SLOPPY AGAPE

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

SLOPPY AGAPE

(Mal 1:14) “But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished— For I am a great King,” says the Lord of hosts, “And My name is to be feared among the nations.

Have you ever seen shoddy work in your profession? You notice it right away because you strive so hard in your job to do things right. And you just can’t believe that someone did such a mediocre job and got away with it! That’s the way it was back in the time of the prophet Malachi amongst God’s people who were offering lame animal sacrifices to the Lord. And that’s the way it can be today with any believer who tries to cut corners in their service for the Lord.

Yes, it was hard times for Israel. They had returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild their Temple and the city of Jerusalem. At first they were all excited to be serving God again back in the land. Then lukewarmness set in their walk with the Lord followed by complacency in their serving God. They were bringing in lame and blind animals that were subpar. They knew the Word of God required that an unblemished animal was to be offered from their flocks. (Lev 1:3, 3:6)

The prophet Malachi said God was the great King and deserved the best of offerings. No ancient Near Eastern king would ever have accepted a blemished gift. If this was ever done, there would be instant punishment for the offerer and even death. But what about our God, the greatest of all kings? He deserves the best…not sloppy agape!! What would happen if we served our employer like we served God sometimes? We would be warned, put on probation, or maybe even fired on the spot. And yet when we do something for God we can be so casual and trite about it.

A friend from my former church named Marvin said one time to me, “Louie, we are never to give to God from the top of our head but from the bottom of our heart.” I knew what he meant and what he was referring to. He had observed some sloppy agape around him that had grieved him. Marvin always did his best for the Lord. He would think through things and pray over his service for the Lord. It was never last minute. His preparation was thorough and that’s why God blessed him so much and why there was so much fruit from his ministry.

Are you doing your best for the Lord? Have you been lacking in the quality of your service for Him? Have you gotten lazy? (Jer 48:10) Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD deceitfully… Don’t disqualify yourself from serving God in what He has called you to. Be hard working and faithful. Then you will qualify yourself for greater service for our Great King! (Luke 12:48)

Louie

THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN (October 3, 1863)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

Note:  1863 was one of the most dramatic years in American history. On January 1 of that year, Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was issued. July 1-3, 1863 saw the bloodiest battle in America's history, Gettysburg.  It was the battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War. November 19, 1863 was the scene of the dedication of the national cemetery at Gettysburg, including Lincolns' famous Gettysburg Address. Sometimes lost in the historic events of that year is another of Lincoln's proclamations…his Thanksgiving Proclamation written by Secretary of State William Seward.  The New York Times published a copy of the proclamation two days later. The idea seemed to catch on, and the northern states celebrated Thanksgiving on the date noted in Lincoln's proclamation, the last Thursday in November.  (A year later the manuscript was sold to benefit Union troops).  

THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN (October 3, 1863)

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth." 

Louie  (Psalm 107:1) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

 

AFTER THE ELECTIONS

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

AFTER THE ELECTIONS

I came up with a new phrase this week: Post Elections Stress Syndrome. We studied the issues, we prayed for wisdom, and we took the time to vote as responsible citizens.  But when the results came in our emotions seemed to take flight.  That’s how it looked after the elections and hearing people vent their feelings.  What are some emotions that we tend to let go at times like these?

GLAD: We are happy when those we voted for get into office.  We are satisfied when the propositions we marked became the majority vote.  We feel justified and hopeful that good lays ahead for us.   MAD: We also get upset when evil triumphs at the polls.  We look over at our fellow Americans and say “really?”  Is that what you believe?  Is that what you want?  Don’t you know what this means for our country?  SAD: We then tend to grieve about the direction our nation is headed.  (Eze 9:4) and the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.”

So what do we do now?  As believers we must accept the outcome and move forward in our faith.  Acceptance does not mean approval. It just means we obey God and submit to Him by being subject to the authority that is placed over us.   (Rom 13:1) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  God is in control of our nation and its future.  A tough road lays ahead and believers have to accept this fact and march on.  It comes down to not only a political battle but also an underlying spiritual battle.  The Bible says we must fight not with carnal but with spiritual weapons.  (2 Cor 10:3-5)

If we can’t win at the polls then we let us seek to win on a personal level.  Walking with God, influencing our world for Christ, and then we’ll be out of here like Enoch who was whisked away by God (Gen 5:20).  This realization came down to me on election day.  I was on the treadmill at the gym and filth was being poured out on the TV.  (On election day when we should be on our knees begging forgiveness from God for our wickedness!)  How my heart did sigh and cry.  Have mercy O Lord I prayed.  I went to the manager after my workout and thanked him for running a quality gym.  I then told him of the junk emanating from the TV and asked him if he would consider changing the channel to something more appropriate, especially for the young people.  He apologized and said he would.  The next day indeed a different channel with more suitable content was on.  Thank you Lord!  And I thanked the manager too with a smile.

We win some battles and we lose some battles but a perfect government is coming when Jesus rules over all as King of kings and Lord of lords.  Are you ready, citizen of heaven?

Louie

SITTING ALONE AT CHURCH

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

SITTING ALONE AT CHURCH 

(Psa 68:6) God sets the solitary in families… 

I would like to address something I have seen often at church.  And that is people coming in by themselves and sitting alone in the worship service.  Now for some this is no big deal.  They want to be left alone.  Or it could be that they like their own company and do not feel socially awkward at all.  Others may just be used to it, having experienced this for so long.  But for many it just may be something they struggle with because being out in public and in a room by yourself may accentuate feelings of loneliness and not fitting in.   

The reasons for sitting alone in church vary from individual to individual.  For some it’s because they have recently given their lives to the Lord and have been seeking a church to be a part of.  No one will go with them because they haven’t any real Christian connections yet in their newfound faith.  Others are married to non-believers who are not interested in spiritual things.  Some are the only committed Christian in their “Christian” family.  It could also be for the simple fact that they have moved into a new community and are not able to attend their old church anymore.  

For me it was an interesting situation.  I was attending Bible college that had a denominational background I was not apart of.  Most of the students attended churches in that affiliation.  I personally could not relate to that form of worship.   I had in mind what I wanted (or really needed).  It was important for me to have strong Bible teaching, not just exciting worship or experiences in the “Spirit.”  So I attended Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa with pastor Chuck Smith.  It was (and still is) a very large church.  I have to admit it was not easy for me to walk into this church all by myself.  But the teaching of the Word of God and how it affected my personal growth was irresistible.  That need took precedent over my social life.  If I had to sit alone then so be it.  I was at the feet of Jesus and spending time with Him.  This was more satisfying than hanging out with my friends at another church where I believe I would starve spiritually. 

How I thank God for those ushers who made me feel welcome.  As I sat down there would be a few smiles from others.  I tried not to look too nervous or uncomfortable.  I especially enjoyed the greeting time as it gave opportunity to connect with fellow church members, if even for a brief moment.  After Bible study I would walk out to my car and just rejoice all the way home.  The Lord helped me past this social barrier and I was growing in my walk with the Lord.  Later I would move back home and get back in with my home church and the people I knew.  But because of that time in my life I have developed a sensitivity to others who are sitting alone at church.  I respect their commitment to what they are doing and I pray for them and seek to connect with them and welcome them into the fellowship of the saints.  I ask the Lord to strengthen their resolve to always do the right thing even at a personal cost to their own needs. 

Louie  

HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH (English & Spanish)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH?

(1 Th 5:5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Many Christians have questions regarding Halloween. Should Christians decorate their houses in this theme? Should we send our kids out trick-or-treating? Wow, what a loaded question! But let me give you some things to think about:

- Each Christian must make their own decision on how to celebrate any festive day whether it be Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. And we shouldn’t judge each other on this decision. Listen to the apostle Paul on this: One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Rom 14:5)

- We must ask ourselves, “Does it glorify God?” Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.(1 Cor 10:31)

- In regards to Halloween, we must keep in mind the scriptural prohibition of any kind of practice (and I might add symbolism) of witchcraft. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

- The Bible says we are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Jesus is the Light and we are to shine His glory. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of the light. (Romans 13:12)

- Remember we have the Holy Spirit, not the unholy spirit represented in symbols of a devil, a witch, or a ghost. True power is from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) and we don’t need to be tapping into or even flirting with the power of darkness.

- Christians are into the theme of life, not death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

I hope this helps you to think along the lines of a transformed mind (Romans 12:2). Be led by His Spirit in all you do for yourself and for your children. Ask God for wisdom in all your decisions in regards to your family celebrations and plans. And remember, you are a child of the light!

Louie

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Del Pastor a Las Ovejas

(1 Tess 5:5) porque todos vosotros sois hijos de luz e hijos del día. No somos de la noche ni de las tinieblas.

Muchos cristianos tienen dudas con relación al Halloween. ¿Pueden los cristianos decorar sus casas en esta época? ¿Pueden mandar a sus hijos a pedir dulces? Wow, ¡son preguntas difíciles! Pero dejame darte algunas cosas para meditar: 

- Cada cristiano debe tomar sus propias decisiones sobre como celebrar cualquier día festivo, ya sea halloween, Navidad, Pascua, etc. Y no debemos juzgarnos unos a otros en esta decisión. Escucha lo que el apóstol Pablo dijo sobre esto: "Uno juzga que un día es superior a otro, otro juzga iguales todos los días. Cada cual esté plenamente convencido según su propio sentir." (Romanos 14:5)

- Debemos preguntarnos, “¿Glorifica esto a Dios?” Entonces, ya sea que comáis, que bebáis, o que hagáis cualquiera otra cosa, hacedlo todo para la gloria de Dios. (1 Corintios 10:31)

- En cuanto al Halloween, debemos tener en mente las prohibiciones bíblicas en la práctica de (y debo agregar símbolos) de la brujería. (Deuteronomio 18:9-14)

- La Biblia dice que somos hijos de la luz y del día. No somos de las tinieblas o de la noche. Jesús es la Luz y nosotros debemos brillar con Su gloria. Debemos dejar las obras de las tinieblas y ponernos la armadura de la luz. (Romanos 13:12)

- Recuerda tque tenemos al Espíritu Santo, no el espíritu impío representado en los símbolos del diablo, una bruja, o un fantasma. El verdadero poder viene del Espíritu Santo (Hechos 1:8) y no necesitamos estar jugando ni coqueteando con el poder de las tinieblas.

-Los cristianos representan la vida, no la muerte. "Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, pero la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor Nuestro" (Romanos 6:23)

Espero que esto te ayude a pensar como debe hacerlo una mente transformada (Romanos 12:2). Se guiado por Su Espíritu, por bien tuyo y el de tus hijos. Pide sabiduría a Dios en todas tus decisiones en cuanto a las celebraciones y planes de familia. y recuerda, ¡eres un hijo de a luz!

Luis 

(Translation by Maura Cathey)

SUPERSTITIONS

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

SUPERSTITIONS 

(Psa 56:3) Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 

It’s interesting, if you think about it, how superstitions are still a part of our culture and makeup.  If you do this then that might happen.  Do this or wear that and then you’ll have good luck.  We find it among baseball teams on down to everyday life even in an educated society.  We know the occult is wrong but is it wrong to be superstitious?  What does the Bible say? 

Let’s review some common superstitions: FRIDAY THE 13^TH: Friday has long been considered an unlucky day (I thought it would be Monday!)  According to Christian tradition, Jesus died on a Friday and 13 has a long history as an unlucky number.  BLACK CATS CROSSING YOUR PATH: Most likely, this superstition arises from old beliefs in witches turning into cats. WALKING UNDER A LADDER: When you walk through the triangle you may awaken spirits that live within the triangle that might harm you. BREAKING A MIRROR: Since a mirror was thought to be a reflection of the soul, breaking a mirror was harmful to one’s self and you would have bad luck for seven years. OPENING AN UMBRELLA INSIDE: When the umbrella is opened inside, and out of the way of sun's rays, it offends the sun god and would bring back luck to those in the house. THROWING SALT BEHIND YOUR SHOULDER: In olden times, it was frequently said that the devil was always sitting just behind your left shoulder. When you threw salt at him you would be buying him off or getting him off your back.  And the list goes on.   

Now those who are into superstitions have also developed a way to get rid of the bad omen that has come their way. RABBIT’S FOOT: Interestingly, rabbits feet have been a symbol of good luck since at least 600 BC when Celtic people in England would kill rabbits possessing certain attributes that were seen as beneficial to the bearer of the lucky charm. KNOCK ON WOOD: Because things are going so good, this is the habit of knocking loudly to keep out evil spirits from making things go bad. CROSS YOUR FINGERS: Anything associated with the shape of the cross was thought to be good luck.  This list also goes on too! 

I love the story in Acts 28 of Paul being shipwrecked on the island of Malta.  One day Paul went over to a wood pile to help stoke the fire since it was so cold.  As he did so a viper came out of the pile and fastened onto his hand.  He shook it off and the people according to their superstition thought he was a bad person being paid back by fate.  But nothing happened!   

As believers, we believe the Lord is in control, not fate or a force or a fiend.  Good or bad comes at the hand of God (Job 1:21, 2:10).  But we know God is good and works all for good (Psa 119:68; Rom 8:28). When we are fearful we can pray and put our trust in Him. When we do we will sense a beautiful peace inside and mercy will surround us (Col 3:15; Psa 32:10). Don’t knock on wood!  Knock on heaven’s doors and watch God’s blessings come your way! (Mat 7:7-11)    

Louie  

FRIENDSHIP

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

FRIENDSHIP

(Pro 17:17) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Friendship is one of the most rewarding aspects of life. Having a good friend to experience life together is truly a gift. Sharing common interests, communicating thoughts and feelings, and being there for each other during the good and bad is all part of a significant relationship. What does the Bible say about friendship? How can we be a good friend to others?

First of all we must realize that a good friend is from the Lord. (Jms 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above… You have heard it said that if you have one or more true friends you are a truly blessed person. And that blessing is from above. He knows just what you need and sends that person in your life for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). If you look back in your life you will see that a friend came into your life at just the right time. Perhaps you were kind of lonely and you prayed for a friend. The Lord provides social connections just as much as anything else we need in life.

Now that we have a friend it is important that we nurture that friendship. That takes time and good communication. It takes an investment of energies. It takes commitment. Sometimes it takes sacrifice. It also takes loyalty because a friend loves at all times…not only in the good times but in the bad. You will be there for each other in the highs and lows of life. (Rom 12:15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. You will support each other in all aspects of life…even when a dumb decision is made and consequences come about. You will agree to disagree agreeably and amiably. You will respect each other’s opinions. You will be a good listener and a good communicator. You will have a good sense of humor and take nothing personal. No matter what happens you will always stay together and pray together.

Good friends will also argue and fight at times. How can you not? Just think of how two fallen people are bound to bump into each other and get hurt. This is when you want to believe the best and overlook the faults of others. (1 Pet 4:8) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Cor 13:7-8) (Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails... At other times you will have to speak up and work it out. (Luke 17:3)…If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Your relationship will become stronger through these times of testing.

Remember also these important truths: Do not be unequally yoked with a unbeliever (2 Cor 6:14-18). And remember that true love comes from the Lord. It is Jesus loving you through that friend. He gets all the credit because He is the author of love (1 John 4:8). And a final note is the most important: When you don’t have a friend, Jesus is that friend that sticks closer than a brother! (Pro 18:24)

Louie