Today I was reading 1 John. There are several references to light and darkness. I began to think of other opposites in scripture; sweet and bitter, love and hate, heaven and hell, righteousness and unrighteousness.
I think there is a line to be drawn in the sand as so to speak. I am reminded of Moses when he came down the mountain with the 10 commandments. He saw Israel dancing around the Golden Calf and then, as so to speak, drew a line in the sand.
Exodus 32:26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, "All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me." And all the Levites gathered around him. NLT
The KJV actually puts it in question form: Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
Perhaps that is a question we need to ask ourselves. Maybe there are areas of our lives that are on the Lord’s side and areas that are not.
Maybe it is time to draw a line in the sand in your own life and step across it to the Lord’s side in every area.
Blessings
P.S. Just a note about my recovery from cancer on my vocal cords. My voice is getting stronger and clearer. This cold weather seems to affect it some. It is great to be able to speak and not squeak.
The skin on my neck has healed up nicely with very little noticeable signs of radiation treatment.
Once again I want to thank you for your prayers. I go back, hopefully, for one more visit to the doctor in mid March.
This is the Journey of Pastor Rick Stratton's discovery of vocal cord cancer, treatment, recovery and on. My prayer for you today is that you will be blessed and victorious. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because, greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Today I am reading 2nd Peter. This letter is filled with warnings. Peter reminds his friends to stand firm in the truth they have been taught.
Where are you standing today? I know many who at one time were standing in the truth of God’s word but have fallen away.
That doesn’t mean that God has quit loving them but it does mean they have turned away from Him.
Peter gives the way in which not to turn away or fall away as he puts it.
2 Peter 1:5-11 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NLT
Stand strong in Him. No matter what you are facing today, He can help you walk through it, if you let Him.
Blessings.
Where are you standing today? I know many who at one time were standing in the truth of God’s word but have fallen away.
That doesn’t mean that God has quit loving them but it does mean they have turned away from Him.
Peter gives the way in which not to turn away or fall away as he puts it.
2 Peter 1:5-11 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NLT
Stand strong in Him. No matter what you are facing today, He can help you walk through it, if you let Him.
Blessings.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Journey 1/18/11
My devotions today were in 1st Peter. There was a statement he made in the very beginning of his letter.
1 Peter 1:1-2 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. NLT
The part that got my attention was “living as foreigners”. I believe the KJV says “strangers”.
Do you ever feel like a foreigner or a stranger as you walk through this life as a follower of Jesus Christ?
Perhaps we should if we don’t. We are citizens of heaven. We, like Abraham, are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. KJV
1 Peter 2:11-12 Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. NLT
We are just “temporary residents”. Think of this. Since we are just “temporary residents” then the difficult things we face are just “temporary”.
Don’t give up. Stay prayed up. Keep looking up.
Blessings.
1 Peter 1:1-2 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. NLT
The part that got my attention was “living as foreigners”. I believe the KJV says “strangers”.
Do you ever feel like a foreigner or a stranger as you walk through this life as a follower of Jesus Christ?
Perhaps we should if we don’t. We are citizens of heaven. We, like Abraham, are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. KJV
1 Peter 2:11-12 Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. NLT
We are just “temporary residents”. Think of this. Since we are just “temporary residents” then the difficult things we face are just “temporary”.
Don’t give up. Stay prayed up. Keep looking up.
Blessings.
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Journey 1/14/11
Today I thought I would just update you on the progress of my recovery from vocal cord cancer.
It has been a little over a month since my last radiation treatment. My voice is coming back pretty good.
The skin on my neck is healing up good. The cold weather makes it hurt a little but not much. I still apply the cream I bought. I will use it until it runs out. It is supposed to help the skin from scaring.
At this point I no longer have to shave where the treatment was given. I don't know if that will be always or just for a while.
I still have a hack and that has not seemed to let up. It seems to be more prevalent when I eat. I am sure it will eventually clear up.
My throat is still a little sore when I swallow but not near as much as before. I am hoping that will clear up as well.
Over all I am fairly confident that all the cancer is gone. I go back to the doctor in a couple of months. By then I am hoping everything will be cleared up.
It is really great being able to preach on Sunday mornings without a squeaking voice.
Thanks again for all your prayers and I ask that you continue to pray.
Blessings.
It has been a little over a month since my last radiation treatment. My voice is coming back pretty good.
The skin on my neck is healing up good. The cold weather makes it hurt a little but not much. I still apply the cream I bought. I will use it until it runs out. It is supposed to help the skin from scaring.
At this point I no longer have to shave where the treatment was given. I don't know if that will be always or just for a while.
I still have a hack and that has not seemed to let up. It seems to be more prevalent when I eat. I am sure it will eventually clear up.
My throat is still a little sore when I swallow but not near as much as before. I am hoping that will clear up as well.
Over all I am fairly confident that all the cancer is gone. I go back to the doctor in a couple of months. By then I am hoping everything will be cleared up.
It is really great being able to preach on Sunday mornings without a squeaking voice.
Thanks again for all your prayers and I ask that you continue to pray.
Blessings.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Journey 1/13/11
This morning by devotion time is in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. NLT
All through 2 Timothy, Paul is warning Timothy. Warning him that he will face some difficulty, that some may abandon him and others with teach non truths but even some will follow after that.
The scripture I started with, is what seems to me, the bottom line for Timothy. Remain faithful to what you have been taught. You have been taught from the scriptures and you know who taught them to you.
Where are you right now? Not the physical place you are at but the spiritual place. Have you been discouraged but you feel abandon? Have others taken the truth you believe and have shared and twisted it to mean something not right?
Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy… “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you”.
Although some may abandon you, don’t abandon the truths you have been taught. Listen to the words of the Psalmist.
Psalms 119:103-105 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. NLT
Keep on keeping on.
Blessings
All through 2 Timothy, Paul is warning Timothy. Warning him that he will face some difficulty, that some may abandon him and others with teach non truths but even some will follow after that.
The scripture I started with, is what seems to me, the bottom line for Timothy. Remain faithful to what you have been taught. You have been taught from the scriptures and you know who taught them to you.
Where are you right now? Not the physical place you are at but the spiritual place. Have you been discouraged but you feel abandon? Have others taken the truth you believe and have shared and twisted it to mean something not right?
Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy… “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you”.
Although some may abandon you, don’t abandon the truths you have been taught. Listen to the words of the Psalmist.
Psalms 119:103-105 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. NLT
Keep on keeping on.
Blessings
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Journey 1/12/11
I am reading 1st Timothy in my devotions this morning. What a great message to Timothy from Paul.
Paul gives Timothy several warnings to help keep Timothy from straying from the truth of the message of Jesus Christ.
Let me focus in on the charge to Timothy in chapter 6.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. NLT
He instructs him what to run from and what to run to.
What are you running from and what are you running to? Paul tells Timothy to run from evil things.
I wonder, at times, if what we run to could be considered evil if it keeps us from running to God.
So many times we run to the store, run to work, run to a school event, etc., and we are slow or at times negligent in running to church, prayer, serving, etc.
The store, work, school event, etc. are not necessarily evil in themselves but if we are bent more to those things then to the things of God they can become weights that keep us from pursuing God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. NLT
What is it that you may be pursuing? If it is pulling you away from the things of God it may be time to do what Paul told Timothy to do. “Fight the good fight for true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses”.
Perhaps today is a good time to re-evaluate what we are pursuing and what it may be doing in us. Is it bringing us to a better relationship with God or pulling us from it? Only you can determine that.
Blessings.
Paul gives Timothy several warnings to help keep Timothy from straying from the truth of the message of Jesus Christ.
Let me focus in on the charge to Timothy in chapter 6.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. NLT
He instructs him what to run from and what to run to.
What are you running from and what are you running to? Paul tells Timothy to run from evil things.
I wonder, at times, if what we run to could be considered evil if it keeps us from running to God.
So many times we run to the store, run to work, run to a school event, etc., and we are slow or at times negligent in running to church, prayer, serving, etc.
The store, work, school event, etc. are not necessarily evil in themselves but if we are bent more to those things then to the things of God they can become weights that keep us from pursuing God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. NLT
What is it that you may be pursuing? If it is pulling you away from the things of God it may be time to do what Paul told Timothy to do. “Fight the good fight for true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses”.
Perhaps today is a good time to re-evaluate what we are pursuing and what it may be doing in us. Is it bringing us to a better relationship with God or pulling us from it? Only you can determine that.
Blessings.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Journey 1/11/11
I was reading in Philemon this morning. It is a letter from Paul to Philemon. It seems that Paul wrote most of his letters from some kind of prison or tough situation. His letter to Philemon was from prison and it was to ask for some help. He wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus. He said to Philemon, "Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us".
Those words make me think that Philemon and Onesimus had some conflict at one time. Onesimus was a slave and it seems had run away from Philemon.
Philemon 17-18 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
This verse may give us some insight as to what the problem was. (see bold)
As we travel the journey we are on, people go in and out of our lives. Some go out because they move away, have conflict, some pass away and others just drift away. Some come into our lives because of church or job or some other cross road.
Let's think today of those who have gone out of your life because of conflict. We have all heard this statement, "people change". That is so true. Here Onesimus had evidently changed in some form or fashion. He was willing to be sent back to Philemon and also Philemon would have to make some changes to receive him back.
Onesimus was coming back with different attitude, Philemon 16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
Perhaps today it is time to try and reconnect with someone where there was conflict or disagreement. Maybe things have changed. That person that has drifted out of your life because of conflict at one time was an important part of your life.
This may be the time to make the choice and effort and bring reconciliation between you and someone else.
Blessings.
Those words make me think that Philemon and Onesimus had some conflict at one time. Onesimus was a slave and it seems had run away from Philemon.
Philemon 17-18 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
This verse may give us some insight as to what the problem was. (see bold)
As we travel the journey we are on, people go in and out of our lives. Some go out because they move away, have conflict, some pass away and others just drift away. Some come into our lives because of church or job or some other cross road.
Let's think today of those who have gone out of your life because of conflict. We have all heard this statement, "people change". That is so true. Here Onesimus had evidently changed in some form or fashion. He was willing to be sent back to Philemon and also Philemon would have to make some changes to receive him back.
Onesimus was coming back with different attitude, Philemon 16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
Perhaps today it is time to try and reconnect with someone where there was conflict or disagreement. Maybe things have changed. That person that has drifted out of your life because of conflict at one time was an important part of your life.
This may be the time to make the choice and effort and bring reconciliation between you and someone else.
Blessings.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Journey 1/10/11
Acts 2:1-2 On the day of Pentecost* all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. NLV
As I was reading this today, I was reminded once again of the awesome power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
That is not totally what caught my attention. There is a word that seemed to jump off the page and it was the word “suddenly”.
We know the 120 in that upper room that day had been there at least 10 days prior to this “suddenly”.
I am thinking that after 5 days they may have been thinking, “Why hasn’t anything happened yet?” But when it did happen it was “suddenly”.
Have you ever had God promise you something and it seemed like it was never going to happen but when it did it seemed it happened “suddenly”?
I can remember God telling me something was going to take place in my life but it would take time to get every thing in line but when that happened it would seem that what He promised me would happen “suddenly” although it took time to make it happen.
Remember when Jesus told His disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat? They had fished all night and caught nothing but at His word they did what He said and caught a net full of fish.
Sometimes we only look on the surface of things and most of the time the only thing we see is our own reflection of fear and doubt. Yet what was happening under the water is what counted. I wonder if when Jesus said, “Cast your nets on the right side of the boat”, if every fish in the pond didn’t start heading that way.
Sometimes we can’t see or it is not shown to us what is taking place under the surface, we are only told to trust, have faith and obey. He will take care of the details. There was nothing those disciples could do that day to get a load of fish except obey Jesus command.
What is it that God has spoken into your heart? What is it that seems like will never take place? Keep trusting Him. Keep looking unto Him. He will bring it to pass and when it happens it will startle you because it will be “suddenly”.
What He promised me was several years in the making but when it happened, it was “suddenly”.
Blessings.
As I was reading this today, I was reminded once again of the awesome power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
That is not totally what caught my attention. There is a word that seemed to jump off the page and it was the word “suddenly”.
We know the 120 in that upper room that day had been there at least 10 days prior to this “suddenly”.
I am thinking that after 5 days they may have been thinking, “Why hasn’t anything happened yet?” But when it did happen it was “suddenly”.
Have you ever had God promise you something and it seemed like it was never going to happen but when it did it seemed it happened “suddenly”?
I can remember God telling me something was going to take place in my life but it would take time to get every thing in line but when that happened it would seem that what He promised me would happen “suddenly” although it took time to make it happen.
Remember when Jesus told His disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat? They had fished all night and caught nothing but at His word they did what He said and caught a net full of fish.
Sometimes we only look on the surface of things and most of the time the only thing we see is our own reflection of fear and doubt. Yet what was happening under the water is what counted. I wonder if when Jesus said, “Cast your nets on the right side of the boat”, if every fish in the pond didn’t start heading that way.
Sometimes we can’t see or it is not shown to us what is taking place under the surface, we are only told to trust, have faith and obey. He will take care of the details. There was nothing those disciples could do that day to get a load of fish except obey Jesus command.
What is it that God has spoken into your heart? What is it that seems like will never take place? Keep trusting Him. Keep looking unto Him. He will bring it to pass and when it happens it will startle you because it will be “suddenly”.
What He promised me was several years in the making but when it happened, it was “suddenly”.
Blessings.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Journey 1/7/11
As you can see I have changed my blog page to a different source. The other only allowed so many post before I had to start deleting them. I trust you will come back to this blog from time to time. I hope to begin daily blogging starting next week. I trust it will be a blessing to all who check in from time to time.
Blessings
Blessings
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