He's Holding It Together

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
(Colossians 1:17) NKJV

I was watching a science program yesterday. The scientist were mystified as to what keeps the smallest particles of atoms from succumbing to the second law of thermodynamics. It's as if "some unknowable force" prevents a proton from colliding with the nucleus of atom. It's seems to me that the bible appears to be a better text book than whatever they studied in college. The word used for "consist" means to hold together in the Greek. Everything we see, touch or taste is held together by Jesus Himself. How's that for a personal Creator?

Scientist may call us superstitious. But I know I'm saved, satisfied and secure and you can't get that from a textbook!

Consider the Source

As of late, God has allowed me the opportunity to be a witness of my faith with a nice wicca witch. Until today I didn't know she was a witch, she had always called herself a "spiritualist". I wasn't sure what that meant so curiosity got the best of me. We were having a very polite discussion so I asked her a few questions to see where she stood in her faith. She had plenty of answers that didn't really seem to mesh together. It had a sprinkle of Buddhism, a tad of Native American mythology, and a bunch of stuff I could identify at all. All the time, I'm asking God to open the door so that I could share the Gospel. Then it hit me. I asked her what she based these beliefs on.While she was thinking I asked her if there was a book I could read or Cd's I could listen to that had all these teachings. She said not that she was aware of. So I asked her if she was just making this stuff up as she went along. Again she replied no. My response was, "well how do you know what you believe?". To that she replied, "Oh I just believe what make sense to me." Aha! I knew she was making this stuff up.

Proverbs 14:12 states, " There is a way which seems right to a person, but in the end it is the way of death."

Most people do what comes natural. Some, like my new friend, really try hard to be a good person. They have no foundation. They are watchers. When they find a belief they are comfortable with, they tailor it to fit their own desires. That's what we're up against folks.
We as followers of the Living Breathing Son of God must build upon the firm foundation of God's word. Everyday! We must live openly and honestly in front of the lost. We've got what they need. Answers!
A good friend often reminds me that it's better to win a friend than an argument. I agree. Most of us were confused about our beliefs at one time or another. We need to remember that when we witness. All we need to do is be friendly to get friends. Half the battle of witnessing is won right there. Pray for your friend and ask God to open the door for you to share your faith. You'll be amazed at how God will do this. Don't expect an immediate conversion. That is the Holy Spirit's job. Just focus on building a Godly relationship and rejoice in the fact that God is using you.
Happy Fishing
Bro. Coy

Perfect Credit Score

I was reading Philippians chapter 3 today and came across a thought that stirred up my spirit. Paul listed many attributes that made him faultless before the religious crowd. He went on to say that those things meant nothing to him compared to knowing Christ.
I began to remember what it was like to be lost and playing the "church" game. I had know idea that true Christianity was not about being good, it was really about being God's.
How often do we forget that God's Book of Life is not a checklist. When He looks at us, he doesn't see good or bad. He sees saved or lost!
How good is God that He would give us a perfect credit score through Christ? How loving is God that He would place all our sins and failures on Christ so that we could stand blameless before Him at the judgment? How merciful is He that he would only require our repentance and faith in order to receive Eternal Life with Him? How much does it break His heart that He did all the work to save us, yet many choose to trust their own works which will only lead them to condemnation?

The Gift of Tongues

The tongue is the one gift that God has given humans that completely separates them from the rest of creation. Our tongues have great power. The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.( Prov 18:21NIV). The book of Proverbs is full of advice and practical use for the tongue. According to my concordance the tongue is mentioned 161 times and the mouth 454 times in the Bible. It's quite apparent that our words are important to God. So to get to the point... I have a few considerations that I need to utilize this week that I thought I would share with you about controlling my words.

Before I utter a word this week I need to consider:
1. Is it Kind?
2. Is it True?
3. Is it Necessary?

If you have more helpful tips feel free to share them in the comments section. Let's let our tongues be a gift to everyone we encounter this week.

Bro.Coy

Prov.6:17,24; 10:19,20,31; 11:12; 12:18,19; 15:2,4; 16:1; 17:4,20,28; 18:21; 21:6,23; 25:15,23; 26:28; 28:23; 31:26

A Fresh Start

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10 NASB)

The unfolding of a new year leads most of us to self-examination. We look at where we are and try to figure out how we got there. The new year also brings us to a time of decision. Do we continue on our present course? Will we continue to carry last years baggage? Will we stop smoking, overeating, cursing, drinking or staying up too late? This may all seem negative,but if you think about it, most of the resolutions you hear about have to do with fixing something we don't like about ourselves.

Just where do all of these flaws come from? Jesus said very plainly,"For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you." (Mark 7:21-23 NLT)

Real change starts in the heart and works its way outward. This is my prayer for 2009. Lord I'm sorry that I've allowed my heart to become tainted with sin and worldly cares over the past year. Please cleanse me and renew my spirit so that I can worship stronger and serve You better and grow closer to You this year.