April 9

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

the right day to stay away from people like that.

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”  2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

After being imprisoned for what would be the last time, Paul wrote what would be his last recorded words. Before he was executed by Emperor Nero as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul wrote his second, and final, letter to Timothy, encouraging him to continue Paul’s faith and remember his teachings as pastor of the church at Ephesus.

One of the things he wrote about in this impassioned letter was the need for Timothy, and others, to be wary of individuals who would use Christian doctrine and traditions for their own benefit. This danger is as real today as it was then, and Paul’s admonition needs to be heeded now more than ever.

We all know someone who goes to church, knows the words, praises the Lord, and espouses Christian values, but upon close examination we realize this individual is using Christianity and the church for their own selfish purposes. We all have read about individuals and groups that have done the same thing.

Twisting the words of God, they take advantage of people and situations. They have elevated themselves to a lofty position and condemned – even killed – those they have deemed “lesser” than them. These individuals use God’s forgiveness, or out-of-context Bible verses, as a ‘green light’ for bad behavior.

On the surface, they may appear to be stalwart members of the Christian community, but close examination (and sometimes the examination doesn’t even have to be very close) of the way they live their daily lives will reveal them for the deceivers they are.

Do not be fooled, or mislead, by people like this. Smooth talk is a skill they have mastered and with it they will prey upon the weak, disadvantaged, and confused.

Even cloaked in prominent religiosity, they will be easy to spot. They will be a little too attached to their money; a little too boastful of their accomplishments; a little too eager to betray their friends or gossip.

It is important that we not be seduced, swayed, or influenced by these individuals and that we help others avoid the incorrect teachings that will come from them.

Follow the instructions that Paul gave to Timothy when he said, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NLT).

Today is the right day to do the right thing in the right way. Avoid anyone who would try to persuade you to do otherwise.

As Paul wrote, “Stay away from people like that!”

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , | Leave a comment

April 8

Posted on April 8, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

the perfect day to remind ourselves that anyone can change.

“Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them.”  Joshua 2:8 NLT

There are many lessons for us all to learn by examining the changes that took place in Rahab, who was a prostitute in the city of Jericho. She was willing to risk her life to help the spies the Israelites had sent ahead before invading the city. She sensed that this ‘God’ that the Israelites relied on was worth trusting, so she allowed them to hide on her roof and lied to the king’s men who came to look for them.

Going up on the roof before the men went to sleep, Rahab talked with them about what she had heard about the power of the God of the Israelites. Her faith that the Israelites were correct proved to be well founded.

“By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” (Hebrews 11:31 NASB).

Rahab’s life after the fall of Jericho became one of significance. She married Salmon and gave birth to Boaz. Boaz grew to be a man of tremendous character. Rahab was the great-great grandmother of King David, and as such, was in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ.

Most of us would tend to shy away from a prostitute. We would try to maintain distance from people we considered to be of low moral character. We would tend to want to keep criminals and other such “undesirables” separate from those who are “decent”.

But what if every one of us were to embrace all of mankind with the same love that the Lord does? What if we all viewed the worst that society had to offer as having the potential to be the best that the world has ever seen?

God has taken some of the worst people who have walked the earth and transformed them into hardworking, dedicated individuals who have been filled with His spirit.

“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (1 Samuel 10:6 NIV).

We must never allow ourselves to think that people cannot completely change their lives with the help of God. After all, if He can create the world and everything in it, surely He can help change a person’s heart.

We must constantly remind ourselves not to judge other people. That is God’s place, not ours.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37 NIV

 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  Matthew 7:1-5 NIV

There are many more examples, but we all know this. The problem enters when we say, “I know I’m not perfect, but I didn’t do that!”

Perhaps not, but sin is sin to God. It is only when we are in the flesh that we tend to assign different levels of severity to it. This helps us always remind ourselves that, “I am really a good person.”

As difficult as it may be sometimes, our responsibility to others is clear. When we see a human being attempting to change, it is our obligation to God to help them, support them, and encourage them, and today is the perfect day to remind ourselves of that.

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

 

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

April 7

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

a wonderful day to enjoy some fresh bread.

“I am the bread of life.”  John 6:48 NIV

Everlasting life. That is what Jesus offered the world. There was no hinting around about it; the Lord came right out and said it.

“I am the living bread that came down from Heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51 NIV).

What a remarkable gift was given to us! Many of us have “eaten” the living bread, which means we have accepted Christ into our lives. We have experienced a tremendous uplifting feeling that comes about from the Holy Spirit flooding into our bodies and sinful desire and immorality flowing out. We have known the joy of feeling safe and secure, confident that the Lord was with us, watching over us constantly. We have read our Bibles daily, taken refuge in the Word of God, and used it to inspire, guide and motivate us.

How glorious has been the feeling that consumes us and how relaxing it has been to be filled with peace, joy, and a desire to be a good person; a desire to help those less fortunate than ourselves; a desire to share our happiness and our belief in the Lord’s promise of everlasting life with others.

Yes, how spectacular life on earth became when we accepted Christ and “ate” the bread of life.

And then life got in the way.

We felt good about ourselves and the way things were going. God had blessed us and everything was going our way. Our lackluster lives picked up momentum and as we gained speed moving forward, we found we had precious little time to accomplish all of the things that had come about due to our relationship with God.

Things were going well, but we found that the things of this earth were requiring more and more of our attention. The time had to come from somewhere, so we “borrowed” it from God, figuring we would pay it back later.

But later never came. In fact, more and more time was needed, so it came from the time we spent reading the Bible and praying; from the time we spent in fellowship with others; and the time we spent helping those less fortunate.

It also came from the time we had to love our spouses and families.

If this sounds like you, today is a wonderful day to enjoy some fresh bread. It is a wonderful day to renew your relationship and reaffirm your commitment to the Lord and to His service.

There is nothing better for us in all of God’s creation than to eat the Bread of Life.

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

April 6

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

a good day to remind ourselves to not be ashamed.

“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.”  2 Timothy 1:8a NLT

Whenever something spectacular occurs in our lives, the first thing we do is tell others all about it. When we become engaged, or get a new car or a new job, we can’t wait to get on the phone, to send an email, post on social media, or to see someone in person to share what we have learned that has made us so happy.

In these increasingly difficult times, forces seem to be at work to deny us the right to speak freely and proudly about our love of God. Those who would speak against Jesus Christ and would insist that the cross be removed from all public view seem to always be capable – and willing – to insist loudly that their “right” to not believe should supersede another person’s right to believe, and to proclaim that belief.

Many of us cringe in the face of the negativity espoused by others, but it is important to heed Paul’s admonishment and never be ashamed, or reluctant, to tell others about our faith.

Jesus tells us that there is a price to pay if we allow ourselves to be ashamed: “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38 NASB).

Of course, when we think about it, what in the world could we possibly be ashamed of?

Are we ashamed because the spirit of God has filled our hearts with love for other human beings?

Are we ashamed because the promises of God give us a future and provide us with hope?

Possibly we are ashamed because the message that we have received from God guides our actions and our thoughts and helps us avoid sinful temptation, immorality, hateful actions, and harmful behavior?

Applying rational thought to it, there is absolutely no reason to be ashamed of our relationship with the Lord. In fact, it is something that we should be proud of; something that we want to share with others; something that fills us to overflowing, requiring us to share with others.

“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.”

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

April 5

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

an outstanding day to open up.

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”  Psalm 25:9 NIV

God wants to use us to teach others how beautiful life can be when we are safely wrapped up in His love. It is impossible to teach what one doesn’t know, so today, let’s all open up our hearts, our minds, our ears, and our eyes and receive all that the Lord is trying to teach us.

Like David, we must each ask God to “Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths…” (Psalm 25:4 NIV).

If we are open to receiving God’s message, we will find that He delivers it in many different ways. That is why we must open up our entire beings to be ready to receive His message.

The Bible, of course, is one way of receiving His message. No matter how we do it, it is important that we all take time each day to fortify ourselves, to fill ourselves with His love, and to get a glimpse of the beauty and power of the Lord and take advantage of His desire to teach those of us who are willing to learn.

Some of us may have Bibles that are organized into daily readings that enable us to read the Bible in a year. Others like to read a Bible that has been organized chronologically. Still others pray for God to guide their eyes then open up the Bible and read whatever is before them. The method each individual chooses is a personal decision and preference. The only thing that each of us should open in exactly the same manner is our hearts and our minds to whatever message the Lord has placed before us.

In addition to the Bible, we must also be open to God’s teachings delivered in other ways: through people encountered throughout our day; through Christian radio programming that is available; and in newspapers and magazines that contain stories that reflect the positive side of mankind and the Glory of God.

With everything open, we will find it easy to pick up on all of God’s messages and develop an understanding of how He wants to use us to teach others what we have learned.

So use the gift of this day to open up to what God wants us to learn today.

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

April 4

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

a superb day to say, “I Love You”.

“He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.”  Colossians 1:8 NLT

“I Love You.”

Three little words with a true meaning that is so large it cannot be adequately described. They are three of the most overused words in the English language, and yet they are also three of the most under-used words in the English language.

The ability to love is most assuredly one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. More valuable than all of the silver and all of the gold that can ever be found on earth. More precious than all of the diamonds, rubies, and emeralds put together.

Love is more durable than the mightiest of oaks that has endured decades of wind and sun and has survived the most brutal of storms. And yet it is fragile, like a delicately blown piece of glass.

Running out the door in the morning, or in hurried telephone conversations, we sincerely, but casually, murmur “Love You!”, turning three powerful words, that should be filled with our most honest and heartfelt emotions, into two words added to the end of a sentence with the banality of “Goodbye” or “See ya.”

Your spouse faces battles with you.

They share not only your bed, but your pain, worries, sorrow, joy, laughter, and tears. If you have children, you participated in the creation of life with the abilities given as a gift from God. You have seen your spouse at his or her best, and at his or her worst. They may be as comfortable and familiar as a favorite sweatshirt or pair of jeans, but if you look close, you will see that bright spot of newness that was there when first you fell in love.

Take that person’s face in your hands, look them in the eyes and tell them how much you love them. Let them see how deep your love is and let them know that you are thankful to God for being able to love them as much as you do.

Take the time, too, to make sure your children understand that while you may not always agree with them, and while you may not always like the choices they make, you do always love them with a fierceness and a protectiveness that comes from God. Make them understand how important they are.

And for everyone else around you, show them the love that God has placed inside you by the way you walk, talk, and act. Everything you do and say should be telling others that you love them.

There are different ways to love everyone around us, but that love – that ability – comes from the same source.

“I Love You.”

Three words God wants us all to use wisely, and to use often.

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

April 3

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

a perfect day to take no chances.

“She defiled herself with immorality and gave no thought to her future. Now she lies in the gutter with no one to lift her out. ‘Lord, see my misery,’ she cries. ‘The enemy has triumphed.’”  Lamentations 1:9 NLT

Jeremiah was writing about Jerusalem’s refusal to listen and ‘her’ insistence on giving in to immorality and sin. The warnings were all given, repeatedly, but they were ignored. The temptation of sin proved too great and all of those who chose to ignore God’s warnings paid the price.

It is important that each one of us heed God’s warnings and turn our backs on immorality and sinful pleasures. Perhaps we have crossed the line once. Perhaps we have crossed it twice, even three times or more, and gotten away with it. No one said the price that we would pay for our behavior would be paid immediately.

But it will be paid.

Sometimes the freedom to do whatever we want becomes the desire to do everything, regardless of the consequences. When we allow ourselves to become slaves to sin, we can no longer be servants to the Lord.

When our focus is taken off of God, and placed on things we know are in direct conflict with what we have been taught, then we stop living in Christ.

“No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.” (1 John 3:6 NIV).

None of us wants to pay the price for the pleasures of sin that Jerusalem paid.

God has proven His patience time and time again, but it is not wise for any of us to continue to test it. The Lord has His limits and we do not want to push beyond them until we are “in the gutter” with no one to lift us out.

Take no chances. Minimize your risks. Follow the Word of God diligently and faithfully. If you stumble, God will surely help you to regain your footing.

But let there be no mistake.

If you decide to ignore the Word of God and pursue immorality and sin, there will be a price to pay. It is best to not chance finding out what it is.

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

April 2

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Tony Casson

TODAY IS…

an excellent day to comfort and encourage others.

“Therefore comfort one another with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:18 NASB

One of the Apostle Paul’s first letters was written to the church he had established at Thessalonica around A.D. 5.

Christianity was young and for many there was a high price to pay (just as in parts of the world today) for being a follower of Christ. Paul’s letter was meant to reassure them, for there was confusion among them as to when Christ would return. Many thought that His return would be sooner, rather than later, and Paul sought to reassure them that while there was no way to know when, it would indeed happen, just as the Lord had said.

In his letter he sought to comfort and encourage them and he stressed the importance of each one of them being there to comfort and encourage each other.

In today’s world, more than ever before, it is important that we all heed Paul’s words and offer comfort and encouragement to those around us. Today, and every day, we should offer ourselves as living examples of the strength, the joy and the peace that comes with the knowledge that Christ will return as promised. In the meantime, we must follow the example of Jesus and the words of Paul and reach out through our actions and our own words and offer comfort and encouragement to others.

Many new believers have a very tentative grip on their faith. Absorbing the beauty of God’s teachings can be overwhelming and those individuals may need the support of one who has had time to fully appreciate all that God expects of us and all that He has promised us.

In a letter to the church at Corinth a few years later, Paul stressed the importance of teaching others, and of reaching out to them.

“But everyone who prophecies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3 NIV).

Some of us may think that we are not up to the task of teaching, but one doesn’t have to stand up in front of a group in a classroom to teach the lessons of Christ. All one needs to do is reach out to others in love and friendship and offer support, comfort and encouragement.

When we do this, we will not only be helping other human beings, we will be helping ourselves to fulfill God’s wishes.

*******

Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

Posted in "TODAY IS....A Gift From God" | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“And on the third day…..”

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Tony Casson

”….He Rose From The Dead”

“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,“Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:11-18 ESV)

“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words,and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.”  (Luke 24:1-12 ESV)

“When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” (Mark 16:1-8 ESV)

“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.  And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.  But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’” (Matthew 28:1-10 ESV)

What more can I add to that?

HE IS RISEN! PRAISE GOD!

(Originally posted in 2015)

Posted in Three Days In April 2015 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“We Are The Horses”

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Tony Casson

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”  Proverbs  21:31  NLT

“We Are The Horses”

We stand, prepared for battle, in our armor, in a row;

Warriors, true, yet planters too, with seeds that we must sow.

Our purpose as God’s children is as varied as our faces;

Teachers, leaders, builders, serving God in many places.

We also hold up torches, casting light for all to see;

The horse is prepared for battle, but it is the Father’s victory.

We are the horses, we are ready, each prepared to do their best,

An army of God’s children standing proud in battle dress.

We are the horses, we are mighty, we are eager to proceed,

To fight the battles of the Lord who gives us what we need.

Strong and so unyielding, we face the enemy,

The horse is prepared for battle, but it’s the Father’s victory.

We are the horses, we are His children, set to move out on command;

With eyes upon the Father, each prepared to make a stand.

Although we all fight battles, the war’s already won

With the blood that was shed upon the cross by God’s beloved Son.

God’s children and God’s warriors, we are the horses, you and me,

We are all prepared for battle, but it’s the Father’s victory.

(C) 2013 Tony Casson

 

 

 

Posted in Scenic Turnouts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment