There was a man from Timbucktoo,
Saved a few cents, from much to do.
He said, you know, I have much wealth,
I only need to keep my health.
This Jesus stuff, is for the lame,
A crutch you know, for the insane.
I have no need for this stuff now,
My bank account is my cash cow.
I'll take my leave, put my feet up,
With wealthy only, will I sup.
The poor, themselves for, can look out,
Or with Jesus maybe, hang about.
Then one day the bad news came,
His money gone, his health was lame.
This Jesus stuff, didn't look so bad,
If only some of it he'd had.
Don't be a fool, things happen fast,
Temporal things, they will not last.
So call on Jesus, while He is near,
And, that account won't disappear...
c. mcgrath
Friday, March 2, 2012
I know in whom I will believe
I know in whom I will believe,
It's not Tom, Dick, Harry, or even Steve.
He's one who's faithful through and through,
Who loves us all, yes, even You!
So, if by chance you need a friend,
There's one who's with you, to the end.
And, if by chance you should fall,
All you need do, is on Him call.
His name is Jesus, He's my friend,
He's my LORD and Savior to no end.
And when this life is lived and gone,
I'll jump for joy, singing heaven's song.
Eternity is coming fast,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
If you don't know Him, please don't wait,
Without Him, you can't pass heaven's gate.
Believe in Jesus, God in flesh,
Renew your soul, and live afresh.
And one day soon, you'll see Him too,
The one who died and bled for you...
c.mcgrath
It's not Tom, Dick, Harry, or even Steve.
He's one who's faithful through and through,
Who loves us all, yes, even You!
So, if by chance you need a friend,
There's one who's with you, to the end.
And, if by chance you should fall,
All you need do, is on Him call.
His name is Jesus, He's my friend,
He's my LORD and Savior to no end.
And when this life is lived and gone,
I'll jump for joy, singing heaven's song.
Eternity is coming fast,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
If you don't know Him, please don't wait,
Without Him, you can't pass heaven's gate.
Believe in Jesus, God in flesh,
Renew your soul, and live afresh.
And one day soon, you'll see Him too,
The one who died and bled for you...
c.mcgrath
So... You don't smoke, dance or chew?
If you don't smoke, dance or chew
And, you don't hang with those that do.
If you're just seen with a select few,
You'll need a boot in your ole whazoo.
Christ's coming was at very great cost,
He told us GO, and reach the lost.
Not sit inside and warm a pew,
And look down our nose at most things new.
We must get off our royal duff,
Go out and do some meaningful stuff.
There are people everywhere we go,
That need our lights inside to show.
People everywhere need grace,
Mercy too, is quite displaced.
So go out now, get in the race,
And put a smile on that scowling face.
While you don't smoke, dance or chew,
Those who do, are very much like you.
Expand your influence, try anew,
And save a boot to your ole whazoo...
c.mcgrath
Sunday, January 8, 2012
I've got the best news, but I'm not telling you...
"I've got the best news, but I'm not telling you."...
That's what every Christian is really saying when they fail to tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ when opportunities present themselves. In all fairness though, it's not an easy thing to do these days. It seems that unless someone has hit rock bottom they just don't want to hear it.
They don't want to hear that Jesus died for them. They don't want to hear that their sin debt has been paid in full. They don't want to hear that God only wants the best for them and that He has a plan and a purpose for their lives. They don't want to hear that the Creator of all things knows better than they do as to why they even exist and what He created them for. They don't want to hear it because they're doing ok. They don't need God, or so they think. They have money, education, jobs, comfort, luxury, food, housing, clothing, limited security, they have their own plans and purpose...and so on.
I certainly don't have all the answers, apart from praying that God would intervene and open their eyes so they can see they really don't have it all figured out. So they can see there is Someone out there bigger than they, who controls all things, including their futures. Someone they need to take very seriously. His name being Jesus.
Affluence is one of the greatest robbers of Spiritual hunger, there is no doubt. And, I'm not saying it's wrong to be wealthy. Some seem quite able to handle it correctly and use it wisely. But, for some reason, most of us when we have money we think we have it made. We swell with pride and think we need nothing else. We can buy our own way, thank you very much.
As Christians we can only tell others the Good News. We can't save them. It's not our job. It is our job to tell them though.
When the Holy Spirit guides us to speak up, that's what we're to do. When He tells us to shut up, that's what we're to do. He knows when it's best to speak, when someone is prepared and ready to hear.
So, in a nut shell, that's what we need to do. Speak and move when the Spirit says so.
If I had all the money in the world and if I lived in absolute luxury for 150 years (which no has done yet as far as I know), what would that be in comparison to eternity? Forever and ever in perfect paradise with God Himself!
I'd rather lay up treasure where thieves can't break in and moths can't destroy, in heaven. What could possibly compare to being joint heirs with Jesus Christ who created everything and owns it all? Nothing compares, nothing at all.
The day is coming and is fast approaching when each of us will stand before God. He's not going to ask us how much money we made or how many good things we've done. He's going to ask us " What did you do with my Son Jesus?"
So Christian, listen for the Spirit's leading and act when He says so. People's eternal destinies are depending on it, whether they know it or like it, or not...
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.... Matthew 6 :19-20
That's what every Christian is really saying when they fail to tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ when opportunities present themselves. In all fairness though, it's not an easy thing to do these days. It seems that unless someone has hit rock bottom they just don't want to hear it.
They don't want to hear that Jesus died for them. They don't want to hear that their sin debt has been paid in full. They don't want to hear that God only wants the best for them and that He has a plan and a purpose for their lives. They don't want to hear that the Creator of all things knows better than they do as to why they even exist and what He created them for. They don't want to hear it because they're doing ok. They don't need God, or so they think. They have money, education, jobs, comfort, luxury, food, housing, clothing, limited security, they have their own plans and purpose...and so on.
I certainly don't have all the answers, apart from praying that God would intervene and open their eyes so they can see they really don't have it all figured out. So they can see there is Someone out there bigger than they, who controls all things, including their futures. Someone they need to take very seriously. His name being Jesus.
Affluence is one of the greatest robbers of Spiritual hunger, there is no doubt. And, I'm not saying it's wrong to be wealthy. Some seem quite able to handle it correctly and use it wisely. But, for some reason, most of us when we have money we think we have it made. We swell with pride and think we need nothing else. We can buy our own way, thank you very much.
As Christians we can only tell others the Good News. We can't save them. It's not our job. It is our job to tell them though.
When the Holy Spirit guides us to speak up, that's what we're to do. When He tells us to shut up, that's what we're to do. He knows when it's best to speak, when someone is prepared and ready to hear.
So, in a nut shell, that's what we need to do. Speak and move when the Spirit says so.
If I had all the money in the world and if I lived in absolute luxury for 150 years (which no has done yet as far as I know), what would that be in comparison to eternity? Forever and ever in perfect paradise with God Himself!
I'd rather lay up treasure where thieves can't break in and moths can't destroy, in heaven. What could possibly compare to being joint heirs with Jesus Christ who created everything and owns it all? Nothing compares, nothing at all.
The day is coming and is fast approaching when each of us will stand before God. He's not going to ask us how much money we made or how many good things we've done. He's going to ask us " What did you do with my Son Jesus?"
So Christian, listen for the Spirit's leading and act when He says so. People's eternal destinies are depending on it, whether they know it or like it, or not...
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.... Matthew 6 :19-20
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Some people
Some people have a laugh, while some people cry
Some will get serious, and some will just get high
Some will be angry, and some of them will lie
Some will eat a little, and some take all the pie
Some will belittle you, some will be so shy
Some will be stiff as boards, and some of them be sly
Some will be a real pain, on some you may rely
Some will be so studious, some will only sleep
Some will never shut their mouth, and some won't say a peep
Some are very shallow, while some are way too deep
Some are very thin you know, and some the fat do keep
Some will drink their coffee black, and some their tea will steep
Some are such a blessing, while some go tend their sheep
Some will seem to hold it in, while some will water seep
Some will be just little ones, some they will be tall
Some will be so very big, and some so very small
Some will be so fortunate, and some will always fall
Some will stay at home you know, while some go to the mall
Some of them will be content, while some will climb the wall
Some will thankful always be, and some will only bawl
Some will even know the LORD, but some will have much gall
So if you know some people, and I sure hope you do
Please exercise some patience, as they may do with you
For we are all God's creatures, He loves us every one
He gives us life abundant, He did so in His Son
I don't know how to end this, so I'll just simply say
Peace on earth, good will to men, on this near Christmas day...
by Cliff McGrath on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 2:03pm
Some will get serious, and some will just get high
Some will be angry, and some of them will lie
Some will eat a little, and some take all the pie
Some will belittle you, some will be so shy
Some will be stiff as boards, and some of them be sly
Some will be a real pain, on some you may rely
Some will be so studious, some will only sleep
Some will never shut their mouth, and some won't say a peep
Some are very shallow, while some are way too deep
Some are very thin you know, and some the fat do keep
Some will drink their coffee black, and some their tea will steep
Some are such a blessing, while some go tend their sheep
Some will seem to hold it in, while some will water seep
Some will be just little ones, some they will be tall
Some will be so very big, and some so very small
Some will be so fortunate, and some will always fall
Some will stay at home you know, while some go to the mall
Some of them will be content, while some will climb the wall
Some will thankful always be, and some will only bawl
Some will even know the LORD, but some will have much gall
So if you know some people, and I sure hope you do
Please exercise some patience, as they may do with you
For we are all God's creatures, He loves us every one
He gives us life abundant, He did so in His Son
I don't know how to end this, so I'll just simply say
Peace on earth, good will to men, on this near Christmas day...
by Cliff McGrath on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 2:03pm
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Separation....What it means to me.
" Come out from them and be separate", says the LORD. What does that mean? What I believe it means is that as believers in Christ, we should not be business partners together with unbelievers. We should not be married to unbelievers. We should not be found to be drunks or living sexually immoral lives. We should not be liars or deceivers and our speech should not be filled with filth...We should be known as honest law-abiding citizens etc, etc... After all, as believers we are supposed to be ambassadors for Christ here on earth, by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the vessels that Christ has chosen to do His work through here.
So tell me this... How do we do Christ's work if we separate ourselves so much from those around us that we have no interaction with them? It seems to me that the doctrine of separation has become very convenient for some Christians who don't like sharing their faith, or are afraid to do so.
Jesus commanded us to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel." We can't do that if we have no contact with the world. We were made for relationship. If we're not building relationships with people our words become just empty words.
He never said, " Go into all the world and build church buildings and sit in them waiting for people to come. Hold meetings and programs and be blessed amongst yourselves. Become a bunch of holier than thou's for my name's sake".
There's nothing wrong with "church". It's a God ordained-institution, a living, breathing body of believers with Christ as the Head. But, if all we do is sit in our buildings, we've missed it.
I'm so glad Jesus never thought that way. He could have stayed in heaven, separated Himself from us sinners, and we'd all be on our way to hell right now...
We can't be ambassadors for Christ if we're so separated from the people around us that we have no effect on them. Unbelievers are not flocking to churches today, and sadly, most have very good reasons not to.
It's time the church got off our lily white blessed assurances and started doing life in our communities. Rubbing shoulders with neighbors and making a difference in people's lives. We don't have to become drunks or sexual deviates but we do have to be out there doing life with people...loving them and giving them hope.
I just don't see how we can effect change if we have nothing to do with the culture that surrounds us. Jesus left heaven with all its glories behind. He walked among us sinners. He did life with us and among us. He met people where they were. Like the Samaritan woman at the well. He called Zaccheus down from the tree. He called His disciples publicly. He sat down and ate with sinners. Probably heard some bad language too. It seems to me most of His ministry was done on foot, walking amongst the crowds, healing people from diseases and forgiving their sins. He didn't hide off in some corner of society like a self- righteous rabbi circling the wagons for protection. He met life head on. He made a difference. He expects the same from us.
That's what separation means to me... but that's just me.
Jesus' prayer to the Father for His disciples. " I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified".... John 17:14-19
So tell me this... How do we do Christ's work if we separate ourselves so much from those around us that we have no interaction with them? It seems to me that the doctrine of separation has become very convenient for some Christians who don't like sharing their faith, or are afraid to do so.
Jesus commanded us to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel." We can't do that if we have no contact with the world. We were made for relationship. If we're not building relationships with people our words become just empty words.
He never said, " Go into all the world and build church buildings and sit in them waiting for people to come. Hold meetings and programs and be blessed amongst yourselves. Become a bunch of holier than thou's for my name's sake".
There's nothing wrong with "church". It's a God ordained-institution, a living, breathing body of believers with Christ as the Head. But, if all we do is sit in our buildings, we've missed it.
I'm so glad Jesus never thought that way. He could have stayed in heaven, separated Himself from us sinners, and we'd all be on our way to hell right now...
We can't be ambassadors for Christ if we're so separated from the people around us that we have no effect on them. Unbelievers are not flocking to churches today, and sadly, most have very good reasons not to.
It's time the church got off our lily white blessed assurances and started doing life in our communities. Rubbing shoulders with neighbors and making a difference in people's lives. We don't have to become drunks or sexual deviates but we do have to be out there doing life with people...loving them and giving them hope.
I just don't see how we can effect change if we have nothing to do with the culture that surrounds us. Jesus left heaven with all its glories behind. He walked among us sinners. He did life with us and among us. He met people where they were. Like the Samaritan woman at the well. He called Zaccheus down from the tree. He called His disciples publicly. He sat down and ate with sinners. Probably heard some bad language too. It seems to me most of His ministry was done on foot, walking amongst the crowds, healing people from diseases and forgiving their sins. He didn't hide off in some corner of society like a self- righteous rabbi circling the wagons for protection. He met life head on. He made a difference. He expects the same from us.
That's what separation means to me... but that's just me.
Jesus' prayer to the Father for His disciples. " I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified".... John 17:14-19
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Love over Holiness
In his message at the Gathering at Trent this week, our guest speaker made a point that stuck with me. He said that when God the Father sent His Son Jesus to earth for us, He was putting love over His own Holiness. He could have stood in His Holiness and said to us..."Ok, you chose to disobey me, now we're separated because of it. I'm Holy and you've now become sinners. You'll have to pay the price and spend eternity in hell, a place that I've prepared for Satan and his demons.
Thankfully, God the Father loved us enough to send Jesus His Son to pay that price in our place. What a great example of how we the "Church" are supposed to be acting toward the world around us. I believe one of the greatest downfalls of the church in the past generation has been to be stuck in our own "holiness" and we've come across to the world around us as self righteous and condemning hypocrites. Pushing people away from Christ instead of drawing them to Him. I know of people who thought they couldn't go to church because they didn't have good enough clothes to wear, or just weren't good enough to go.
John the Baptist wore a cloak of camel's hair and ate wild locusts. He probably looked like a wild man and most likely wouldn't be very welcome in a lot of churches today.
Yet, Jesus said of John, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-29 " Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." No mention of a three piece suit anywhere or the need to attain a certain status before coming.
The only hope any of us has of attaining holiness is in Christ. We may be able to live very moral lives on the outside, but our holiness is in Him. So as God the Father presented Christ to us in Love, we must also present Christ to the world around us in love. Maybe then, the world wouldn't smell the hypocrisy a mile away when they come near us. And, maybe then we'll see the results of what God can do through us.
The Gathering at Trent gets it. We don't stand on religious tradition. We stand on Christ and on His finished work on the Cross: His death, His burial and His resurrection ... If we as the "church" will meet people where they are with the Love of Christ it will make a difference; they will accept Christ. It will produce Kingdom citizens, the least of which will be greater than John the Baptist! 5 people will be baptised from our hub group this Sunday. God is at work! There is a new generation rising!
May we never be a church that does this ..."These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain." (Matthew 15:8-9)
Thankfully, God the Father loved us enough to send Jesus His Son to pay that price in our place. What a great example of how we the "Church" are supposed to be acting toward the world around us. I believe one of the greatest downfalls of the church in the past generation has been to be stuck in our own "holiness" and we've come across to the world around us as self righteous and condemning hypocrites. Pushing people away from Christ instead of drawing them to Him. I know of people who thought they couldn't go to church because they didn't have good enough clothes to wear, or just weren't good enough to go.
John the Baptist wore a cloak of camel's hair and ate wild locusts. He probably looked like a wild man and most likely wouldn't be very welcome in a lot of churches today.
Yet, Jesus said of John, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-29 " Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." No mention of a three piece suit anywhere or the need to attain a certain status before coming.
The only hope any of us has of attaining holiness is in Christ. We may be able to live very moral lives on the outside, but our holiness is in Him. So as God the Father presented Christ to us in Love, we must also present Christ to the world around us in love. Maybe then, the world wouldn't smell the hypocrisy a mile away when they come near us. And, maybe then we'll see the results of what God can do through us.
The Gathering at Trent gets it. We don't stand on religious tradition. We stand on Christ and on His finished work on the Cross: His death, His burial and His resurrection ... If we as the "church" will meet people where they are with the Love of Christ it will make a difference; they will accept Christ. It will produce Kingdom citizens, the least of which will be greater than John the Baptist! 5 people will be baptised from our hub group this Sunday. God is at work! There is a new generation rising!
May we never be a church that does this ..."These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain." (Matthew 15:8-9)
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