, but all you have to do is stop, and take a look. Lift up your eyes to the hills and remember, from whence comes your help? It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, who surrounds you as the mountains surround Jerusalem... both now and forevermore!