Integrity

Integrity. In Psalm 139:1-12, David is talking about how God knows everything going on in his heart and no matter where he is God is there. How God even knows what David is going to say before he says it.

Proverbs 24:12, tells us "God knows all hearts and He sees you." and Matthew 16:27 says, "(Jesus) will judge ALL people according to their deeds."

I work at a Christian bookstore and the most popular item that is stolen is the Bible (they must not read it, or skip over the 'thou shalt not steal' part) and in the music department we get so many demos stolen. Have you ever burned a CD even though it says that you shouldn't? Or received extra change back from buying something and not given it back (even if it is three dollars)? There are many examples...

But if the Scriptures above are true....then God is watching us continually and knows when we are trying to cheat our way through life.

Proverbs 20:7 says, "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them." If that is true then people are watching us, (especially when you have kids) they will imitate your very actions.

So the question is would your actions be different, the words that come out of your mouth change, if Christ was right next to you in person?

But the scary thing is - He already is..

Be blessed,
Steve

Would you die for what you believe?

With the popularity of the prosperity preaching and finding your best life now, I have a story for you....(story taken from Jesus Freaks book)

The communist soldiers had discovered their illegal Bible.

As the pastor was reading from the Bible, men with guns suddenly broke into the home, terrorizing the believers who had gathered there to worship. The Communists shouted insults and threatened to kill the Christians. The leading officer pointed his gun at the pastor's head. "Hand me the Bible," he demanded.

Reluctantly, the pastor handed over the Bible, his prized possession. With a sneer on his face, the guard threw the Word of God on the floor at his feet. He glared at the small congregation. "We will let you go," he growled, "but first, you must spit on this book of lies. Anyone who refuses will be shot." The believers had no choice but to obey the officer's order.

A soldier pointed his gun at one of the men. "You first."

The man slowly got up and knelt down by the Bible. Reluctantly, he spit on it, praying, "Father, please forgive me." he stood up and walked to the door. The soldiers stood back and allowed him to leave.

"Okay, you!" the soldier said, nudging a woman forward. In tears, she could barely do what the soldier demanded. She spat only a little, but it was enough. She too was allowed to leave.

Quietly, a young girl (16/17 years old) came forward. Overcome with love for her Lord, she knelt down and picked up the Bible. She wiped off the spit with her dress. "What they done to Your Word?
Please forgive them," She prayed.

The Communist soldier put his pistol to her head. Then he pulled the trigger.

I am not against the people preaching/teaching that God is willing to bless us. I agree. But ask this girl if that is what the gospel of Jesus is about. Is it really about us? We have made God into someone who is like Santa Claus at Christmas, but continually Jesus asks us pick up our cross and follow Him.

There are millions of believers out there risking their lives just to carry a Bible or have a church service. So the question I have asked myself for years is the question I have for you....would you die for what you believe? Really think about it. Because sometimes we cannot give up earthly stuff for the cause of Christ or stand up for Christ among friends. I know I have failed many times in those two areas.

Be blessed,

Steve

Who I Am

I have an amazing and godly wife of 9 years. I have a drama queen daughter and sports loving son. And I am a pastor of a church that thinks outside the box.

Check us out...www.therefugedenver.com

Fortified Walls

Joshua 6:1-5

The city of Jericho was one of the oldest cities in the world. In some places it had fortified walls up to 25 feet high and 20 feet thick. Jericho was a symbol of military power and strength---the Canaanites considered it invincible.

But the Canaanites heard about the Israelites' God, "We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror." Joshua 2:9. In Joshua 6:4 it says, "Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram's horn..." What is important about this verse is that the Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God's presence and power and was placed inside the holy of holies [where God dwelled]. The ram's horn, also known as a [shofar], was blown for several reasons but one was to summon warriors to battle and signaled the beginning of an attack [which was the case in Joshua 6]. When the "loud blast" happened it signaled the onset of the attack--psychological warfare intended to create panic and confusion.

Many of us have our own fortified walls that need to be conquered. Whether it be gossip, self-image, trust, lust, greed, envy, bitterness, troubled marriage, unruly kids, drugs, alcohol, etc..... As long as you trust in your own knowledge and strength the fortified wall and your enemy will laugh at you. You always need to bring God with you [the Ark of the Covenant].

As for the shofar not only was it used to summon the warriors for battle but also it was used to summon worshippers to the Temple. It was also used in regular Temple worship. The only way we can defeat our enemy/fortified wall is to really exalt the name of Christ.

Read Psalm 98