Faith without Obedience Produces Nothing!

I have not said much about it outside the family, because the Bible instructs us about not making a show of our fasting.  However, on January 3 I began a liquids-only fast and, with only a very few exceptions, have stuck with it.  The rule for consumption is that it has to go through a straw or it is not allowed.

Last time I began a fast such as this, after about two weeks I wondered how a rib eye steak tasted after it was pureed in a blender.  However, this time, though I find myself hungry frequently, I have not had the cravings for food that I had in the past.  In fact, I believe I am actually getting my flesh under control...I don't think I'll be eating nearly as much greasy food as before, and my quantities will be smaller.  A side benefit of the fast, though not the purpose, is I've lost 14 pounds.

What does this have to do with Faith and Obedience, you ask?  During the restoration of our marriage, Marsha and I learned some important lessons on marriage.  We call those lessons "God's Blueprint for Marriage", and we've developed a teaching based on those lessons.  Over the years we have used the lessons for premarital counseling, crisis marriage counseling, and for seminars and workshops which we have conducted here in the US and in Peru.  As part of the "Blueprint" program, Marsha and I knew that we were to write a book on what we have learned.  I began the book several years ago, but have not diligently worked on it.,

We have struggled financially for a long time.  Once, when praying (more like whining) about our financial situation, I sensed God telling me, "Write the book."  In fact, I've heard that not infrequently.  Last year during my prayer time I heard God, in that inner voice, say, "You really don't believe me about the book, do you?"  That took me by surprise, but He already knew that answer.  If I really believed Him the book would  already have been written.

As I began the New Year I developed a sense of urgency about the book, but knew a lot of distractions had kept me from working on it.  As I prayed about 2011, I felt that God wanted me to fast to get my flesh (the distractions) under control to develop discipline and as a means of being disciplined.  The first draft is only hours from being finished, and then I can move on to the next phase of the project, which is to go through it with Marsha and get it ready for final draft.

Today I fee like I got the message.  No, I really didn't believe the book was the answer to our financial problems.  I don't expect it to be a million seller.  It's not about the book, but about OBEDIENCE.  During my devotional time this morning here's what I sensed I had learned:

Faith without obedience produces nothing, but obedience without faith produces FAITH.  Read Luke 17:5-10.  Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God.  1 Samuel 15:22 says that obedience pleases God.  Hosea 6:6 says,"I [God] desire loyalty and not sacrifice, and knowledge of God more than burnt offering.

Further, I came to this conclusion: My obedience is out of loyalty, not fear of reprisal.  LORD, I OBEY YOU BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, NOT BECAUSE I FEAR THE CONSEQUENCES IF I DONT'.  MY obedience is a sacrifice--it costs me something.  And because of my love for Him I will write the book.  In the meantime my faith level is rising as a result of my obedience.

I expect to have the first draft finished over the weekend.  It's out of obedience, not out of expectation of receiving something for the effort, that motivates me. And the obedience is motivated by my love of my Savior.  It's been a long time since I could point to anything that really motivated me.  I'm excited!!!

A Prayer for Repentance of the Nation

In my quiet time this morning, this became my prayer.  I hope you'll make it yours as well.

Lord, when Israel turned her back on You she suffered. When she repented, you responded with mercy. As our nation turns her back on you she is suffering. When she turns her back on Israel she suffers.


Lord, I pray that a spirit of repentance would fall upon this nation. I pray that You will so move that this nation, founded and called by Your Name, will humble ourselves and pray, and seek you face, and turn from our wicked ways, so that You will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. Amen.

Big Churches Water Down the Gospel? Don't Judge so Quickly!

I just finished reading a reply to an article at Churchleaders.com on why big churches get bigger. The reply criticized big churches as not being Bible-believing congregations, naming several leaders by name including Rick Warren. Before people are so quick to criticize, I have a couple of questions for them: Have you ever been to their church? Have you ever heard them preach? Many times they come under criticism out of envy or the inability to explain their growth. "They must be watering down the gospel. Look at their numbers!" I've visited Saddleback, and I've heard Rick Warren preach. Saddleback was the warmest, friendliest church I've ever attended, large or small. That, alone, will bring people back more quickly than anything else a church can do on its own. Second, Warren preaches HARD for 45 minutes +/-, but he includes clips, skits, music and testimonies to both emphasize his points and help hold the congregation's attention. And PEOPLE ARE GETTING SAVED, AND DISCIPLED, particularly through their Small Group Ministry, with close to 5000 groups.
I can't speak of the other churches the replier mentioned because I haven't attended them. But to all who are so quick to criticize churches, I ask you: Are you drawing your conclusions based on your own experience, or on what others have said or written? Don't be so quick to judge; Matt 7:1 says you'll be judged accordingly.