If you're interested in purchasing a copy, the cost is $12 which includes shipping. You can email your request to michael-mason@charter.net.
Thanks.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
ONE HOPE
My latest book, One Hope, is available. The story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Lazarus continues to inspire the defeated and give strength to the weary. This brief volume looks again at the events of those four amazing days in the life of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Everything changed when Jesus came home.
If you're interested in purchasing a copy, the cost is $12 which includes shipping. You can email your request to michael-mason@charter.net.
Thanks.
If you're interested in purchasing a copy, the cost is $12 which includes shipping. You can email your request to michael-mason@charter.net.
Thanks.
RELY
2 Chronicles 7:12-22
Where do we turn when our world turns upside down? Where do we run when our luck runs out? Who do we believe when we don’t know what to believe?
We seldom turn to God first when we’re troubled – or when we’re sick – or when we’re suddenly in a place we never thought we’d be. God, His Word, and prayer are often last resorts instead of first priorities.
George Muller, a great man of faith who trusted God in unbelievable ways said this, “The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” Why is that? The further we get away from God – the further the distance to come back.
Only when he hit bottom did the prodigal turn around – he turned toward home – he turned back to his father. He was so hungry he would have eaten the pods the pigs were eating. Why wait till you hit bottom? Turn around while you can. Rely on the Lord. Rest in His promises.
So...Where do we turn? What do we trust? Who do we listen to?
Intuition:
Defined as quick insight or immediate knowledge without evident rational thought. You might say, “I know what I need to do...” Someone might ask you, “How do you know?” And you might say, “I just know.” ...Call it a gut feeling. But how often have you followed a gut feeling only to find out your gut was wrong?
We can’t go on feelings – emotions alone, or intuition. As believers we must rely on the Lord – to lead us by the Holy Spirit. We can’t rely on premonitions. What do we do? Seek the Lord. And then wait. Rely on Him.
Information:
Never before in the history have we had so much information at our fingertips. We can “Google” any subject under the sun and in a matter of seconds find out everything we need to know about the flight behaviors of Canadian geese to the value of the yen. ....Through the amazing world wide web we are connected to most any information we need to know. ...Whether it’s radio, TV, computer, magazines, books, or billboards – information is everywhere.
But why would a believer seek information about a spiritual issue from a non-spiritual source? Why would a believer seek help in raising their kids from a non-Christian source? Consumer reports can help you with buying a lawnmower – but only God can help you with keeping your family together. What do we do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
Individuals:
They’re out there – telling us what we want to hear. Oprah, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Ellen, Rush, and a host of others. And we’re listening and buying their books. But it’s not the wealthy and well to do that do us the most harm.
Often times we are led astray by “friends” who want us to be happy.
They mean well. They have our best interests in mind...and they know just what or who we need to make our life complete. The end result is distancing ourselves from family – distancing ourselves from God – distancing ourselves from any accountability – so we can be happy. At least for now.
As believers, we know better. But because we’re stretched and strained to the breaking point we buy into the easy fix – ignoring our convictions and wrecking our life. What do we need to do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
A Prayer to God 7:12 ...Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple.
(2 Chronicles 6:12-42) Matthew Henry says Solomon prayed, “That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: ...That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others: ...That the service of the temple might turn to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people.”
A Place to Worship 7:12 In that day they really believed they were standing on holy ground. We’ve lost a lot of that today. Reverence in the presence of God is almost a thing of the past. We think nothing about checking our email during worship – or balancing our checkbook... We think about a place...a pew...but seldom think of His presence. (2 Chronicles 7:1-7)
A Promise to Believe 7:14 We quote this verse often – especially during times of trouble and despair in America. Often the verse has been Americanized – Politicized – Denominationized – all for the sake of votes, income, and the guarantee of revival. ...But this verse is more personal than it is national. Countries are made up of people – people who need God. Like us.
What a great promise God gives when we do what we should in the way we should... “...then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Where do we turn when our world turns upside down? Where do we run when our luck runs out? Who do we believe when we don’t know what to believe?
We seldom turn to God first when we’re troubled – or when we’re sick – or when we’re suddenly in a place we never thought we’d be. God, His Word, and prayer are often last resorts instead of first priorities.
George Muller, a great man of faith who trusted God in unbelievable ways said this, “The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” Why is that? The further we get away from God – the further the distance to come back.
Only when he hit bottom did the prodigal turn around – he turned toward home – he turned back to his father. He was so hungry he would have eaten the pods the pigs were eating. Why wait till you hit bottom? Turn around while you can. Rely on the Lord. Rest in His promises.
So...Where do we turn? What do we trust? Who do we listen to?
Intuition:
Defined as quick insight or immediate knowledge without evident rational thought. You might say, “I know what I need to do...” Someone might ask you, “How do you know?” And you might say, “I just know.” ...Call it a gut feeling. But how often have you followed a gut feeling only to find out your gut was wrong?
We can’t go on feelings – emotions alone, or intuition. As believers we must rely on the Lord – to lead us by the Holy Spirit. We can’t rely on premonitions. What do we do? Seek the Lord. And then wait. Rely on Him.
Information:
Never before in the history have we had so much information at our fingertips. We can “Google” any subject under the sun and in a matter of seconds find out everything we need to know about the flight behaviors of Canadian geese to the value of the yen. ....Through the amazing world wide web we are connected to most any information we need to know. ...Whether it’s radio, TV, computer, magazines, books, or billboards – information is everywhere.
But why would a believer seek information about a spiritual issue from a non-spiritual source? Why would a believer seek help in raising their kids from a non-Christian source? Consumer reports can help you with buying a lawnmower – but only God can help you with keeping your family together. What do we do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
Individuals:
They’re out there – telling us what we want to hear. Oprah, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Ellen, Rush, and a host of others. And we’re listening and buying their books. But it’s not the wealthy and well to do that do us the most harm.
Often times we are led astray by “friends” who want us to be happy.
They mean well. They have our best interests in mind...and they know just what or who we need to make our life complete. The end result is distancing ourselves from family – distancing ourselves from God – distancing ourselves from any accountability – so we can be happy. At least for now.
As believers, we know better. But because we’re stretched and strained to the breaking point we buy into the easy fix – ignoring our convictions and wrecking our life. What do we need to do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
A Prayer to God 7:12 ...Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple.
(2 Chronicles 6:12-42) Matthew Henry says Solomon prayed, “That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: ...That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others: ...That the service of the temple might turn to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people.”
A Place to Worship 7:12 In that day they really believed they were standing on holy ground. We’ve lost a lot of that today. Reverence in the presence of God is almost a thing of the past. We think nothing about checking our email during worship – or balancing our checkbook... We think about a place...a pew...but seldom think of His presence. (2 Chronicles 7:1-7)
A Promise to Believe 7:14 We quote this verse often – especially during times of trouble and despair in America. Often the verse has been Americanized – Politicized – Denominationized – all for the sake of votes, income, and the guarantee of revival. ...But this verse is more personal than it is national. Countries are made up of people – people who need God. Like us.
What a great promise God gives when we do what we should in the way we should... “...then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Isaiah 6:1-8
What’s happening in Isaiah 6?
• We see worship which was off-centered: Isaiah 6:1 Israel and the people of God, including Isaiah, were distracted by the prosperous and popular reign of King Uzziah. He had been King for 52 years. Fifty Two Years...get that. Imagine living under the rule and reign of one King for most or all of your life. In 2 Chronicles 26 you can read of all his accomplishments. He was an amazing King - for most of his reign. Until he became prideful and thought he could do no wrong.
......The people under his reign had taken their eyes off of God. How easy it is to get our eyes off God. How easy to be consumed with pride, with complacency, with pleasing others more than God. They were worshipping Uzziah, an earthly King...more than the Lord, the heavenly King.
• We see praise which was over-due: Isaiah 6:3-4 I’m not suggesting we should expect to see what Isaiah saw every time we worship. But the point was clear: If the people weren’t going to praise Him...the Seraphim would. As the seraphim cried out, Isaiah saw the temple shake...and then it was filled with smoke. The shaking points out the presence and power of God. The smoke represented the cloud of glory which the children of Israel had witnessed as they wandered in the wilderness. ...For 52 years the people of God had lived without acknowledging God. The cloud in the temple was a real and fearful reminder. An entire generation died in the wilderness because they ignored God.
......When was the last time you praised the Lord? Genuine, unhindered praise? Most of us never get there. Most of us are uncomfortable expressing our praise to God. Most of us are too concerned about what others think. And some of us are critical of those who do praise Him. When have you praised him for your health – your family – your salvation – your home – food, clothing, and shelter? ...Don’t be critical of others when they praise the Lord. Michal...David’s wife criticized his praise and mocked him ...and God caused her to be barren all the days of her life.
• We see Isaiah who was un-done: Isaiah 6:5, 8 Put yourself in his shoes. The only King he had ever known was dead but suddenly he was overcome by the presence of the living King! In verse 5 he cries out, “Woe is me!” Ever felt like saying out loud, “Lord, I’m a sinner...Lord, I believe...Lord, You got me!?” In verse 8 he is willing to do whatever God says, “Here I am send me!” He cried out then he stepped out. He spoke up then he stood up. His grief over Uzziah’s death was drowned out by his gratitude over the living Lord! Wow.
......In God’s presence you’ll see things you never expected to see. We see God. We see ourselves. Like looking in a mirror, we see it all. In His presence our church clothes are stripped away – Our wealth and worth...our name and notoriety are unimportant in His presence. All pretense and pride is erased and all that’s left is a barren soul.
• We see worship which was off-centered: Isaiah 6:1 Israel and the people of God, including Isaiah, were distracted by the prosperous and popular reign of King Uzziah. He had been King for 52 years. Fifty Two Years...get that. Imagine living under the rule and reign of one King for most or all of your life. In 2 Chronicles 26 you can read of all his accomplishments. He was an amazing King - for most of his reign. Until he became prideful and thought he could do no wrong.
......The people under his reign had taken their eyes off of God. How easy it is to get our eyes off God. How easy to be consumed with pride, with complacency, with pleasing others more than God. They were worshipping Uzziah, an earthly King...more than the Lord, the heavenly King.
• We see praise which was over-due: Isaiah 6:3-4 I’m not suggesting we should expect to see what Isaiah saw every time we worship. But the point was clear: If the people weren’t going to praise Him...the Seraphim would. As the seraphim cried out, Isaiah saw the temple shake...and then it was filled with smoke. The shaking points out the presence and power of God. The smoke represented the cloud of glory which the children of Israel had witnessed as they wandered in the wilderness. ...For 52 years the people of God had lived without acknowledging God. The cloud in the temple was a real and fearful reminder. An entire generation died in the wilderness because they ignored God.
......When was the last time you praised the Lord? Genuine, unhindered praise? Most of us never get there. Most of us are uncomfortable expressing our praise to God. Most of us are too concerned about what others think. And some of us are critical of those who do praise Him. When have you praised him for your health – your family – your salvation – your home – food, clothing, and shelter? ...Don’t be critical of others when they praise the Lord. Michal...David’s wife criticized his praise and mocked him ...and God caused her to be barren all the days of her life.
• We see Isaiah who was un-done: Isaiah 6:5, 8 Put yourself in his shoes. The only King he had ever known was dead but suddenly he was overcome by the presence of the living King! In verse 5 he cries out, “Woe is me!” Ever felt like saying out loud, “Lord, I’m a sinner...Lord, I believe...Lord, You got me!?” In verse 8 he is willing to do whatever God says, “Here I am send me!” He cried out then he stepped out. He spoke up then he stood up. His grief over Uzziah’s death was drowned out by his gratitude over the living Lord! Wow.
......In God’s presence you’ll see things you never expected to see. We see God. We see ourselves. Like looking in a mirror, we see it all. In His presence our church clothes are stripped away – Our wealth and worth...our name and notoriety are unimportant in His presence. All pretense and pride is erased and all that’s left is a barren soul.
One Hope
My latest book, One Hope, will be available next week. It's a brief volume covering the events surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Lazarus. Our communities are filled with folks who live without hope. I trust this book will be a source of encouragement to anyone who is going through a season of despair.
If you're interested in getting a copy, you can email me at michael-mason@charter.net. The cost is $10 plus shipping or you can pick one up at Trinity Baptist.
If you're interested in getting a copy, you can email me at michael-mason@charter.net. The cost is $10 plus shipping or you can pick one up at Trinity Baptist.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Greatest Revelation
Isaiah 6:1-8
I remember the first time I saw the images of Alyssa and Garrett. In 1994 Crystal and I watched the monitor as we saw for the first time blurry images of the girl we had prayed for. Little did we know she’d grow up. Seventeen years ago, those images were not as clear as what we can see today...but it was a huge moment in our lives when for the first time we saw our daughter’s face on the screen. ...Same thing happened four years later when Garrett was about to be born. Like most folks we carried those pictures home to the family so they could see him too. It was a glimpse...a blurred revelation of what was to come.
Revelations are huge: Football teams wait to reveal their new quarterback. Apple waits to reveal their new ipad, ipod, and iphone. Auto companies wait to reveal their new designs for the coming year. And most Sundays, Christians wait for God to reveal Himself through His Word...or through the time of Worship...or simply through the working of His Holy Spirit. We often pray, “God reveal yourself to us today...reveal your will for our lives...reveal your plans and purposes... Do we really want God to reveal Himself? Really?
I am convinced, if we really experience God revealing Himself to us there would more weeping – less laughing. More praying – less boasting. More of us on our face – less of us on our feet. Truth is...just as with Isaiah, when God reveals Himself to us – it becomes more of a revealing of ourselves. Our pride is revealed. Our disobedience is revealed. Our secrets are revealed. Our need for God is revealed. Our weaknesses are revealed. Our sin is revealed. The revelation of God to us – leads to the revelation of us to God. We see ourselves as He sees us.
Chuck Colson’s story is interesting. His conversion is amazing. God revealed Himself to this powerful man through the witness of a friend –he was changed and has never looked back. He says, “A lot of people have asked me what I think about when I remember back to that hot, humid August night in 1973 when Tom Phillips, then the president of the Raytheon Company, witnessed to me in his home. I left his house that night shaken by the words he had read from C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity about pride. It felt as if Lewis were writing about me, former Marine captain, Special Counsel to the President of the United States, now in the midst of the Watergate scandal. I had an overwhelming sense that I was unclean. ....After talking to Tom, I found that when I got to the automobile to drive away, I couldn’t. I was crying too hard – and I was not one to ever cry. I spent an hour calling out to God. I did not even know the right words. I simply knew that I wanted Him. And I knew for certain that the God who created the universe heard my cry. ....From the next morning to this day, I have never looked back. I can honestly say that the worst day of the last 35 years has been better than the best days of the 41 years that preceded it. ....So how do you celebrate 35 years as a Christian? By recommitting yourself to use every available moment, every ounce of energy, in service of the King. For what He has done for me, how could I ever do less? Wow. God took one of the worst sinners and made him a missionary to prisoners worldwide through Prison Fellowship International. God revealed Himself to Chuck Colson. Chuck took a good look at himself. Then, God revealed His will to Chuck.
Has God been revealing Himself to you? Has He been revealing your own sin to you... Your pride, your attitude, your need for him? In the presence of God there is a great revelation: The “revelation” that I am a sinner and I desperately need God. In His presence I see myself as a sinner and the Lord as my Savior. There is no greater revelation.
I remember the first time I saw the images of Alyssa and Garrett. In 1994 Crystal and I watched the monitor as we saw for the first time blurry images of the girl we had prayed for. Little did we know she’d grow up. Seventeen years ago, those images were not as clear as what we can see today...but it was a huge moment in our lives when for the first time we saw our daughter’s face on the screen. ...Same thing happened four years later when Garrett was about to be born. Like most folks we carried those pictures home to the family so they could see him too. It was a glimpse...a blurred revelation of what was to come.
Revelations are huge: Football teams wait to reveal their new quarterback. Apple waits to reveal their new ipad, ipod, and iphone. Auto companies wait to reveal their new designs for the coming year. And most Sundays, Christians wait for God to reveal Himself through His Word...or through the time of Worship...or simply through the working of His Holy Spirit. We often pray, “God reveal yourself to us today...reveal your will for our lives...reveal your plans and purposes... Do we really want God to reveal Himself? Really?
I am convinced, if we really experience God revealing Himself to us there would more weeping – less laughing. More praying – less boasting. More of us on our face – less of us on our feet. Truth is...just as with Isaiah, when God reveals Himself to us – it becomes more of a revealing of ourselves. Our pride is revealed. Our disobedience is revealed. Our secrets are revealed. Our need for God is revealed. Our weaknesses are revealed. Our sin is revealed. The revelation of God to us – leads to the revelation of us to God. We see ourselves as He sees us.
Chuck Colson’s story is interesting. His conversion is amazing. God revealed Himself to this powerful man through the witness of a friend –he was changed and has never looked back. He says, “A lot of people have asked me what I think about when I remember back to that hot, humid August night in 1973 when Tom Phillips, then the president of the Raytheon Company, witnessed to me in his home. I left his house that night shaken by the words he had read from C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity about pride. It felt as if Lewis were writing about me, former Marine captain, Special Counsel to the President of the United States, now in the midst of the Watergate scandal. I had an overwhelming sense that I was unclean. ....After talking to Tom, I found that when I got to the automobile to drive away, I couldn’t. I was crying too hard – and I was not one to ever cry. I spent an hour calling out to God. I did not even know the right words. I simply knew that I wanted Him. And I knew for certain that the God who created the universe heard my cry. ....From the next morning to this day, I have never looked back. I can honestly say that the worst day of the last 35 years has been better than the best days of the 41 years that preceded it. ....So how do you celebrate 35 years as a Christian? By recommitting yourself to use every available moment, every ounce of energy, in service of the King. For what He has done for me, how could I ever do less? Wow. God took one of the worst sinners and made him a missionary to prisoners worldwide through Prison Fellowship International. God revealed Himself to Chuck Colson. Chuck took a good look at himself. Then, God revealed His will to Chuck.
Has God been revealing Himself to you? Has He been revealing your own sin to you... Your pride, your attitude, your need for him? In the presence of God there is a great revelation: The “revelation” that I am a sinner and I desperately need God. In His presence I see myself as a sinner and the Lord as my Savior. There is no greater revelation.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Updated 2011 Preaching Schedule
January 30-Feb. 2 Russell Baptist Church, Meridian, Miss.
February 8 Florence First Assembly, Florence, Al., TRUE Conference
March 4-6 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
April 1-2 Summit Presbyterian, Arab, Al.
April 3-6 Fairview Church of God, Hartselle, Al.
April 4 Limestone Baptist Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9 Greenwell Springs Baptist Youth Week in Mountain City, Ga.
July 26 New Prospect Baptist Church, Haleyville, Al.
August 21 Indian Springs Baptist, Kingsport, Tenn.
September 17 Westmeade Baptist Deacon Dinner, Decatur, Al.
October 2 First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Al.
October 3-5 Flint Baptist, Decatur, Alabama
October 17 Valhermosa Baptist, Somerville, Al.
November 8 Danville Baptist, Danville, Alabama
November 27-30 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al.
February 8 Florence First Assembly, Florence, Al., TRUE Conference
March 4-6 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
April 1-2 Summit Presbyterian, Arab, Al.
April 3-6 Fairview Church of God, Hartselle, Al.
April 4 Limestone Baptist Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9 Greenwell Springs Baptist Youth Week in Mountain City, Ga.
July 26 New Prospect Baptist Church, Haleyville, Al.
August 21 Indian Springs Baptist, Kingsport, Tenn.
September 17 Westmeade Baptist Deacon Dinner, Decatur, Al.
October 2 First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Al.
October 3-5 Flint Baptist, Decatur, Alabama
October 17 Valhermosa Baptist, Somerville, Al.
November 8 Danville Baptist, Danville, Alabama
November 27-30 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
TRUE
My most recent book is "TRUE" about love, loyalty, and Lordship in marriage. If you're interested in getting a copy, email me at michael-mason@charter.net. They're $15...which includes shipping. I am available to come to your church for a limited number of revivals, conferences, and other special services. If I can help you let me know.
Thanks. Michael
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