Mocking God

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August 31, 2012

"Mocking God"

Scripture Reading:
Ezekiel 1:28   The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory.  When I saw it, I fell face-down and heard a voice speaking. 

Devotional Reading:

Most of the rain falling in Palestine comes in the form of brief, but heavy, showers followed by a brilliant sun - a perfect formula for rainbows. In fact, these conditions often treat us to double rainbows; occasionally the moon is so bright that it will generate one (once in a blue moon, tonight). The sight of the rainbow is so beautiful and powerful, that it is often used in the Bible as a reminder of God's covenant with us and of our reconciliation and peace through Jesus. We can, indeed, find prominent use of the rainbow in the beginning, middle, and end of scripture. Near the beginning in Genesis, God sends a rainbow as His covenant that He will never again flood all the earth as punishment for human sin. In the middle, in Ezekiel, the rainbow symbolizes the coming of Christ, as well as to declare the glory of God. And in Revelation, at the end of God's Word, John described Christ as "clothed with a cloud and a rainbow on His head," a symbol of peace and reconciliation with God. God never intended the rainbow to be a symbol of diversity, or a symbol to represent the goodness of what God calls evil. God gave us the rainbow as a symbol of the trustworthiness of His promises - as a symbol of hope in Him.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

HWJV

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August 30, 2012

"HWJV"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 8:31  (HCSB)   What then are we to say about these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?

Devotional Reading:

People often ask me who they should vote for. As a veteran and a citizen, you can sure bet I have my opinions.  I have been labeled as many other veterans by our current administration as home-grown terrorists and/or right wing extremists.  (since we are veterans, love America, have conservative views and believe in Jesus Christ).  I would love to be able to shout my choices from the pulpit! Yet, early in my ministry, I decided it was best I not push or endorse candidates, because sharing the Good News of Christ to both Republicans and Democrats, and all ideological views, is far more important than that.  But, I do want to give you some thoughts as to how you can select candidates whose opinions and decisions will reflect your Christian beliefs.

Consider rather than voting a party to vote your Bible.  Ask yourself, HWJV or How Would Jesus Vote?
1. Pray that you will select leaders who will be in tune with God. A leader who doesn't walk with God can lead the people out of the will of God - a disaster to people 
    of faith!

2. Are they competent and qualified? It's great if my doctor, my pilot, my government leader are Christians, but I want them to be competent and qualified.

3. Where do they stand on moral issues of the day that the Bible addresses? We don't have a theocracy, but a democracy, so their stance on key moral issues is the key.
     I love Abe Lincoln's word in picking the right candidate. He said, "My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side."

4. Are they trustworthy? Do their actions back up their words? Do they have integrity?

5. Do they focus on what's best for the people they represent, versus what is best for their political future?

6. Most of all, pray for God's wisdom on how to vote; and be a good Christian and a good citizen by voting - always!

Remember at the end of the night, no matter which candidates win the elections, they did not win in a vacuum.  The Lord Jesus Christ appointed and ordained these individuals as He chose, perhaps to bless but like the last 4 years to give us what we deserve...did deliver us to judgment!  He is still Lord and He is still on the throne and one day, He's coming...O glorious day!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Being with the Family

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August 29, 2012

"Being with the Family"

Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 10:23-25  (HCSB)   Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Devotional Reading:

let me provide you with some biblical truth...timely in this day and age, "Being in church no more makes you a Christian than being in a garage makes you a car." No, you do not have to go to church to be a Christian, but attending church serves a four-fold purpose to help us to grow in our faith and encourage one another.  You know the "lest" of these...

1. To worship with other believers.
2. Church is a place of Christian fellowship, and lone ranger Christians don't do well in the journey of faith.
3. Church is a place where we can use our gifts in service and ministry.
4. You may be in the Word, but without biblical teaching and preaching from qualified preachers--you are not under the Word

While you don't have to come to church to be a Christian, failure to attend retards your spiritual growth. But not only that, not attending your church is just plain selfish, because it denies your spiritual gifts to fellow believers. And when we're not in church, we miss out on the rich fellowship of other meaningful relationships with believers.  Yes, you can worship God out on the lake, or on the golf course. But doing so only takes from the creation of God. We miss out on the encouragement of others and we miss out on them being encouraged by us. While you do not have to be in church to be a Christian, it is certainly the place where you are needed and where the committed Christian wants to be.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Violence in Schools

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August 28, 2012

"Violence in Schools"

Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 8:32-33  (HCSB)   “And now, my sons, listen to me; those who keep my ways are happy.  Listen to instruction and be wise; don’t ignore it..."

Devotional Reading:

The twentieth century was a time of radical change in our education system. A study done of the Fullerton, California, School System compared the problems in the 1940's to the 1980's and the differences were astounding. In the forties, the major problems with students were truancy, running in the halls, talking in class, and chewing gum. In the eighties the major problems included teenage pregnancy, violence, stealing, rape, bringing knives and guns to school, drug abuse and vandalism. And with the recent school shootings, the problems are even worse.  When we hear results like this, we realize the tremendous decline of values in our overall society. I encourage you to look to the Ten Commandments. The fact is, you can't find better guidance for teaching our children how to live a successful life and how to care for their fellow man than the Big Ten. And why not begin by teaching them to your own children? Society will be a better place because of it.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

What Cannot Be Forgiven

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August 27, 2012

"What Cannot Be Forgiven"

Scripture Reading:
John 6:37  (HCSB)   Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.

Devotional Reading:

After committing adultery and then having the woman's husband murdered, King David wondered if he had committed the unpardonable sin. "Don't cast me away from Thy presence, God!" he begs, fearful that his act was so heinous that he was beyond God's redemption. Christians have long debated what the unpardonable sin is. Some Christians even live in fear, terrified that they may have committed the unpardonable sin and that God has already separated Himself from them.  Now let's stop here a moment. If you worry that you have committed the unpardonable sin, it's one of the clearest signs you have not. The very fact that you are bothered by your sinfulness shows that the Holy Spirit has not abandoned you! The only unpardonable sin is total rejection of Jesus Christ. The one thing God can't forgive is when we reject His Son all our lives. God will not forgive us for rejecting the incredible thing His Son did for us, paying the penalty so that our sins could be washed away when we have repentant faith in Him.  Whatever evil you have done and however bad you feel you are, God offers His forgiveness in Christ.  Do not limit the power of the Lord by believing there is something He cannot forgive in His children!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

God's Abundance

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August 24, 2012

"God's Abundance"

Scripture Reading:
John 10:10  (HCSB)   A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Devotional Reading:

Have you been duped when it comes to purpose? The only purpose worth living for is God’s purpose. Paul said: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.  If you live with this goal in mind, God will change the way you live. You will stop just being alive and you will start to really live. You will live the abundant life through God’s grace because you aren’t just living for yourself anymore. You are not here for you, but for God.  You will have stability. You can get off the roller coaster of emotions that comes when you live according to your circumstances. Even when things are bad, you are good because God is good. When Jesus was asleep on the boat in the middle of the storm, His disciples asked, “How can He sleep at a time like this?”  Jesus could sleep peacefully because He knew where He was going—He was going to the other side. One of the great blessings of living in purpose is that you can rest. You can rest because you know all things will be used for God’s purpose, and you can rest because you know you are going toward God.

You will be provided for. God always supplies that which He has ordained. If you are outside of His purpose, you have to take care of yourself. But if you are walking in His purpose, He will meet all your needs.  Indeed friend, now more than ever...Let go and Let God!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Imitate Evil

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August 23, 2012

"Imitate Evil"

Scripture Reading:
1 John 3:11  (HCSB) Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

Devotional Reading:

Have you thought about the current epidemic we face as parents in this generation? There is more violence, sex, and immorality bombarding a child's intellect than ever. Look at the results: We see children, out of control, committing vicious murders, including killing their classmates, with little regard for their actions and getting away with it.  Who is to blame, parents.  Obviously, they are conditioned by what they see on TV and in the movies and what they get away with at home.  Do you remember George Orwell's book, 1984? When it came out in 1949, the world was shocked because he predicted that people would go to the movies and laugh at people being killed. That prediction has become reality. It's called "the numbing of America."  The number one issue in America is disrespect of elders from children.  Children have to be asked, "what do you say?"  "don't you have something to say?" and other prodding questions.  The cartoons, shows and videos have no respect for elders nor parents.  Brother doesn't it really show.  According to a pew report statistic from 2009,  the upcoming generation of children will be less respectful than their parents and have a greater sense of entitlement.  Then we look around and wonder what's wrong...disrespectful children and unengaging parents.  In most of the shows, dad if he is around is a buffoon, the kid is out of control and the kids rule the house.  There is a remedy. As a parent, you can teach your children to make decisions based on a formula that's been around for a while - WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?  Would Jesus call your sister that name, would Jesus hit your brother back, would Jesus throw things at other children...and so on! Can you think of any wrong your child might learn by doing this?  What WOULD Jesus do? The Bible shows us. Teach it to your child as a formula for learning right from wrong.  Stop codling, stop consoling stop worrying about self-esteem and save your child's life by teaching them discipline!  Still not a bad idea to apply WWJD to your life!  What can it hurt.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Best Way to Go

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August 22, 2012

"Best Way To Go"

Scripture Reading:
Deuteronomy 12:8  (HCSB) You are not to do as we are doing here today; everyone is doing whatever seems right in his own eyes.

Devotional Reading:

Consider the logical result of same sex marriage. If modern man suddenly decrees that what has been immoral and illegal for thousands of years in every society is now moral and legal, how can he then deny a man the right to marry two, three, or four wives?  If same-sex marriage is right and good after being wrong for thousands of years, how can society deny the right for two consenting adults who want to be married--even though they may be father and daughter, mother and son, or brother and sister? On what basis could society say this is wrong, but same-sex marriage is okay? Same-sex marriage ushers in a multitude of legal quagmires that will result in moral chaos.  Let me suggest something outrageous. Let's trust God, Who originated marriage as a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman. That's still, after all these years, the best way to go.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

I Am Committed

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August 21, 2012

"I AM Committed"

Scripture Reading:
James 4:3  (HCSB) God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.”

Devotional Reading:

Jesus was constantly making religious people mad. What made them the angriest were His claims about Himself. He said, "I AM the bread of life,” and “I AM the light of this world," meaning enlightenment. He said, "I AM the way," meaning the way to God. He said, “I AM the truth. I AM the life," meaning the key to eternal life. He said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." Now, these are definite claims to be God. These were outrageous statements and were the major reason that Jesus was executed. The religious people saw Him as a blasphemer, claiming to be God.  Jesus was 100% committed to His Father's ministry.  The church cannot get people committed to the Gospel ministry of Jesus Christ from the pulpit to the nursery.  Everything is takes the place of I AM.  I am the football practice, I am the baseball game, I am the money of life, I am the living party, I am the extracurricular activity; there is no commitment on behalf of the evangelical Christian church today to the Gospel ministry of Jesus Christ.  Whatever you do, don't commit intellectual suicide by claiming you think Jesus was a good man, or prophet, or good teacher, but not God. Our only rational conclusion can be that He was an idiot, a megalomaniac who lied, or He is who He claimed to be. I believe He told the truth about Himself. What do you believe?Do you believe Jesus would be found sitting in a baseball stadium?  Do you believe Jesus would be turning a "buck" instead of fellowship with the disciples?  The Church today has more tools and resources at its disposal to led revival and impact the world but it has to be after Oprah goes off or after practice.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Wheat or Weed

http://dcbcpodcast.podbean.com/2012/08/20/light-by-the-lake-podcast-august-19-2012/

Heart is the Key

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August 20, 2012

"Heart is the Key"

Scripture Reading:
James 4:3  (HCSB) You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.

Devotional Reading:

You'll find little argument from people about the importance of prayer. Most people pray. Everyone needs it. But the reality is, prayer is often disappointing. We don't get the results we desire. Let me share with you why: It's found in the Bible, in the book of James.  You ask the Lord in prayer and do not get, because your motives are wrong; they are self serving.  (emphasis added).  Prayer is not so much about asking God for what we want. It's about finding out what He wants and finding the strength to do it. Selfish prayers disappoint. Prayers to get to know God, to find strength and to do His will, bring tremendous results--sometimes even supernatural results. This kind of praying is powerful because you get plugged into the ultimate power source--the God of the universe.  How's your prayer life? Fulfilling or disappointing? Remember your motive, for your heart is the key. Why don't you take a moment right now and talk with God for the purpose of seeking His will. You'll be pleased with the results!  Be still, be silent and listen to the voice of the KING!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Provided for You

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August 17, 2012

"Provided for You"

Scripture Reading:
Deuteronomy 4:19  (HCSB) When you look to the heavens and see the sun, moon, and stars—all the array of heaven—do not be led astray to bow down and worship them. The Lord your God has provided them for all people everywhere under heaven.

Devotional Reading:

I've often wondered this about astrology: How do they know? Let's assume, for the sake of discussion, that when the moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars, then everyone born under the sign of Aquarius actually will lose their car keys. I mean, who figured this out? How did they figure it out? Did someone take a detailed survey for each astrological sign concerning exact events that occurred under every possible star alignment? Who conducted this incredible collection of empirical data? And how did this person get hold of a computer big enough to digest all this data...especially thousands of years ago when astrology was first practiced? I don't mean to mock (lol), but somebody please explain to me how these "facts" were discovered and compiled.  Of course, no one has an intelligent explanation. These mystic readings are just a futile attempt of desperate people searching for answers.  But I have good news for these people. Look in the Bible, and you can find the answers to your life by having a personal, one-on-one direct relationship with the God that created all those stars you've been looking to for answers. Rather that listening to someone guess about what the stars are saying (Artemis worship), you can hear directly from the One who actually created those stars. He is the only One who really knows the future. And His Word reveals quite a few insights about where the world is headed and how to be prepared.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Deception in All Forms

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August 16, 2012

"Deception in All Forms"

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 24:24  (HCSB) False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray,  if possible, even the elect.

Devotional Reading:

Who's the most charismatic leader you've ever seen - past or present? Is it a political leader, religious leader, or a leader in academia? Leaders can be a tremendous influence for good or evil. The Bible talks about a great leader who will burst onto the world scene. He will appear to be good, seeking to bring unity and peace to the world. He will focus on the desire for economic prosperity. He will be an extraordinarily brilliant and gifted leader who will cause the world to be in awe.  But don't be led astray. The Bible calls him the Antichrist. He will be incredibly attractive and charismatic, but all about himself. He will be the embodiment of evil, but appear to be good. He will be an imposter and counterfeit of the one Man who will ultimately bring true peace--Jesus Christ. That's why this man is called the Antichrist. Study what the Bible says about the contrast of the Antichrist and Jesus. Believe, and don't be deceived.  John tells us the "spirit of the antichrist is already in the world; he was here when John wrote his first epistle (1 John 4:1-5) and perhaps even before then.  Do not be deceived.  This is a vile and perverse generation we live in with same-sex this and right to choose life, everything goes and what is morality and right is wrong in this present age we live!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Live with Understanding

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August 15, 2012

"Live with Understanding"

Scripture Reading:
1 Peter 3:7  (HCSB) Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with an understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Devotional Reading:

Part of husbands loving their wives is showing understanding toward them. God's Word says, "Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way." Part of understanding is knowing their need for romance. But another part of understanding your wife is meeting their need for security. God's Word says that we are to remember they are the "weaker vessel."  Now ladies, before you start screaming, realize that this does not mean women are weaker than men intellectually, spiritually, emotionally or relationally. Often women are stronger than men are relationally. But they are usually weaker physically. In a world where some men may not have the best intentions toward women, women can feel vulnerable and in need of protection. Providing security for your wife is a way of letting her know that you love her. It meets a great need she hopes you'll fulfill.  Let's be honest most husbands are physically stronger than their wives.  In our day of wishy-washy, measly mouthed, passive men, a woman still needs to know that her man, can protect her and has the physical strength to stand in the "GAP".

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Jumping Jack Flash

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August 14, 2012

"Jumping Jack Flash"

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 14:1-2  (HCSB) At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus.  "This is John the Baptist!" he told his servants. "He has been raised from the dead, and that's why supernatural powers are at work in him."

Devotional Reading:

We can never fully conclude all that Jesus did or said.  He is God and there will always be an element of mystery and unknown about Him.   I’m always intrigued about the conclusions people jump to concerning my family.  My wife, Silvia, is an Hispanic female and our son, Joshua, is half Hispanic and our daughter is half black.  Nonetheless, since I do not support Barack Obama, I am labeled as a racist.  When people see us as a family unit there are a number of conclusions they could jump to…none of which are ever accurate.  Isn't it the same way in life with our emotions, intentions and feelings.  We as people jump to conclusions.  We live by the motto, "if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and walks like a duck it must be a duck".  If life were only this simple. 

All the conclusions people jump to are clearly wrong but instead of people asking us, they will think themselves more politically correct to just jump to one many which fits their agenda.  Interestingly enough, Herod did not think Jesus capable of performing such miracles on his own but jumped to the ego-centric conclusion that because he had killed John the Baptist it must be John’s spirit that was now allowing Jesus to do miracles!  Hmmm, not the first conclusion I would have made, but it must have seemed logical to Herod at the time – We do tend to jump to the wrong conclusion at times.  Sometimes our intuition takes a holiday and we end up assuming that life is different for someone else.  There are many conclusions we can make about Jesus’ life.  Biblical scholars have been studying for centuries to draw some conclusions about Jesus.  The reality is, we can never fully conclude all that Jesus did or said.  He is God and there will always be an element of mystery and unknown about Him.  While it is great to get to know Him better – as this also helps us to understand how we should live – let us not forget that Jesus was the Son of God, He did miraculous things on earth, and he died an horrific death so that we could have true life.  That’s not a conclusion, that’s eternal life.  Too many jump to too many conclusions and are manipulated by their flesh as well as others!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20