Applying Wisdom

We can learn a lot from Psalm 73 about almost slipping and how to protect ourselves. Read this with yourself in mind and God speaking directly to you.

   1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity their evil imaginations have no limits. 8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.11 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” 12 This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. 13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. 14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. 15 If I had spoken out like that,  I would have betrayed your children. 16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. 19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! 20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. 21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;  I will tell of all your deeds.

Let us thank you Jesus for His love, counsel, and wisdom. Amen?

Setting Goals

Over five years ago I read The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren. It changed my thinking about physical, mental, and emotional health. We need to have goals in front of us to keep us moving forward, Please spend time contemplating and praying about these ideas from this great book.

FIVE REASONS WHY I NEED TO SET PERSONAL GOAL 

1.   Goal setting is a spiritual discipline.

      “God plans to bring all of history to its goal in Christ. Then Christ will be the head of everything in heaven and on earth!” Eph.1:10 (GW)

2.   Goals focus my energy.

      “I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air.”      1 Cor. 9:26 (NCV)

      “Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.” Eph. 5:16 (NLT)

3.   Goals stretch my faith.

       “According to your faith will it be done to you.” Matt. 9:29

      “Everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Rom.14:23

4. Goals build my character.

      Paul: “I do not claim that I’ve already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving toward the goal for which Christ Jesus has won me to himself.” Phil. 3:12 (TEV)

      “Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.” Eph. 4:13 (CEV)

5.   Goals give me hope.

      Job: “I do not have the strength to endure. I do not have a goal that encourages me to carry on.” Job 6:11 (NLT)

      “The plans I have for you are plans to prosper you, not to harm you. They are plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11 (NIV) 

I hope you are encouraged to do something to make your life healthier and happier. God desires you to be your best, and will help you. I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17 

Change your life today and set some goals. Amen?

Serve Somebody

You cannot make life changes without first realizing who you serve. Bob Dylan wrote a song about all different kinds of people, choices, and lifestyles and makes a point that is true about everyone. The chorus says,  But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed, You're gonna have to serve somebody, It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, But you're gonna have to serve somebody. "Gotta Serve Somebody"

So in other words, Who is your King?

What or who controls your actions, moods, and thoughts? The Bible makes it clear who your King should be. Jesus asked the disciples,  When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. —Matthew 16:13-17

God reveals through Peter, Jesus' identity and made sure every one heard it. Later on in Jesus' earthly ministry He exposes the truth about His identity.

“You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.—John 8:57–59

In the final days prior to Jesus’ death, He made it clear—even before the Jewish “supreme court”—just who He was: Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I Am…” —Mark 14:61–62 

We must have this part right before addressing our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. Make Jesus your King. He promises, I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17 

Change your life today. Serve Jesus. Amen?

Talk About It

I find it very interesting on how my health journey has opened conversations with people who are resistant to hearing the Gospel. But they will freely talk about diet, clarity of mind and exercise. There was a nurse that I had been trying to witness to at my Dr.’s office for a couple of years.  I went in for an appointment and she asked me if I lost weight, and commented that I had a “healthy” glow. Then she asked the question, “What kind of plan or diet are you on?” I explained I was on a new life-style plan that included exercise, a diet change, and helping my outlook on things. We went on to talk about specifics then I told her the name of the plan. She asked, “Who is Daniel?” That is the open door that we need to pray for. Let someone ask the question then be ready to share God’s great plan for their life.

Telling people about Jesus has been part of the plan from the very beginning. Mary, a friend and follower of Jesus, was the first to see Him after He rose from the dead. Jesus said to her, “Mary. "She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:16-18

In other words, “Now that you know the truth, Go and tell”. I love a simple plan. Don’t you? What part do you think you’re supposed to play in God’s plan today?

Is your life in a place where you can fully embrace God’s plan today and play your part? If not, what steps do you need to take? Take time today to do business with God, and get on His plan.

Begin looking forward today with a new plan for your life. God promises, But I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17 

Change someone else's life today. Share Jesus. Amen?

Memorial Day Focus

“Memorial Day is an official holiday in most states of the United States. It was observed on May 30 until 1971, when for federal employees, the date was changed to the last Monday in May. With the exception of Louisiana, all states observing Memorial Day adopted the change. It is also known as Decoration Day.

The custom of placing flowers on the graves of the war began on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, NY, and Waterloo has been recognized by Congress as the official birthplace of Memorial Day. In 1868, Gen. John A. Logan, then president of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared that May 30 would be a day to decorate with “flowers the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”

After World War I the day was set aside to honor the of all American wars, and the custom was extended to pay homage to deceased relatives and friends, both military and civilian. The most solemn ceremony conducted on Memorial Day is the placing of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns located in Arlington national Cemetery.

Some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day--April 26 in Georgia, the last Monday in April in Alabama and Mississippi, and May 10 in South Carolina. Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina do not observe the general holiday, and in Virginia the last Monday in May is called Confederate Memorial Day.” - From the Encyclopedia Americana, 1991 edition

Many people see it as just a day off; a 3 day weekend. But for those who have lost someone because of war or military action, it means much more than a day off. In fact, every American ought to recognize this day out of his patriotic duty to his country and in honor of those who spilled their blood to make America what she is today--free, strong, and a nation worth fighting for.

Because men and women have died for this country, we have the right to preach God’s word freely. We have the right to live at peace in our own homes. We have the right to pursue peace, prosperity and happiness. Thank God for those who died to make us free. Amen?

Memorial Sunday

Memorial day is more than just a long weekend or the start of summer. It exists so we can set aside time to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. My family has fought in every war since the American Revolution. Some will be remembered today for their sacrifice. It does not matter is you have not lost someone directly to war - it matters because we are a free country. Thousands of men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Today we honor their lives and pray for their families.

I have read the following at many funerals. Look at the words and allow them to minister to a loss that you have had. It's called, With Hope

You left us with the memory of your smile,

And nothing we can do, And nothing we can say,

Can take away the pain, The pain of losing you,

But we can cry with hope,

Cause we believe with hope,

 There’s a place by God’s grace,

 There’s a place where we’ll see your face again.

 

Through the cloud of tears,

I see the Father’s smile and say well done,

 And I imagine you,

 Where you most wanted to be,

Seeing all your dreams come true,

 Because now you’re home, and now you’re free,

And we have this anchor because we believe,

That everything God promised us is true,

So, we wait with hope, and we ache with hope,

We hold on with hope, we let go with hope. - Steven Curtis Chapman

Thank you Jesus for the blessing of hope. May America bless God on this day and always. Amen?

Caring God

God cares deeply about your mental and emotional health and restoration. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 says,  Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say.

God's love and grace is offered to everyone. Through these wonderful gifts you can find encouragement, strength, comfort, and hope for today and eternity. His focus in our lives can be applied to everything we think, do, or say. God's way not our way is the best way!

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.- 2 Timothy 1:7

My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence? - Galatians 5:16-18 (MSG)

Follow God's Word and plan for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Jesus promises, I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17  Change your life today. Strive for the focus God desires for you to have. Amen?

Tracking With Me

One element of change that we can all work on is our Focus. Clarity of mind is so important. No more brain fogs, sadness, depression, or feeling doomed to mental disorders! Doesn't that sound awesome? With God all things are possible. The problem is that we want short cuts and to do things our own way.

Recently I saw a commercial that asked, What is focus? Focus is having absolute clarity and alertness. Owning your opponent. Knowing you got this! Keeping your eye on the ball, and hitting it out of the park. Own the zone, on target, and on your toes. On top staring the world in the face saying bring it on! Focus is power. Focus is life... It was a commercial for an energy drink!

Romans 12:2 says, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Be about doing life God's way and under His leadership. Know, obey, and believe in His promises.

Philippians 2:13 - For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Ephesians 3:16 -  I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. (CEB)

Philippians 4:8 - From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.

Follow God's Word and plan for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Jesus promises, I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17  Change your life today. Strive for the focus God desires for you to have. Amen?

Our Attention

In order to meet the many demands on our time that we must place a priority system on what we value most. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21; “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. This involves: A. What You Value – You will guard! B. What you love – You will find time to do! C. What you treasure – Will have your attention!


Ecclesiastes 10:10 reminds us to take time to sharpen our tools – “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success”. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to keep sharp things sharp, hot things hot, and joy in all things?

There is a story of the young man that hired on with a logging firm. -The old man said, I learned a lesson many years ago from the Bible. A dull ax requires more work, be wise and sharpen your blade. The old man was not resting, he stopped to sharpen and adjust his chain saw. Young man never stopped to sharpen his edge the greater his labor the less he accomplished.


This is a story about our life in Christ. We must keep a sharp edge. The sharpest tools today can become very dull tomorrow. We need Godly wisdom to apply our hearts and work wisely. God wants all our attention. Does He have yours today?

Best Offering

As we mature as believers our understanding of God’s Word should grow as well. A deeper understanding of the Word of God can only occur if we spend time hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on it. Next week we'll be having a VBS at my church. It's where a lot of us learned many Bible stories. One of my favorites is the account of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people. We learned 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 whole heartedly 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 do you need to turn over to the Lord for His kingdom’s work? He is waiting for you.

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.

Jesus took the fish and loaves and blessed them, and then He gave it to the people there. 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 we will be amazed at what He can do through willing followers. Amen?

The Kingdom

If you don’t know the King how can you live in His kingdom? In John 3 Jesus says: “you cannot enter (the Kingdom) unless you are born again” and Mark 10:15 tells us that the kingdom of God belongs to those with an open acceptance of Christ like a child. Romans 10:9-12 declares;  “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

I pray you have taken this step, and with fear and trembling are taking steps toward wisdom. We see in the story of Solomon and the temple the acts of preparing, asking, and receiving godly wisdom. His calling to be king is fulfilled by the acceptance to be God’s servant. To do great things in the kingdom we too must accept the role of a servant. Consider these avenues of acceptance:

1.     Admit inadequacies – When we ask, “How God?” it reeks pride, lack of belief, and remembering God is able to do all! We are the ones who need Him.

2.     Surrender – May we be like Isaiah who exclaimed, “Here I am, send me!”  Remember: Saved souls = Changed lives!                             

Deuteronomy 7:6; For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.                                 

Colossians 3:12; Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Accept the calling to abundant living in Christ! Amen?

Sharing the Truth

I love Romans chapter 10 for many reasons. It tells us how to receive Christ as Savior and how to witness this truth to the world. Look at verses 8-9, But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:  That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

A few years ago my son who was on a mission trip worked at a VBS in Haiti. In spite of a language difficulties they were able to share the Bible's timeless truth of salvation through Christ. Praise the Lord that 71 said Yes to Christ, and are now part of our spiritual family, the church.

 We are all told to be God’s witnesses for the sake of Christ. Look at verse 17, Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ

We need to: 1. Know Jesus. 2. Know the Word. 3. Know how to serve and Go!

Remember to always preach Christ, if necessary, use words. Amen?

Can Do

Have you ever heard? Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right! Today let's consider the Word of God on this subject. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans”. Proverbs 16:3

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. Matthew 21:21

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. Romans 12:2

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”. – Colossians 3:17

Let's always do it God’s way. Amen?

Being Wiser

All of us carry with us the collective wisdom passed on to us by the people who’ve been most significant in our lives. We’ve picked this wisdom up from parents, friends, teachers, leaders, relatives, and all the people who shaped and molded us as we were growing up. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:7-8, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.”

What wise sayings have you taken hold of that guides you?

Here are some “pearls” on being wise you may have heard:

Knowledge talks, wisdom listens.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!

Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change.

Don’t let your victories go to your head, or your failures go to your heart.

I don’t know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.

The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open.

Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.

If you are not part of the cure, then you are part of the problem.

The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them.

The best things in life are not things.

An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

Think like a man of action, and act like a man of thought.

He who knows others is learned; he who knows himself is wise.

What kind of wisdom did people pass on to you?

Some of it was probably pretty good, and some of it was probably wrong. Part of growing up is sorting through that stuff, keeping the truly wise, and rejecting the unwise.

Seek wisdom - start with the Word it will help you sort it all out. Amen?

Living the Life

People always want to know a secret, but with God there are no secrets only promises! Let's look at Romans 8 today, and God's promises to believers.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  

Believers have a new prayer guide:

A. His identity - the Holy Spirit
B. His intercession - prays for us when we don’t know what we should pray for
C. His intensity -The Holy Spirit is the power source we need to be plugged in to. Look at:
1. How He prays - in our groaning
2. What He prays - for us to be in harmony with God’s will

Believers have a new confidence.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

What is God calling you to do today?

Live your life God's way. Amen?

Great Hope

All believers are God’s children, and we given a Great Hope! We are promised this in His Word. Let's look at 1 John 3:1-3 from The Message:

 “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.”

When God's Hope becomes our Hope, then it can become the World’s Hope – If we share it!

Receive and tell of the great Hope that God has given you. Amen?

Easter Living

It’s been a few weeks since Resurrection Sunday. Hopefully we are still encouraged by it.

¹On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. ²They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³but when they entered, they did not find the body of the LORD Jesus. ⁴While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. ⁵In 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? ⁶He 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.' " ⁸Then they remembered his words. - Luke 24:1-8

End of story?... I think not (that’s why we have the rest of the New Testament).

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” – Galatians 2:19-21

- It is by faith alone that saves you.

- All believers live by the faith of the indwelling of Christ.

Gifts of Salvation: A. Grace B. Righteousness C. Hope

Receive these gifts and live for Christ at Easter and every day of your life! Amen?

Handling Hard Times

No one likes, hardships, troubles, loss, pain, or suffering. The Bible calls it tribulation. The good news is that we can grow, learn, and even benefit from them.

 And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  - Romans 5:3-5

 I like this break down of this teaching from Paul.

1. Tribulation brings patience.

2. Patience brings experience.

3. Experience brings hope.  

4. This hope enables us to not be ashamed. 

 Are you going through trials right now? Most of us are to one degree or another. The difference is how we approach and handle them. 

Here's my working interpretation: 

I need to be patient, quiet, still, and wait for the Lord's help (and not try to "fix" it myself). 

I need to learn and apply my hurt to ministering to others (starting in my home and family).

 I need to never lose sight of the Great Hope Christ offers even in my circumstance (keep my focus vertical even when the world is falling apart to my right and left). 

I need to apply my walk and life experience with God to everything I do or think (by putting Jesus first it helps bring order).

Apply God's Word and the world's hurts to your life. Honor Jesus through it all . Amen?

Prompts

We have all heard that we are to live out our faith so that others will see Christ in us. Sometimes we have to use words and say what we believe in order to get people to understand.

Even Jesus had to do it at the tomb of his friend in John 11:41-42 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

 Continue to live a life of grace. Look at 2 Timothy 1:9 - He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Always be ready to speak when God prompts you. Amen?

MOM

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"  and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.  John 19:25-27

Here is Jesus, on the cross, bearing the sins of the world, and what are his final words to other humans in this account? They are words of caring for his mom. There is a special bond between a mom and her sons and certainly what an incredible bond between the woman who bore the Savior and the Savior Himself.

Here Jesus is thinking of her, making sure she has a son to love, and he wants to make sure there is a son to take care of his Mom.

Verses 26-27 tell us that while Jesus was suffering on the cross, he was concerned about his mother and his youngest disciple. Both had depended on Jesus so much, his death was a terrible blow to them. So, what did Jesus do? He gave them each other for their mutual comfort. The love they had for him could now be lavished on each other to help them through their grief. He still does that today through his Church where he gives us each member to encourage the others.

But, I believe much more was happening here than we see on the surface. I believe Jesus was founding the family of God. Mary and John were among the first ones in it. You see, a new relationship was made possible when Jesus died. It is stronger and more lasting than any earthly relationships we know here. From that moment on, Mary was no longer the mother of Jesus. She became his sister! John was no longer his cousin and his youngest disciple; he became a brother of Jesus and a joint-heir to the Kingdom of God. Both of these along with millions of others would be in the new family of God.

You see, the Jews didn’t understand that God was their Heavenly Father. He was too high up and too far removed from them to be that familiar. They wouldn’t even pronounce his name; it was too holy! They called Jesus a blasphemer because he dared to refer to God as his Father. In Nazareth they had tried to throw him over a cliff when he claimed to be God’s Son. They said, “We knew his father, and his mother and brothers and sisters are here in Nazareth. He’s not God’s Son!”

But, those who reject Jesus as God’s Son can never know God as their Heavenly Father. Jesus is God’s only begotten, the first-born of the new family he established. Paul wrote in Romans 8 about our new relationship. Everyone who trusts Jesus receives the spirit of adoption so we can now call God “Abba”, which means “Father” or “Daddy.” In John 20:17^, Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' We take this for granted, but it was an unknown concept before Jesus died. He told the good news to Mary Magdalene that he was ascending to his Father and her Father, to his God and her God. Jesus not only called God his Father; he was now Mary’s Father, also! God can now be your Father, too. Jesus finished everything that was needed for all of us to belong to the family of God.

Happy Mother's Day.

Church Hope

The local church is the hope of the world. - Bill Hybels

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. Amen?

Come to Your Senses

For over fifteen years I have not been able to smell anything, so my ability to taste is greatly impaired as well. Whenever I read in the Bible about being able to taste it is a reminder to me that even though I can’t discern flavors on earth I can still experience God in different ways. In Deuteronomy 30:14 it says, The Word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so you may obey it. God’s presence and wisdom are that close.

Can you taste the Word in your mouth and feel the Spirit in your heart? – You can if you are obedient.

Psalm 34:8 –Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

God uses all of our senses and the psalmist here wants to illustrate the intimate nature of His relationship with us. The Lord desires this, but will not force it on us.

Trust and have faith in God – 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.

God is good and with us all the time. Amen?

Gifts

In real estate it’s all about location, but in wisdom it’s all about application, application, application! Do you know what was Solomon’s response to God after being granted his request for wisdom? He offered God sacrifices before the ark in Jerusalem.
 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court.- 1 Kings 3:15

It is appropriate to worship and praise the Lord!

So many times in life we are ill prepared to do God would have us do. We do not bring with us the tools necessary to be successful. Remember the scene from Indiana Jones where he is confronted with this master knife handler wanting to fight him? Indy thinks for a minute then pulls out his gun and shoots him! Thus another modern proverb; Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight! God has made available to us wisdom. It is up to us to receive and use it. After Solomon’s worship time he went right to work using this gift of wisdom from the Lord.

Let's work for God this week, and apply His wisdom to all we do. Amen?

Sheepish

Jesus tells the story of The Good Shepherd and His Sheep in John 10:1-6:

    ¹ “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. ² The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” ⁶ Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. 

Old Testament Scriptures frequently use the imagery shepherds and sheep. There are 150 uses of the word “sheep”, 51 in the Pentateuch alone. The great personages of Jewish ancestry – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses were all shepherds, and the greatest king, David, started his working life as a shepherd. The lamb also held great significance for the Jewish people. Lambs were used as offerings, sacrifices given expressing atonement for the sins of God’s people. The lamb was the centerpiece of the Passover feast.

Shepherding psalms: 79:13 - Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

 80:1 - Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth!

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd...

The people were well familiar with this analogy, but failed to grasp the significance of His words. As their Good Shepherd, he was there to lead them greener pastures giving them great abundance for eternity.

Hebrews 13:20-21 -May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Is He your shepherd? Then act like your His sheep. Amen?

Serve Your Best

Together (in Christ) we can defeat the giants of this world, but it will not happen if we leave it up for somebody else.  There’s just to much to do. We’ve got to work together. We all struggle with our confidence but remember - You are Good Enough, and we can all get better!

Five Essentials for You to Serve Your Best
1. Passion: Be passionate about your service.
2. Focus: Keep your eyes on Christ and His work.
3. Strategy: Be clear in what you are trying to accomplish.
4. Team: Build community and trust.
5. Training: Take every opportunity to learn and get better at what God's calling you to do. 

What do you need to work on the most?

How can working with someone help you achieve your goals?

Grow in the work God has given you, and serve Him with all you have. He deserves our best. 

Amen?

Being Good

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. It creates a church of passive spectators.

The “good enough” principle, allows more people to get involved.

•It 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 in order to get extraordinary results.

 It boils down to this: “Ordinary people doing what Jesus did, wherever they are.”

Always know that you are good enough to share Christ. You can do it! Amen?

Upside Down

If you are ridiculed for what you believe remember you are in good company Jesus said in John 15:18, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." I think about how much Christ went through for me, and it makes me very humble. There is nothing in my life that seems so bad in comparison, but sometimes in ministry you can start to feel defeated. You work hard for the cause of Christ, and sacrifice so much. When you examine your results in numbers you become discouraged.

I had an older Pastor friend once tell me this great truth. " Jesus was the greatest leader, preacher, prophet, miracle worker, healer, and wisest person that ever walked on this planet, Yet even after all of that, plus returning from the dead, and ascending in to heaven His church still numbered only 120!"

It's not how big your church is, but what is your church doing for the Kingdom. That church of 120 from Pentecost forward turned the world upside down! 

It's the same message - let's share it boldly. Amen?

Step Through

God opens doors of opportunity for us all the time. It usually requires faith to step through them. Paul had that chance, and he wrote the church about it. For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.) - 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (The Message)

I find it interesting that in the same breath he spoke of opportunity he mentions the opposition. Just because god opens the door doesn’t mean we shouldn’t expect trouble from the world. (Remember they are against Him.) Even though the Adversary is against God’s work – His people should be more the willing to step up and through these God moments.

God is already there and wants us to be there working with Him! It will be a chance to use our spiritual gifts and show our obedience.

Always step through any door God opens. Amen?

Clarity

Life is full of decisions. We face choices every day. We do it our way or God’s way. We can live in darkness or the light.

 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. – John 3:19-21

Living in the light brings clarity to everything. When are deeds are exposed we ask God to forgive us, and He will. 1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Remember to always shine the Light on all areas of your life. It will keep you on the "right path". Amen?