Category: Relationship

Mountaintop Experiences – A Different Lesson From Abraham's Sacrifice

R. Mangold

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.3And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Genesis 22:1-3

For almost 25 years the only real promise Abraham and Sarah were clinging to was they’d have a son. When the glorious day arrived, true to His Word, “laughter” returned to their household in the form of a bouncing baby boy named Isaac! But, just several years after the promised arrived, a parent’s worst nightmare became Abraham’s reality.

The promised child was now being demanded by the very God that had promised him to be sacrificed! Our instinct would be to offer ourselves rather than our child. But there were no counter-offers, no bartering, no bargaining, just simple obedience by Abraham. If reading this story in today’s headlines, our inclination would be to cry child abuse, religious fanaticism, or dementia. Abraham knew when it was God speaking and had no doubt God would provide himself a lamb.

There’s little doubt what was going through Abraham’s mind and heart, the same God that had provided a son in his old age, would continue to provide. Thankfully, God hasn’t asked us to sacrifice our children, yet are we? No, it may not involve a knife, an altar, and fire, but the altars of greed, success, and selfishness line our country’s landscape. We spend countless hours chasing a pipe-dream of financial security, a bigger house, or esteem amongst our peers.

Abraham trusted God for everything, doubters would say to an extreme, including the promise of making him a great nation. Our goals and dreams are important, but never at the expense of our children, for our children often are the avenue by which God will bring about the promises He’s spoken into your life. Don’t sacrifice those special moments in their lives in exchange for the fleeting broken promises of this world.

Part of the Mountaintop Experiences Serminute Series

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Disposed to Dispose

R. Mangold

For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11

We live in a disposable society. We eat off of paper plates, drink out of plastic cups and use throw away napkins. We shave with disposable razors, take pictures with throw-away cameras, clean our houses and baby’s backsides with disposable wipes and we even have what the accountants call, “disposable income!”

Dare I say, this “throw-away” mentality can even creep into our spiritual walk…

  • We swap churches and faiths like name brands
  • We wait until we’re in a good mood to praise God
  • We don’t like this sermon, so we’ll wait for the next one

 This disposable mentality can have us even feeling that way about people…

  • We avoid praying with people because the look “different”
  • We only share Christ with the “normal” people
  • We only help others when it benefits us

God’s commandments are not based on OUR “personal preferences!” We are to be lead by God’s Love and Mercy! God’s Kingdom is eternal, comprised of the souls of humanity. Don’t cast aside opportunities to share God’s unmerited grace and unfailing love with everyone…not just those we “deem” worthy. No soul is disposable to God – He gave His only begotten Son to save us ALL!

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Clutter-free Breeding Ground of Thought

R. Mangold

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; I Peter 1:13

We’re each a culmination of our experiences; some good; other’s not so good. Toting enough of this baggage around with us creates clutter and often impedes our ability to maintain healthy relationships. The exchange for discarding this clutter, be it a broken heart, misplaced trust, harbored resentment, or traitorous betrayal, takes place in our minds.

Is it any wonder that we’re taught by Peter to “gird up the loins of our mind?” The loins are the reproductive center of the human anatomy. So, stated another way, shore up the breeding ground of your thoughts or mind. We are products of what our mind “reproduces” on a regular basis. Fortify your thoughts like the Philippians, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (4:8).

The battlefield for many of us is waged in the mind. Negativity breeds negativity, but the benefits of thinking on truth, honesty, purity, love, etc. brings with it a mind clear of baggage and clutter, where seeds of faith, hope, and love can flourish.

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Mountaintop Experiences – It is Good for us to be Here

R. Mangold

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matthew 17:3-5

Another gospel says Peter was “afraid” and wasn’t quite sure what to say at the sight of Jesus’ transfiguration, and watching Him converse with Moses and Elijah! I feel, if you want to get the best read on someone, see how they respond under duress. With no time to prefabricate a fitting response, you just say the first thing that comes to mind. Peter’s response was, “It is good for us to be here…something needs to be done here to commemorate this momentous occasion…let’s pitch a few tabernacles or tents!” Seems a bit strange, but consider Peter witnessed a once in a millennia event!

Recognizing it was good for them to be there and the fact Peter wanted to make tabernacles is significant. Tabernacles are temporary by nature. Peter knew the experience was one to cherish and enjoy, but not one which was meant to be permanent. We relish moments of power, revelation, and anointing, but they’re not meant to be a permanent position – mountaintop experiences are transient; they’re mingled with valleys, desserts, and wilderness. Each station is of value, yet temporary nonetheless. Lastly, wherever you’re at, as long as Jesus is with you, you’re in the right place at the right time!

Part of the Mountaintop Experiences Serminute Series

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

The Most Expensive Bowl of Soup Ever!

R. Mangold

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:16-17

In the exclusive district of Mayfair in downtown London, “Kai” a Chinese restaurant serves what could possibly be the most expensive soup in all of Great Britain. At $170 (US) the shark fin soup, made up of rare Japanese Mushrooms, chicken, pork, Hunan Ham, and ginseng, is called, “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.” Legend says Buddah, after having smelled the aroma of this soup, despite being a vegetarian, requested a bowl of it. (Source: http://www.rescoweb.com/06MC/contenido.asp?IdIdioma=EN&IdContenido=206)

As expensive as this soup sounds, (or smelled to Buddha) it’s “chump-change” compared to the price Jacob charged his twin brother. Esau sold his birthright, the firstborn’s inheritance, for a measly bowl of soup (stew, porridge, or lentils). The Bible called Esau “profane” because he “despised his birthright.”

Our most valuable commodity in this life, and the life to come, is our soul. Our new “birthright” is now heavenly as Christ has made us heirs, and joint heirs with Him! (Romans 8:17)

Jesus asked, “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” You may be “starving” for worldly love and acceptance, despising the true love Christ demonstrated by His sacrifice at Calvary. To Him the value of your soul is priceless! Don’t sell it for a meager bowl of mushy vegetables!

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Study Not to be Noisy or Nosy

R. Mangold

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

“What about him,” asked Peter as he motioned to John (the disciple whom Jesus loved).

“What is it to you if I allow him to live until I return? Just follow me,” replied Jesus. (John 21)

At times we have an innate propensity to “concern” ourselves with someone else’s situation, especially if we feel they have an advantage over us. Peter even tried it with Jesus. The disciples surely must have questioned why it was that John seemed to be Jesus’ “favorite?” See a related Serminute entitled, “God’s Heartbeat” for an illustration of one such account. 

Joshua on the other hand said it well when he stated, “as for me…” He left the choosing to the people. When it comes to committing, it would do us well to have an “As-For-Me” mentality. Yes, be prayerfully and genuinely concerned for your brother and sister, but when it comes to commitment, the only one you can truly vouch for is you. Paul admonished the Thessalonians not to be noisy…or nosy, saying, “study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” 

The next time you find yourself questioning the integrity, commitment, and loyalty of a fellow servant of God, be reminded of Jesus’ words, “What is it to you?”

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians! Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Let There Be

R. Mangold

1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:1-4

“Let there be…” God spoke into nothingness and created everything. He had no base with which to start; no form, no light,…nothing. Before words were even words, God’s Eternal Word authoritatively commanded the heavens and earth into existence.

Perhaps as you read this, you’re feeling like it’s been an eternity since there’s been “light” in your life. Quite literally you have more dark days than light. I have great news friend, God’s Word continues to speak light and life into existence – He’s still saying, “Let there be light!” The only hindrance to the achievement of God’s purpose is simply us drawing back the curtains of our life and “letting” the light of God’s unconditional love to shine its warmth in places we never thought possible.

Initially our response to light may be to squint and might even burn our eyes a bit. But once our vision adjusts, we’ll see by “letting” in light, we let in life and love! No longer will you feel empty, helplessly flailing around in darkness wondering if God even cares.

God saw the light that it was good; so will you. Won’t you let HIM speak the words, “Let there be light” into your life?

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

STIR IT UP!

R. Mangold

In 2 Timothy 1:1-6, Paul tells Timothy, the faith that was in your Grandma, and your Mama….I now see is also in you! So this is a gift…passed down from generations. Someone said, “If you ever see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he didn’t get there by himself”.

None of us started out with our own ‘stuff’! Just like the son of Aaron the High Priest. The only anointing upon him was what soaked into the clothes he now wore…FROM HIS FATHER IN MINISTRY! Only AFTER you walk under HIS anointing, do you get your own anointing! That’s where “double portion“ comes from! Nobody can pray it on you! You receive it by manifesting as a faithful son in ministry!

There are gifts passed from generations, deep inside of you…It was there when you were born! You’ve been studying generational curses; you NEED to study generational BLESSINGS!

As you reach adulthood, all the gifting that was apparent in you as a child, has a tendency to get covered up with A LOT OF STUFF….THAT’S why Paul told Timothy…STIR UP THE GIFT!

STIR IT UP, CHILD OF GOD!

By Rev. J.S. Willoughby – To read other posts by Rev. J.S. Willoughby visit his blog at http://jswilloughby.wordpress.com

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Big Lessons in Small Packages – The Sparrow

R. Mangold

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matt. 10:29-31)

Sparrows, seemingly inconsequential creatures, make their nests virtually anywhere they please, even being presumptuous enough in David’s day to nest on the altars of the Lord (Ps. 84:3). If one didn’t know better, they’d think their “Daddy owned the place!” Oh wait…He does!

Sold at a bargain price of 2 for a penny (farthing), sparrows were used in ceremonial cleansing of lepers; one was killed, the other set free. It may have been arbitrary to men which was killed, or set free, but not so with God. He took discriminate interest in both.

Our finite thinking dictates, the sheer magnitude of God’s responsibility, the survival and existence of the entire universe, interferes with His ability to account for one single human life; let alone the number of hairs on our head, or the life of an insignificant sparrow…NOT SO! Omniscient, God has the capacity to infinitely know everything that can be known about everything!

You are the hallmark of God’s creation, the apple of His eye, made in HIS likeness and image. Robed in flesh, God Himself became the ransom for your soul. Considering the ultimate price He paid to redeem you, your worth to God is immeasurable!

Related Topics

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute.  One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas  for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students!  Visit our ABOUT PAGE  for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you.  Rev. RD Mangold


Big Lessons in Small Packages – The Foxes

R. Mangold

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines [have] tender grapes. (Songs of Solomon 2:15)

Who isn’t fond of the little fuzzy furry puppies? Pet store windows are full of puppies toppling over each other as if to say, “Pick me!” They start out cute and cuddly, however they don’t stay small forever. That cute little habit of gnawing on your favorite shoes and couch gets worse. Soon, it’s your hand, your arm, and…well you get the picture!

As cute as they appear, small foxes cause irreparable damage to grapevines by burrowing holes around the roots, nibbling flowering buds, and eventually consuming all the grapes. “Small” seemingly harmless things can and will infringe upon our relationship with God. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life, attack the root system of our moral and spiritual fiber, stemming the flow of vital nutrients to the branches, or our areas of influence – Marriage, Family, Church, Work, etc.

Big formidable enemies are obvious. Seeing them coming, you’re immediately on guard. David had no problem taking out the “giants” in his life; the bear, the lion, and even Goliath, were all very obvious opponents. His downfall was in not recognizing the “small” innocent looking “foxes” that can literally bring a man to his knees.

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold