Thought For Today
How does a relationship grow?
That’s not a rhetorical question…a relationship grows by communicating with each other (in one form or another), right?
As a true Christian, the number one relationship in my life is with God. So how do we communicate with God? Through prayer. So why is our prayer life sometimes neglected? (When I say “our” I am definitely including myself.)
Prayer is communication with God; it is walking with Him; it is thinking great thoughts with Him; it is communicating our joys, our worries, and our fears. Prayer is one of the best ways to worship God. Prayer is, believe it or not, two way communication. If you aren’t hearing from God, maybe you aren’t listening. With the exception of worshipping, we would do these things – talking, walking, thinking great thoughts, sharing joys and worries - with another person, right? So why do we neglect this with our God? Our relationship with Him is more important that any earthly relationship.
Just a thought.
- Adam Smith
Secondary Life Verses
My original “Life Verses” post has gotten more views than any other post on my blog. It has as of now, 3,384 hits. In comparison, my next most view post has 1,039. So over three times as many views! I truly am humbled at how many people read my blog. I started this blog originally just to jot down some of my thoughts. I never thought it would turn into this. Wow!
Anyway, back to the topic. As I wrote in my original “Life Verses” post, my life verse continues to be Romans 12:2. However, I regularly get comments asking me what some of my secondary life verses are. So, I will share some of these with you now.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
“we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:12
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
This is obviously not all of them. I also like to call these verses “impact verses.” This should go without saying, but I will say it anyway…the Bible has so many verses that can have an impact on my life…dare I say all of them. 
People sometimes also ask me what I might recommend for them as a life verse. This is a question that I will not answer. I think you should search the Bible and seek out God to see where He might lead you in the way of a life verse. Happy searching!
- Adam Smith
A Quick Word
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
“…and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
What is “sound teaching?” I would suggest that sound teaching is that which is based on Biblical truth; teaching which is from the Bible – the whole Bible. We can’t omit parts of the Bible because it doesn’t sound positive enough. People, whether they realize it or not, are longing for the truth of the whole Bible. God has chosen to reveal Himself through His word, so who are we to pick and choose?
So, Joel Osteen, why not preach that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)? Because that’s not you? You’re right, that isn’t you…and that’s the problem.
According to Rick Warren, the first words of Jesus were “come and see.” Warren says this is the entry point of faith. He says sit in the back, don’t sing anything, say anything, sacrifice anything. Actually, the words of Jesus were come and follow Me. Jesus says, “…If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Quite a difference.
Todd Bentley – God never told you to kick someone in the face; God never told you to grab crippled legs and bang them up and down on the platform.
So, Benny Hinn, Robert Tilton, Kenneth Copeland, Larry Huch, Fred Price, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Hagin, and others…it is a huge relief to me that God can save despite bad preaching.
Preach the Word!
- Adam Smith
“Neat Christian Guy” vs. “Godly Man”
I read what follows on a blog today while doing some reading on relationships, and it is really good. So, I wanted to share it.
Source: Saved From Wrath
As I listened to a recent interview by Matt Chandler – this idea came up of a “neat Christian guy” vs. a “Godly man”. Matt was talking about complementarianism in the church. As I have reflected on the matter at one time being labeled a “neat Christian guy” (NCG) – my hope is that I have moved on from the fluff of that part of my life to be a “Godly man” (GM).
So, what separates the two. Here are my list of suggestions:
- A NCG is liked by everybody while a GM has offended someone because the GM hasn’t wavered on the truth of Scripture. A GM has hills to die on and will follow through with standing on core theological truths.
- A NCG will be pursued by the ladies (most of the time these women have a low view of what they are looking for in a man) while the GM pursues a woman because God has told him too.
- A NCG is the guy who cries at summer camp every year while a GM repents and owns up to his sin as “his” fault.
- A NCG carries his Bible (along with his highlighter and other items that make everyone think he knows what he is doing) or relies on the Scripture being up on the screen while the GM carries his Bible and actually reads it.
- A NCG provides for his family financially and calls it a day. A GM provides for his family financially and realizes that it doesn’t stop there. A GM most importantly, leads and pastors his family.
- A NCG many times grew up in a “Christian” home and might not even really have a regenerated heart while a GM many times grew up with stories of grace – and can actually tell you about those stories.
- And finally NCG’s are bored dudes who see going to church as a duty – while GM become elders, pastors, deacons, and LEADERS in the church.
The goal is to be a “Godly Man” – that means in my mind responsibility, courage, accountability, and repentance. Our tendency at times is to:
- Want all the benefits of everything, but take NO responsibility.
- Stand down and not fight for truth – at times we have NO courage.
- Lie to ourselves and think we need no one around us to call us out – we want NO accountability.
- Fail to say, “It is what it is” – and I am a dirty sinner – we NEVER repent and confess our sins
My prayer is that “Godly Men” would rise up and would lead. Women will follow, good husbands and good fathers will come about, and most importantly Jesus will be glorified as he made men to be men – not “neat” with potential.
I will agree whole-heartedly with what this author has said.
- Adam Smith
Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.
I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.”
As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who have bartered for another {god} will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, nor will I take their names upon my lips.
The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
- NASB Version
Shocking Message
I had all this commentary I thought about writing, but this video speaks for itself. (7 minutes)
- Adam Smith
Take My Life
Take My Life. It’s a statement, it’s a prayer, it’s a song, it’s a plea. Take my life is a worship song sung by Chris Tomlin. I first heard this song maybe 2 or 3 years ago when I was in college. I was a student at the University of Tennessee – an openly non-Christian school. UT is always on the list of the top twenty party schools in the country. At one time it made it up to somewhere in the top ten. There were fliers posted around campus with the theme of “Let’s make this the number one party school in the country.” Professors would cut class short because so that we could make “happy hour.” Professors would give extra credit for a six pack. Yeah you get my drift. Obviously this school, and the values it promotes, are not Christian.
So, when I heard this song, it became my “theme song” for walking around campus. As I was walking to my various classes around campus and seeing “the world” displayed around me, I just made sure I had the iPod on and I loved it when I heard this song. This song is a direct contrast to the values that the university displayed. But that’s what the Christian life is – a direct contrast to the world’s values.
Yes, the song itself is a good one, and Chris Tomlin sings it very well. However, the words are better. So, if you can’t sing the song, then just speak the words to God; make it your prayer.
Lyrics:
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as You choose.
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it’s all for Thee.
Take my will and make it Thine
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own
it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour
at Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it’s all for Thee.
(Take my life, Lord take my life. Take all of me)
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it’s all for Thee.
- Adam Smith
Cover Me
In my continual search for awesome worship songs, I have another one (see last post). This one is titled “Cover Me” by Bebo Norman. Bebo Norman is an excellent musician; I have liked his music for a long time, and this song is no exception. The lyrics are below the video for you to look at. Enjoy the music, but really take a minute and look at the lyrics. We need God to cover us. On a musical note, this song has some excellent layering. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
Cover me, cover up my tears
Cover up this man who’s covered up in fear
I need a peace of mind, I need a piece of you
TO cover all that’s gone and everything that’s new
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
You unfold me, then you hold me
Cover up my heart, cover up my soul
Cover up this world and everything I know
You cover up the sky, you cover up the sea
Cover up the mountains and every part of me
Everything single breath I breathe…cover me
I am still alive and covered up in years
Covered up in lines as innocence appears
So give me a peace of mind, give me a piece of you
To cover all that’s old with everything that’s new
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
And you unfold me, then you hold me
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
You unfold me then you hold me
I want to shed this skin
You unveil me with your mercy
You unfold me, then you hold me
You unbreak me, would you take me home
- Adam Smith
With All I Am
I am always on the lookout for powerful worship songs. The song below is by Hillsong, and is titled “With All I Am.” This one really hit me when I heard it just recently. It is funny how we hear something over and over and one time it hits us so powerfully. (HT:MD)
Lyrics:
Into Your hands
I commit again
With all I am, for You, Lord
You hold my world
In the palm of Your hand
And I am Yours forever
Jesus I believe in You
Jesus I belong to You
You’re the reason that I live
The reason that I sing
With all I am
I’ll walk with You
Wherever You go
Through tears and joy
I’ll trust in You
And I will live
In all of Your ways
And Your promises, forever
I will worship
I will worship You
Really look at those words…wow. Jesus is not all that we need, He is all that we have!
- Adam Smith
Tear My World Apart
I find myself wondering why or how sometimes I can be so selfish. I have been so blessed in my life. And what do I do with those blessings? Not enough.
I have to ability to see – but I take God’s beauty in creation for granted.
I have the ability to hear – but I ignore what He tries to tell me.
I have the ability to speak – yet I don’t use that faithfully enough to spread the gospel.
I am amazed at the grace of God. Pure grace; nothing else to it – just grace. Why do I deserve anything? I don’t. Why does God love me? God loves me because He loves me. It’s that simple, and yet I forget it. Because of my pride, I fail to grasp just how undeserving I am.
Romans 9:16 says, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”
It is selfish of me to think that I can choose God. It is selfish of me to think that I can resist His will. Live for Him, die to yourself, pick up your cross, follow Him.
I need God to tear down every piece of myself. I need God to literally tear my world apart. God has a purpose and a plan for my life. I might think I have a plan, but I would be wrong.
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” – Psalm 57:2
“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV)
- Adam Smith
Arminianism vs. Calvinism – Perseverance of the Saints/Conditional Salvation
The fifth of the five points of TULIP (Calvinism theology) is perseverance of the saints. This was a direct response to the Arminian view of conditional salvation. Perseverance of the saints is the idea that if you’re saved, you’re going to persevere to glory. Arminian theology says you might not; you could lose your salvation along the way.
Having previously written about this, I am going to keep this short. First, Calvinists do not believe that a person is saved “because I prayed the prayer but don’t live according to Christ.” I believe that a person whose faith does not show some sort of works is not truly saved. This is a Biblical principle (James 2:14). I am not saying, of course, that salvation is dependent on works. We are justified apart from works (Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 3:24). My point in all that being that Calvinists do not believe in salvation by “praying the prayer” and nothing else matters. Christ is in the business of not just saving lives, but transforming lives. If He abides in us, then our fruit should show evidence of Him at work within us.
When the Bible is rightly interpreted by what the text says and not what people say then the truth will become apparent.
The real question here is “Is our faith genuine, is it real?” If it is real, a person will not be lost. If it is not real, then a person cannot be lost either – they were never really saved.
A case may be made for Judas. He was a believer but then betrayed Jesus in the end. I believe that Judas did not lose his salvation. I believe that He was never truly a believer in his heart. Also, what of Peter? He denied Jesus three times. Yes, he denied Him outwardly, but he never denied Him in his heart. This is shown by Peter weeping after outwardly denying Him.
God’s grace is effective in accomplishing the regeneration of those whom He has called to be His own.
Study verses for this section: 2 Samuel 11, Philippians 1:16, John 10:27-29, Hebrews 12:2, John 17:12, Matthew 7:21-23, Mark 4:5-6, 2 Corinthians 7:10, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, Hebrews 6:4-6, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 4:2, Colossians 2:13
- Adam Smith
Arminianism vs. Calvinism – Irresistible/Resistible Grace
The fourth of the five points of TULIP (Calvinism theology) is irresistible grace. This was a direct response to the Arminian view of resistible grace. Irresistible grace is the idea that when the spirit of God works on the heart of a sinner, the sinner can’t resist. Resistible grace states that God calls all to salvation, but that many people resist and reject this call.
Perhaps a more proper term for the Arminian view is prevenient grace. It is a matter of God opening the doors to heaven and a person choosing for themselves to walk through. If God does not open the door, the person cannot get in, but just because the door is open does not mean the person will walk through it. The person still has free will; this grace allows the person to choose God that would otherwise be unable to do so.
Resistible grace goes back to the theory that man was wounded from the fall. Resistible grace underestimates the power and determination of God. To the Calvinists, this view reduces God to little more than a concerned by-stander and placed man in the ultimate position of sovereignty.
“We will be saved only when God reaches in to our hearts and changes them. He is the seeker. He is the one who is aggressive. He is the one who reaches to us.” – Dr. Thomas Nettles
As I have mentioned before, men were not just wounded from the fall, they are dead. The Bible makes this clear:
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” – Ephesians 2:1
The last time I checked, a dead man can’t choose to take a step. He can’t make a decision for himself. He is dead.
Further (Jesus speaking):
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…” – John 6:44
A sinner is dead, not simply wounded. When the Holy Spirit works on the heart of a sinner, there is nothing that person can do to reject it. God is sovereign above man.
Study verses for this section: Isaiah 46:8-11, Romans 9:19, John 3:3,6, John 6:44,63, James 2:6, John 1:12-13
- Adam Smith
