Faith for the Family

“By faith Isaac invoked future blessing on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones” (Hebrews 11:20-23). Moving faith from theory to reality is an essential, yet tough, assignment. It’s so much easier to talk it than walk it! If we decide to implement faith, it’s not long before it begins to impact the roots of our existence: our homes. Note three realms of faith. First, there is faith for living and dying. We fight faith constantly. By nature, we resist trusting God. We would rather walk by sight, since that’s a lot more predictable. The problem is that walking by sight doesn’t please God. Faith is to be an everyday companion, not a weekend guest (II Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:7). The best place to exercise faith is in the home with the family. Second, the faith found in four homes (11:20-23). These verses give us four keyholes through which we can watch faith in progress. As we observe these examples, we need to pay attention to how the lines of faith were kept strong. The example found in Isaac’s faith (v.20). Isaac was dependent on the faith relationship that had been modeled for him by his father, Abraham, how he continued and preserved it in his relationship with his own sons, Jacob and Esau. The faith found in Jacob’s (v.21). This faith relationship here is grandfather to grandson. The example illustrated in Joseph’s faith (v.22). This faith relationship is from a brother to brothers. Moses’ parents’ faith (v.23). Also note (Exodus 2:10; 3:10). Third, faith exercised where we live. Since faith was never meant to remain a theoretical study, and since it is best learned within the home in conjunction with family relationships, there are two things we can do: Think of our homes as training bases, not holding tanks. Develop in our homes a contagious confidence in God, not a demoralizing determination to endure. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Spending Time Wisely

Ephesians 5:15,16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." What is the meaning of "Redeeming the time"? It cannot mean trying to recall the past. It does not mean dreaming about the future. Tomorrow is the day that never comes. Only today counts. Redeeming the time means to utilize the present. Redeem means to purchase, to keep from being lost or wasted. The word circumspectly means accurately, carefully, well. The wise person looks with care at all circumstances and opportunities and thus redeems the time. Look at four ways in which people are to redeem the time. First by trusting Christ as Savior while they have the opportunity. While God's mercy is yet extended to them. While Christ still offers grace and eternal life. while the gospel is still being preached. While the Holy Spirit is still pleading. While Christians may still pray and help. While God's promises are still open. Second by serving the Lord while you have the strength and vigor of youth. To detour Young people, Satan says: "Not now but later." "There's plenty of time. Have some time for yourself first." The evil one says "It's a hard path, not for young people." Instead of listening to Satan, obey God and redeem the time while your body is still strong. While your mind is still sharp. While you still possess inward energy and drive. Time passes quickly. If you are going to serve God later, you must begin now. Third, by leading your children to Christ and guiding them in the will of God. This is the responsibility of parents. Reach them while they are young and tender. Don't allow yourself to become too busy. Teach them while they are under your roof; pray with them while time is still on your side. Fourth, by getting the gospel to the unevangelized lands. This is God's time for world evangelization (see Acts 1:6-8). God is visiting the nations and taking out of them a people for His name. This is the age of grace for all of mankind. The doors to many countries are still open. The hearts of the people of the world are open as never before. This is a strategic hour, especiallly for Christians in North America. Each of us must ask will I act like a fool and waste time on worthless things, or will I be wise and redeem the time? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Let's Walk the Walk

"That you may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing" (I Thessalonians 4:12). True leadership involves walking the walk, seeing the fruit of walking the walk, and teaching other to walk the walk, and their seeing the fruit of their walk and their teaching others to do likewise. This is how discipleship works. This starts with the authenticity of our walk with the Lord as observed by men. We can be sure that the unbelieving world is watching our walk. We ought to be concerned how our living looks to those outside the body of Christ. They can't see our hearts, nor can they see the work of Calvary as its been applied to our account. What they can see and really want to see is authenticity, that is a walk that backs up our talk. Here God promises to provide our basic needs. Needs include food, clothing, shelter and the basic necessities of life. Part of an honest walk is honest work. Work is never a curse, but rather a real blessing. Work is one way we can use the gifts and talents the Lord has given us in a productive way. As the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, God is a worker (Isa. 40:28). Because we are created in the image of God we have been equipped with creativity and abilities. Work is part of how we experience true meaning in life. Work is certainly not the product of sin. Adam and Eve were given tasks to perform before the fall (Genesis 2:15). God uses our work as a way to serve others in many ways through providing goods and services that supply the needs of one another. The Lord promises to reward a good days work with a good nights sleep. Work is one way the Lord gives us to keep us out of trouble. He said "Let them that stole, steal no more, but rather work with their hands that they may have to give to those in need." God has provided a Model for our walk. We are to walk after the example of the Lord Jesus Christ (I John 2:6). We walk by abiding in Christ, Our walk includes walking in the Light, this means the confession of all known sin. We have a walk of rest in our union with Christ. We walk in the Spirit. We walk by faith, obedience and according to the truth of the Word. We are to walk in love. Love is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan and commanded throughout the Bible. The standard for our love for one another is Christ's love for us. Love is a matter of having a purified inner being (I Peter 1:22). Agape love is the God given ability to love our enemies. Love means serving and doing, not just talking. It works itself out in mutual affection and respect, which places others above oneself. Love means we show sympathy to those who are suffering. Love leads us to pray for one another. Love is to be the motive behind everything we do as we minister to others in their need. Are you walking and living by the love standard? The world is watching. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

God's Cure For Fear

The Scriptures tell us that "Fear has torment." How easy it is to get our eyes off the Lord and on to our circumstances. When Peter was walking on the water he was doing just fine until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm. When we focus on our circumstances, we begin to sink, just like Peter did. The truth is God is sovereign over every detail of our life. Nothing escapes God, there is nothing that surprises God. And believe it or not we can't teach Him anything, for He has nothing to learn, he knows everything. I am amazed how segments of the theological world will try to get rid of God's sovereignty. There is a new view call "Open Theism or open Theology" being taught (in some circles), that God knows little more of the future than we do. So He just hangs around with us and grieves with us when things go bad. The truth is God sees the future as clearly as He sees the past. He controls the future, He is Lord, the one in charge. He is still the Potter, and we remain the clay. I Sam. 2:3 states God is the God of knowledge. He knows everything. We read that "God searches the heart and understands all it's intents and thoughts" (cf. 2 Ch. 16:9; Heb. 4:12). Acts 2:23 tell us "Jesus was delivered to the Jews to be crucified by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God." In Matt. 24:36 we learn "No one but God knows the day and hour of judgment." Being the creator God, God knows when he made you and when you will die, and every detail between those times. "Before you were born I knit you together in your mothers womb." This is how we can be assured that God is who he says He is. He is the Alpha, the Omega the beginning and the end. I put my trust in Christ because I am sure of my salvation, because I have put my trust in a God who is Omniscient and Omnipotent. Because God is all knowing and all powerful we can agree with Paul who said "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7). What about fear, we learn from the Lord that fear is the opposite of faith. When the disciples were in the boat in the middle of a huge storm they were fearful. The problem was not the boat in the storm, but the storm in the boat. The water had nearly filled the boat and these seasoned fishermen believed they were going to drown. They overlooked one factor, they had God in the boat. What was he doing, sleeping. They woke Him up and rebuked Him for not caring. He simply stood up and said "Peace be still." and the storm stopped. He looked at His disciples and asked this piercing question, "Why do you fear, why do you have no faith?" When God is in the boat there is no reason to fear. He has power over the storm, God can stop the storms in our life any time He chooses. He can say "Peace be still." and the storm will stop. How often do we rebuke the Lord when we feel He is not helping us? The song writer of old said "Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." Note the Lord did not stop the storm until the Disciples spoke to Him. Speaking to God is called prayer. Have you been talking with the Lord about your current storm? What was He doing with His disciples, the same thing He does with us, teaching them to trust Him in the storms of life. Each of them would preach the gospel to a hostile world. All would be put to death (with the exception of John) because they would name the name of Christ. I believe there is a "spirit of fear", but it is not the Holy Spirit. As believers we have the Spirit of power, and of love and of a sound mind. The cure for fear is faith, who or what are you trusting in today?

Let's Finish Well

One popular "Red Neck" comedian has coined the phrase "Get er done." God told Israel centuries ago "Get er done." when it came to purging the Promised land of Canaanites. Yet we read "When Israel became strong, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor but never drove them out completely" (Judges 1:28-29). When I was in college I served in a church that went through a building program. I remember one supporting beam that did not get stained completely. there was a bare sport about the side of a small plate. The dark oak finish stood out in stark contrast to the pale unstained wood. I keep waiting for someone to finish the job, it never happened. The contractor never returned to "Get er done." A job 90% done can be an irritant to say the least. The scriptures tell us "Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your strength." Your co-workers, boss and customers will be frustrated with 90% when they are expecting and paying for 100%. The hardest place to score from in a football game is the one yard line. Why? Because the resistance is the greatest there. We are glad that Jesus finished His work on the cross. The words "It is finished" gives hope to everyone who will ever live on this earth. Spiritually, what does the Lord want from us? He wants us to grow into spiritual maturity. From day one of our new birth he says "Desire the true milk of the Word that you may grow by it." I Pet. 2:2. Spiritual growth comes by hanging around with Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He has declared us to be complete in Him, we simply grow into what we already are. It's not legalism that brings maturity it's loving and trusting God. Christ likeness comes from Christ closeness. There is a popular phrase in Christians circles it says "Finish well." To me that means when God calls me home, I will be walking with Him in a relationship of trust. Let's ask ourselves a few questions. Am I doing my best in all God has assigned for me to do? Do I finish every task 100%? Am I walking in an intimate trust relationship with Jesus? Do I seek by His power to obey Him in everything? Is there any unconfessed sin that He and I need to deal with together? Remember Jesus helps us deal with our sin, that is what the cross is all about. Am I willing to trust Jesus in the darkness, when life doesn't make sense, when all I see in front of me is a stone wall? Do I really love and trust the only One who really makes sense. Do I still believe the Lord when He said "Without me you can do nothing." Have I purposed in my heart to walk with the Lord and finish well? Let's "Get er done" in His strength.

Making The Right Choices

Each new day comes with a multitude of choices. Will I get up the first time the alarm clock ringsm or will I hit the sloth button? What will I wear? Choices concerning breakfast, what will I eat, or will I eat at all? How will I drive on my way to work? What will I do concerning that rude driver who cut me off? What route will I take. Will I break the speed limit, flow with traffic, or lead the pack. What will my attitude be like at work? Will I snub the co-worker who threw me under the bus (figuratively speaking) last week? Will I do my best, and work harder and smarter? Or will I be a complainer like some others are, always griping about something that doesn't suit me? King David made a bold statement about his daily choices. The said, “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws,” (Psalm 119:30). Choosing the "way of truth." begins with knowing the One who is the "Way, the Truth and the Life." When we know Jesus then we are attracted to the Word of Truth which is the Scriptures. Walking in the Word is necessary in order to know what truth is. As we surrender to the Lord we are filled with the Spirit of Truth, The Spirit of Truth is the Holy Spirit. He is the One who Jesus said would "Teach us all things." We are also to be a part of the Local Church which is the "Pillar and ground of the Truth." Freedom comes from knowing God's Truth. "You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free." This speaks of an experiential knowledge of the truth. In other words it is more than a head knowledge, it is knowledge that lives in the heart. Years ago there was a gospel tract called "He missed heaven by 18 inches." The idea was a man knew all about Jesus and the blood of the cross in his head, but he had not received Jesus in his heart. David went on to state "I have set my heart on your laws." The laws of God are good. Why? Because God's law points out violations of love. Jesus said the Great Commandment was to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself, on these two commandment hang all the Law and Prophets." How did King David come to the conclusion that choosing the way (path) of truth is best? He learned this by experience. There were times he wandered from the path of truth and paid a terrible price. One thing remarkable about David, he always repented and returned to the path of truth. The questions each of us must face daily is what path will I choose to walk on today. For the believer that path must be the "Way of Truth."

What Good Does Prayer Do

In 35 years of ministry I have heard the following question many times "What good does prayer do?" Why should a Christian pray? One well meaning believer choose not to pray because he believed it would put God on the spot. His reasoning is as follows. God said He would answer our prayers. Thus if we pray and God's doesn't answer, we make God look bad. Further more God knows what He is going to do anyway, why not just let Him do his thing and be grateful when things go our way. So rather than pray, he would thank God when something good would happen. The problem was this fellow was a pastor, and he taught this hearsay to his people. Some of them ended up in spiritual despair, feeling disconnected from God and entirely without hope. In Mark we read of Jesus who "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, got up, left the house and when off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:34-36. Jesus walked with the Father through out his earthly life. The God/Man depended on the Father for instruction and the Holy Spirit for power. The context of Mark 1:34-36is ministry. This was a time of preaching the gospel and casting out demons. In the midst of an extremely busy time of ministry Jesus prayed. Communion with the Father was more precious than sleep. He arose "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark..." I have been amazed at how many really big "He men" get pinned by the sheets. I have been involved in a early morning prayer time with a number of men. Our group started out 10 strong, in a few months we ended up with 2 or 3 each week. The power of the sheets won out over the desire to pray. When the Apostle Paul came to Christ other believers stated of Paul "Observe he prays." What happened, in salvation the Holy Spirit puts the desire to pray in our hearts. Just about every one I have ever seen get saved began to do several things. They began to pray, read the Bible and tell others about Christ. This brings us back to the question why pray? Answer because God commands us to "pray without ceasing." He said "we have not because we ask not." Simply put, we fellowship with God through prayer. Every greatly used of God man or woman in church history was marked by being a person of prayer. Martin Luther said "I have so much to do today, there is no way I can get it all done without spending at least 4 hours in prayer." Prayer moves the hand of God. Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, it is getting hold of His highest willingness. Nehemiah prayed 120 days in order to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem which took 52 days. Jesus told the Disciples to "pray to the Lord of the Harvest that he might send forth labors into the harvest." As they prayed they became aware that they were some of the labors God was preparing to send. God conditions us through prayer. How often we miss the prayer part when we quote "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanks giving let your requests be made known to God." We seem to get the worry and being anxious part down well. An old saying "why worry when you can pray, still works today." Are there Biblical examples of prayer making a difference? God was going to destroy Israel and start over with Moses, Moses petitioned God in the strongest of prayers not to destroy them. God answered Moses prayer and spared Israel. Elijah prayed and it rained, he prayed and God sent down fire from heaven to consume the wood, rocks and water on Mount Carmel. Jesus prayed for His disciples and us in John 17: the Father answered and is still answering the prayer of John 17. Why don't we pray? Prayer is a form of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6 say the two offensive weapons a believer has is the Word of God and Prayer. Prayer takes discipline and concentration, prayer must be purposeful and must be a priority. George Mueller prayed for two men for 42 years. When asked why he still prayed for them, he answered, because God had not told him to stop. One of the men came to Christ at Mueller's funeral service, the other was saved 2 years after Mueller's death. A song writer wrote these words years ago. "Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, draws me from a world of care..." In my years as a counselor the lasting victories came through prayer. The prayers of those being counseled and the prayers of those who loved them. When the Disciples asked Jesus "Teach us to pray." they were praying about their praying. Don't have a passion for prayer, pray until the passion comes, then keep praying. Trust and prayer go together, the more we pray the greater our trust, the greater our trust the more we will pray. Can it be said of you "Observe, he/she prays?"

The Elder Brother Syndrome

In Luke 15 we have the story of a prodigal son who repented and an elder brother who did not.The account gives us insight into the heart of our Heavenly Father. When the sinful son came to himself in a hog pen he drew three implications from his sin. 1. He sinned against heaven. 2. He sinned against his father. 3. The son recognized that he was no longer worthy to be called a son-sin leaves us with an acute feeling of having lost the Fathers fellowship. When the son repented he headed back to his father. True repentance cannot be divorced from action. Repentance drives us to the arms of our Heavenly Father, who stand ready to forgive and restore. Note the signs that the prodigal had been fully restored to the status of son. 1. The signet ring, given so that the son could act in the name of his father. It was a sign of trust and authority. Luke 15:22. 2. The father did not mourn or regret the return of the son, he celebrated the restoration. The real point of the parable is the attitude and action of the elder son. Luke 15:26-28. The statement "There go I but for the grace of God," may be a statement of pride. Our view of sinners should be one of great sorrow, for they are lost. Only by purging the "elder brother syndrome" from the church can we ever hope to win the world for Christ. Serving God involves more than a slavish adherence to a legal code, it includes love for ones fellow man. We have no right to be selfish when it comes to the love and blessings of God.We have no right to hog God's grace. The elders brothers hurt feelings tumbled out in a torrent against the father. 1. It omitted any form of respectful address. 2. It spoke of his relationship as being less than a son, "Behold these many years I have slaved for you." 3. He reminded his father that he had always obeyed his commands. 4. He bitterly accused his father of having never rewarded him properly. 5. He indulged in character assassination of his brother. The bitter, unforgiving elder brother missed grace, he did not understand that grace is what the Lord does for us, not what we do for the Lord. Grace is the very thing that allows us to put up with the yokels that show up week after week in our local churches. The amazing thing about them is that they have been redeemed and they in truth are very much like we are. Really, the amazing thing about grace is they are able to put up with, accept and love us. That's God's grace in action and it's very attractive.

Spiritual Warfare and Missions

Prayer: Lord please reveal to my heart your desire for my life. I want to obey and serve You, and I know part of that obedience involves praying for those who plant churches and do mission work at home and abroad. And Lord, send me where You want me to go, that I might fulfill Your perfect will in my life. In Jesus Name, AMEN. Please read Acts 13:1-12. A missionary in China had been showing the people the foolishness of idols, and was preaching salvation through the Lord Jesus to them. One old man said "Stop and tell us, for we cannot find the door." Paul said "How shall they hear without a preacher, and how shall they preach except they be sent." At the time of the writing of the above passage Antioch had become the center of operation. Paul is the central figure. Note the call of Paul and Barnabas for the work of the gospel. First is was a divine call. The call came from the Holy Spirit. He chooses spiritual Believers. Paul and Barnabas were ministering unto the Lord. This would include prayer, exhortation and fasting. Fasting was not practiced by the disciples while the Bridegroom was with them. But fasting abounded when He was taken away into heaven. Paul was well prepared for mission work (Galatians 1:18; Acts 11:23-26). Second, it was a personal call. Barnabas was older than Saul. This was not an occasion for envy or jealousy but rejoicing. I have seen the Lord call men and women at all ages. I was the moderator at an ordination for a man who was 60 years old. That was 25 years ago and he is still preaching the Gospel and he grows more excited about the Lord's work as he ages. I also know a 21 year old man who planted a church that is thriving today. Age is not an issue when God calls. Third, it was a call to separation. "Separate me." The Holy uses those who are separated from the world and entirely yielded unto God. Those who remained in Antioch were likewise separated unto the Holy Spirit. God has His place for each of us to serve. A central purpose in the Kingdom of God is the multiplication and growth of Christian churches and we know that prayer is a chief instrument for releasing God's purpose into reality. Paul's desired prayer partners. He said "Brethren, pray for us." (Note I Thess. 5:25; Romans 15:30). Forth, it was a call to work. "For the work where unto I have called them." God never calls us to ease and idleness but to be workers with Him. Everyone Jesus called to be His disciple was doing something. Matthew was collecting taxes, Paul was killing Christians, Peter was fishing. Fifth, it was a call which met the approval of the brethren. The congregation sent them away after fasting and prayer. We as a local church need to recognize and sent forth those who have been called by the Holy Spirit. As normally happens they received immediate opposition from Satan. Sixth, it was a call, followed by mighty deeds. A good indication of God's call is when a demonstration of God's power is evidenced. The Holy Spirit over came the sorcerer. The sorcerer's blindness was only for a season. The conversion of the deputy, Sergius Paulus, came through the power of the Gospel. He was set free from the Sorcerer's influence and brought into the Kingdom of God. Here are five reasons Missionaries need intercession: 1. Missionaries have greater responsibility and accountability (James 3:1). 2. Missionaries are more subject to temptation. They are high on Satan's hit list. 3. Missionaries are more targeted by spiritual warfare. They often minister to a highly demonized culture. 4. Missionaries have more influence on others. 5. Missionaries have more visibility. They may be the only "Jesus Christ" a city or village will ever know. Are you praying daily for the Missionaries God has placed in your life? How you ever asked the Lord if He would be please to send you to another field? He loves to answer prayer.

Spiritual Warfare and the final battle

Prayer: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have freed me from my chains" (Psalm 116:15-16). Dear Lord as your servant I look forward to the day I see you face to face. One day I will no longer be held by the chains of human frailty. Please help me, while I am still on this earth, to be free from the strongholds that threaten my Christian life and testimony. I ask you to keep me from harm and from the evil one; that I might be a blessing to you and to those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen. "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war" (Rev 19:11-12). When I was a boy, I would forward to Saturday mornings. That is when I would watch the good old western T.V. programs. The Lone Ranger would always get his man. There was a sharp distinction between good and evil. The good guys were dressed in white, the bad guys dressed in black. Roy Rogers could count on Trigger to run fast enough to catch any bad guy in the country. Facing the Saturday morning line up of heroes no bad guy ever won. When the main characters did get into trouble, I could count on the cavalry to show up in the nick of time. They rode in blowing bugles and they always saved the day. Daily I see a battle being waged between Satan and God's Kingdom. The really good news is the final battle is coming. The Lord Jesus and His army will invade the enemies of His kingdom and it will be a great climax to thousands of years of warfare. "He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Rev 19:12-16). The Scriptures tell us that life on earth is but a "Vapor, which quickly passes away." For a visual, light a match, blow it out, and watch the vapor disappear. One hundred years from now means all new people. Whatever hardships you've faced on earth will pale in comparison to the glory that is to be revealed when the marriage of the Bride of Christ takes place on that final day. In these difficult times be faithful. Stand firm. And see the glory of the Lord.