God's Way

Sometimes commentary is not necessary. Consider the consequences from this Scripture.

²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ 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.²⁶ If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷ but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. ²⁸ Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ²⁹ How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ³¹ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. - Hebrews 10:23-31 (NIV)

Stop sinning and obey the Word. Amen?

Pressing On

There are times in all of our lives that we have push or press on through. It's hard and most of us don't want to go through it, but realize the Lord will see you through.

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

Four components we must incorporate to have the kind of success God desires:

*God’s Word

•To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31-32

*Our Unity

•Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. -Matthew 12:25

*Our Obedience

•Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. -John 14:15

*Our Love

•Jesus said, By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:35

Let us press on through the difficulties, the disappointments, and the displeasures of life. Keep your eye on the prize by keep looking up! Amen?

Keep On

Do you ever get depressed thinking that life will never get better?

Most of us have found ourselves stuck in that place, but God doesn't want us to stay there. Winston Churchill once said, "When you're going through hell - keep going!" Regardless of our present situations, God wants us to have hope. Jeremiah 29:10-14 gives us His hope for today and our future.

¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Meditate on these verses today and see what God has to share with you. His ways and plans are always the best.

Know that God has better days ahead for all believers. Amen?

Die to Live

Anyone who goes looking for trouble would be thought a fool. Trouble comes at us soon enough. Why go looking for it? Consider this encounter with Jesus found in the book of John.

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:20-24 

Imagine the scene. Some Greeks, complete newcomers, went to meet Jesus. Something attracted them to Jesus, and then they hear ominous predictions about suffering and death. We don't know if they understood or were frightened off.

How do you react to Jesus’ talk of coming trials?

Remember that you are told these things not to frighten but to strengthen you.

Remember that we must die to self in order to live with Christ. Amen?

Go and Make

All Christians are confronted with the command of Jesus found in the Great Commission that says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”, Have you thought through this verse? There are three questions presented whose answers provide the framework for the task to which Jesus has called us to. The questions are:

1. What is a disciple?  Jesus calls us to “make” them. So, we must first understand what their characteristics are. A simple definition is found in Pastor Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life.” A life of discipleship is understood in terms of living out the five purposes.

 A disciple is one who: (read each point then discuss)

• Is pleasing God every day, this is true Worship. They realize that they are planned for God’s pleasure.
• Is an active member of a local body of believers, which is Fellowship. They understand that they are formed for a family.
• Is learning to be more Christ-like in their behavior every day, which is Discipleship. They realize they are created to become like Christ.
• Is serving sacrificially within the local body of believers, which is Ministry. They know how they have been shaped for service and live it out continually.
• Is sharing God’s love, forgiveness and hope with people who do not know Christ, which is Mission. They declare openly and confidently, “I was made for a mission.”
2. How does one make disciples? If we use the purpose definition of a disciple, then it follows that we must be about inserting these purposes into our lives, and of the people whom God has entrusted us to us. This is the work of the church. We must set up an environment that leads people along a developmental path such that these purposes become fully integrated into their lives. We preach the purposes from the pulpit, teach them in small groups, we model them in our lives, we provide opportunities for our people to live them out individually and in fellowship with others, and we expect them to mature and envision and equip others to this same life of obedience. This is how we become a Purpose Driven people and church.

How does living like a Christ Follower look like? What steps do you need to take?

3. How are disciples sent to all nations? The third question infers that the “go” requires the church to “send.” It is our task to be strategic and intentional about infusing the five purposes into the lives of our people so they can truly be disciples. For the purpose of mission, and if we are to be obedient to Jesus, we must strategically and intentionally send people into the world, locally and globally, to carry the Good News to a hurting world. The best way to do mission is to do church, and the best way to do church is to do mission.

Insanity has been defined as, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I heard a different slant recently, Doing the same old things and expecting a different outcome.

Is the church guilty of insanity?- Doing the same old things and expecting a different outcome. How can we change that rut or routine and become a true Christ follower?

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got!

Godly Guidance

Believers must have their heart and minds focused on doing things God’s way, and not swaying back and forth between it and the world. Being indecisive is a form of double-mindedness and James says that leads to instability ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. - James 1:2-8

I think part of the problem is we complicate decisions, often factoring in information that isn’t really important—relying on our own wisdom while failing to specifically seek God and his wisdom. Remember what Solomon tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." This is another reminder that you can’t figure everything out on your own. You’re a child of God—not God, and only the Lord can tell you the best direction to go when you are making life decisions.

God doesn’t want you to be confused, and he will never lead you into confusion. If you’re having trouble figuring out which way to go, get back to the basics and trust that God will guide you in all areas of your life. 

Child of God - live like you are saved and follow Jesus. Amen?

Share Dare

Statistics tell us that most believers never lead another person to faith in Christ. Ironically we are all commissioned to share the Gospel with the world around us. What stops us? One of the big reasons I hear is, I am not trained to tell people about Jesus, so it is too hard for me to do.

Let's look at an example of sharing from Matthew 9:10; While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.

Matthew used what he had to introduce others to Jesus Christ: his home, his food, and his relationships. He did not forget his old associates (tax collectors, sinners, family, friends, and neighbors). He shared what he found in Jesus, and it was a powerful witness for Jesus Christ.

If you know Jesus then you know enough - tell someone today. Be proactive - share what you know to be true. Amen?

Real Jesus

Don’t be fooled by the world’s version of  Easter. Take a look at a first hand account of His appearance after the Resurrection. 

While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.

 He asked, "Do you have any food here?" They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes.

 Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled."

 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high." – Luke 24:36-49

Not only is Jesus real, but He says if you know Him, then you know God. Amen?

Remember This

Most of us who have attended church on Easter have heard this Scripture: On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. ² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³ but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. ⁵ In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷ ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” - Luke 


In my tradition we love to proclaim; He has risen - He has risen indeed! But look at the next verse - ⁸ Then they remembered his words. I believe there is message in this passage that we need to remember as well.

- Do your duty. (Very early)

- Impact your world. (They found)

- Rely on Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Suddenly)

- Tell the Good News! (He has risen)


Be encouraged from the past to move in to the future with Christ, today and every day because – HE HAS RISEN!

He Is Alive!

 Happy Resurrection Sunday! Look at the excitement shared in Matthew 28:1-10.  ¹ After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  ² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
   ⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
   ⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

He has risen indeed! Don’t be afraid – Go tell somebody. Great words for today and everyday!

Live the resurrection of Christ all year long. Amen?

Etermity

In Matthew and Mark, it is reported that both thieves were mocking Jesus along with the crowd. As the hours wore on, however, one criminal’s conscience was smitten, and he repented. The repented thief rebuked the other and testified to Jesus’ innocence. His prayer reflected his belief that the soul  lives on after death; that Christ had a right to rule over a kingdom of the souls of me, and that He would soon enter that kingdom despite His impending death. His request to be remembered is a plea for mercy, which also reveals that the thief understood he had no hope but divine grace. 

All of this demonstrates true faith on the part of the dying thief. Christ graciously affirmed the man’s salvation, and offered paradise to the repentant thief on the cross

Luke 23:39-43 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." 

Good?

Good Friday – What’s so good about it? The day that Jesus, Son of God, dies for the world in the cruelest of ways, and we call Good Friday. The Sunday School answer would be it is good for what Christ did for me! I think there is more to it as we look at the Bible, and what it has to tell us.

1. All was completed! – Jesus had completed the mission He came to earth for. Philippians 2:5-11- Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.



2. Scripture was fulfilled! – From Jesus’ birth to the resurrection was prophesied. Matthew 26:52 - Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.  But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

3. It is finished! – tetelesti! (transaction/deal was complete)- death has been defeated

1 Corinthians 15:55 - “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave up His Spirit in order that we can receive the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Thank God that He is good all the time. Amen?

Mandated

We will be having a service this evening at the Hopewell Baptist Church. Please feel welcome to attend in a spirit of introspection as we consider the words, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.


Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, is the Thursday before Easter Sunday, observed by Christians in commemoration of Christ's Last Supper. The name Maundy is derived from mandatum (Latin for "mandate or commandment"). In many Protestant churches, Communion is celebrated during the evening service.  Christ gave his followers at the Last Supper a commandment that they love one another. (John 13:34). 


We will be celebrating and remembering Christ's last supper, the meaning of Seder (the Passover meal), and a drama presentation The service begins at 7 pm. We are at the corner of Hopewell Road and 850 West.


We also invite you to join us at Hopewell Baptist Church in Holton, IN on:

April 18 – Seder (Passover demonstration) and Garden Scene drama

 April 19 – Good Friday 7pm presentation of The Sound of the Nails

 April 21 - Resurrection Sunday Services at 7am and 9am with breakfast served in between.

Jesus Lessons

There are a lot of lessons that Jesus teaches us through the Bible. Sometimes I think we miss them because the story may be too familiar. Here is one we read every Easter from Luke 22.

⁷ Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. ⁸ Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” ⁹ “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

¹⁰ He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, ¹¹ and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ¹² He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

¹³ They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. (This remembrance and celebration of the Exodus is called Seder)

Let’s ask ourselves three questions about what happened in this account:

1. Is this a miracle?

Matthew 15:31 - The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

2. Is this knowing your culture and community?

Luke 13:22 - Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.

Mark 2:8 - Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things?

3. Is this a great lesson in pre-planning?

Matthew 16:21 - [ Jesus Predicts His Death ] From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Matthew 26:32 – “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” - Jesus

Maybe it’s a teaching that reminds us of all three!

In John 18:37:  “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Amen?

Four Reasons

Why Jesus' Death on the Cross was Necessary

1. All was completed! – Jesus had completed the mission He came to earth for. Philippians 2:5-11- Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2. Scripture was fulfilled! – From Jesus’ birth to the resurrection was prophesied. Matthew 26:52 - Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.  But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

3. It is finished! – tetelesti! (transaction/deal complete)- death has been defeated 1 Corinthians 15:55 - “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Jesus gave up His Spirit in order that we can receive the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Thank Jesus today and every day for giving us all we need. Amen?

Control Issues

Jesus knew that His life was about to change, but He kept His eyes on God. Control over His life was given over to the Father.

 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.  “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.  Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:23-28

He was willing. Are you? Wherever you are today in life know that God loves you and has a better plan for you. He wants to restore your heart, mind, body, and soul. The Lord promises, I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17 You can change your life today. Give control over to Jesus in your life. Strive for the faith, belief system, and healthy life God desires for you to have. That way you can love Him fully. 

Crying for You

Yesterday I wrote about Jesus weeping with us in our sorrows. Jesus also weeps over our sins, and He is troubled by our blinded eyes. Today is Palm Sunday. You can read the account of Jesus' Triumphal Entry in  Luke 19:28-40 when Jesus comes to Jerusalem as king.

Most of our sermons and lessons for this day have to do with the crowds, shouts of hosannas, the parade, the excitement, etc. But Jesus knew that all of it was a sham. In a few short days the crowds would turn on Him – cheers turn in to jeers – hosannas in to Crucify Him!

Can you picture Him that day? Prophecy was fulfilled. The Messiah riding on a donkey, over palm branches, and people's coats. He had the praise of the people and was the center of attention. How would you have felt? The closes thing I could imagine would be in a convertible in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade route. Jesus reacted different than we would. Luke 19:41-42 tells us, As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. This is referring to the desolation of Jerusalem and future refusal of Him because of their hard hearts, stiff necks, and blinded eyes.

You see the crowds wanted a military general type king. A week later they realized that wasn't what Jesus was about. So they crowned Him with thorns instead of a golden crown. His Kingdom was not of this world. Jesus wept for a blind sinful world. His weeping here is different than in Bethany (a gentle sobbing). The word here entails a loud sobbing, wailing, groaning, and cries that could be heard far away. Jesus was pouring out His heart over our spiritual neglect and sin. Note in Bethany He was joined in His weeping, but today He wept alone.

Sadly the church of Jesus Christ doesn't seem to be weeping over the sins of those around them or even our own sins. We are hardly troubled by blinded eyes. What are you blinded from? Do you need to be shedding tears over someone or something in your world? Jesus is weeping. Will you join Him?

God Is Not Far

Jesus faced a brutal last week on earth. We think we have hard weeks, but nothing was like His. I encourage you this week to read in the Gospel account of what happened to prepare your heart for Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services. We all know things are bad today. The world around us is literally going to hell. We are watching the decay of civilization before us. Jesus is still weeping but many of us are not. Have we lost our tears? Tears speak so much louder than words. What about Faith? Compassion? Grace?

There is Good News! Jesus is still touched by our broken hearts and troubled by our blinded eyes. 

The question, Is the Lord weeping with you or over you today? There is a huge difference between the two.

The last time weeping is mentioned in the Bible is Revelation 21:4, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. This is our hope. David said it best, For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 God is not far off and removed. He is very near – touched by our tears and weeps with us. He is troubled by our blinded eyes and weeps over us. 

It’s okay to cry. Like Martha in John 11, “25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Wherever you are today in life know that God loves you and has a better plan for you.

Help me Where I Am

Many ask how can I grow in my faith? Start by asking God – “Help me grow. Help me with my unbelief.” You start reading His Word. You get into the Bible.

There is a great story in the Bible about a man who came to Jesus, his child was demon possessed. He had faith but it was weak. 

²⁰ So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. ²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. ²² “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:20-23

The man brought the child to Jesus, and Jesus said, “Do you believe I can heal her?” He said, “Lord, I do believe! Help me with my unbelief!” Jesus said, “that’s good enough!” And He heals the child. 

 Let’s say to God right now… Let me know your power - help my faith grow – may I move forward with You.

Never Give Up

Growing in the Lord will take patience, but remember "Faith is never giving up". God's Word tells us:

•  “Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” Psalm 31:24 (MSG)
 Life style changes will require a lot of strength. You are not alone. Jesus is with you.
•   “My life hangs in the balance, but I will not give up obedience to Your Word.”Psalm 119:109 (LB)
Stay focused on the truth.
•  “Even if good people fall seven times, they will get back up.” Proverbs 24:16 (CEV)

Perseverance and the Lord's strength will get you through the tough times.

  “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.” Gal. 6:9 (LB)
Keep your eyes on God's prize.

  Be encouraged and obedient to the Bible's wisdom. Are you ready to give God 100% and let Him be in charge of the results?

Follow the Bible on how He desires you to develop and grow in your faith. Allow His plan for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health to mature become a reality in your life.

Through the Valleys

Life has it’s trials, hardships, and valleys – but we don’t have to go through them alone. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” - Hebrews 13:5-6

Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes He calms His child. In both instances remember He is there for you. Trust in Him through the storms in life. Read Psalm 23 and apply it to your storm. A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Thank you, Jesus, for walking with me through the valleys in this life, and to glory in eternity. Amen?

Bringing Vision

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. (NIV) If people can’t see what God is doing, They stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. (Message)

Five Things Vision Brings:

1. Vision brings definition. Vision defines our decisions on life. Can you form a one-sentence vision statement for your life?

2. Vision brings design. Just like the steps in life: conception, gestation, birth, growth, maturity, and finally reproduction. Previous visions are reproduced into newer and expanded visions – the dream goes on.

3. Vision brings about doing. Nothing happened in the rebuilding of Jerusalem until Nehemiah’s vision took on definition and design. This brought about the motivation to rebuild. Doing the vision serves as a witness to other believers and to the world who is watching.

4. Vision brings direction. Where are you headed? Personal vision guides your life.

5. Vision brings dependence. Visions should be God-sized so there is no way for them to be accomplished without Him. The Lord sees our potential.

God wants us to be and do His thing! (if not we’ll go back to a visionless life).

The Lord says, See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19

Allow this vision to be birthed and grow in your life.

Seek the Lord – you will find Him.

Seeking Vision

Vision is vital to Christian living. Those who grew up memorizing KJV remember this translation. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)

The word vision (revelation) means “to mentally perceive or to contemplate”. The word translated perish (restraint) is used in the OT as “to go back”.  In Numbers 14:3 God’s wandering people wanted to “go back” to Egypt. Those who have no vision, no perception of what they could be, seem to have no clear direction in their Christian journey.

Before every great undertaking in life there is someone who has a vision for the task ahead. Every Christ follower needs to discover God’s vision for their life. 

Today and every day seek His vision and plan for your life.

Choices

We make life choices every day. Some are small, but some can have a lifelong effect on us. Here are three things we can take away from Israel’s choices: 1. Start well (devotion) – make informed wise choices. 2. Be accountable (not deviance) – Have people in your life that will hold you accountable. Listen to their advice. 3. Admit mistakes (not destruction) – God’s Word tells us we all sin.

We can see a practical application of these principles from Jesus’ teachings as found in Matthew 7:1-5

1. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

The ramification and practical application of these verses are life changing. We are not to judge others unless we are prepared to be measured likewise. We must stop obsessing on other people’s sin and things in our minds that are not right. We usually approach someone who has offended us with “righteous” indignation where in fact we should be looking in the mirror at ourselves! If we follow the logic in Jesus’ words we should attend to our own shortcomings and sins. Once we have sufficiently asked for and received forgiveness then we can help someone with theirs. When we follow this wisdom then we will deal with each other with more love, care, grace, and mercy. The outcome will not only make for a better solution to the probem but will also be more beneficial to both parties for eternity.

The greatest choice you can make is to accept Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and salvation. Out of love and gratitude we should offer Him our love and devotion. This vertical relationship should then spread horizontally to those around us. Not just in the beginning of the relationship, but for all our lives.

Turn to God with all your life choices.

The Plan

Do you ever struggle with what God wants you to do? Finding God's will is a universal problem. In fact we are in company with Jesus who said the Garden prayer; “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” - Luke 22:42

Jesus asked for what was to take place (crucifixion) to change, but was willing to be obedient to God's will. You may be thinking that is easy for Jesus but how about me. How do I find out what God's will is for me in my life?

Three critical things you must know to discern God's will:

1. Know the Savior. Is Jesus Lord of all in your life?
2. Know the Spirit. Are you full of  and following the Holy Spirit?
3. Know Scripture. Do you know God's Word?

Know these three things in an intimate and obedient way, and you'll be on your way to discovering God's perfect plan for your life. Amen?