Merry Christmas and Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who has visited this blog over the past year. I appreciate the comments, and I pray that we can continue in 2007. Have a blessed Christmas!

Megachurch issues part 2

This will be my last post on this issue, but I needed to talk about this last point. "Megachurches," as they are called here in the United States, have become the trend in Christianity lately. I see pastors who desire to have these types of churches. Never mind God's will anymore; keeping up with the spiritual Joneses has taken priority.

How have we come to this place? We have deviated so far from the original commission that we have convinced ourselves that God's priority is to make us comfortable and happy. I do agree with the statement that "Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted," but we as a country are by no means afflicted.

Let's face it - we are allowing the materialistic objectives of the world to creep into the church. The focus has become more about being trendy than about preaching the uncompromised Word of God. Come to church, get a free car wash! Come to church, relax, and have a cup of coffee! It seems totally opposite of what we as one church are called to do - go out into the world and preach. This type of marketing is what is becoming the priority in many of our congregations today.

A very good friend of mine told me a profound statement that I will never forget. He said "if you get them with a gimmick, you have to keep them with a gimmick." So, if you are lured into a church because of free coffee, soon that will not be enough. Sooner or later, you will become tired of that and want more - maybe free breakfast! We have only one thing to lure people with, and that is Jesus Christ. The moment we deviate from Christ, we lose focus. It is time for us to regain our focus.

Megachurch issues part 1

I am still reading articles about the impact of Ted Haggard's admission of sexual immorality, and had to make a few comments about it. So, rather than make this one long post, I will address it in segments. In this segment, I want to address the issue of the members. Yahoo! has an article out right now that asks what happens to the members of the fellowship once a pastor falls from grace? Well, if the members are following man rather than God, they will leave. My concern is whether the members of any congregation understand that they do not go to church, they are the church. Unfortunately, we have divided ourselves into so many different groups that we have forgotten that there is only one church, and Christ Jesus is the head of that church. Since Jesus built the church, God can set us as members wherever He feels that we will be best fitted. Yet so many of us decide that we will attend a fellowship because we like the music, the pastor, or any other reason besides submitting to God and being set in a fellowship that He feels is best for us. This is why the true church struggles. We have thousands of people attending megachurches that do not even belong there, so God's will cannot be accomplished because people are not in their right place. We must understand that as one body, we have created this situation. How do we begin to correct it? Go to the Lord, and find out where He desires for us to be set, and begin carrying out our assignment at that fellowship.

Do I really have a testimony?

Today, I wrote a devotional that really hit me hard. I have posted it below. By the way, if you are interested in receiving any of these devotionals, please contact me at rofremos@yahoo.com, and I will add you to the list.

Rev. 1:9 (KJV) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The word “testimony” in Greek is marturia, which comes from the root word martus, or, translated into English, is martyr. What is a martyr? One definition is “a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion.” Another is “a person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle or cause.” A testimony, then, is not what the Lord has done for me; rather, a testimony is what have I suffered for the Lord. If I have not suffered, I have no testimony. “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” Have I learned to suffer gracefully for Jesus? Once I have learned to endure suffering for the cause of Christ, I have a testimony.

Fuming about marriage

Now, I know that this post will probably not be read by many, but I must say this. I am tired of our society trying to redefine words to conform to certain agendas. I refuse to call a union of two people of the same gender marriage. Why? For starters, let us look at the definition of marriage. According to one definition at dictionary.com, marriage is:

"the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc." So, by definition, a marriage must have a male and a female.

But Ron, can't two people of the same gender live together and love each other as in a traditional marriage?" Well, let's look at another definition of marriage at the same site:

"a relationship in which two people have pledged themselves to each other in the manner of a husband and wife, without legal sanction: trial marriage; homosexual marriage." That should settle it, right? Well, not quite. Look at the operative words in this definition - "in the manner of a husband and a wife." So, by the very definition, there must be a male and a female role.

But, let's get away from the human aspect of marriage for a moment, and look at a more general definition of marriage.

"a blending or matching of different elements or components." So, what is the point? A marriage can only occur when you are combining different elements. So, a male and a female can marry, but a male and a male cannot.

Why am I writing all of this? Because I cannot control what two males or two females desire to do. However, I cannot just idly sit by and watch how our governments are trying to destroy a Godly institution by changing its very definition. A marriage is a type and shadow of our relationship to Christ. It is the first institution seen in the Bible. It is the way of replenishing the earth. If you agree with me, please let me know. Marriage should not be a political tool subject to the whims of the masses of people or the desires of a few in legislature.

Tempus Fugit!

Wow! I just do not realize how quickly time seems to fly by! I have prayed about the devotionals that I write daily, and the Lord has confirmed that those need to be a priority for me. I am also working through what should be posted here as well. I have been posting previous devotionals here; maybe I should continue doing that? I would be interested in knowing your thoughts. I do know that whatever it is, it should be edifying, to build up, certainly not to tear down. I look forward to your comments!

Wow, it has been a while!

Well, I am coming back after a long absence. There is really too much to tell in this one post; suffice it to say, I was at a place where I really felt that I did not matter. I can say that I have come out of that place. It still feels a little awkward, but God has truly provided people that have spoken into my life words of truth and encouragement, and I am getting on my feet again.

I will certainly try to look at my blog at least 3 times a week, but in my job I do a lot of traveling, and since I am focusing on my daily devotionals, I simply may not have time to write here every day.

I look forward to communicating with my old blogging friends again!

Who Do You Say He Is?

Sorry that it has been so long! Suddenly, one day turns into a week, and a week turns into weeks, and, well, you know the rest of the story! Anyhow, I hope this will be a reminder to any who read it.

Matt 16:15-16 (KJV)He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus asked all of the disciples the same question. Look at the Scripture again, and notice it says that “He saith unto them.” While he asked of all, only one responded. Simon Peter’s response was not a calculated, rehearsed response. It was an act of simple faith. Peter spoke what he believed. Confess and believe – these are the two actions that Paul told the Romans must occur in order to be saved.

Now what about you? Who do you say that He is? When Christ confronts you with this question in a crowd of people, many who may not believe, what will you say? Are you prepared to be the one that will stand out for Him? Have you established such a relationship with Him that calling Him Christ is a natural occurrence, a simple act of faith? Because Peter was the only one who responded, Jesus told him that upon that rock He will build His church. Did Peter continue to make mistakes? He certainly did, but look how God used him after Christ ascended! God is not a respecter of persons, and He wants to use you in the same way he used Peter. Be prepared to be that rock, that cornerstone of faith wherever you are.

Joy Turned into Sadness

I was heartbroken. When I awakened on Wednesday morning, I heard the newscaster say that all but one of the miners were dead. The night before, I listened to Geraldo Rivera state that all of the miners were alive. He could barely speak, his harsh throat straining to speak above the hysteria. Now, this morning, I had to fight back tears as I listened to one man describe how the joy and singing outside the church turned into anger and cursing.

Did God change in that period of time? God did not change, but man certainly did. God will allow us to be tested to see if we really walk by faith, and not by sight.

Finally, I grieved as I listened to one reporter interviewing the aunt of one of the victims on the phone. The reporter was reacting to a comment that the woman made about how she found out about all of the events while watching the channel that was interviewing her. He replied by commenting that someone else began to spread the false information, and not their station. That may be so, but don't reporters have an obligation to verify their sources before they report news? I think it to be no surprise that so many are quick to avoid responsibility. It is a sad commentary on our society. I pray that we all learn the power of personal responsibility.

Whatever you do - Always Remember

Luke 2:7 (KJV) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Definition of manger - A trough or an open box in which feed for livestock is placed.

There was no room in the inn. He was laid in a trough in which feed for livestock is placed. He came into this world under very humble circumstances, and He died as a common criminal. He came into this world asking for nothing, and his last request was that those that condemned Him be forgiven. Yet, He would not have ascended had He not been resurrected. He would not have been resurrected had He not died. And He would not have died had He not been born.

May you have a blessed Christmas, remembering always that you can live eternally because of what He did for you.

The Trial

Let me share with all of my blogger friends an experience I had this week. At Sunday's service, our elder/pastor was led to put an amount of money into the offering. I chose by faith to stand with him on that amount, and gave my offering. I am truly of the belief that God really does not care about the amount, He cares about our obedience. Well, the very next day, Monday night, my neighbor comes to my house in the evening (he works second shift and does not get home until after 11:00) and informs me that all of the tires on my vehicles were flat. That's right, I said all the tires! So, of course I turn to my wife and tell her that it seems like each time we obey the Lord, the enemy does something to attempt to discourage us.

However, as I began to analyze this trial on a deeper level, I saw two wonderful things: 1) I did not get upset. Now some of you may think "What is wrong with him? I would be livid!" Well, I did not feel the anger that I may have felt in the past. But the second thing that the Lord showed me during this trial, which was probably the most important, was what I did not think or say. As I was talking to Him this morning, He brought to my attention that I did not even consider the issue of using the money that I gave as an offering. I did not think "I could have used that money that I gave Sunday to repair these tires." In times past, I know I would have given place to that thought. So, I began rejoicing and thanking Him that I know that I have matured in the area of responding appropriately!

God does not care about the outcome of a situation; He only cares about our response to the situation!

The Trial

Let me share with all of my blogger friends an experience I had this week. At Sunday's service, our elder/pastor was led to put an amount of money into the offering. I chose by faith to stand with him on that amount, and gave my offering. I am truly of the belief that God really does not care about the amount, He cares about our obedience. Well, the very next day, Monday night, my neighbor comes to my house in the evening (he works second shift and does not get home until after 11:00) and informs me that all of the tires on my vehicles were flat. That's right, I said all the tires! So, of course I turn to my wife and tell her that it seems like each time we obey the Lord, the enemy does something to attempt to discourage us.

However, as I began to analyze this trial on a deeper level, I saw two wonderful things: 1) I did not get upset. Now some of you may think "What is wrong with him? I would be livid!" Well, I did not feel the anger that I may have felt in the past. But the second thing that the Lord showed me during this trial, which was probably the most important, was what I did not think or say. As I was talking to Him this morning, He brought to my attention that I did not even consider the issue of using the money that I gave as an offering. I did not think "I could have used that money that I gave Sunday to repair these tires." In times past, I know I would have given place to that thought. So, I began rejoicing and thanking Him that I know that I have matured in the area of responding appropriately!

God does not care about the outcome of a situation; He only cares about our response to the situation!

Flowing with the music

I would like to share a wonderful experience that occurred almost two years ago.

Recently, I attended my daughter’s school concert, in which I learned a wonderful spiritual principle. During the performance, a student was highlighted on the xylophone. I could tell as they rolled out the rather large instrument that she was nervous, and it was immediately clear to me why she was nervous once she started playing. I was used to seeing only one set of bars on a xylophone; this one had two. And the tempo of the song was such that it required some fairly fast hands. As the song began, I could see the performer’s eyes locked in on those bars, and it was evident that she was concentrating as hard as she could in order to not miss a beat. And for a while, she appeared to be successful. Inevitably, however, she stumbled. What happened next was beautiful. As the band continued to play, she quickly gathered herself, and she began to be guided by the music. It was at that point that she and the band began to flow like water. Once she stopped concentrating and began to be guided by the music, she stopped worrying. At the conclusion, she received one of the longest ovations of the evening. I stood and applauded her accomplishment. The following day, as I began to reflect on the performance, God showed me the remarkable parallel between that performance and my life. Whenever I tried to concentrate on doing something good, inevitably, I stumbled. I was concentrating so much on trying to do the right thing, and do it perfectly, that I would consistently make a mistake. But once I chose to be guided by His Spirit, I would accomplish things with a remarkable ease. What was happening? When I was concentrating on the task, I moved God out of the equation. I had to do it well, so people would say what a good job I had done. The problem was that I was no longer a servant, because I wanted to be in control. It was no longer God accomplishing something through me, but me doing something for God or for myself. Once I released that desire, and once again became God’s servant, my concern was not how a task turned out, but that I was doing it according to His will. And, even when I thought that it may not have turned out well, others were impressed with the finished product. This was the lesson I learned that evening. I stay focused on how God wants to accomplish something through me, instead of me doing something for Him. This is the attitude of a servant.

The Greatness of Grace

Rom 6:14 (KJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What is grace? If we reduce grace to simply unmerited favor, we have truly done a disservice to all that Christ did on the earth. Unmerited favor implies that I get the reward, no matter what. It is a selfish point of view. If I look at grace from a different dimension, I get a much more thorough definition. Grace is the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. I suddenly see the purpose of grace in my life. It is for me, but it is for me so that God can accomplish something in the earth. Grace is now two parts. First, God must have an influence on my heart. Second, the influence is so powerful that it now reflects in my daily living. Sin had dominion over me before I accepted Christ, but now I am under grace, that divine influence. When sin had dominion over me, it reflected in my life. Now that Christ has influenced me, that influence is reflected in my life. I now understand that His influence is there for a purpose, that He may be glorified in the earth through my life. Unmerited favor simply keeps open the opportunity to sin, because I understand that if I fall short, then I have favor with Him, He forgives me, and I can get restored. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” This I the question that I must ask myself. If I continue in sin by saying I cannot help myself, has grace abounded in my life? Is His influence reflected in my life? Change the way you look at grace, and instantly your life is not your own, but a reflection of His influence, a reflection of His glory.

Take Heed How You Build

1 Cor 3:10 (KJV) According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it.

Many people define grace as unmerited favor. A more accurate definition is found in the translation of the Greek word for grace, which is charis. It means the Divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. Now, grace becomes both a gift and an action. Let it become personal for a moment – “Grace is Christ’s influence upon my heart, and how I reflect it in my day to day living.” Paul tells us he used that Divine influence like a skilled master builder and laid a foundation, upon which another man should build. Paul recognized not only that he himself was unable to create the entire structure, but also that he desired to do only that portion which God had given him to complete. Many times, we want to move ahead of God. We want to do it all. “I am ready to go out and save the world, as God called me to do!” There is an exuberance of enthusiasm, but a deficiency of wisdom. Seek the Lord to discover what Divine influence He has laid upon your heart, and how to reflect that influence in your life. How did Paul become skilled? There is no other way to become a skilled master builder except to build many buildings. One who is skilled is one who has studied his craft. He has watched those who have built before him, and observed their work. He has obtained wisdom from those wiser and more skillful than him. He has made his share of mistakes, and learned from them. The key to wise and skillful building is listening to the direction He gives you. You must listen, and listen further for the latter, distinct Voice. Once you learn your craft, He will expect you to perform your part with skill and wisdom. Take heed how you build.

The Bible is not for Unbelievers!!

What do you think? True or false? I have noticed some debates out there, inspired by my good friend Kc, and I know he always has an ulterior motive up his sleeve! Well, here is one to add to the fun!

Nine Important Words, Part III

We have looked at six of the nine important words.
Life is hard
Death is easy
Today, we will look at the last three words.
I am responsible

Isa. 6:8 (KJV) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

God has selected you for such a time as this – have you heeded the call? Are you waiting on the Lord to send you on a grand assignment, or are you completing your assignment right where you are? God has allowed you to be right where you are in order that you may minister life to someone else. Have you accepted that responsibility? So many times, we want to dictate to the Lord the terms of our ministry. “Lord, put me in this situation, so I can minister.” We envision ourselves doing some great work; yet, we neglect the words of Jesus in His last hours. “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” God is more concerned with your response to a situation than He is with the outcome of the situation. What is that thing that you have overlooked where you are? Is it that person that aggravates you? The one that never seems to do anything correctly? Have you determined like Jesus to do the Father’s will, or have you decided that you will wait until a better assignment comes along? God has created you and prepared you to be an able minister. Let your life reflect that calling. While others pass by and trample the trash on the floor, you be the one to pick it up. When others say “I will not do that, that is not my responsibility,” be the one to assume responsibility. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The purpose of your good works is not so that man may see you and glorify you; rather, that they may glorify your Father in heaven. This is the true attitude of a servant. Determine today to take responsibility right where you are, that you may begin to give life to those around you through your words and actions.

Nine Important Words, Part II

Today is the second part of "nine Important Words."

Death is easy

Prov. 14:12 (KJV) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

The fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil looked appealing, but produced only death. Taking the easy way out always looks appealing in the beginning, but the fruit produced is always death. The hardest thing for King David to do when he saw Bathsheba was to resist what he desired. Yet, he pursued his desire, and the result was multiple deaths – David ordered that Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, be sent to the front lines to be killed, in order that the adultery be covered up. When the baby was born, however, the Lord allowed the child to die as a consequence of their sin. Death is always the consequence when we choose to take the easy way out. The most dangerous state for a person is to be right in one’s own eyes. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” How do you respond when temptation comes? Do you look to escape for a temporary reprieve? You may experience a temporary euphoria, but when the feeling fades, you awaken, only to discover the spiritual carnage left in its wake. Developing discernment and spiritual discipline will only come through exercise. The Lord tests you in order that your discipline and discernment can be developed. When you are tested, do not retreat. Allow God to strengthen you and develop you into the person He desires you to be. Resist the temptation to ask “Why me, Lord?” Instead, thank Him that He chose you for such a time as this. To concentrate on the storm is to fall in the water. To concentrate on Jesus is to walk on the water. Look beyond the temptation of taking the easy way out, and consider that God knows exactly what you need to experience in order that you may produce life. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil will always be there. You must choose to take from the tree of life, that you may live.

Nine Important Words, Part 1

It's funny how the Lord will provide the inspiration for some messages. Over the next few days, I will post devotionals the Lord gave me from a message entitled "Nine Important Words." I received this while coming home from a training session at our local YMCA. I pray that it will be as much a blessing for you as it was to me.

Life is Hard

Matt. 7:14 (KJV) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

This is not a negative saying. Upon hearing those three words, many may think of Adam’s judgment for his disobedience. Yet, it is not a condemnation at all. It really means that if you do the hard things, you will live. Elderly people may say “I have lived a hard life.” They have the privilege of saying that, because they have done the hard things that have caused them to live a long life. In a society where it has become the norm to mimic what others do, God is looking for people that have the boldness and courage of Abraham and Noah. Would you be willing to take your promised son and prepare him for a sacrifice? Are you willing to give up that thing that you have held so near and dear to your heart, in order that God can see that you love Him more than that thing? Consider Noah. Would you have the courage to begin building something years ahead of its time, even though others may consider you crazy? This is why life is hard. God has given each of us a mind and a body to worship Him, and He knows the temptations and distractions that can prevent us from fulfilling our purpose here in the earth. It is up to you to choose to do the hard things in life that will bring life to you and others. Consider the same text in the Basic English Bible: For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it. You were not created to be like everyone else, and as a son of God, your Heavenly Father expects you to take the hard road. Resisting temptation is hard; if you do it, however, you will live. Being kind to your enemies is hard; if you do it, however, you will live. Laying down your life for others is hard; if you do it however, you will live. Remember this in your walk – Life is hard. If you do the hard things, however, you will live.

No one said it would be easy!

I must admit, I feel much better posting again. I have learned from my time away; my focus needs to stay on Jesus. Let others write their opinions; I have to stay focused on the Him that allowed me to be here.

I wanted to share with you a devotional I wrote to my daughter as she was beginning her college career. Actually, this is how I began writing these devotionals. It was a way to encourage her as she made the transition from home to independent life. Now, I simply write as the Lord directs for anyone who is willing to read. I pray that you can receive something from it.

1 Cor 4:12 (KJV) And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

There are times when it appears that being a Christian does not make sense. You work hard at keeping yourself pure, only to be rewarded by being chastised by the world. Others seem to enjoy committing sin, and these same people are attempting to ridicule you because of your commitment to Christ. This same principle can be applied in your academic life. You study hard, and commit yourself to your work, while others want to discourage you by telling you to not work diligently. They want to persuade you to have fun, relax, do not take this life so seriously, and if you have trouble, a little cheating may help.

Paul lets us know that there is no easy answer, no free ride. His reward in the earth came from his labor. “Whatsoever a man soeth, that shall he also reap.” This principle applies to all people on earth, whether they believe in Christ or not. Sons of God are expected to be living epistles of this principle. And how do you respond after you work as hard as you can to achieve your best, only to be mocked, scorned and persecuted by others? You receive it, count it all joy, and bless those who are committing those acts against you. Remember, Jesus and Stephen prayed for those who killed them.

Let your light shine through your hard work and work hard to let your light shine. God rewards those those who diligently seek Him, both in Heaven and here on earth.