The course of life is like a race
And every man is on the team
Its valleys or its moutaintops
Are strewn with obstacles between.
Decisions come in various ways
And are the signs that mark the path
But only those who rightly choose
Can see the value of their task.
Some find the race too burdensome
While others seek escape from pain
But only those who follow strong
Will not have run their race in vain.
There is a road each man must take
And only two around each bend
There's one that leads to heaven's Shore
The other to a Christless end.
--B. Pent
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Matthew 7:13-14
Our lives are filled with decisions: what to eat or wear, where to go, what to do, whom to marry, where to live or what to buy. Many are trivial and insignificant; some are essential and life changing. But the most critical is the one marking our destiny.
The British poet, John Oxenham, put it this way:
To every man there openeth - a way, and ways, and a way
And the high soul, climbs the High Way - and the low soul gropes the Low
And in between, on the misty flats - the rest drift to and fro
But to every man there openeth - A High Way and a Low
And every man decideth - the way his soul shall go.
Jesus concludes His Sermon by pressing His audience to personally and volitionally obey His mandates. Tragically, man thinks his way is best but Proverbs 16:25 warns, "there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death." In our text, Jesus talks about two gates, two paths and two destinies. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This word "enter" is an aorist imperative demanding a definite and specific act. Many admire and try to emulate the principles of the Sermon on the Mount but never obey it. Many go to church, love to be with Christians and even think their good deeds will outweigh their evil deeds. But Scripture is emphatic: "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Jesus states that the most popular gate man goes through is the "broad road ." It allows all religions, no restrictions, few requirements and no repentance or commitment. But He warns that ultimately it leads to hell and "destruction." By contrast, the "smaller gate" leads down a "narrow road." It is the way of the Cross! The Calvary road! It calls for repentance, self-denial, discipline and commitment and few enter that road. Jesus states, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). However, this road "leads to life:" to a purpose-filled life, an abundant life, a productive life with heaven thrown in as a His bonus. Sure, the wide gate and broad road is the most popular but is it worth spending eternity in hell when the offer Jesus gives transcends all other offers? I chose the later! Now the choice is up to you! Choose Jesus!
The British poet, John Oxenham, put it this way:
To every man there openeth - a way, and ways, and a way
And the high soul, climbs the High Way - and the low soul gropes the Low
And in between, on the misty flats - the rest drift to and fro
But to every man there openeth - A High Way and a Low
And every man decideth - the way his soul shall go.
Jesus concludes His Sermon by pressing His audience to personally and volitionally obey His mandates. Tragically, man thinks his way is best but Proverbs 16:25 warns, "there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death." In our text, Jesus talks about two gates, two paths and two destinies. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This word "enter" is an aorist imperative demanding a definite and specific act. Many admire and try to emulate the principles of the Sermon on the Mount but never obey it. Many go to church, love to be with Christians and even think their good deeds will outweigh their evil deeds. But Scripture is emphatic: "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Jesus states that the most popular gate man goes through is the "broad road ." It allows all religions, no restrictions, few requirements and no repentance or commitment. But He warns that ultimately it leads to hell and "destruction." By contrast, the "smaller gate" leads down a "narrow road." It is the way of the Cross! The Calvary road! It calls for repentance, self-denial, discipline and commitment and few enter that road. Jesus states, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). However, this road "leads to life:" to a purpose-filled life, an abundant life, a productive life with heaven thrown in as a His bonus. Sure, the wide gate and broad road is the most popular but is it worth spending eternity in hell when the offer Jesus gives transcends all other offers? I chose the later! Now the choice is up to you! Choose Jesus!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Matthew 7:7-12
Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against a hypocrisy that masquerades as genuine, but is only superficial and plastic. The scribes and Pharisees looked religious but their standards were based on performance and not love. We too can fall prey to uttering superficial, religious cliches: going through the motions of worship or serving others while harboring anger, hatred, bitterness or lack of love.
Jesus raises the standard for effective and productive kingdom living. He set the example throughout His life here on earth and simply asks "come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt.4:19) When we follow Him we are struck by His humility, His love, His compassion and His selflessness. That kind of model is impossible to duplicate! Unless, of course, we desire to change by allowing Him to do it through us (2 Cor.3:18;Rom.12:1-2).
Earlier in His Sermon (6:9-13) He had given us the ingredients for an effective prayer life. Unfortunately, it is easier to quote the Lord's Prayer than applying its principles to our prayer life. So He concludes His Sermon by a plea for a powerful prayer ministry that will ignite a spiritual Kingdom revolution.
The promise is given in verses 7 and 8 "ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks; the door will be opened." The first speaks of simplicity; the second of intensity; the third of persistency. Too often we stop soon after we ask. But Jesus tells us to also seek. If a person finds a tinny piece of gold in a rock, he most likely will keep on digging or looking because there is so much more to be had. Jesus said, "the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:19). The father of the prodigal son never ceased looking for his son to come home. Yet Jesus commands us to knock and keep on knocking.
What is the point? Very simply, there is power in prayer! If we are to be effective servants of Jesus, we must first deal with the "planks" that hold us back. Whatever is in your past or present that enslaves you, God is in the business of liberation. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). He longs to release you to useful, joy filled ministry. When the "plank" is removed, you can then help others. You will be able to give "bread" or "fish"to those who hunger. Without His Lordship in our lives, we tend to give a "stone" for bread or a "snake" instead of fish (vs.9-10). A stone is hard; a snake is venomous!
Jesus closes in verse 12 by giving us the "golden rule!" It is personal, practical and productive. "Do to others what you would have them do to you. This sums up the law and the prophets." As Christians, we must reject the "me first" standards that are built on selfishness and pride, and begin applying the biblical principles set forth in the Sermon on the Mount. It is my life-long pursuit, (though I often fall short of His design). I trust it is yours! It is His command and worth following.
Jesus raises the standard for effective and productive kingdom living. He set the example throughout His life here on earth and simply asks "come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt.4:19) When we follow Him we are struck by His humility, His love, His compassion and His selflessness. That kind of model is impossible to duplicate! Unless, of course, we desire to change by allowing Him to do it through us (2 Cor.3:18;Rom.12:1-2).
Earlier in His Sermon (6:9-13) He had given us the ingredients for an effective prayer life. Unfortunately, it is easier to quote the Lord's Prayer than applying its principles to our prayer life. So He concludes His Sermon by a plea for a powerful prayer ministry that will ignite a spiritual Kingdom revolution.
The promise is given in verses 7 and 8 "ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks; the door will be opened." The first speaks of simplicity; the second of intensity; the third of persistency. Too often we stop soon after we ask. But Jesus tells us to also seek. If a person finds a tinny piece of gold in a rock, he most likely will keep on digging or looking because there is so much more to be had. Jesus said, "the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:19). The father of the prodigal son never ceased looking for his son to come home. Yet Jesus commands us to knock and keep on knocking.
What is the point? Very simply, there is power in prayer! If we are to be effective servants of Jesus, we must first deal with the "planks" that hold us back. Whatever is in your past or present that enslaves you, God is in the business of liberation. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). He longs to release you to useful, joy filled ministry. When the "plank" is removed, you can then help others. You will be able to give "bread" or "fish"to those who hunger. Without His Lordship in our lives, we tend to give a "stone" for bread or a "snake" instead of fish (vs.9-10). A stone is hard; a snake is venomous!
Jesus closes in verse 12 by giving us the "golden rule!" It is personal, practical and productive. "Do to others what you would have them do to you. This sums up the law and the prophets." As Christians, we must reject the "me first" standards that are built on selfishness and pride, and begin applying the biblical principles set forth in the Sermon on the Mount. It is my life-long pursuit, (though I often fall short of His design). I trust it is yours! It is His command and worth following.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
AMERICA REPENT!
The door is closing on your Land
I keep on knocking to come in
But you have shut your heart to Me
I can no longer bear your sin
Your Nation stood upon My Word
A strong foundation built on truth
Your leaders sought to fear My name
And would not waver from its roots.
Your land became a Promised Land
Where milk and honey blessed the world
And all who came found hope and peace
As Lady Liberty foretold.
Then fame and fortune turned your head
While prayer no longer filled your thoughts
The Bible soon was put aside
And "self" became the object sought.
Now shame and violence fills your streets
With homes and schools all torn apart
And human life no longer bears
The image of My loving heart.
I weep for you as judgment calls
For retribution to begin
My Spirit is no longer there
To intercede because of sin.
But I'll keep knocking at your door
I long to come and heal your Land
But you must call upon My name
And in repentance take your stand.
--B. Pent
I keep on knocking to come in
But you have shut your heart to Me
I can no longer bear your sin
Your Nation stood upon My Word
A strong foundation built on truth
Your leaders sought to fear My name
And would not waver from its roots.
Your land became a Promised Land
Where milk and honey blessed the world
And all who came found hope and peace
As Lady Liberty foretold.
Then fame and fortune turned your head
While prayer no longer filled your thoughts
The Bible soon was put aside
And "self" became the object sought.
Now shame and violence fills your streets
With homes and schools all torn apart
And human life no longer bears
The image of My loving heart.
I weep for you as judgment calls
For retribution to begin
My Spirit is no longer there
To intercede because of sin.
But I'll keep knocking at your door
I long to come and heal your Land
But you must call upon My name
And in repentance take your stand.
--B. Pent
Saturday, February 13, 2010
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Matthew 7:1-5
When people develop their own standard of religion and morality, they inevitably judge by their own standards. The scribes and Pharisees had done just that. Over time they gradually modified God's Word to fit their own way of life. By the time Jesus came on the scene, their traditions had taken such a hold on Judaism that it replaced Scripture. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy by pointing to a higher standard for judging. He uses the present imperative in verse 1, "stop at once judging." That word "to judge" means "to separate, choose, select, or distinguish." In John 17:24, Jesus warns, "stop judging by mere appearance; judge righteous judgment."
What was He trying to teach us? Simply that we don't know a person's motives and therefore, we judge from a prejudicial point-of view. When we do that, we tend to "separate, select, or decide" based on external forms. Think of the times you may have passed judgment on another person: by the way they look or looked at you; the snide remark made; their past or present performances; their background or ethnicity. Paul warns in Romans 14:13, "stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."
The illustration in verses 3-5 is metaphorically graphic! "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye." We can easily identify with part of that picture, can't we? Drive down a dusty road with the window down and suddenly a speck of dust gets in your eye, momentarily blinding you. Thankfully tears helped to wash it out. But "a plank!" What is the point? Too often we judge others because we are hiding behind hypocrisy and by judging others we get the spotlight off of us. That is what the Pharisees were doing! The outside looked good but inwardly they were corrupt. It was a glaring case of inconsistency. Jesus' warning in verse 5 is poignant: "you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Before we qualify to help others, we need to make sure we examine our own hearts through honest transparency (2 Cor.3:18) and confession (I John 1:9). Otherwise in judging others we "divide, select,or choose" based on our prejudices and not the Word of God. Galatians 6:1 reminds us that "if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual restore him gently." God is in the business of restoration , uniting, and healing. He taught by example! Should our lives be any different?
What was He trying to teach us? Simply that we don't know a person's motives and therefore, we judge from a prejudicial point-of view. When we do that, we tend to "separate, select, or decide" based on external forms. Think of the times you may have passed judgment on another person: by the way they look or looked at you; the snide remark made; their past or present performances; their background or ethnicity. Paul warns in Romans 14:13, "stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."
The illustration in verses 3-5 is metaphorically graphic! "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye." We can easily identify with part of that picture, can't we? Drive down a dusty road with the window down and suddenly a speck of dust gets in your eye, momentarily blinding you. Thankfully tears helped to wash it out. But "a plank!" What is the point? Too often we judge others because we are hiding behind hypocrisy and by judging others we get the spotlight off of us. That is what the Pharisees were doing! The outside looked good but inwardly they were corrupt. It was a glaring case of inconsistency. Jesus' warning in verse 5 is poignant: "you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Before we qualify to help others, we need to make sure we examine our own hearts through honest transparency (2 Cor.3:18) and confession (I John 1:9). Otherwise in judging others we "divide, select,or choose" based on our prejudices and not the Word of God. Galatians 6:1 reminds us that "if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual restore him gently." God is in the business of restoration , uniting, and healing. He taught by example! Should our lives be any different?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
WHEN LOVE REIGNS
We are so prone to walk away
When duty calls for us to share
The oil of grace, the wine of joy
So others know we really care.
We look for ways to show our thanks
For what the Lord has done for us
Yet fail to see that outstretched hands
Are needing loving hearts to trust.
If just a cup of water shows
How much we claim to own His Name
Then shouldn't we do what He commands
And bind the wounds still held by shame?
The world can only understand
How God can fill the troubled heart
When by our love we show to them
His peace that never will depart.
--B. Pent
When duty calls for us to share
The oil of grace, the wine of joy
So others know we really care.
We look for ways to show our thanks
For what the Lord has done for us
Yet fail to see that outstretched hands
Are needing loving hearts to trust.
If just a cup of water shows
How much we claim to own His Name
Then shouldn't we do what He commands
And bind the wounds still held by shame?
The world can only understand
How God can fill the troubled heart
When by our love we show to them
His peace that never will depart.
--B. Pent
Friday, February 5, 2010
THROUGH LOSS OR PAIN
I see you there in tears, My child
Through deep distress and pain
I know you cannot comprehend
The ministry of loss or gain.
But in this plan for you, My child
Beyond the reach of space
There is a reason you will know
The day I meet you face-to-face.
I need for you to see, My child
The cross you're called to bear
Is just the one that Jesus took
And calls today for you to share.
So in your loss or pain, My child
Let peace and comfort reign
So others in distress by loss
May also honor Jesus' name.
--B. Pent
Through deep distress and pain
I know you cannot comprehend
The ministry of loss or gain.
But in this plan for you, My child
Beyond the reach of space
There is a reason you will know
The day I meet you face-to-face.
I need for you to see, My child
The cross you're called to bear
Is just the one that Jesus took
And calls today for you to share.
So in your loss or pain, My child
Let peace and comfort reign
So others in distress by loss
May also honor Jesus' name.
--B. Pent
Monday, February 1, 2010
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Matthew 6:25-34
Someone stated that worry is the advance interest you pay on troubles that seldom come. It springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills. Pressure to succeed is today's biggest contributing factor to anxiety and worry. Worry not only affects us mentally but also physically. It affects circulation, the heart, the glands and our whole nervous system. It also affects us spiritually by robbing us of peace and trust in God's leading and plan for our lives. The Anglo-Saxon word for worry means "to strangle or chock." It also means "to divide the mind; to be drawn in different directions."
What does Jesus say about living worry free? Obviously, it was a high priority in His agenda for happy, victorious and productive living. So six times in these verses he commands us:
"do not worry about your life." He explains that the cause of worry stems from a wrong emphasis on materialism. If we get out of focus spiritually we become slaves to money or the things that money buys. When money rules, we becomes greedy, selfish, covetous and self-indulgent. Our Western cultures is obsessed with body shape, nutrition, vacations, cars, clothes, homes and an endless accumulation of toys and gadgets. Jesus stated emphatically, "no one can serve two masters."
Kingdom servants have a Master that promises to supply all our needs. So He moves from one command ("do not worry") to another command ("seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness"). If we transfer our focus from the earthly kingdom ruled by Satan to the heavenly Kingdom ruled by Christ, He promises "all these things" (what you are going to eat, drink, or wear)"will be given to you as well." While dealing with this same issue, Paul concludes in Phil.4:7, "the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus." God's prescription sure beats the Enemies, wouldn't you say? So then, lets put it into practice and begin living it. That is what I want to do! Don't you?
What does Jesus say about living worry free? Obviously, it was a high priority in His agenda for happy, victorious and productive living. So six times in these verses he commands us:
"do not worry about your life." He explains that the cause of worry stems from a wrong emphasis on materialism. If we get out of focus spiritually we become slaves to money or the things that money buys. When money rules, we becomes greedy, selfish, covetous and self-indulgent. Our Western cultures is obsessed with body shape, nutrition, vacations, cars, clothes, homes and an endless accumulation of toys and gadgets. Jesus stated emphatically, "no one can serve two masters."
Kingdom servants have a Master that promises to supply all our needs. So He moves from one command ("do not worry") to another command ("seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness"). If we transfer our focus from the earthly kingdom ruled by Satan to the heavenly Kingdom ruled by Christ, He promises "all these things" (what you are going to eat, drink, or wear)"will be given to you as well." While dealing with this same issue, Paul concludes in Phil.4:7, "the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus." God's prescription sure beats the Enemies, wouldn't you say? So then, lets put it into practice and begin living it. That is what I want to do! Don't you?
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