Food for Thought

Food For Thought

1 Corinthians 12:4-12

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.

God has given each of us gifts that can be exercised for the common good of the church, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and also for those who do not know Christ. Not everyone’s gift is the same but we all do have gifts! Some people I think choose not to exercise their gifts and although the body of Christ continues to function, it does not functioning at its best. There are some overworked Christians in the Church today just because of this! God wants us to use our spiritual gifts to benefit others in this world to Glorify Christ. When we work together, we work together, we stay strong together. What has God gifted you?

 

G.L.Fields

Food For Thought!

Food for Thought!

1. No one is good enough to save himself; no one is so bad that God cannot save him.

2. Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children today.

3. Teamwork divides the effort and multiplies the effect.

4. An offense against your neighbor is a fence between you and God.

5. He who cannot forgive others burns the bridge over which he himself must pass.

6. When you find time on your hands, put them together in prayer.

7. Salvation is the miracle of a moment; growth is the labor of a lifetime.

8. No matter how far you’ve run from God, He’s only a prayer away.

9. To get into heaven, it’s who you know that counts.

10. In God’s service, our greatest ability is our availability.

Cry of Desperation

Cry of Desperation

 

It started off as a beautiful spring morning; and from an altitude of 3500 feet, the view was spectacular. You could see for forty miles in any direction. My flying buddy and myself were enroute to Nashville, Tennessee and we had just been given permission to change radio frequencies from Fort Campbell Control to a UNICOMM frequency, when the next thing that happened, I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

 

A voice came over the radio with a cry of urgency. HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME! I’M LOST AND LOW ON FUEL! A fellow pilot was in dire need. Fort Campbell Control responded to the lost aviator.

 

The Controller asked him, “Where do you think you are?” He replied, “I think I’m over Ashland City, Tn. at 3500 feet.” I turned and looked at my friend and said, “That’s exactly where we are and that’s our exact altitude.”

 

We were now concerned because of the possibility of a mid air collision. So we started looking around trying to locate the lost aircraft. Fort Campbell Radar reported two contacts over Ashland City, and one of them was our plane. Fort Campbell Control asked if we had visual contact with the plane.

 

I replied, “No visual contact.” But we certainly heard him! Fort Campbell was able to direct him to the nearest airport; just 7 miles away where he was able to refuel and I’m sure collect his thoughts.

 

I think back to that day quite often. I am thankful that Fort Campbell Control was there for the lost pilot in his time of need, when he cried out for help. It reminds me, of the day I cried out for salvation and I’m thankful Jesus was there waiting for me in my time of need.

 

You know the people of this world are crying out in desperation today too and I wonder, is anyone really listening, and does anyone really care?  Do we have visual contact with those crying out, or are we even listening?

 

We sometimes tend to mind our own business and tend to keep with people who are like us. Think about that for a second, did not Jesus go down and eat with the sinners? Did he not go and present the good news of the Gospel to them?

 

Are we really concerned enough about our fellow mankind that we are willing to go to them and tell them God loves them? After all was it not God who created all mankind? We as Christians have one thing in common and that is a calling to belong to Jesus Christ. We are the body of Christ and we should reflect Christ in whose image we were created.

 

Are we really responding to Jesus call to COME FOLLOW ME?  Ask your self this, is that a request or a command. I think if you have accepted the Lord then it is a command. Our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commanded us, the Church, to go and make disciples of people everywhere.

 

Do we as Christians really understand what the Bible says in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

That is a command and not a request. But for many Christians, myself included, sharing our faith with our friends and colleagues can be very difficult sometimes. You know we are not perfect but we can help people to feel accepted, and we can inspire and support them and we can also share the Gospel even in these simple ways.

Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ Then the King will answer and say to them, Truly I say unto you, if you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it unto Me.”

I hope you thought about the simplicity of those words in these verses and took them literally, and I hope you searched them out for even a deeper meaning also. You know one of my favorite old sayings is, people don’t care how much you know until they see how much you care! No! I don’t remember where I heard that but it is so true today in our lives. If we will just be genuine and real with people and don’t try to be something we are not.

When we are all together do we really feel the Lords presence among us? Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Do we understand that we are the churches witness at it best? Think about this, because of Christ all our individual differences can be overcome. In order to carry out the great commission of taking the Gospel to the lost, the ones crying out in desperation.

 

If it is a command for us to come follow Him and we feel the Saviors presence in our lives, why then do we sometimes seem afraid to tell others about Jesus or demonstrate true Christian love by helping someone out?

 

Could it be that once a week Sunday services cannot compete with the influences society has to offer today?  Maybe what we need to make Godly training part of our everyday life. We can also learn from other brothers and sister in Christ, and we do not need to underestimate and disregard their importance as to their gifts, ideas and what that they have to offer in furthering the Gospel of Christ.

 

So have you ever wondered what can you do to make a difference? Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” WOW! There is another command and not a request!

 

This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible, Matthew 14 where Jesus and Peter walked on the water. I’m quite sure you all are familiar with it. Some people will read it and say well Peter lost his faith, what a pathetic response. I think Peter did pretty good, on the basis of this record. Matthew 14:29, And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

 

Think about that! Peter actually walked on water. Now Jesus said, Come. So what did Peter need to do? Peter needed to Go! Peter listened to Christ command to COME. Are you listening today? Is Jesus calling you to Come Follow Me? And do you need to go? Peter got out of the boat, eleven others stayed in the boat or should I say their comfort zone.

 

Let me ask you a Question: Are we only living for today or are we giving ourselves to others, teaching and training them, to carry the Gospel of Christ to the next generation?

 

Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word be, that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I have sent it.”

 

That’s a promise from God The world needs to hear the Gospel of Christ. Our lives maybe the only Bible someone will ever read. And as disciples, and we are disciples, we are not called to be successful, but to be faithful.

 

I offer you this challenge today: If the will of God’s has been established in your life, the next thing you must do, is to act on it. Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

 

What is the Holy Spirit nudging you to do something about today in the world, your church, your work, or your community or yourself? Commit your life to Christ. Not because I asked you to, not because someone else thinks you should.

 

But! because Jesus laid down his life for you, and took that commitment to the cross. God has a real and wonderful plan for your life. He does not have a plan B, because His plan is you! The people of this world are crying out in desperation today, HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME! I’M LOST AND LOW ON FUEL!, and I wonder, are we really listening, and do we really care?

 

Inspired by My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

To him I give all the Glory Honor and Praise

George L. Fields

Ephesians 2:8-9

11/17/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rear View Mirror

The Rear View Mirror

 

One spring afternoon I was driving home from work, in which I had a great day. Peering down the road ahead was one of the worst springtime storms I believe I have ever seen. The pitch black boiling clouds were low on the horizon, and lightning streaking across the sky and lightning striking the ground in many indiscriminate places. The rain was as columns of water pouring from the sky in isolated areas. It looked almost like prison bars extending down from the sky to the ground holding everyone in captivity.

 

Then I looked up to glare into the rear view mirror to see the traffic behind me. But it was not the traffic I saw, only where I had just come from. I was leaving the sunshine, calm winds and the cool of the afternoon and the security of peacefulness. I realized that I was about to trade peace and contentment for extreme chaos. They weather behind me was so beautiful and the weather in front of me was so boisterous. And yet I knew in order to get home that afternoon I would have to drive through the storm.

 

The first thought that enter my mind was about the Christian, that Saint of God that sometimes sins, he knows where his peace and security is in the light of the Lord, but yet he is drawn to the storm of sin before him. He wants to turn back but the lure is so powerful that he continues on into worldly ways hoping he is not stricken down by the lightning bolts of sin.

 

He really doesn’t want to sin but his human nature has taken its coarse. He hears God telling him to turn around, don’t drive in the storm but yet he continues on with the anticipation of the satisfaction that only sin will give him.

 

I am reminded of what Paul said in Romans 7:14-25, “For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.

 

But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

 

For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle, that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.

 

For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.

Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.”

 

So therefore it would appear to be a conflict of two natures that is in us. So did God leave the Christian that drove into the storm of sin? No, but rather God was gently waiting right where the Christian left Him. If only our lure to God were so unquenchable as drugs are to the addict or alcohol to the drunk, that we would do anything to stay in His presence all the time.

 

If we could train our minds to receive sin as if you stuck your hand into a fire and it were burned, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt you wouldn’t stick your hand into the fire again. But the sinful nature that Paul talked about tends to blind us from the consequences of the sin we do.

 

Because in most cases there is not immediate repercussions for the sin and we sometimes unconsciously think we got away with it, unlike sticking your hand into a fire which produces immediate payment for your act of stupidity. 

 

And now another thought about the storm as I drove that day. As I viewed the storm passing over my home town, I was reminded of those who don’t know Christ as their Lord and Savior. They are going about their everyday business in life as usual, but all they really see in life is one storm after another. Their lives encompassed by the prison bars of sin, hoping this storm will not be as bad as the last one. All they really know is the darkness of the storms of life, weighed down by sin.

 

I believe they are trying to dodge the lightning bolts of sin and its immediate repercussions, but yet they are not yet willing to turn to the light of the truth. It’s all they really know, they don’t see the life I see in my rear view mirror. They look down all the time instead of looking up to the Savior. They don’t look for relief, because sin is all they know. And I had to pray and say God please help them.

 

That’s when this thought came into my mind. I felt God was saying that is why I am sending you into the storm, to take my word of light and life that you have seen in your rear view mirror to them. I had the choice to turn around or continue on for Christ. I continued on, I thought of my car as protection from the storm in this way. I thought of it as the whole Armor of God.

 

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:10-20, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

 

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

 

I underlined this part of the scripture for a reason and that is, like Paul we are ambassadors for Christ. So if you think about it we are commanded by our commanding officer, Jesus, to take up the armor of God and boldly speak His gospel. That is a command, not a request! We are to do battle in the storms of life in the name of Christ.

 

Now if God is in control, you don’t have to worry about failure. Not gonna happen! God can’t fail! He said in Isaiah 55:11, “So shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth, it shall not return to Me void. But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

 

That’s a promise; failure is not in Gods vocabulary, so lets be men and get out there and be encouragers and tell the lost about Jesus. To know where you are going in this life you have to understand where you have been. Face the storm and put on the armor of God. As a final thought, I am reminded of this old but great song, Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives! May God Bless you.

 

 

Inspired by My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

To him I give all the Glory Honor and Praise

George L. Fields

Ephesians 2:8-9

11/13/2008

 

 

 

 

  

 

The Gifts of the Spirit

We are moving on to the next gift, which is “Faith”, however, I have to say that we only touched the surface on “wisdom” and “knowledge”.  I am looking forward to covering “Faith” in the classroom.  I believe the things that will be discussed will be very good.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Its a short and sweet definition, but the underlying essence of faith is huge.  Faith to believe God unto salvation.  Faith to believe God unto healing.  Faith to believe God that no one can pluck you out of His hand.  Faith to believe God ………!  Let’s dig in!

Your Bro !!

Eddie

Ecclesiastes Study

We wanted to give you a heads up that we will be proceeding into the study of Ecclesiates Chapters 7, 8 and 9.

Please read and prepare.

If you have any questions contact Eddie or I.

Thanks.
See you Sunday!

Ecclesiastes Study

We will be proceeding into Ecclesiates 7, 8 and 9 over the next few weeks, and we wanted to give you time to read and prepare.

Please contact either Eddie or myself with questions.

Thanks

See you Sunday!

Near and Far

Near and Far

 

Sometimes God seems so near as bark is to a tree

And other times He’s distant as an island far out to sea

When I feel the presence of His love my cup does over flow

And when I’m dry and thirsty it’s as the desert wind blows

 

When I feel distant from my Lord darkness is close and near

I pray my spirit would not grow numb in loneliness and fear

Oh God let the memory of your word burn deep within my heart

That from the warmth of your presence I may not depart

 

On top of the mountain Lord is where I want to stay

To get to the next hilltop a valley stands in the way

All the worldly pleasures are in these valleys below

But it’s only the love of Jesus that satisfies the soul

 

His word is living, and sharper than any two edged sword

Dividing my soul and spirit as I kneel and call Him Lord

I seek His Love, joy and wisdom, meekness, mercy, and grace

His goodness, kindness, and longsuffering, for my soul is at stake

 

Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you

Whether on top of the mountain or in the valley too

The problems of life we face each day can seem too much to bear
Until we give our hearts to Christ and trust His loving care

 

In this scentless world of fear and fright

When upon this worlds tempest your life is tossed
And when you’re feeling down and life seems as a façade

Remember, be still my child, and look to me an know that I Am God

 

His words are clearly written the truth of His light you must seek

You’ll never find satisfaction until you’re humbled at Jesus feet

Life has so many choices in this fast paced world today

 But eternity only has two and Jesus is the only way

 

Inspired by My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

To him I give all the Glory Honor and Praise

George L. Fields

Ephesians 2:8-9

12/17/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday November 16, 2008

This Sunday we will be reviewing and discussing:

Matthew 7:16-29 NASB – “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ The Two Foundations  24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell–and great was its fall. When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.Cross references: Matthew 7:16 : Matt 7:20; 12:33; Luke 6:44; James 3:12 Matthew 7:17 : Matt 12:33, 35 Matthew 7:19 : Matt 3:10; Luke 3:9; 13:7; John 15:2, 6 Matthew 7:20 : Matt 7:16; 12:33; Luke 6:44; James 3:12 Matthew 7:21 : Luke 6:46 Matthew 7:22 : Matt 25:11; Luke 13:25-ff Matthew 7:22 : Matt 10:15 Matthew 7:23 : Ps 6:8; Matt 25:41; Luke 13:27 Matthew 7:24 : Luke 6:47-49; Matt 16:18; James 1:22-25 Matthew 7:28 : Matt 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1 Matthew 7:28 : Matt 13:54; 22:33; Mark 1:22; 6:2; 11:18; Luke 4:32; John 7:46

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 NASB – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”