Pastor Ernie's  Message 

What does God think?

    Abraham Lincoln knew what it meant to face criticism. He is quoted saying, “If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how—the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what’s said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.”

    Lincoln, against huge opposition, went on to reunite the fractured United States, win the Civil War, and abolish slavery in the US. Had he allowed his critics to defeat him Lincoln would not have accomplished what he did.

    The apostle Peter understood the dangers of unfounded criticism. He wrote, “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).

    Criticism can consume our lives to the point of emotional paralysis, or we can set our hearts to serve God faithfully undeterred by that criticism and put our God on display. When we do that, we won’t need to answer our critics with words—our lives will say all that is needed. by Bill Crowder.

    How do you know if what you are doing is right? Not always easy to tell but there are some ways. First is the word of God.

    Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

    1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

    Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    Colossian 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Is what you are doing for God? For His kingdom and His glory?

    A second way to know is by the results of your work.

    John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last.

    Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

    Matthew 7:16-20 By their fruit you will recognize them.

    A third way is to keep track of your time, finances and mouth. How you spend your time and how you spend your money. Our biggest indicator of where we are at is our mouth.

    Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' If you have any doubt of where your heart is, listen to yourself. Want you hear is what you are.

    What others tell you may be right and it can be God using them to help you. Godly criticism in convicting, ungodly criticism condemns. If you are feeling convicted check with God and see what he wants to tell you. If you are feeling condemned check with God and see if you are receiving the truth or Satan is trying to condemn you and put you down. Back again to the Word of God as the only way to know for sure.

    Peter was criticized many times by Jesus, many of the things Jesus said were said very harsh but very true.

    Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

    Matthew 15:15 Peter said, "Explain the parable to us." "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them.

    Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

     Even though Jesus criticized Peter and very harshly it was for his good and didn’t change the relationship between them.

    Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

    Peter kept following, stumbling, serving, learning and growing. It is Peter Jesus left to start his church. He didn’t listen to the world or its criticism of him or the ministry. He followed Jesus and did what was right even to the day they took his life.

    Deuteronomy 5:32 So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.

    James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

    We can all be glad that Abraham Lincoln was a man and president who did what was right. He didn’t let his critics’ deter him from what he had to do. A lot of the unity and freedom this country enjoys is because of him.

    Each of us needs to seek God’s will for our life and then live it. Don’t be deterred by the words of others. God will set everything straight in time. Believe it.

    John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

    The best way to know God’s will is by following his word. Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

     Don’t follow the world but follow Jesus. He will show you His will for your life and help you to fulfill it.  There is no down side to this.

     God’s will is the best place you can be, and really the only place you will want to be.

Ask yourself everyday, WHAT DOES GOD THINK?  Pastor Ernie