Friday, June 30, 2017

Missed It


Have you ever said, “When did that happen?” Truth is all us miss some things, but sometimes we miss a lot! In the story of Rip Van Winkle, he walked past a portrait of King George III before taking his famous 20-year nap.  The next time he walked by the tavern there was a one of President Washington. He had slept through a revolution! Jesus demonstrated his love on the cross and started a Revolution of Love – don’t miss it!



He is not merely a way but the Way! The Great news is Jesus is available to everyone – no matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or how you’ve lived your life so far. The Bible promises that if you “Call on the Name of the Lord – you will be saved”.



God says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3



What do you need to call upon the Lord about today?



He is faithful and will walk you through life’s valleys. Amen?

Thursday, June 29, 2017

There Is a Cost


There is a cost involved in ministry. The question is, Are we willing to pay it? In the story of the Good Samaritan there are three people who have the opportunity to rescue the man beaten in the ditch. The first two looked but didn’t stop to help, but the Samaritan saved the man. What happened here?

Priest -There are chores about the house but the work is in the fields.

Levite - Time to look but not concerned, caring, or moved to act

The Samaritan was busy but had compassion He was concerned, and acted. This represents God’s love in action.



Who are you in this story?



It’s good to be religious, but are you just acting, practicing or applying it? Remember that Religion that costs you nothing is worth nothing –dead faith (James1:17)



Jesus said to, “Live a life for Jesus, go in faith, and do God’s will always. Amen?

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Real Love


For the next three days let’s examine the Parable of the Good Samaritan as found in Luke 10:25-29:

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Jesus said the greatest thing you could do was love God and then love your neighbor as yourself. But, Jesus had a teacher of the Law who was trying to trick Him with a question about eternal life. Jesus got him to answer according to Scripture. We are to love God with all we have and our neighbors as ourselves. Then came the eternal question: Who is your neighbor?



The answer is everyone, but sometimes we just can’t get involved. Some of us are too busy, don’t want to get involved, or just don’t care. People in distress need us to get involved even if they could be described as “half-dead” in their current circumstances. We see them around us every day – if we are willing to look. Let’s pick up the story in Luke 10:29-37 – But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’  “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”


The truth is half-dead people still have possibilities – they can be nursed back to health. We need to have compassion and love for our neighbors. Amen?

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Patience


Patience is a virtue that many of us are still trying to attain. The world runs fast and we try to keep up. Things weren’t so different 3,000 years ago, and the answer is still found in the Lord.
  I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. - David Psalm 40:1-3
Today be still, be patient, be joyful, and trust in the Lord. Amen?

Monday, June 26, 2017

Be Strong

In the 6th chapter of Judges we see God’s people worried about tomorrow and not about today. They did evil in the sight of the Lord, but questioned why He had let so many bad things happen to them.

In this passage, we see Gideon wanting to bake bread but hiding out threshing wheat in a winepress. He was in the wrong place, acting like He was doing something other than what God had for him to do. God recognized his potential as a warrior if he had faith and was obedient to what was told to him. Gideon blamed God for all of Israel’s woes. The Lord tells him that they made a choice to not obey and be faithful. He reassures, this would-be warrior, that He is with Israel and they will be victorious. Gideon’s focus became clear, his faith restored, and he worshipped the Lord.

Are you in the wrong place, acting like you’re doing something other than what God has for you to do? We all have potential to be mighty in God’s army if we get our focus back on Him. God has a great Complaint Dept. It never closes. He is like a best friend who we can carry on and on too, but love us anyway. Instead of playing the blame game with God we should follow Jesus’ directions.  He tells us to, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you”. There are no maybes. It’s His plan and kingdom, and we are called to be obedient.

God calls His people brave and mighty. He has not abandoned us. Like Gideon we need to trust and obey. Remember on this day and every day to be strong in the Lord. Worship and praise Him with your life. Let the Lord guide and lead you to victory. Praise God for this moment! 

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Honoring Jesus


When you look at the world around you, what do you see? A woman named Martha saw the needs of her guests. Her sister, Mary, saw a very different greater need. 2,000 years later we are still talking about it.



Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3



How does your sacrifice appear to others? The act of giving to God can (and should) involve sacrifice. What do you have to give? Money? Possessions? Time? Self – heart, mind, body, and soul?



How are you giving? Give your best every day. How you give honors Jesus. 

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Learning

Believers should always be growing in their faith, and helping others grow in theirs. Here are five things we (all believers) can learn from each other:
Eternal Security - John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Excellence - 2 Corinthians 8:7 - But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Equipping - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Endurance - 2 Corinthians 1:6-7 - If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Entrusting - 2 Timothy 1:12-14 - That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Read, study, know, and apply God’s Word to your life. The world needs to learn from you!

Friday, June 23, 2017

Follow Your Heart


We all have problems. King David, a man after God's heart had plenty of them. Some were self-imposed, but others were cast upon him. It was during one of these times that he wrote in Psalm 34:1-9:
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. - David

This is a great model for all of us. Even when we are facing a crisis or even death we should:
1. Tell of His greatness
2. Give Him praise and glory
3. Encourage others
4. Rely and trust in God
5. Know where your true salvation comes from
6. Fear God not man (or the things of this world)
7. Experience God in new ways (even in your pain and sorrow)
8. Accept his protection and provision
9. Be strong and courageous
10. Do not be afraid Christ is always with you
Amen?

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Look Forward

God wants us to remember but not to live in the past. Looking back can sometimes cause you trouble. Just ask Mrs. Lot! Jesus has called for us to look forward – even in hard times. Take a look at these Bible verses.

As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”Genesis 19:17

But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.Genesis 19:26

The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; - Psalm 114:3

What do I see? They are terrified, they are retreating, their warriors are defeated. They flee in haste without looking back, and there is terror on every side,” declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 46:5

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”- Luke 9:62

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:11

Jesus is coming back! What will He find you focusing on?

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Unfailing


Today let’s be reminded of God’s Unfailing Love for Sinners as found in Psalm 32:8-11.



*He counsels us in love. (vs 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.)



*He desires us to come willingly. (vs 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.)



*He surrounds those who trust in him. (10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.)



*He gives us reason to rejoice! (11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!)



God’s unfailing love can be seen in King David’s life and in his writings in the Psalms. His unfailing love is ours as well. It should be our main desire and focus. It is what others need from us. It is the message of the Good News of God. “For God so loved the world…” Amen?

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

See You


Believers are to follow Christ daily. He will show you the best way, and the truth, but we need to keep our focus on Him. In God's Word, Jesus said in John 1:39, "Come, and you will see." Michael W. Smith wrote a song with the secret of staying close to Jesus.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You - I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy - I want to see You

May we all pray today; Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see you.

Amen?

Monday, June 19, 2017

Can Do

There is a viral attitude running around in the Christian Body of believers today called the "I can’t" virus. It is an attitude of doubt and disbelief, and a lack of trust & faith in God. This attitude is of the devil and is not of God. Satan would have us to think that we are worthless, and cannot do anything, and that God is a God of small things. God wants us to think positively and to have the opposite of an "I can’t" viral attitude, and to have an "I can" attitude.
Paul speaks in this the 4th chapter of Philippians about an "I can do" attitude. He encourages the church at Phillipi that even though they may be going through “some things”, that they, through Christ, can do all things. And I believe that God wants us to have that kind of attitude today, no matter what we’re facing. So, the question I would pose to you today is; "How do I get over the "I can’t" attitude virus?


Here are three remedies for the "I Can’t" virus:
A.) Recognize who your strength is...We need to recognize that our ultimate, all in all strength, is found in God and God alone.

B.) Don’t be afraid. Fear and anxiety are tools of the enemy, and we need to recognize the power God has given us over him.

C.) You have to BELIEVE that you can do it! God says, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, then you can tell that mountain to move, and it will move." Hebrews 11:1. We have to have faith in things we don’t see yet, but believe God is there!

I want to encourage you, no matter, what you’re facing, you can do it and you can make it, just stay close to God, and he will allow you, to do all things through Him who gives us strength! Amen?

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Fathering


Several years ago, the church I was at hosted a Men of Honor Simulcast. It came from the church in Georgia that made the movies Courageous and Fireproof Here are some of the notes I took on what effects our relationship with our children. I thought they would be appropriate to revisit today.



Whoever has your children's heart has their trust.



3 ways to win their hearts



1. Attention -give them all they require in time and energy

2. Affirmation - bless them! God verbally approved His Son Jesus in the Bible in public.

3.  Affection - pour it out on them, love them unconditionally.



5 Ways to lose their Heart



1. Abandonment

2. Anger

3. Harsh Words

4. Hypocrisy/Lying

5. Demean their Mother



Win your children’s heart - it's never too late. Happy Father's Day.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

A Closer Walk


Most people know the song, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". Did you know that the composer is country star, Merle Haggard?
I am weak but Thou art strong, Jesus keep me from all wrong, I'll be satisfied as long, As I walk, let me walk close to Thee
Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it Jesus is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be

God's Word says in John 1:43, The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, He said to him, "Follow me.""
When we accept Christ as our Savior. He says to us, "Follow me". Pray today for a closer walk with Him. Amen?

Friday, June 16, 2017

Know Enough


Today look for Jesus, and share Him with a friend. John the Baptist did it! God's Word says in John 1:29, "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Even though the Baptizer knew it would lessen his role, John was excited to share.
It is the "Good News" that the world needs to hear. No matter the “cost” to us personally. It is Biblically mandated to “Go and tell”.
Who can you share Christ with today?
If you know Jesus, you know enough – just tell your story on how you found Him. Someone needs to hear. Amen?

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Much to Give


We should always give Jesus our best, but don't let the feeling that you don't have much to give stop you from serving. “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT).
That perfectly describes many believers and churches today. Sadly, it creates a church of passive spectators.

The “good enough” principle, allows more people to get involved.
•Simplify things and accept less than perfect performance
•It doesn’t have to be perfect for God to use and bless it.
•Average people, doing average activities, getting extraordinary results in Jesus Name!
 “Ordinary people doing what Jesus did, wherever they are.” Always remember that you are good enough to share Christ. 

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Acceptance


People in general seem to resist authority. “Rules are meant to be broken” is the mantra of today’s culture. With this attitude, it’s no wonder people don’t know who to follow or believe. Jesus said in John 13:20, "I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."

This teaching is pretty straight forward, accept those who God sends in to your presence. Remember though, you can't know God until you know Jesus. We must believe in Him and allow Jesus to light your world.

Jesus said in John 12:46, "I have come into the world as light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in the darkness."

It's easy to be fooled in the dark but those who know Christ can see the Truth by His Light. Amen?  

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Let's Go

The church has its marching orders! It's found in the Great Commission. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20

We are told to gather as God’ people, grow in our faith, and go out as the hands and feet of Christ. Jesus is coming back soon, and we need to be about His work as the church.

"So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching". Hebrews 10:23-25 (MSG)

How is your Commitment to the Great Commission?

Monday, June 12, 2017

Learn From


Children are a blessing from God. I have just finished a week leading "games" for a week at our Vacation Bible School. I was impressed by a couple things:

1. When we all work together, things really turn out so much better. The success of leadership is inspiring others to work as a team. When each member does it's part well then the "whole" project is a great success. Way to go team!

2. We can learn a lot about Jesus from children. I saw over 100 kids this week work, play, learn, worship, sing, and grow together. They cared not just for themselves, but for each other as well - "the least of these" you could say.

Jesus loves all of us but children have a special place in His heart and Kingdom. Remember the story from Matthew 10:14? They were trying keep the kids away from Jesus, and He said to them; "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

We all want to get to heaven, so maybe we can learn a lot from these little ones.

Love God with the faith of a child. Amen?

Sunday, June 11, 2017

The Creator's Kingdom


We just finished with this year's VBS, Maker Fun Factory! It was a lot of fun, and made me think about God's creation and kingdom. The Great Commission commands us to lead people to Christ and teach them of God’s kingdom;  “...Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” -Matthew 28:19

The Bible references the word kingdom (347 times), the kingdom of God (97 times), and the Kingdom Heaven (45 times). There are no direct references to the "kingdom of God" in the Old Testament.



We see God’s plan unfold in the New Testament as He unveils the "Kingdom of God"



Mark. 1:15 - "the kingdom of God is at hand"

Luke. 17:20,21 - "the kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed... behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst"

John. 3:3 - unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God

Romans 14:17 - "the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"



The Kingdom of Christ is all about being in relationship with Jesus, and accepting His gift of salvation. When someone enters in to Christ’s kingdom we need to be there for new believers like Paul modeled for us in his letters in the New Testament. He showed how much he cared for them. He says in 2 Corinthians 11:28, Besides everything else (trials and hardships), I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches (new believers).

Thank you Lord for your creation and kingdom!

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Good Love


God’s ways and plans are always for our good. The Bible says, in Psalm 136:1, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." We know this verse. We say it and we sing it, but have you really thought of the implications of believing what it says?

God’s goodness and love are eternal. They don’t stop based on our circumstances, feelings, relationships, health, finances, or election results. They last forever and are available to all who ask. That’s pretty awesome, Right?

Meditate (think deep, dwell) on this great aspect of God today.

Thank you God, for Your love, and goodness – always and forever.

Amen?

Friday, June 9, 2017

Hope of Christ

Those who have Christ in their hearts have hope and purpose in life. In death, they have the assurance of spending eternity with Him. God's Word states this in Isaiah 57:2, "Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death."

Hope is an overused and misinterpreted word in our culture. It’s almost become trite in being used in everything from commercials, fund raisers, and political speeches. People try to manipulate to bring about their cause or belief. True hope only comes by God through Jesus Christ!

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” – Colossians 1:27

“[ Praise to God for a Living Hope] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - 1 Peter 1:3



Do you have this hope?

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Education


A lot of students these days are looking at options on where to continue their education. There are usually many factors, including the cost. I wrote yesterday about being more educated in God’s Word and ways. There is a cost to learning from Jesus as well – humility. God's Word says in Psalm 25:9, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." A humble heart and spirit are required to learn His ways.

We cannot learn His ways until we recognize Him as our teacher. Accept Christ as Savior and Lord. Give to Him a teachable and humble student – whatever the cost. It’s worth it.

May the Holy Spirit fill us as we accept His will and calling for our lives

Amen?

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Approval


I am so happy to know so many recent graduates. It gives me hope that our American workforce can be great again. I am concern though, of the lack of enthusiasm to become more educated about God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the Bible, and the Church by believers, church leaders, and ministers. God deserves our best and we have fallen way short of the mark. The Bible is very clear on God’s heart and expectations. Here are several versions of 2 Timothy 2:15.


 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (NASB)


 Make every effort to give yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who is not ashamed and who uses the true teaching in the right way. (NCV)

Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means. (TLB)

Give your life totally to Christ. Ask His Holy Spirit to fill and guide your life. Seek out wise mentors and teachers. Take advantage of small groups, classes, Bible studies, good Biblical preaching, conferences, and advance college level studies. Understand and strive to be the man or woman of God you should be. He deserves nothing less.

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Psalm 4:7

Amen?

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Contrition


The word contrition or the act of being “contrite” in our relationship to God isn’t used much these days. In Christian theology, contrition or contriteness is repentance for sins one has committed. It’s from a Latin word contritus which means 'ground to pieces', or literally crushed by guilt. The remorseful person is said to be contrite.
God's Word gives an example of contrition in Jonah 3:5, "When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust."
The king was faced with God’s punishment for Nineveh’s evil ways. His response is surprising, but appropriate. It saved the lives of many people.
Your earthly social status doesn't matter to God. Everyone must bow to Him, and know that he is God. There is no such thing as a proud Christian. Maybe we need to apply contrition in to our daily disciplines as Christ followers.
Amen or Oh-Me?

Monday, June 5, 2017

Love Unity


With God's love we can have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. - In the name of Jesus. God's Word says in Colossians 3:14, "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
God is love! Remember what Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” So, if God is love and we are to imitate Him, then we better start showing His love. The world is in desperate need of the real thing.
Thank you, Jesus, for the truth. Amen?

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Vacation Bible School

Methods have changed over the years, but the message has hopefully remained the same. We want to introduce children to God, the Bible, and Jesus. We use many creative ways in doing so. Somewhere during all the crafts, games, songs, and skits, the great stories of the Bible are told. I dare say that is where most people receive their basic theology. Songs tell us about Jesus’ love, letting our little lights shine, and of course the B-I-B-L-E song creates lasting impressions for all of us. Many start their Christian walks by making decisions to follow Christ during these types of events.

A problem develops as we grow older, when our faith and Bible knowledge stays “childlike”. The stories we heard about Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the whale, baby Moses, and Jesus’ miracles are wonderful, but as we mature as believers our understanding of God’s Word must grow too. A deeper understanding of the Word of God can only occur if we spend time hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on it. The account of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people is one of these stories. We learn as children about Jesus’ love, using a little boy’s lunch, and the great miracle that followed. By digging deeper into this passage we can learn Biblical truths that give us direction, and help us grow in Christ.

We can learn lessons in giving, receiving, and blessings when we are doing God’s work. First we must be willing to give wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord. The boy in this story gave all he had to Jesus. In his eyes and those around him it sure didn’t seem like much, but because of his faithfulness, and belief that Christ can truly do all things, something unexpected was about to occur. In our lives, we may feel that what we have to give isn’t much, but when we give it all to Him, heaven rejoices. What in your life have you not turned over to the Lord for His kingdom’s work? He is waiting for you.

The Lord will receive from us what is given to do His work. If you notice, Jesus didn’t go looking for food, but accepted what was offered to Him. God is funny like that. He told a group of church people one time that after a poor widow gave a couple of coins in the collection plate that she was the greatest giver. Why? Because she gave all she had.  Jesus wants us to give our gifts of service, money, talents, and resources to do His work. When we have that same giving heart as the widow, God will accept it, multiply it, and allow us have it back to use it in ways we can never imagine.

It says that Jesus took the fish and loaves and blessed them, and then He gave it back to them. The disciples distributed the food, everyone ate all they could, and there were 12 baskets of leftovers! When Jesus blesses what we have entrusted to Him, it will come back to us many times over. Just think about what God can do with your offering. Probably something we could never expect, but will be amazed at what He can do through willing followers. Are you ready to accept Jesus’ blessing? Let’s follow His plan, church!

Today starts VBS at Hopewell. We have an opportunity to change lives and have our hearts changed as well. It could be the greatest adventure we have ever been on. Amen?

Saturday, June 3, 2017

The Answer


The world offers nothing but death. Eternal Life can only be found through Christ Jesus. God's Word says in Jonah 3:8, "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." Even before Jesus came to this earth in human form, He was the answer!
G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Redemption At Christ’s Expense.
Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Why? “Because God so loved the world He sent is one and only Son. Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life”. – John 3:16
Jesus is the answer to the all needs of this world, and the one to come.
Amen?

Friday, June 2, 2017

In the Doing

It is a believer’s duty, honor, and privilege to serve and worship the One true God with reverence and awe. God's Word says in Psalm 2:11, "Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling".

Many times, we are tempted to not follow God’s plan, or make excuses for our disobedience. Jesus answered the temptation of Satan with Scripture, Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” - Luke 4:8
The opposite of fear is faith - believing in, and doing things the Lord’s way. Don’t be afraid of what God will do to you – be afraid of what you are not doing for Him. Amen?

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Forgive Us


We all love the promise in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God’s forgiveness puts us in the right relationship with Him.
Asking for forgiveness is not just being absolved for disappointing Jesus though. It should be a desire to change and stop sinning. That’s called repentance. God will forgive, but we must want to change and sin no more. Jesus calls on sinners to repent in Matthew 8:11 (after He forgave), Jesus declared, "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Our culture looks at not being punished as the reward. Serving Jesus in faith, obedience, and in the right relationship is what should truly matter to all followers.
Amen?