From time to time I may get carried away and practically write a whole sermon/tangent. So for your convenience I’m providing an audio recording. It’s the first one I’ve done of it’s kind. Like most things, I’ll improve in my talks the more I record.
First thing that pops in my mind when I hear the words vacant or occupied are those porta-potty or what I like to call porta-johns placed at flea markets and festivals or the restrooms in airplanes, which always seem to be occupied every time I need one. And of course it’s colored coded for those who don’t like to read, green for vacant so you know you can really go, or red for occupied giving you the opportunity to practice the art of patience.
Now this isn’t about porta-johns, but I want to make one point before going on. When something like a porta-john isn’t maintained, it becomes saturated with a very unpleasant smell, especially on a hot summers day. A lot of people live their spiritual lives this way. The door is closed most of the time. They continue on their day to day schedule, maybe a verse here or there but not thinking much about it, maybe a prayer for food that’s become a habit and it’s only done because they’d feel guilty not doing it. The stress, worries and troubles build up, trying to solve things on their own, but constantly leaving the door closed to God and only opening the door to Him when they absolutely have no one else to turn to or any more strength to do it on their own.
Hebrews 5:11-14 (NLT)
A Call to Spiritual Growth
11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word.[a] You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Life can get pretty sticky leaving Him out. Doing so may leave us unprepared, surprised of the unexpected and therefor lack wisdom, all because we didn’t take the time to open the door to let God in. If you’re like me, you never want to shoot yourself in the foot, but that’s exactly what we do when we shove God to the side. And it hinders our knowledge and wisdom that we gain from His truth. Often people stay in the position of getting busy, going back to the same basic spiritual food and repeating this continuous loop over and over again like a broken record.
So let me ask you, is your life saturated with the Holy Spirit? Or reek like a porta-john?
Psalm 39:5-6 (NIV)
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.[a]
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be.
Working is a good thing, keeping busy and honing on your skills, it’s what were suppose to do, but we are also called by God to take a time out! Through out scripture, it’s written that this life is short, our focus is not to be merely of what’s here on earth like the rest of the world. Many are so focused on their career and retirement plan in the future that they forget about preparing for their eternal future in Heaven, they live life like an occupied door not letting God in.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Believe me when I say, the closer you come to Christ, the more out of place you’ll feel in this world. That’s a good thing. It doesn’t mean enjoying your time here is bad, it just means your worldly engagements and possessions shouldn’t be your main focus. I don’t wanna be someone who says they live for Christ, but are not planning beyond their retirement plan/life. Nothing here will last forever.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Colossians 3:1-3 (NKJV)
3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Most Christian agree with the above scripture, however, would you agree most make excuses to why they can’t give God more time? Excuses, excuses. Or they say it’s something they’ve been planning on doing. Are you living for the here and now? Reflect upon your life and ask, are you leaving God on the outside with vacancy highlighted in red?
James 1:22 (NLT)
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Even if you’re in a ministry position per say, and your job is to serve others and/or surrounded by another speaking out the truth. Did you know that we need to actually stop what we’re doing and focus? Take Martha for example.
Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’[k] feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus[l] answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Even though Martha invited Jesus into her house, she choose to be busy instead of stop, listen and give Jesus her undivided attention. Worries in life are often distractions that many tend to put more importance on than the words of Jesus, even if Jesus Himself right in front of them. Doesn’t make sense right? Martha was not only worried, but troubled by many things. You see, Jesus knows what you’re dealing with in the here and now, but He is also the one who promises us an everlasting future with Him. Is He not the one who makes our burdens light? Even though your intentions may be good, there is no excuse not to give your undivided attentions to truth being spoken into your life. That, as Jesus said to Mary, can never be taken away from you.
This verse can be easily applied to those in various ministry positions. Even for myself I’ve thought since I’m serving in the church and another pastor is preaching, I’m good. But in reality my focus hasn’t all been there and I’ve allowed my attention to be divided. You ever have someone talk to you while their distracted and you know there’s no sense of going on because even though they convinced themselves they’re listening, you know their really not. Think about how often we do this to God. Oh yeah, just think about it and let that soak in. Let’s say you are a leader of some sort that speaks the truth. Okay, Jesus spoke, but even he took time out in privacy to spend in prayer and meditation. And we read how busy of a man He was.
Luke 5:16 (NKJV)
16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
Do you think that if Jesus sought it necessary to set aside downtime to pray, that we need it that much more?
Would you agree that life is fragile? And that you don’t know the time or hour you’ll die? Or the time and hour that Christ will come back? It seems only fitting to say, that if we give God the occupied status, will that not also yield in return to us? Reap what you sow?
Revelation 3:15-22 (NLT)
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.
22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Just like the rich man had his excuses of having everything and not needing anything else, are you also using excuses to not listen to what God has to say in your life? God speaks to us not only to our spirit, but the very words in the Bible. God will also discipline those who are ignorant in their ways.
There are dreams that have come and gone, some came true and others didn’t. Life will not always seem fair, at least not here on earth. But so many get stuck on what their current situation is, I know I do from time to time. Right now I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have jobs to maintain, bills to pay, chores to do and if you’re married you got more than what I got. So I know I certainly don’t have much of an excuse as those who do, but is any excuse good enough for God? If you’re reading the same Bible I read, then I’m pretty sure it’s giving the same message.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Luke 12:40 (NLT)
40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Just like a test, job or athlete in any sport, you have to get ready. However, because we live and believe in an invisible God, many tend to put Christ at the bottom of their least important priority list. I’ve come to understand, man’s thoughts often act as if Jesus is only a figment of their imagination. Many will be unprepared unless we ourselves start preparing and encourage others to join us. It’s not enough to just do the bare minimum to get by. I’m pretty sure that’s a lukewarm Christian. Either we’re all in or all out, because God only gives inheritance to the Kingdom of Heaven to those who are all in.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
To some it may sound strange, but yes there are those who call upon the Lord that will be denied by God. How come? Take the leaders and churches that claim they call on the name of Jesus but yet support gay marriage. Scripture is clear about such sin, yet they are ignorant to the truth. Leaders will use scripture to gain power for themselves. This is why it is so important for one to mediate on the scripture and time in prayer to heed the words of God and listen for His voice and the movement of the Holy Spirit in their life.
This next verse, which I call my life calling verse is part of Paul’s charge to Timothy warning of what to expect.
2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
We don’t have to look far to find those ignorant to the truth but yet say they call on the name of Jesus. I often stop to remind myself I’m here for just a short while. Maybe my single life has been a blessing in disguise because of this. I often stop and picture my life without anyone or anything. What’s left? What if I was alone on this earth like Adam was, what do I have? I’d be asking how did I get here? What’s the point of me being here? Without God life has no meaning. We are here for more than to just survive. Here for more than to endure the pain and hardships of this world. Why would I ever want to settle for less than to give up my whole life for what is best for me? If living for Jesus is best for me, then He deserves the best from me. I desire to live in a place like Heaven. But my actions speak louder than words. His Word even says so. Those who truly love Jesus, will obey Jesus. They will commit their time and energy and life to Him. So I should be more enthusiastic about what He really means in my life.
Romans 12:11-12 (NLT)
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[a]12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
This life isn’t always that exciting, God knows this like He knows about everything else He created. It’s the fact that I’m one day closer to being in Heaven that keeps me going. Tomorrow I could end up passing away, any one of us could. Therefore I desire to be ready. Just like a groom waiting for it’s bride.
Matthew 25:31-46 (NLT)
The Final Judgment
31 “But when the Son of Man[a] comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations[b] will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[c] you were doing it to me!’
41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.[d] 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
It is my prayer that you be encouraged to be diligent in your time with God. I encourage you to set up an alter at your house by simply setting a time and place to pray. Away from all the distractions. Show God your sincerity by stopping what your doing like Martha’s sister Mary. And don’t be a Martha who is to busy to give Jesus her attention. It is very clear by the commands Jesus gave us on how to live, that scripture is to be our day to day remedy. Our escape from the woand confusion. To seek our answers from God. To seek wisdom in His Word so that we are not led astray, especially by those who claim to follow God, but only do so in disguise.
Life is like a movie, you have to read the script in order to act your part. The Bible is your movie script to get you through this thing called life. Letting your guard down like a lot of movie and biblical characters have done, is to give the enemy the upper hand. But with the Bible as our day to day guide, talking to God in prayer, we are sure to over come the day to day struggles, over come the foggy clouds in our minds and to over come our enemy. There is so much good God has in store for us. We don’t have to allow the enemy steal that joy from us. There is no excuse for being to busy for Jesus! Wouldn’t you agree?
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Refined as Pure Gold 
Gary I enjoy all you have written. Very proud of you for carrying on God’s work. God has done many things in my life and I have witnessed miracles through Jesus Christ.
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