Thursday, March 28, 2013

Beware!


Luke 12:4-5 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  (5) But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

As humans, we spend a lot of time taking care of or protecting our physical well-being.  We go to doctors and hospitals when we are sick.  We exercise to build strength, stamina and endurance.  Some of us are careful what we eat to ensure a healthy diet.  We could go on and on making this point.

In our text today, Jesus is not diminishing the importance of our physical well being, he is simply emphasizing the priority of the spiritual aspect of man over the physical.  If we go to such great lengths to care for our physical portion of man, we should spend some time, effort and energy fortifying and caring for our spiritual.

Jesus said that we have no need to fear those that kill the physical body but rather fear  is justified when those that have the capability to kill both the physical body and the spiritual soul.  Jesus states  in verse 4 that if a person only has the power of killing the physical, there is no other harm they can bring on us.  Dead is dead, no matter how you slice it.  But spiritual death is a far worse thing because it is eternal.

So how can someone kill the soul?  When we allow them to influence us and take us down a path that leads us away from God.  

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

It is comforting to know that no one can separate us from God, but people can keep us from finding God or influence us to choose to rebel against him.  Those are the ones that we must learn to recognize in our lives and separate from.  Instead we need to continually surround ourselves with those that will help us be the people that God wants us to be.

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Where Is Your Light?


Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

One of the greatest “inventions of mankind” is that of fire.  I am not sure that we actually invented, or even discovered it as much as that God gave it it us.  Not only is fire an invaluable source by which we can cook food, it is the foundation for every form of artificial light known to man.

Light is one of those things that we use so often, and it is so much at our disposal when we need it, that it is easy to take for granted.  However, when we need it and don’t have it or do not have enough to see what we want to do, it becomes obvious just how valuable it is to us.

In the Bible, God uses the contrast of light and darkness to differentiate between his goodness and the darkness of evil, sin and satan.  When we as humans have been given God’s grace, we have received the benefit of God’s light.  That is the foundation of Jesus’ teaching in our text today.

It would be inconceivable to have a power outage during the night hours and simply choose not to get out our flashlights that could help us navigate through house.  As in Jesus’ example, it is even more inconceivable to have a candle lit at night and choose to put a basket over it so that no one can benefit from the light.  Why would anyone do such a thing?

Why indeed.  When we have received the blessing of God and choose not to put them on display for the world to see, we have done the same things with God’s light.  We live in a world of darkness, sin and evil.  Those that are dominated by darkness need to see the light that God has given to us.  Our light may be the only light that they ever see.

We do not have to be obnoxious about letting our light shine.  We don’t have to be so “in-your-face” that your friends, co-workers and neighbors run when they see you coming.  Jesus wasn’t like that.  But Jesus did take every opportunity that was offered to him.  He also coupled his preaching with service to others.  When you help someone out, you will have the opportunity to explain why that you have been so blessed.  When you do your light and the light of God is shining clearly.

Part of showing your light is not being ashamed of what you stand for.  I am troubled today as I write this, because we have a spiritual war going on in this country, the likes I have never seen.  The Supreme Court of the United States is considering a couple of legal issues regarding homosexuality and gay marriage.  The Bible is crystal clear on this matter.  To miss is can only be explained because you WANT to miss it.  

Matthew 13:14-15 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:(15) For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

The point is, that I have seen several “christians” come out in support of “equality”.  Where are their lights?  Shouldn’t we ALWAYS take the side of God...IN ALL THINGS?  There should be NO reason why we should put our lights under a bushel...Not “equality”, not “choice”, not freedom, nor “love”, or even our beloved constitution.

Don’t get me wrong.  We can let our lights so shine...we can make our stand on the side of God without being hateful, disrespectful, mean spirited, unloving, unkind or any such thing.  And we MUST!  Jesus converted sinners to his way through love and compassion because his way is better than the way of sin.  If we as christians do not make that pitch, if we cannot make that argument...then who will!

Jesus used the symbolism of light and darkness for a reason.  And as we look, our world is getting darker and darker all of the time.  We need God’s light now, as much as ever.  For if we don’t, the light of God will disappear from our country altogether.

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160
Come Visit With Us!

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Blessed Are the Keepers of God’s Word!


Luke 11:27-28  And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. (28) But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

There is a very popular world religion today that esteems the mother of Jesus to an extremely high level.  While I have not studied any of their doctrines on the issue or heard any real argumentations as to why they promote her as they do, it does seem, from an outsider’s perspective, that at least at times they elevate her to a level equal or higher than Jesus himself.  I have heard some of those religious people say that they pray to her.  I have heard some of them mention her in spiritual ways and never mention Jesus and I have seen countless statues of Mary in man people’s front yards.

If Jesus and God had a desire to elevate Mary to a place that she should be praised in a manner similar to Jesus, this passage would have been a perfect place for Jesus to have informed us as such.  In our text today, we find Jesus doing what he did most, preaching to a crowd.  In that crowd was a woman who shouted out Jesus.  In doing so, she shouted out praise to Mary.

“Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.”

We MUST pay attention to the reaction of Jesus here.  I think it speaks volumes as to how we should proceed with the words of this woman.

Luke 11:28  But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Instead of telling us that Mary his mother is deserving high praise for being chosen by God to bare him, Jesus thinks that our attention should be on something else.  He said “rather” than focusing on her, we should understand who is really the recipients of God’s blessings.  Jesus said blessed are they that HEAR the word of God and Keep it.

Jesus could have described his followers in many ways, but it is not an accident that he describes them in the manner that he does.  It is not good enough to have a vague knowledge of Jesus.  He wants us to be real students of his mission and his message.  But it is also not good enough to simply have knowledge of God’s will, the real blessings fall on those that truly keep his words.

James 1:21-22 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 

To keep God’s word is not just  vague or general agreement with Jesus’ philosophies, it is a sincere understanding and accepting of it to the point of applying it to our lives.  I assure you that if you search the New Testament as Jesus intends, there will be things delivered to us that we will not necessarily like.  But to keep his words is to set aside what we think, what we want, what we prefer and instead to put in place the teachings of God.  To be a true follower of Jesus means to live a life of Sacrifice.

Matthew 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

True blessings from God come to those that OBEY him.

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160
Come Visit With Us!

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Are You With God?


Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

I think the world would put people into three basic categories:  

1. The really Evil people in the world.  This would be a really, really small group but would contain the Charles Manson's and Adolf Hitlers of the world.  I think a number of people would not even include common criminals in this group because of extenuating circumstances.  Only those who’s acts were premeditated and truly heinous.

2.  The hyper-religious people.  These are the people that attend worship services on a regular basis, read their Bibles habitually and pray systematically.  For this thought process, these are only the real zealots.  In the minds of the mainstream these are the fanatical extremists.  From the way that the mainstream media reacts regarding this group, many seem to indicate that this group is almost as repulsive as the first

3.  All of the normal people in between.  It is my experience that most people see themselves in this group.  Because they find the hyper-religious folks as off-putting as the evils,  they shy for the middle of the pack.  

Don’t get me wrong.  Many people in this third group would consider themselves religious.  They would typically believe in God.  They would attend a service from time to time.  They pray when they need something from God.  They try their best to be good people.  They perform acts of kindness towards others when it is convenient. etc.  On the other hand though they will balance their belief and service to God with a healthy dose of “normal” living.  They do what they want as long as they don’t hurt anybody else.  Their motto:  Everything in moderation.  Nothing is really wrong in and of itself.  Just use moderation.

I have talked to countless people that shared this general concept with me. However, if they truly see life in this way, they see them entirely differently than Jesus does.  Jesus sees only two groups....ONLY TWO!  Those that are with God and those that are against him.  The problem comes down to definitions.  What does it mean to be with God or against God?

I think most people would keep the “Really Evil” people in a group to themselves and declare them as being “those against God”.  Everyone else would be in the group that are “for God” by default.

I think the Bible implies a “default group” but it is just the opposite as most might think.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Jesus says that only those that are going to Heaven are those that are on the straight and narrow path.  That is not the default path.  The default path is the one that is broad and easy and is the one that “everyone else is doing it”.  To be on the path that leads to eternal life requires a conscious decision and a lifestyle of sacrifice of self so that we might live the life that God requires of us.

Are you with God or Against him?

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160
Come Visit With Us!

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Friday, March 22, 2013

A House Divided!


Luke 11:14-20  And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. (15) But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.  (16) And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.  (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.  (18) If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.  (19) And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.  (20) But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Jesus received many undeserved criticisms during his ministry.  The Jews that were in positions of power during his day were threatened by his charisma and ability to draw huge crowds.  For this reason, they saw him as a threat to their influence over the people. They were so threatened, that by the end of his ministry, there were constantly Pharisees, or representatives of them, following Jesus for the sole purpose of attempting to catch him in a position wherewith they could put him to death.  The accusation that they bring in our passage today is probably the most ridiculous.  

It is ridiculous because it is so far removed from basic common sense.  In verse 14 we are told that Jesus is casting out a demon from a man in which that devil had rendered its victim dumb or unable to speak.  So Jesus, through his miraculous POWER of God, removed the demon which allowed the man to speak again.

While most of the crowd marveled at the miracle, others CHOSE not to be impressed.  Instead, looking for any desperate measure to accuse Jesus, that small group of detractors in the crowd accused him of drawing his power from Satan instead of God.

In response, Jesus makes a statement that has been quoted and paraphrased thousands of times, even by our president Abraham Lincoln.  He said that a house that is divided against itself cannot stand.  In other words, Satan would not have an agent that brought damage to his own cause.  So, if Satan was not the source, God had to be.  And in verse 20 Jesus confirmed it in no uncertain terms.  That demon was cast out by the finger of God.  All of the miracles performed by Jesus were done by the hand and power of God.

But Jesus’ statement brings up another question.  If the principle that “A house divided  against itself falls” works for Satan...is it equally true as it pertains to God’s side as well?  Certainly!  Truth is truth.  So what is it about “christianity” that causes so much confusion, disorder and disunity?  The fact that there are thousands of varieties or variations of the one true church.  Many people have given up on “organized religion” because “How can they know which one is the right church”.  So if all of the varieties in religion are causing division and causing many to be mislead...Who is the source of those varieties or divisions?  It cannot be God!  A house divided cannot stand!  Therefore, by the reason of deduction, division of the Lord’s church is not of God!  But we do not have to rely solely upon logic.  The Bible states the same thing.

Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Romans 16:17-18 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 

Galatians 1:6-9  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 

Matthew 7:21-23  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.(22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

1 Corinthians 1:10 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 

It is not popular.  It is not convenient.  It is certainly not what the world wants to hear.  However, the fact is, there is but one narrow way to get to God (Matt 7:13-14).  It is not through our own wishes, preferences or desires.  It is only through submitting our will to God’s!  While the world sees the choices in religious options as “freedom”, the Bible sees it as division.  And according to Jesus, that can only mean that it is a work of Satan.  

Search your Bible diligently to verify that church that you have chosen was established by Jesus and not Satan.

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160
Come Visit With Us!

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Does Lent Make Us Closer to God? Part 2


Real Repentance Must Be Permanent!

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Paul says that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice.  I have always seen this statement as a comparison to the sacrifice of Jesus’ death, but I also think it applies to the time frame for which it applies.  As long as we live, we must present our bodies as a sacrifice to God

Revelation 2:10 ...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 

As Paul tells the Christians in Rome, change must first start in the mind or heart.  There MUST be a renewing.  That renewing is a recognition of the danger and outcome of sin.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I think that my wife’s view of snakes is the way that God wants us to view sin.  My wife HATES snakes.  There is never an imaginable situation in which my wife would EVER find a snake and then try to get as close as possible without getting bit.  She is not like the Crocodile Hunter, who would pick it up and describe how beautiful it is.  Instead, if she sees it...She RUNS FOR HER LIFE!  Sin should never be tried.  Sin should never be approached.  We should Flee from it!

The “sacrifices” that people make for Lent are ONLY intended to be temporary.  Once that Lent season has ended, they will indulge again in the things that they temporarily gave up.  In fact, a couple of websites that I used to research this topic suggested that the treats given by the Easter Bunny was a result of this practice.  Many taught their children to “give up” candy for Lent and then to celebrate the end, they indulged in Easter candy.  As we saw in yesterday’s RTS, what God expects us to sacrifice for him are the behaviors, lifestyles and thought processes of sin.  But those sacrifices must be real, not symbolic, and they must be permanent.  It is counterintuitive and simply not genuine to plan to return to the life of sin after symbolicly giving it up for a short period of time,

If we truly want to please God, we must make real changes in our lives.  If we genuinely desire go have all of the blessings that God has to offer his servants, we must dedicate our lives to living in the manner in which he desires.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 


Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160


Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Does Lent Make Us Closer to God? - Part 1


Symbolism is defined as a “representation”.  Or in other words, it has a “likeness” but is NOT the real thing.  It is going through the motions of doing something.  It is pretending to do something in order to cause others to believe that you are religious and dedicated.  Yet not actually, truly, genuinely making the necessary adjustments in one’s life.  Notice what Jesus says about some religious folks of his day.

Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 

When you read this entire chapter, you will find that Jesus is very hard on these pretenders.  He says that they do not truly care about what God wants,  But that they are only doing it to be seen of men.  Much of what you hear from people, as it pertains to Lent, is that they are giving up soda, chocolate,  sweets, coffee, meat, or some sort of worldly pleasure that in and of itself has nothing to do with being a servant of God.  Giving up sweets, giving up caffeine, giving up any of these types of things does NOT improve one’s Christianity.  As a matter of fact, Jesus says this about a related topic

Matthew 15:16-19 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? (17) Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? (18) But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. (19) For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

So if food doesn’t defile us, What does?  Jesus gives us a hint in this verse.  Those things that proceed from the heart!  What really defiles us is SIN!

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 

That is why the Bible speaks so much about Repentance!  Repentance is a recognition of the danger, harm and the punishment of sin.  And it is a change of mind that should cause us to conclude that the former life of sin is one that must be abandoned!  It must be abandoned because it is contrary to our well being and separates us from God.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Paul describes genuine christian living as not being influenced by this present evil world, But rather having a “Renewing of our minds” that will cause us to present our lives as a living sacrifice.  That living sacrifice is a lifestyle change! It’s a behavior change!  It’s a change in the way we approach the rest of our lives!

Romans 6:12-18 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye  should obey it in the lusts thereof. (13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (15) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (16) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 

We must NOT allow sin to control our lives.  But rather we are to be the servants of Jesus.  That is a decision to be made.  And a life to be lived.  At that point, we must replace our own WILL with the will of God!

The concept of Lent, that we are to give up something, is noble.  But we will not be saved by good intentions.  We will not be saved by making symbolic religious gestures.    We will not be saved by going through the motions of being Christians.  While we will not be saved by repentance alone, We can and will be saved however, by repenting of ALL sin in our lives as it contributes to following the entirety of God’s plan of salvation for mankind.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160
Come Visit With Us!


Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Teach Us to Pray! - God is a Giver!


Luke 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (12) Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? 

As Jesus concludes his teaching on prayer, he gives us deeper insight on the nature of God.  God throughout the Bible is described as Father, because of his love, concern and giving nature towards his creation.  

As a loving Father, he knows what we want. He knows what we need and furthermore he knows how to give us those things that we need.  One of the criticisms that some have with God, is that some interpret their not receiving what they ask for as God not hearing or wanting to help.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.

In our text today, Jesus compares how that as earthly parents, we know how to give our children what they need, so how much more does God, our creator know how to give good gifts to us. 

God will not always give us what we want, but he will give us what we need.  But what Jesus does not say here, I believe to be equally important.  Sometimes, as a father, my child may sometimes ask for things that I know are ultimately harmful.  Do I give it to her JUST because she asks.  Certainly not.  As a loving Father, I will give her what is best for her rather than what she asks for.  I believe in this principle, Jesus is teaching the same thing.  Are there times that we think we know what is best for us (but we don’t) and ask for one thing, and God will give us something different?  I certainly think so.  I think there are times that we mouth the words and they are as if asking for a stone because we see it as bread.  What will God give us then?  A stone or bread?  According to Jesus God knows how to give us Good gifts....gifts that we need, rather than what we necessarily ask for.

I for one, want God to do what is best for me.  Therefore I must have the faith to believe that God, as a loving Father, hears me and gives me what I need.  Thank God that he does not only give me what I ask for or I would be in a world of hurt.

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160
Come Visit With Us!


Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward 
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Teach Us to Pray - Ask and It Shall Be Given Unto You!


Luke 11:9-10 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (10) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 

I have always found these two verses interesting.  Nine out of ten times that I hear someone reference these verses they are referred to on their own out of the context of the other verses around them.  That is not to say they they are “out of context”, just not in their context.  However, for the purpose of this examination, we want to consider them in the context that they were originally spoken and that is:  “Lord Teach us to Pray”.

My first thoughts when reading this is:  Why?  Why three separate statements?  I see it as three levels of intensity to get what we need and want.  Keep in mind that this statement is made on the heels of the parable of the neighbor at midnight.  The conclusion to that lesson is that we are to ask without ceasing.  This takes the asking to a whole level of intensity. Yes ask, but also seek and knock as well.  As often as not, when we need help from God, there is something that we need to do to contribute to the process.  Let’s take needing a job as an example.  If we need to find a job, do we simply ask?  Do we ONLY ask?  Do we even just ask without ceasing?  Not if we want to find the job.  The manner in which God will aid us in finding a job is not just through asking...but rather through our seeking and knocking.  If we sat on the couch all day praying but never sent out a resume, never networked with industry contacts, never looked for opening on line, our asking may be in vain.  There are times that the seeking and knocking will go hand in hand with the aking

More often than not, we do not get what we ask for soon after we pray for it.  So what do we do at this point?  Give up?  Quit asking?  Certainly not.  We step up the asking to seeking.  We step up the seeking to knocking.  When his faithful servants asks, seeks and knocks, our gracious and loving father will relent and give us what we need.

Reflecting His SON,  
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ

North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY  40160
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