A High CAlling

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January 31, 2013

"A High Calling"

Scripture Reading:
2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)  He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Devotional Reading:

Being prepared for your calling is like going to a pizzeria. I’m talking about a real pizza place where they make the pizzas on the spot. It all starts with a ball of dough. They roll the dough, pressing and mashing it. Then they start pounding on it. After banging it around for a while, they start throwing it up in the air and twirling it. That dough goes through a whole lot so that you and I can have the pleasure of eating it.  But when you go to a pizzeria, you don’t ask for dough. You want the good stuff. You want the sauce, the cheese, and maybe some meat on top. Everyone wants the good stuff, but you can’t get the good stuff until the dough has been prepared. In the same way, one has to be prepared for their calling.  Sometimes, our preparation starts with some pressing and some mashing. Sometimes it means being thrown around or banged up for a little while. But this is only in preparation for the good stuff - God's destiny for your life. Hang in there, He has a plan for you!  No matter who you are...God has called you!  "COME"

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Transformation Formula

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January 30, 2013

"Transformation Formula"

Scripture Reading:
Philippians 3:20-21 (HCSB)  but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.

Devotional Reading:
The longer I’ve journeyed with God, the more I’ve come to realize that Information + Inspiration + Application = Transformation.  In particular, I’ve realized that it is very important that we have all three.  In fact, I would suggest that one of the reasons why we have so many different churches today is because we’ve chosen to focus-in on one of those three at the expense of the other two. For example, I’ve known some Christians who are so focused on information.  And yet if you’re not careful in that, at the expense of the other two, you can end up becoming susceptible to legalism. Secondly, I’ve also met Christians who focused almost entirely on experience or inspiration.  But to focus on inspiration at the expense of the other two, can easily lead to emotionalism. Thirdly, there are some Christians that are solely focused on application.  But, here again, at the expense of the other two, this might lead to social activism, where you boil the faith down to what we do for others, meeting the needs of others.  While this is very important, if you so focus on that at the expense of the other two, then the church really becomes little more than a humanitarian aid organization, who just happens to have a cross on the roof.  Here’s the point, I believe that Biblical Christianity is a delicate wedding of all three, united in truth and blessed in love.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is about the transforming power of God in us.  If we stick to just information we become legal-If we allow inspiration to motivate us, we are easily caught up in the sensation and feeling-If we apply the precepts of Scripture without the heart of compassion and the joy of giving, we make the Gospel of Christ watered down to a social activism.  Then we do not need preachers, just community activists.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

No Definitely Not Steve, it's only Eve!

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January 29, 2013

"No Definitely Not Steve, it's only Eve!"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 1:27-28 (HCSB)  The males in the same way also left natural relations with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty
of their error.  And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong.

Genesis 2:19-24 (HCSB)  "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement."  So the LORD God formed out of the ground every wild animal and every bird of the sky, and brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.   The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the man no helper was found as his complement.   So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place.   Then the LORD God made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man.   And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called "woman," for she was taken from man.   This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.

Devotional Reading:

An interesting tidbit. NASA's Ames Research Center found every single element of the body exists in soil.  God knew man needed someone more like himself than any animal in creation for comfort, companionship and and the like. What he created was so like Adam, yet different and new. And yes, he said she was to be his helper. The word it is taken from "ezer" means partner. Not a slave, a partner. Now partnerships are not always 50-50. And that truly makes sense. It works that way in marriage too. The most successful rely more on a distribution according to talents, energy, suitably, etc., then pure equality. And the percentages are constantly changing and being rene, like variable rate credit cards. Sometimes one has to totally carry the other for a time.  But the world would have you count each towel folded, each dollar earned, each meal prepared constantly checking to see if you were on the "losing" end. That's not God's way, he says give and then give some more.

And God took a rib! How symbolic! Part of Adam. Essential. From his side. We should stand beside our spouse, not striding out in front, nor bowing and scraping from behind. And also notice the location makes for a perfect place to be protected and sheltered under Adam's arm. A perfect fit. Let him protect you. It's his right and his responsibility. Society is trying to strip all the eloquence from simple courtesy (door opening) on up, until we are toe to toe with Adam instead of side by side. And the man should leave his parents....not neglect them or write them off. But clearly separate his new home and family from them. In a way it is like the balance between the spouses, there will be times when it is agreed a parents needs must be put 1st. Or when their help and insight will be sought. But nothing and no one, not even dear sainted mother, should be between the couple or before the spouse.  The two shall become one. One plan, one destiny, one household, one unit. It symbolizes the intimate connection of sex. But it goes much deeper than that - to the heart and the mind and even the soul. You can't truly be happy if they aren't. Can't be satisfied if they aren't. Now, it's not always that way all the time. But it is the ideal that should be strived for. It deepens the relationship. Builds each partner up. Makes them the best they can be as a team and as individuals

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Not You ... the Issue is Jesus

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January 28, 2013

"Not You ..the issue is Jesus"

Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:22 (HCSB)  You are blessed when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man.

Devotional Reading:

Have you ever felt rejected because of your faith? Has anyone ever avoided you, left you out of the clique, or even rejected you outright just because you are a Christian? No, that's not paranoia; this happens to every dedicated Christian at one time or another. Jesus wants you to know that when you are rejected by others or shown hostility for your beliefs, you are not the one being rejected. People are hostile at Jesus, not you. They are rejecting Jesus, not you. Never forget that.  And that is where we need to follow the example of Jesus most of all. When you are rejected due to your devotion to Christ, you need to respond just as Jesus did when He was rejected on the cross. He said, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing."  In your devotion to Christ, if you are rejected, face hostility, or even persecuted, you need to forgive as Christ forgave on the cross. Because if you want to see something that is unique about Christianity over every other religion, you look at Jesus in His Spirit on that cross, of forgiving those who have rejected Him. Are you willing to follow Jesus when it means these kinds of costs? Are you really?

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Cracked Pots

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January 25, 2013

"Cracked Pots"

Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah 10:19 (HCSB)  Woe to me because of my brokenness-- I am severely wounded! I exclaimed, "This is my intense suffering, but I must bear it."

Devotional Reading:

How many objects can you think of that first need to be broken in order to enjoy.  For instance, to enjoy the fragrance of perfume or cologne, you must break the seal of the bottle in which it comes.  Before the oils can be processed the fragrance of the flowers or petals must be broken and crushed.  As you wait to see a plant rise from the ground, the shell must be broken open by the substance inside.  When you are at all ballgame, there is nothing better than roasted peanuts, but in order to enjoy them there must be a breaking of its outer core. As a baby chick enters into life, it must break the egg that surrounds it.  A popular women's speaker wrote a book about "God Uses Cracked Pots" and brother is that ever true.  How many perfect people that had it all together has God ever used?  If you and I want to see God's brilliance made manifest in our lives, we must be broken first.  Brokenness is often the road to breakthrough. Hang in there. Your time is coming.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Good from Evil

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January 24, 2013

"Good from Evil"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 8:28 (HCSB)  We know that all things work together  for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Devotional Reading:
Could there possibly be a more vivid example of evil than Adolph Hitler and his effort to exterminate the Jews? Yet, God was able to bring good from Hitler's horrific evil. Because of the world's reaction to this horror, the nation of Israel was reborn after not existing for almost 2,000 years. Once again, the Jews had the permanent homeland God had promised their forefathers thousands of years before.  But, there is actually an even greater example of God taking evil and using it as a means of great good. That would be the story of the cross. Each one of us, because of our sinful nature, is responsible for murdering the innocent Son of God. This was truly the most evil act in all history. Yet, God took our evil and turned it into the greatest act of good. He did this by offering us salvation and forgiveness of sin. He used this great evil to offer us a relationship, a oneness, and a reconciliation with Himself.  The cross gives us hope that no matter what evil we have done, or what evil others have done to us, God has the ability to turn evil into good and to accomplish His intended purposes.  Think in oyur life, what has others or the world intended for evil, which God intended for God? 

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Oneness

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January 23, 2013

"Oneness"

Scripture Reading:
Mark 10:8 (HCSB)  and the two will become one flesh.  So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Devotional Reading:
Jesus describes marriage as two people becoming one flesh. What does this mean? Now an obvious meaning is an expression of sexual intimacy. But it is more than that. There is also an emotional oneness. For instance, upon the death of a life-long mate, many people will declare, "I feel like a part of me has just been ripped away." And that's exactly right! God wants your marriage to be so close that your flesh almost literally does become one. But that's not all. Mostly importantly, there is also a spiritual oneness that occurs in a Christ-centered marriage. That is why Christians are called to marry Christians - we cannot possibly have this oneness with an unbeliever who has different spiritual priorities. Spiritual oneness can only be achieved by growing in Christ together. God wants us to have the best of His creation. The best marriage is formed through sexual, spiritual, and emotional oneness.  In order to make a marriage survive, the couple must be united in a common accord, Jesus Christ.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Old Made New

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January 22, 2013

"Old Made New"

Scripture Reading:
1 John 3:16 (HCSB)  This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.

Devotional Reading:
A famous heart surgeon, once received a letter from an 11-year-old girl with this question, “Is there any love in an artificial heart?” Love is elusive; yet, we long for it. How would you define love? Most everyone knows it is real, but who can really describe it? I can’t define love, but God’s Word sure can. The Bible says, “Love is patient and kind, not envious, selfish, or arrogant. Love doesn’t keep records when people let us down or do us wrong. Love forgives. Love is happy for others’ successes. Love is very optimistic. Love bears all things; it believes in others and what they can be, thus putting up with a lot. Love hopes for the best in others. True love never gives up; it just keeps on keeping on; it means a commitment to love a person whether they love us or not. Is love found in an artificial heart? I’m afraid not, but love can be found in an old heart made new by the power of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Forgiving Power

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January 18, 2013

"Forgiving Power"

Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 4:2 (HCSB)  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love,

Devotional Reading:
Monday is the day we celebrate Martin Luther King Day. Many people celebrate in great numbers and that is a very good thing. We should all take the time to honor this man and his courage today. But, I wonder, how many actually know the reason why this day is so important in our history? Here's the reason. In 1956, in Montgomery, Alabama, a young, unknown Baptist preacher came home to find a large crowd gathered in front of his house that had just been bombed. He ran inside to see if his wife and daughter had survived. When he found they were unharmed, he comforted them before going outside to face a large, angry crowd.  They had gathered with chains and weapons to retaliate against the white community for such a despicable deed. He told them there would be no retaliation saying, "Jesus tells us to love our enemies, to forgive those who persecute us. Now go home." Thus began the legacy of an amazing man with a unique spirit, Martin Luther King, Jr.  What King did on that occasion isn't natural--it's supernatural. The ability to forgive our enemies who have wronged us is often beyond our natural ability, but it is the Spirit of Christ. It is true Christianity. It is a power available to us all. It can and will change the world.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Giving Rewards

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January 17, 2013

"Giving Rewards"

Scripture Reading:
Revelation 22:12 (HCSB)  “Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done.

Devotional Reading:
When trying to encourage proper behavior, a little positive reinforcement goes much further than nagging or screaming. For instance, genuine compliments for responsible acts (“Jack, thank you so much for putting your bicycle away without being told”) will put a smile on your son’s face and inspire him to try it again. Likewise, a chore chart that lists tasks and rewards for completing them can be extremely effective. Preschool children enjoy winning stickers for their achievements; older kids respond best to money or privileges such as use of the family car.  But is it biblical to use rewards to motive your children? We think so. Consider the words of Christ, who instructed us to give to “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”. Jesus, in fact, is keeping track of even our smallest acts of kindness: “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones…he will certainly not lose his reward”.  Christ knows exactly how we were made and what motivates us. If He is willing to use the promise of rewards in heaven to encourage the righteous behavior of His followers on earth, we believe parents are wise to do the same with the young “followers” in their families.
Before you say good night to your children, kiss them, love them and encourage them, by telling them how proud you are of them!

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

the Prayer Key

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January 16, 2013

"the Prayer 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 and do not receive because you ask with the wrong motives." 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?  Is it vibrant and bold or pale and cold? 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!

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Temptation 101

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January 15, 2013

"Temptation 101"

Scripture Reading:
James 1:13 (HCSB)  No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.

Devotional Reading:
Perhaps the most puzzling part of the Lord's Prayer is the phrase, "Lead us not into temptation." It's confusing. In fact, on first glance, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. After all, the Bible is clear that God does not tempt us. So why would Jesus teach us to say, "Lead us not into temptation?"  First of all, Christ is reminding us that we need to call on God's help in the face of temptation. We're calling on God's help for strength through the trials of life and asking God for the strength to resist temptation. Secondly. it's also a plea for God to help us make the wise decisions that keep us out of vulnerable situations and to ask for the wisdom to develop a lifestyle that limits temptations.  Third, "Evil" in this verse actually means "the evil one." The evil one is smarter and stronger than we are. Not smarter and stronger than God, but smarter and stronger than we are.  So, we need to call on God to give us the power to resist temptation and deliver us from the evil one. He wants to destroy our lives, but God wants us to live and live life to the fullest. It just makes sense to trust God and resist temptation and believe God will deliver us from evil.
Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

A Big Ugly Stick

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January 14, 2013

"A Big Ugly Stick"

Scripture Reading:
1 Peter 2:24 (HCSB)  He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds.

Devotional Reading:
We Christians have a pretty good track record of condemning sins, particularly those in which we are not currently participating. But, condemnation is not our real mission. In fact, God demands that we embrace the spirit of Jesus. While we are to hate sin, we are to love the sinner. Anyone who is a sinner (which includes all of us) can take great comfort in this fact: the gospel clearly states that Christ paid the penalty for your sins. Anyone who confesses and repents of their sins will receive forgiveness and salvation. Recognize that Christ did not die just for certain sins, or "little" sins, as we sometimes like to say, but for all sins. Never fear that your life has been so sinful or that your sins are so very horrid that you are beyond the power of the cross. And certainly, never declare that other people are so sinful that they are beyond forgiveness. The cross of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin! Yes, we Christians must take a firm stand against sin. But we completely fail in our duties if we do not pair this condemnation with the proclamation that the cross of Christ is big enough to forgive any sin.  Jesus beat the devil at Calvary with a "Big Ugly Stick".  The same stick upon which He was nailed; heaven and earth hung in the balance of eternity!

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Truth Seekers

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January 11, 2013

"Truth Seekers"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 1:25 (HCSB)  They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.

Devotional Reading:
Several years ago, in Texas, the school board required high school science textbooks to have a sticker attached. This sticker said simply, "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered."  Notice that there was nothing in the sticker that advocated a belief in God. Neither did it even mention Creationism. It simply advised the students to ask questions and form their beliefs based on what they conclude from the evidence. This was really all about good education, about considering different theories with an open mind, which is a part of learning, to be able to consider different outlooks about life. Despite this, the federal courts later demanded that these simple stickers be removed from all textbooks.  Education is about the free flow of ideas. When you have a theory as controversial as evolution then certainly part of a good education is considering diverse views. In addition, the scientific method itself demands skepticism and examination. Good science requires that theories stand up to probing questions. Why do evolutionists fear similar questioning? What do they have to fear? Truth has no fear. Is there really any difference with the Nazi book burners and how some scientists, educators, and government officials respond to alternative theories concerning evolution? The mindset is the same. Look at the the issues surrounding homosexuality, 2nd Ammendment, Rowe vs Wade could you imagine the answers if people opened thier mind to the truth?  Open-minded people don't fear the truth - they seek it. And when they truly seek Truth, they find God.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20