Saturday, September 30, 2017

Words of Life


Yesterday we looked at how words can lead to death. Today let’s think about how words can also lead to life.

 A Good Word

- Speak of God’s gift in Christ

- Speak well of God’s Church

- Speak to encourage other Christians.

Why should we waste time with words of death when we can speak words of life? God can use the positive things you say to reach the lost and to encourage other Christians.

We cannot speak Words of Life unless we have heard the voice of Jesus. In John chapter 6 we read about a time when the crowd who had been following Jesus decided his teachings were too hard. They got tired of listening to his voice. Jesus turned to his Twelve Disciples and asked, Do you want to leave me, too? And Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. John 6:68

Do you know the voice of Jesus? Have you heard Him speak the Words of Life? When we listen to the Words of Life from the voice of Good Shepherd, we will begin to speak the same kind of words ourselves. Amen?

Friday, September 29, 2017

Problem Words

The tongue has the power of life and death. What kind of Words would lead to death, you might ask. Proverbs gives some specific examples: of Words of Death.

The first thing we need to know about words that lead to death is that these are words without the spirit of God or the love of God in them. In the same way that wisdom can either come from God or from Satan, words also originate in Heaven or from Hell. Unfortunately, evil talk sometimes comes out of the mouths of God’s people. In fact, it is the way church people talk that often causes unbelievers to call them hypocrites. What kind of words lead to death?

· LIES - The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Lies are always words of death. Proverbs 12:22
· ARGUMENTS - In the New Testament, James also compared the tongue to a fire: The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6
· GOSSIP - Gossip can destroy relationships like a fire can destroy a forest. Gossip is a simple thing with terrible consequences. The heart of gossip is to speak ill of someone behind his or her back. And the motive is always to diminish them in the eyes of others.

We have a choice in what comes out of our mouths. Remember nothing comes out that isn’t already in us. Start with a heart check you’ll notice a difference right away.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Foolishness


Here is a great lesson from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 18 that we discussed in the Answers in Genesis class last week.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." 20Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the LORD."

Nothing compares to God’s wisdom. The world’s wisdom is foolishness and will be destroyed. The world sees the Gospel as weak and foolish, but God uses it to put to shame the arrogant claims of man. No person can boast that his own wisdom gives him salvation, and God alone will receive the glory in the salvation of sinners.

When sharing the Lord, proclaim His existence and the Message of the Gospel without reservation, so that hearts can be changed by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Let the foolish shame the wise. Amen?  

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Praying Today

Today is See You at the Pole™. This global day of student prayer began as a grass roots movement with ten students praying at their school. Twenty-six years later, millions pray on their campuses on the fourth Wednesday in September. See You at the Pole™ is a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole before school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event.

In 1990 when youth ministers in Texas first challenged young people to meet on a common day to launch their school year in prayer, one of the concerns what how to help those who wanted to pray together find each other. It was noted that virtually every school has a flagpole, and the flagpole provided an easy-to-identify place to gather. Also, one issue that the teenagers were praying about was the spiritual health of their country and their leaders, in obedience to 1 Timothy 2:1–2. "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Even if you can’t meet at “the pole” today remember to pray. Our schools, communities, and country needs it.
Amen?

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Lostness

Do you remember a time in your life when you were lost? I do. I was 4 or 5 years old when I was with my parents at a big department store. It was back when they had pet departments, and I loved looking at the puppies. I guess Mom and Dad thought I was with the other and I soon found myself alone. There was a terror that went through me as I felt alone and abandoned. I started to run screaming for my parents.
Do you remember a time when someone that you loved was lost? I do. Almost 25 years after my experience of being lost I found myself on the other side. We were on our first family vacation at Virginia Beach with our four children. We had some friends and their two children visiting us that day. I thought our youngest daughter age four had gone with her Mother back to the room. When my wife came back she asked where was Hannah? Immediately that same fear and terror that I had felt as a little boy returned. We frantically looked for her but could not find her anywhere.
Jesus told three stories about being lost in the Gospel of Luke chapter 15.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep that was found. ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The Parable of the Lost Coin that was found.  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The Parable of the Lost Son who came to his senses and returned home.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

When I was lost as a little boy I knew it. All I wanted was to be back in the love and security of my parents. When I saw my Mom I held her tight and never wanted to let go. As a Dad I wanted nothing more than to hold my child and let her know everything was going to be alright. A lifeguard told us they found Hannah running down the beach two blocks away! I set new sand running record getting to her. That was my only focus – to make her safe and bring her home. That’s what good Fathers do – like the one in Jesus’ story, and God the Father. The Lord knows your heart, your wants, your fears, and provides what you need. His name is Jesus.
If you are lost look up and be found today.

Monday, September 25, 2017

Exisistence


This week in our AIG class our topic title was: We Can Know God Exists. God is the eternal Creator. His existence makes sense of the entire universe.


Look at the evidence as found in His Word:


1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:1–2 (Creation)

13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I AM who I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” - Exodus 3:13-15 (Creator)

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. - John 18:1–6 (Lord and Savior)

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. - Romans 1:18–23 (No excuse)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. - Psalm 19:1–4 (Everywhere you look you can see God)
As Christ followers proclaim the truth, remember to use the power of God's Word. Amen?

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Healing Freedom

One of the great things about being with a group of Christ Followers, the church, is that we are reminded of God's promises. This reminder can come in different ways; a word, a prayer, a Scripture, or by being with others who are seeking God's face and touch. 

We have so many problems and crisis in our lives. Our hearts are broken over so many things. But God through Jesus wants to heal us. In Luke 4:18 Jesus proclaims the words of Isaiah have become reality,  "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed".

Be wise today and always - allow healing and freedom to become real in your life through the power of God.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Sparks

We kicked off AWANA this week at my church - very exciting! The K-2nd grade group is called Sparks! It made me remember of a time I once challenged my church to become "sparks". You know,  we sometimes become fixated on the fire or spiritual bonfires because they are exciting . God calls us to start the fires of relationship, evangelism, and revival in the world around us. It all starts with a spark! A kind act, a word of encouragement, being an attentive listening, and sharing Christ's love and hope can cause a fire to burn in someone's heart.

Romans 1:16-17 states: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed as righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

Live and share your faith daily. Be a spark in today’s world for Jesus. Amen?

Friday, September 22, 2017

Money Talk


There is great teaching on Financial responsibility from people like Dave Ramsey available, but remember it is teaching from the Bible about money that we need to model our lives. Spend time today learning and how you can apply God's wisdom.



Proverbs 10:4 - Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Proverbs 30:8-9 - Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, Who is the LORD? Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Proverbs 3:9-10 - “ Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverbs 11:24-25 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.



Know the Word and apply God’s wisdom to your life. Amen?

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Keep Asking


There is a beautiful passage found in Psalm 71:14-18 that tells us how we should live our lives, and share what God has done. 

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. 15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long though I know not how to relate them all. 16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 

Look what is said in the next verse about sharing with younger generations.

18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. 

Those of us that are over 55 should take special note of this verse. We feel sometimes as we get older that we’ve done our share, or we’re ready to sit and soak in our churches. This is not Scriptural! Craig Groeschel says, If you are not dead then you are not done! This past Sunday was Back to Church Sunday. Some that were invited, but couldn’t make it.  Follow up or ask someone anew. We all have someone we need to talk (invite) to this week.

The conversation goes both ways, and we both have things to teach each other. See you in church.  Amen?

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Attributes

This week in our AIG class we discussed the attributes of God. When you become aware of His awesomeness it really changes how you respond in obedience. God has revealed Himself to us in Scripture so that we can understand, at least in some small way, what He is like.
4 So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the first. And he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand two tablets of stone.  5 The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” 8 And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. - Exodus 34:4-8
God Is . . . Merciful, Gracious, Slow to Anger, Abounding in Steadfast Love, Faithful, Forgiving, Holy, and Just! And that's just the beginning. Is our response to God's attributes the same as Moses'?
May we be in awe, wonder, and worship over God this week and every week.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Press On


Life is tough! We have so many things that keep us from doing what God wants us to do. It seems we are so busy chasing the "good life" that we forget what is necessary for the "God Life"! Consider the following challenge from the Word of God.



Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:12-16



Press on believer! Keep your eyes up - where our true help comes from.



Amen?

Monday, September 18, 2017

World Hope


Yesterday was a wonderful Back to Church Sunday at many places of worship around the country. That’s good news, but it doesn’t stop there. Remember this quote? The local church is the hope of the world. - Bill Hybels. Church, we have work to do! Hebrews 10:19-25 says,



19 Brothers and sisters, because of the blood of Jesus we can now confidently go into the holy place. 20 Jesus has opened a new and living way for us to go through the curtain. (The curtain is his own body.) 21 We have a superior priest in charge of God’s house. 22 We have been sprinkled with his blood to free us from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with clean water. So we must continue to come to him with a sincere heart and strong faith. 23 We must continue to hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The one who made the promise is faithful. 24 We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. 25 We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming. (GW)

Only 20% of Americans make it to church on Sunday mornings. I believe Hybels has it right. We, believers in Christ, must be his hands and feet to the world.

May we not be ashamed of the Gospel of be afraid to be the church God wants us to be. Let’s make all our church gatherings great! Amen?

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Sundays


Today is National Back to Church Sunday in over 20,0000 churches across America! Sociologist and statistics tell us that people who attend church regularly have lower blood pressure, happier outlooks on life, better marriages, less divorces, and longer lives! So you couldn’t pick a better place to be on Sunday morning.

I believe that the church is the most misquoted, misaligned, misattributed, misbelieved, miscalculated, misdiagnosed misheard, misunderstood institution on earth. In other words, people miss what church is all about! I hope as you go to church, you will have a new appreciation for this institution that God loves so much.

"Do not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25

Be a part of, and love, God’s church. Amen?

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Big Deal

Tomorrow is National back to Church Sunday. I think it's a pretty big deal. When I was growing up we had a special "high attendance" Sunday every Spring and Fall. It was always exciting to see what we were going to do to encourage our community to come to church.

These special Sundays have kind of fallen to the wayside in recent years. Every Lord's day is special for sure, but there is nothing wrong in getting excited and having one special day together. Thousands of churches across the US are participating. Just think, maybe this could be the start of a national revival!


So regardless if your church is "participating" or not take time right now and pray. Ask God to lay on your heart who you can talk to today about joining you in church tomorrow. It could be a life changing experience for both of you. In a world overwhelmed with disasters and discord we need a spiritual awakening.  Amen?

Be part of something bigger than yourself - invite someone to church today!

Friday, September 15, 2017

The Invite


This coming Sunday is National Back to church Sunday. Thousands of churches across the United States will be welcoming visitors. Let’s look at why would someone want to invite another to church. We are told that we should share the love of God even with our enemies and those in sin. Let’s look at John 1:12–13, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

 People who have been touched by God are so moved by him that they want to introduce everyone to him, including their enemies. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Let's remember that when we are considering who to ask to church this week.

Who is God laying on your heart?

Remember - love the unlovely. 

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Showing You Care


This coming Sunday is National Back to church Sunday. Thousands of churches across the United States will be welcoming visitors. Why would someone want to invite another to church? Let’s look at 2 Kings 5:1–3, Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.  Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.  She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

People who meet Jesus are so moved by Him that they want to introduce everyone to him, including those who don’t care about them. We need to have the same kind of compassion as this slave girl. Even in captivity she still believed in the power of God.

Who do you know that needs God's healing touch?

Share God's love and invite someone to church.  

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Come and See


This coming Sunday is National Back to church Sunday. Thousands of churches across the United States will be welcoming visitors. There is a Biblical precedent for this. Let’s look at the story in John 1:35–42, 35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).



Right after Andrew found Christ he went and brought his brother to Jesus, and they became His followers. This is a great example of what all believers should do. Let’s take this lesson to heart and bring our brother, sister, family member, friend, co-worker, and neighbor to church with us this Sunday.



You are invited – get back to church September 17th.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Trees

It all begins with the understanding that we are called to follow Christ. How did Christ help people place their faith in him? He met people where they were and he led them into a life of following him. In fact, to see how this mission is reflected in the life of Jesus. Read in Luke 19:1–10 where Jesus met a man where he was, and through that encounter, Zacchaeus’ life was forever changed. We probably do not give much thought to the sycamore tree that he climbed in this story, but my attention is captured by it. How can we help people see Jesus? That sycamore tree gave Zacchaeus the chance to see Jesus. How can you be a sycamore tree this week?



On September 17th, our church will be participating in national Back to Church Sunday. We have been praying about this event as an opportunity to meet people right where they are and incite them to encounter Jesus. This special Sunday gives you a chance to be a sycamore tree. It is your opportunity to help a friend, coworker, classmate, relative, or neighbor see Jesus.



So begin praying now: Lord, open my eyes and help me see who needs me to be a sycamore tree in their life right now. (you’ll be surprised on how many opportunities you’ll have!)



Who do you need to invite to your church?

Monday, September 11, 2017

In Step


Paul says in Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” How do we stay in step with how the Spirit is leading us as a people? 



The danger is if we do not take the time to seek God, to hear from God, to understand what God is doing here and now, then we run the risk of falling behind or heading off course or simply going through the motions.  So we must do the hard work of seeking God so that we can confidently move forward in step with the Holy Spirit. 



Jesus gave the church the foundational mission: to go into the world and make disciples. Many times we have good intentions about helping others experience the truth and hope of Jesus and commit their lives to him. But there is a massive difference between good intentions and being intentional: One is wishful thinking, the other makes a difference. We are called to be intentional in living out God’s mission - each and every one of us – every day of our lives.

Amen?

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Do Church


Here is the mission Jesus gave to His followers: “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         



What in practical terms did Jesus say here?



If we desire to honor God as his church, then we do not want to just “do” church, we want to BE the church. To truly be God's church as effectively as possible here at Hopewell (and all churches), we need to understand and embrace what it means for our church to live God’s mission in all our communities.



Amen?

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Foundational


This week I began a four-year journey through the Bible from Answers in Genesis. The first lesson I led was, God’s Word Is Our Foundation, and is the standard we use to judge every thought. Psalm 119:89–90 tells us, “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”

When we consider the most pressing problems in our society today, let us look to the Bible for answers.



Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.- Psalm 86:11



Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119:105



The application and precepts of God’s Word will give us the direction and wisdom we need.



7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward - Psalm 19:7-11



Do you recognize any areas in your life where you are not looking to God’s Word as the absolute authority?



How can you change your attitudes?

Friday, September 8, 2017

Tell Your Story


What do you think about evangelism? The lost are so important to God. Are they important to you?  In Luke 15:1-2 we see the setting and audience for three of Jesus most famous parables (stories).  Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 



Jesus is teaching through storytelling. He wants His listeners to understand how God operates, and how they can be part of His plan. The Pharisees and other church leaders did not want change or to upset their plans. They never done it that way before and they were not going to start now.



Funny how things haven’t changed much in 2,000 years. People are still stiff necked and hard hearted, and Jesus message has not changed. It’s not about us - It’s all about God! This week think about the lost things and people in your world. 



What does Jesus want you to do about it? May we share God's truth with the world around us, and put a smile on His face.

Amen?

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Is More


When we are called by the Holy Spirit to God’s work we sometimes feel inadequate, unprepared, and not worthy. You are not alone in your feelings. One of my favorite songs deals with this.  Please contemplate and meditate on the following words:

More Than Enough by Jeremy Camp

You are my supply, My breath of life
Still more awesome than I know.
You are my reward, Worth living for
Still more awesome than I know.

You're my sacrifice, Of greatest price
Still more awesome than I know.
You're my coming King, You're my everything
Still more awesome than I know.

And all of you, Is more than enough for All of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with your love
And all I have in you is more than enough



Knowing and believing that Jesus gives us more than what we need help us in doing Spiritual work.
Amen?

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Best Food


Ever grow tired of doing good? Jesus was faint and hungry in John 4, so the disciples went to purchase food. When they returned, they were astonished at the change in Him. He was sitting up, face animated, eyes kindled. 34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."From this passage with its images, we may discover several laws of spiritual work.

1. Spiritual work is refreshing to soul and body (v. 34). If we love spiritual work, it will kindle our souls. What does this look like?

2. There are seasons in the spiritual sphere, of sowing and reaping, just as in farming (v. 35). How are farming and evangelism similar?

3. Spiritual work links the workers in unity (v. 36). What steps can we take to be unified in what God desires for us to do?

4. Spiritual work has rich rewards (vv. 36–38).  God will reward all we do, and all we try to do, and all we wish to do. What do spiritual rewards look like?

May we always remember who we work for and what it’s all about. Amen?