Downpour.me

Mission statement

2012-01-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

A buzz word that is on the street is “mission statement”. When you first think of that word, you think of it as a business terminology, which it is. According to “Wikipedia” “A mission statement is a statement of the purpose of a company or organization. The mission statement should guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a path, and guide decision-making.”[1] There are even groups out there saying that everyone should have a mission statement, whether in their own life, career, or ministry. I have to say, it seems a little weird to “create” a mission statement for my own life, but I see the value in it. A mission statement gives direction to your intended goal. If you do not have any goals, it doesn’t matter what direction you go; but if you have “end goals” you know what direction to direct your energies.

Today I “stumbled” upon a verse, and the first thing I thought of was, “This is a clear mission statement given directly from Jesus’ mouth. Acts 1:8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Now I have read this multiple times and never really caught this. When you accept Christ as your personal savior, the Holy Spirit is indwelt within you to help you. With the Holy Spirit indwelt in you and helping you, Jesus says, “you will be my witnesses”. You might be asking, “What is a witness?” According to Mr. Webster, a witness is “someone who testifies of a fact or event, or one who has personal knowledge of something.”[2] The disciples were told to tell others what they personally know about or what they saw. The disciples saw the many miracles in Jesus’ life, and that he was put death, buried in a tomb (proof of the death), and was resurrected on the third day. They personally knew that he was God’s son (Matt. 3:16-17). Now the disciples were told to tell others what they know and saw about Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection; starting where they were at (in Jerusalem) and to go out from there (to Judea, Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth).

Just to shake things up a little, the word “witness” (martys) is where we get our word “martyr” from. I liked how the Frigburg lexicon defined martys: “as one who tells what he believes, even though it results in his being killed for it.” Remember, Jesus told his disciples that they will be empowered with the Holy Spirit to proceed with this new mission, because He knew in their own power, they would be fearful of telling others, but when they are empowered by the Holy Spirit, they will be bold witnesses for Jesus.

This same thing is what Jesus wants from us.

Now we were not there to see Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, or the works in his life first hand, but we have a reliable resource (the bible) that tells us these truths. Having the bible, we know what is true and like the disciples, we need to tell others what we know about Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection.

I know that a time or two (okay many more times than that) I have been afraid to tell others about Jesus and maybe, so have you. But I encourage you to let the fear melt away, because the Holy Spirit is with you; helping you and empowering you. Starting were you are at (your Jerusalem), tell others what you know about Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection.

Take this mission statement seriously!

Jesus said, “be my witnesses” and you might be one who turns this world “upside down.”

Acts 17:6…"These men who have turned the “WORLD UPSIDE DOWN” have come here also,

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement Assessed January 28, 2012

[2] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witness Assessed January 28, 2012

picture from: http://www.raffleticket.com/blog/charity-mission-statement/ Assessed January 28, 2012

Prayer Tips

2012-01-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Prayer is one of the toughest disciplines for me. I found this helpful guide for prayer in the booklet "Jesus' blueprint for prayer" by Haddon Robinson. Maybe, you will find it as helpful for you in your prayer life.

Haddon uses the Lords prayer and breaks in to two halves. The first half of the prayer talks about praying about the "Father".

The "person" of God: "Your name"....Praise his attributes. He is holy, good, just, all-powerful, all-knowing,...

The "program" of God: "Your kingdom"...Pray for his work to be done.

The "purpose" of God: "Your will"...Pray for his will to be done for his glory.

The second half of prayer talks about praying for the family of God.

Pray for the "provision" of the family of God: "Give us"...asking for basic needs for you and your friends and family.

Pray for "pardon" of your sins: "forgive us" First John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Pray for "protection": "lead us"..If needed, pray for protection for you or your family.

Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10 'Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
11 'Give us this day our daily bread.
12 'And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'

Our Country Tis of Thee The Greatest Nation to Ever Be

2011-09-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

I wrote this as the day unfolded on September 11, 2001.

Our Country Tis of Thee

The Greatest Nation to Ever Be

With no warning of this raid.

Down goes two great towers of trade.

With smoke filling in the sky.

All people know to do is cry.

As planes are directed to land.

We ask, “Where is God’s hand?”

People are now really feeling the scare.

With planes unaccounted for in the air.

The fear of war,

Is from shore to shore.

As we watched with fright.

Now is the time to be humble and contrite.

Has our Christian ways been left in the past?

Is this why our flags are now at half mast?

We are the home of the brave,

But is it money or God we crave?

How our nation is in an uproar,

Is the problem we’re rotten to the core?

In schools we’ve taken prayer out,

Now in the halls drugs roam about.

Now our freedoms we have to fight in court,

Like the Ten Commandment plaques they want to abort.

What about the people on meth?

Or what about a doctor taking a baby’s last breathe?

Through this there is only one place to be,

With a broken spirit and down on one knee.

As our revenge will be quick and just,

We are now realizing only in God we can trust.

With our power we like to boast,

But we really need is the Lord of Host.

We know what the Bible has to say,

We need to humble ourselves and pray.

Cling close to God with all your might.

Then once again we’ll be a beacon of light.

God help us to seek your face,

And don’t hold back your amazing grace.

This country was built with you as the Corner Stone,

Help us to follow you alone.

As “Old Glory” flies high,

Remember the men and women who had to die.

To make this the land of the free,

There’s not another country in the world I’d rather be.

Our Country Tis of Thee,

The Greatest Nation to Ever Be.

Written By Brian Hill on 9/11/01

Photo found at: http://picsbox.biz/key/american%20flag%20pictures%20with%20boy on September 10, 2011

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit

2011-08-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Zechariah 4:6 Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts.

Even though there was a shortage of supplies and interest to rebuild the temple;

the temple will be completed, not by military strength or by man’s own power, but this work will be done by God himself through the Holy Spirit as he works through Zerubbabel as he leads his people to rebuild the temple.

Zechariah 4:7 ⁷ 'What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"'"

Every enormous obstacle (mighty mountain v. 7) will be leveled.

With God’s help, Zerubbabel will put on the top stone or finishing touches on the temple. With God’s help, this seemingly impossible work will be finished.

Everyone will see that God did it. So God gets the glory not man

The same in your situation. As you walk with God, and seek his direction, and allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will empower you to do the work that he has called you to do. By His Spirit every obstacle will be removed.

This will be done for God's glory.

Failure

2011-07-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

Failing is hard. I know when I have failed in my own life it has been the time that I have learned and matured the most.

Good article; hope you enjoy:

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/features/26303-why-you-need-to-fail

The World Has Yet to See

2011-07-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

In spring of 1867, a young American shoe salesman came to Bristol and one day was invited to a prayer meeting in a private home.

During the meeting, the minister, Henry Varley stood up and spoke. He said one memorable thing in that prayer meeting: “The world has yet to see what God can do with one man wholly committed to him.”

That young American walked out of that prayer meeting an hour later – with these words etched on his mind. They gave him no peace and he resolved to be such a man.

No one remembers Henry Varley – but that young American was D.L.Moody - who went on to become the “Billy Graham” of the 19th Century.

Thousands came to Christ through his ministry his day.

God wants to use you for his glory, but he needs a holy vessel to use.

Are willing to be that holy vessel used for him?

The world has yet to see what God can do with a man totally committed to him.

Isaiah 6:1-8 In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." 4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. 5 Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven." 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Where is God's Almighty Power?

2011-07-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

"A city full of churches, Great preachers, lettered men,
Grand music, choirs and organs, If these all fail--what then?
Good workers, eager, earnest, Who labor by the hour:
But where, oh where my brother, Is God's Almighty Power.
Refinement-education, They have the very best.
Their plans & schemes are perfect, They give themselves no rest.
They get the best of talent, They try their uttermost,
But what they need my brother, Is God -- the Holy Ghost" Unknown

Do Not Be Stubborn

2011-07-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. He was chosen by God to lead His people, but he ignored God’s word and committed adultery with Bathsheba. Than instead of being honest about his sin before God, he began to lie, trick, and murder, just to cover his sin up. David was being stubborn and hard-hearted about this great sin and it took a sucker punch from Nathan to bring brokenness. You know the familiar story, Nathan told David that, “you are the man”. On the outside it seemed that no one knew about his sin, but God knew and inwardly David struggled as it is shown in Psalm 32.

In Psalm 32 David writes A thoughtful Psalm that shows the physical, spiritual, and emotional trouble he went through when he was stubborn and tried to cover up his sin before a holy God, and then the peace, joy, and forgiveness he received once he confessed his sin before God.

Here we have David, a man after God’s own heart, and (according to 2 Samuel 12:9) he willingly despised the word of the Lord. This should show us the danger of pride and the potential of being stubborn before god. If it was easy for David, a man after God’s own heart to walk away from God, how much more is the danger for us.

But when David was no longer stubborn, he confessed his sin, and God forgave him. David’s sin was covered. Thank God for his grace.

I have heard it said, that “No sin is so large that God cannot forgive it; and no sin is so small that you can afford to keep it hidden”.

Keep short accounts with God. Do not try to hide your sins from him, because you can’t.

If God brings a sin to mind take care of it right then. Do not wait.

Do not be stubborn.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.

picture found at http://ch1nelas.blogspot.com/2011/04/local-news-too-much-drama-with-drug.html

Psalm 51:10

2011-07-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

found picture at http://patsyclairmontblog.com/page/5/

Why youth pastors don't help on Sunday mornings.

2011-07-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

humility

2011-07-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

"If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud...If you think you're not conceited, it means your are very conceited indeed." C. S. Lewis

Remain Close to Jesus

2011-01-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

In the setting of an agrarian society, Jesus uses a very easy agricultural illustration to help the disciples understand his truths. Jesus uses an illustration of a fruit producing vine (grapevine) to show how the disciples must be rightly related to Jesus. The idea is that they should remain close to Jesus if they want to produce fruit that glorifies God.

Jesus made his final "I am" statement, declaring that he is the true vine. A vine gives it's branches nutrition and productiveness. Jesus is portraying himself as a vine and his disciples are considered the "branches." As a "branch", his disciples would receive Jesus' divine strength, his unbelievable joy, and long lasting fruitfulness as long as they remained close to Jesus.

We had recently purchased a little farm in the country. There was many grapevines already there. The one that I started to nurture was on a fence in our garden area. It ran up to the top of the fence and teed off each direction 25'. As summer came, it was beautiful with all of the buds and the promise of a lot of grapes. The grapes never even got as big as a pea before they dried up. The branches continued to grow longer and the leaves were beautiful, but no fruit was harvested. After doing some research, I found out that grapevines must be pruned to have a nice fruit harvest. Instead of letting the branches to grow as long as it wants, they continually need to be pruned back to the main vine.

The picture above shows one way to prune back a grapevine. Notice the vine (labeled above as the trunk) comes up to a tee and then only goes out about 4' each direction and the branches (labeled above as a cane and are dangling down) are pruned back to keep it close to the vine. Since the branches stay close to the vine, they receive more nutrition which produces larger, more impressive clusters of grapes. If you have ever seen a grapevine up close that is loaded with grapes it is a beautiful sight.

Jesus tells his disciples in John 15:4-5 to:

"Abide (remain) in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

If you want to produce fruit that glorifies God,
Remain close to Jesus, because away from him we can do NOTHING.

Sometimes we think that serving and doing things is producing fruit for God. It can be (and should be), but if you are running off doing your own thing without God's direction, you could be just like my 25' branches on my grapevine that looks pretty, but are unfruitful.
Be like the picture above, showing how the branches are close to the vine drawing everything that they need from the vine.

According to the text, there are three things that will come from Remaining close to Jesus:

1. Effectual prayer:
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7

We all have heard this verse used out of context and for personal gain, but as your heart is close to God's heart, you will be praying for the things that God wants.

2. Continual (long lasting) fruit:
"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. John 15:8

When we produce godly fruit, the people around us see it and God is glorified by it.

(The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;... Galatians 5:22-23)

3. Unbelievable Joy:
"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11

No matter the outward circumstances, there is inner happiness and peace that only God can give.

Remain close to Jesus

Press On

2011-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

"Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward".
Victor Kiam

Press on, even when it gets tough.

Good Bye 2010

2010-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

2010 is soon to be history. Now is the time to start new. Set goals and constantly work towards them.

Andrew Murray quote:

2010-12-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.
Andrew Murray.

Seeing the Big Picture

2010-09-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

this classic short story shows the leadership quality of seeing the big picture,

"One day a traveller, walking along a lane, came across 3 stonecutters working in a quarry. Each was busy cutting a block of stone. Interested to find out what they were working on, he asked the first stonecutter what he was doing. "I am cutting a stone!" Still no wiser the traveller turned to the second stonecutter and asked him what he was doing. “I am cutting this block of stone to make sure that it’s square, and its dimensions are uniform, so that it will fit exactly in its place in a wall." A bit closer to finding out what the stonecutters were working on but still unclear, the traveller turned to the third stonecutter. He seemed to be the happiest of the three and when asked what he was doing replied: “I am building a cathedral.”

Don't harden your heart

2010-08-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

"The sun that hardens clay to brick
Can soften wax to shape and mold;
So too life's trials will harden some,
While others purify as gold"--Sper

Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS, Hebrews 3:7-8

Operation Andrew

2010-07-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Something that our youth group has just started doing is “Operation Andrew”. It is very simple and an excellent way to reach out to others. First: Pray for five friends that do not know Jesus as their savior. Pray for their specific needs and that they will have a hunger for Jesus. Second, look for opportunities to build your friendship through acts of kindness. Third, look for opportunities to tell your friends about Jesus. Finally, get them to a small group, an evangelistic event that is presenting the gospel, or just to come to a church event. Just by doing this, it has made me more aware of the needs of others around me.

Pray for Workers

2010-01-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm not one to watch the nightly news. So every now and then, I search the news on line to keep up dated on what is going on in the world. I had heard a lot about the earth quake in Haiti, so I began to search around to see what I could find. If you look hard, there is a lot of raw video footage taken right after the earth quake. It was amazing to see the devastation. Sadly, this is one of the poorest countries. They didn't have much, but what little they had was reduced to rubble and dust. Dead bodies lined the streets. Gangs started to patrol the streets with machetes in hand, taking what little food there was. Mass panic was every where as people were hungry,thirsty, and in need of medical care. The Dominion Republic was offering medical care to their neighbors (if you could get there), but most people couldn't make it so they will have to wait for workers and supplies to come. In the front yard of a hospital, the injured gathered, while ONE doctor was attending 300+ people in need of care. He said that he quit counting after 300. After seeing the raw video footage of what really happens after an earthquake, I was amazed and I felt compassion for them.

Right after watching the video footage, I found a paper with some verses from Matthew.

Matthew 9:35-36 "Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd."

Jesus seen the people around him and felt a great affection for them because they were in a sad and pitiful shape, harassed,discouraged, and without leadership.

Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. "Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."

Jesus shows the contrast of how there is a small amount of laborers and a large quantity of harvesting to do. We are told to ask with urgency for God to send out workers in to his field.

As we look at the world events, lets be reminded that life is precious and short. There are many who haven't heard that it is Jesus Christ that can put them in a right relationship with God the Father. Pray for workers.

Born in Bethlehem

2009-12-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

An angel appeared to some lowly shepherds while they were watching their flocks. Fear over took them, but the angel told them to not be afraid, there is great news, a savior has been born. After the angel’s message of joy, a multitude of heavenly host appeared praising and worshiping God and saying, “Glory to ‘god in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” The shepherds went to find the child that the angel spoke about. The shepherds went to Bethlehem (Hebrew name: house of bread) and found Jesus lying in a manger (a feeding area). When the shepherds left, they began “glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”

It is interesting that Jesus was born in the city called “house of bread”. He was found in a feeding area for animals, and later He makes the claim, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). “In Western cultures, bread is often optional, but it was an essential staple then.)1 Bread (food) sustains life. Jesus is the Bread of God that brings eternal life. Since Christ has come, one can have a relationship with Christ and live eternally with Him.

As we enjoy this Christmas season, let remember that the baby who was in the animal's feeding area was the man that went to the cross so we can have eternal life with Him. Let’s follow the pattern that is seen in the nativity account: angels and shepherds praising and worshiping God.

Jesus Christ is worthy of worship and praise.

John 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.

Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Luke 2:20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Micah 5:2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity."

1The bible knowledge commentary. Cook. Pg296.

Joy

2009-12-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

As a child, Christmas could not come fast enough. The excitement, wonder, and magical part of Christmas is all that a child’s mind is focused on. As that child gets older, sometimes the excitement disappears. It could be the commercialism of Christmas, the long lines in stores, or the pressures that come this time of year. I know for me it is sometimes hard to enjoy this time of year. Half of my working years have been in retail jobs where you work an insane amount of hours, and you are too tired to enjoy Christmas. You would make good money, but you were never home and were too tired to do anything. The other half has been working in seasonal businesses where this time of year is usually very slow. Usually money is tight, but the positive is that you have lots of time. Occasionally, I need to be reminded what this season is really about.

In Luke two, an angel appeared to some shepherds who were watching their flocks at night. The angel said to them, “I bring you good news of great JOY which will be for all the people.” Several times in Luke, when “joy” is mentioned, it is talking about salvation. This is one of those verses, because the reason of this “joy” is that “in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. The Messiah has come to save his people.

This is great news, because we can now have a relationship with the creator of the universe. Since man is sinful, he cannot enter into the presence of a holy God. Jesus Christ went to the cross and took on our sins so we can enter into the presence of God. This is the ultimate Christmas gift. God the Father gave his Son, Jesus Christ so we can have access to God (John 3:16). Now all you have to do is “believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). This is a total trust that God has forgiven your sins and has given you eternal life with Him.

Even if you do not care for this particular season, you can still have joy because of what you have been saved from [i.e. hell (an eternal separation from God’s presence)]. Do not keep this joy to yourselves; tell others about the great joy that is within you.

Luke 2:10-11

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people, for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Change

2009-10-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

I prefer the hot summer weather, but I really love the changes that comes in the fall. The colors are just amazing that come out of dull, mundane plants and trees that we walk and drive past everyday without noticing.

Pictured here is a service berry bush. This last couple of weeks is actually the first time that I had been introduced to this unique bush. In the spring, there is eye-catching clusters of white blossoms. Purplish-black edible fruit comes in the summer and in the fall it changes colors. It's leaf slowly fades from green to yellow, to orange to red. It is my new favorite fall plant. I just purchased two bushes and I am thinking about getting a couple more.

Change can be good and sometimes it can be scary. As I look around and see the changes during fall and in the world politically, one thing that I do know is that God never changes.

In Malachi three, God says in verse six, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." God had a plan for Israel, but Israel was not living how she should have. Since God is unchanging, He showed grace to them which guaranteed the preservation of Israel, though they did not deserve it and should have been destroyed.

This attribute of God is called "immutability". This means that God is unchangeable and unchanging. This attribute of God gives the believer comfort and assurance that God will keep his promises. In a world where people can let us down and not keep their promises, it is great to know that we have a heavenly Father that does not change.

2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Are you a Murderer?

2009-06-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

I remember years ago when I was taking a Greek class, I had to translate the first epistle of John. Early in the morning I got up to finish this particular section in chapter three that was due that morning. What makes me remember this and what makes this humorous is that I was extremely mad at a Christian brother over something kinda petty. I was going to town translating this chapter, and then I came up to verse fifteen. Word by word, I translated. " All or everyone... hates... brother... his.... murderer???????? That's when the knife hit the heart as I realized what it translated as. "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer..."

In John 8:44, the devil is described as this same word..."murderer". Jesus himself, in Matthew five, equated anger and murder as being the same in God's eyes. A Christian should be known for his love for others. The first epistle of John emphasizes the fact that Christians are to "love one another". This unconditional love should be a contrast to the world's ways and even to their conditional love. Unconditional love is to look out for the welfare of the other person through actions.

1 John 3:14-17 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Good gifts

2009-05-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

Once we began the process of closing on our house, I was thinking about how I wanted to do the landscape. There is a lot of work to do and a lot of plants that I need to purchase so I can get the landscape where I want it. In the back of my mind was many many plants that I wanted to have in my own landscape (like the pink peony that is pictured). I wasn't really wanting to spend a lot on the landscape right now, because we had some other money goals right now, but I want my landscape perfect right now.

As I have worked on the landscape, I have found many of the plants that I wanted already on the property (peach trees, grapes, rhubarb, peonies, iris', daffodils, day lilies, forsythia bush, and cool trees. So I have been busy moving plants to better locations. Also, I have had several jobs lately where customers wanted some plants pulled. Amazingly, many of the plants are ones that I was wanting to add to the landscape (four o clocks, liropes, magic carpet and bridal bush spirea, to name a few). Daily, I have been installing plants and bringing new (free) plants home. I still have plants in pots and buckets that is waiting on me to plant.

If you get some down time, come over and I will put you to work.

Through out this process, I have seen how we serve a good God that wants to give us good gifts. Honestly, I don't remember ever asking for any of these, but God knows my thoughts and desires. Don't forget to acknowledge God for the little gifts in your own life. All good gifts come down from above.

James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Roles of the Older

2009-05-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

With false teachers working overtime, Paul had qualified men strategically placed within the churches to help promote sound doctrine. With properly qualified leaders, the church will thrive, and its members will grow in their faith. While this was very important, the other men and women had their own duties that they must perform, to assist the younger members in their midst. The younger are to submit to the older and be willing to listen. (1Pet 1:5) This list to the older men and women is given in Titus chapter two and expanded on in chapter three encouraging the believers to live a godly lifestyle by being subject to rulers, obedient in general, and to live at peace with all men. Paul reminds them that they were just like these false teachers at one time, until Jesus Christ saved them by his mercy, basically they need to live a godly life and avoid the false teachers' controversies.

Older Men:
Most importantly these older men needed sound doctrine, because this was a command. Interestingly, these men are to have some of the same qualifications as an overseer or deacon. It is intending that all Christians need to have a high standard of godly living. The older is to beg the younger to think properly and urge him to do right. By example the older needs to show the younger how to live the Christian life. These are commands from Scripture that all older men should be doing.

Older Women
They are to have a holy behavior and way of life. Again, they should not live like the Devil by falsely accusing other people; they need to be free from wine, and to teach what is good. Their role is to encourage and teach the younger women to love their husbands and their children. Also they need to be taught to think properly. The younger needs to be taught how to be sensible good homemakers. For God's glory, she should be able to place herself under the authority of her husband.

These commands should speak to most every one out there. There is usually always someone younger around you. I have taught similar lessons to teens and children: there is usually someone younger than you that you can teach and be an example for. Be on alert to the younger that is hanging around you and watching your every move. Be sure that you are walking close to Jesus, so when others follow, they will be led in the right direction.

Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

Changed Lives

2009-04-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

This is probably the strongest argument for proof of the resurrection. The changed lives of the disciples prove that Jesus resurrected. At the death of Christ, the disciples fled puzzled because they were expecting Jesus to be their new political ruler to overtake Rome, yet later after the resurrection, they were empowered with the Holy Spirit to be bold witnesses of this resurrection. (Matt 28:19, Acts 2:4) They went out and turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). At their first outreach, Peter stood up with boldness and preached to thousands. (Acts 2: 14–41) Being eyewitnesses brought them assurance of the reality of the resurrection and it also brought them confidence to step out by faith into the opposition that the religious rulers had waiting for them.

As you witness to your friends, be sure to use your own personal testimony telling them how God changed your life. No one can argue about what God has done in your life.

In Acts 26, King Agrippa could not argue with Paul about what God did in Paul's life. King Agrippa's only response was, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian."

The Empty Tomb

2009-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

If one does not believe the Resurrection to be true, he must first explain the empty tomb. Where is the body of Christ? Why would the disciples steal the body? None of the disciples received wealth or political status for preaching the Resurrection of Christ. They all received torture, imprisonment, and/or death because of it. (2 Cor 11:22–25) Why would they die for a lie? Even the soldiers were paid to say that the disciples stole the body. (Matt 28:11–15)

"This involves men testifying about what happened while they slept!1

One cannot accept this as a valid testimony. Guards would have been put to death for losing a prisoner while sleeping (Acts 12:19; 16:27). Also if the body was stolen, why were the wrappings left and why was the headpiece left neatly rolled in the tomb? (John 20:7)

1. www.BibleStudyLessons.com. assessed in the Fall of 1996(?).

Did Jesus really die?

2009-04-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

Trained Roman soldiers who crucified men for a living concluded that he was dead. As one of the soldiers went to break the legs of the three on the cross, he realized that Jesus was already dead. To make sure, he stuck his spear into Jesus' chest cavity. This trained soldier concluded that Jesus was already dead. Also before the body of Christ would be released to Joseph of Arimathea, there would have been required a certificate of death by Pilate. 1

One proof that Jesus was dead is that Pilate allowed Joseph of Arimathea to take the body.

Some would like to believe that Jesus did not die on the cross. They would say that he was placed in the tomb still alive. There were testimonies from the Roman soldiers, the centurion, and disciples that embalmed Jesus that all said that he was dead. (John 19:32–34, 38–42; Mark 15:44, 45) Those who think that Jesus did not die but only appeared to be dead believe the "swoon theory". They would claim that Jesus was revived in the cool tomb, but one must be reminded that:

Jesus had been scourged, crucified, and pierced by a spear. He was three days in the tomb without food, water, or medication. How could he revive, roll away the huge stone, evade the guards, walk the length of Palestine, and still appear healthy enough to convince the skeptical disciples that he was resurrected? This would be a miracle almost as great as the resurrection!2

A second proof is that you only bury dead people.

1. Will Durant, Caesar and Christ (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1944), 573.
2. www.BibleStudyLessons.com. assessed in the Fall of 1996(?).

Who is Jesus: in the Gospel of John

2009-03-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

In the gospel of John, Jesus is seen as the eternal, incarnate God who came to reveal the Father to a lost world. This book links back to Genesis 1:1, showing Jesus' deity as creator of everything. Only God can create things. He is also seen as the Word (logos). The powerful spoken word is what was used to create everything. Through Him only is everlasting life. Also He compares and contrasts himself with light and darkness, because He was a great light in a dark time in history.

Who is Jesus: in the Gospel of Luke

2009-03-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Jesus is seen as Lord in the gospel of Luke. Between Luke and Acts, Lord is used one hundred and four times. The word "Lord" (kurios) is the Greek translation of the holy name for God in the Old Testament (Yahweh). In the New Testament, it can mean "sir" or "master", but mostly when it is use it is basically saying that Jesus is equal with God. This alone is a huge claim showing Jesus as deity. Lord shows Jesus as a ruler with authority. Luke shows Jesus as "Lord of the Sabbath". (6:5) He is the one who created it and has control over it. He has the right to say what can be done on the Sabbath.

Luke 6:5 And He was saying to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Who is Jesus: In the Book of Mark

2009-03-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

In Mark, Jesus is introduced as the suffering servant. Most thought that the messiah was going to come, over throw Rome, and set up his kingdom. That is not the way that God chose to do it. He sent Jesus to suffer and die on the cross. He came to "serve and not to be served." (10:45) This is also a big theme through out this book. To serve others, one must be willing to humble himself and to think more highly of others. This is an odd thing for God to do, but he did this according to Philippians Two. He emptied himself by veiling some of his attributes to be a bond-servant. It is an awesome thing to see God in flesh willing to be the perfect example for us and be willing to serve others.

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Philippians 2:5-7 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

Who is Jesus: in the Book of Matthew

2009-03-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

In Matthew, Jesus is seen as the anointed messiah, the Christ who came to save his people from their sins. According to chapter one, Jesus is Emmanuel, which means "God with us." The prophesied Messiah came as a great light to a dark world. Jesus fulfilled several messianic prophecies in his birth alone. (See Micah 5:2, Is 7:14) People (especially the religious rulers) should have easily seen that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah that was coming to save them. The Messiah spoke with authority, unlike the religious rulers. He was able to forgive the sins of people. As the Messiah, He came this time to die on the cross for the sins of the world, later he will return as a ruler that will set up his everlasting kingdom.

Micah 5:2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity."

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Serving Others

2009-03-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

In Mark ten, James and John came up to Jesus and asked to sit in a high ranking position in heaven. The other ten disciples were indignant at James and John for asking such a thing. The word used ‘indignant’ shows that they were angry because they thought them two were unworthy of that position. I am sure they were thinking about when Jesus said, “ask, seek, knock.” Jealousy was probably in their hearts thinking that they missed out of a great privilege because they did not ask first. Jesus calls them all to his side and reminds them about the Gentiles who think that they should be masters over other people (v. 42). In contrast, Jesus says “it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (v. 43 nasb). A servant is one who voluntarily takes an inferior position in order to meet the needs of others. Jesus goes on to say that”whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all (v. 45 nasb). All of the disciples were seeking greatness, but to get it they must be willing to be a slave to everyone. The proper interpretation of slave here is to be a “bondservant”. A bondservant is one who willingly sells himself in to slavery to another. A slave is forced to do work for his master, whereas a bondservant has willingly chosen to serve to his master.

As our example, Jesus did not come to be waited upon, but to serve. He was willing to perform certain duties which were humble in nature (i.e. wash disciples feet). Also, He came to be a “ransom for many”. A “ransom” is a means of release or the price from slavery. Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross.

Before we were saved, we were a slave to sin. Sin was our master, as we continually followed its control. Once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we are a new creation, who is free from the slavery of sin, and he is now alive in Christ (Rom 6; 2 Cor 5:17). We are no longer a slave, but we should take the humble position as a bondservant who willingly chooses to follow his new master; Jesus Christ. As a bondservant, we should be looking for opportunities to serve others, so through that service the unsaved will see Jesus Christ in us.

Are you serving others?

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Children

2009-02-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Mark 10:13-15 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

Mark 10:23-27 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?" Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."

The culture, including the disciples, seen children as less important. Jesus gets angry with the disciples because they were trying to push away the children. Jesus contrasts the culture around him and reaches down and hugs, touches, and blesses children for who they are and not for what they can give. To enter into the kingdom of God one must become like a child (have a dependence upon God like a small child depends on his mother for everything). It is impossible to ever make it into heaven on ones own merit. It is God that does the saving.

Immediately following the children episode, as Jesus gets up to go on a journey a rich man runs up requesting spiritual knowledge on how to obtain eternal life. Jesus shows him how only God is good. The rich man came with the preconceived idea that he was a model citizen and this assured him eternal life. Yes, he had kept most of the Law (outwardly) since his youth. Jesus loved him and hugged him and said there is one thing that he is lacking, "Sell all of your possessions and follow me." The rich man than realizes all of his shortcomings. His true God is his possessions. The rich man leaves without the eternal life that he so searched for. If he would have left his earthly treasures and he would have been given a hundred fold return on his investment (10:30). Jesus than speaks about riches, how it is impossible for a rich man to enter into heaven. The disciples are amazed and figured there was no chance that any of them could have eternal life. In verse 24, Jesus reminds them of the incident with the children. He calls them "children". With your own works it is impossible to obtain eternal life.

Man is powerless, helpless, and with out ability, when it comes to saving himself. God alone has the ability and power to give the person eternal life. An individual must come to God like a child to receive the kingdom of God. He must realize that it is God who gives the free gift of eternal life. Those who try to obtain eternal life by man's "good works" will never ever enter into the kingdom of God. It is Christ alone that saves.

Go Serve

2009-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today, I was reminded of a friend throughout elementary through high school. He would talk big about going out for the football team and the baseball team, but every time the week of tryouts came, he would have something on his body wrapped with an ace bandage. He would use the excuse that he ‘pulled’ a muscle at home. So of course, he never tried out for any sports, but he would complain and explain how he would have done it if he played that position. What made me remember this friend was what I heard on a Christian radio station. A lady called in and talked with the host about random stuff. Towards the end of the conversation, she said with guilt, that she had not been going to church for a long time because she could not find one she liked. The radio host said that the largest denomination out there right now is ‘church looking’. They kinda laughed about it. That just amazed me, how Christians use that as an excuse to not get involved in service for God. They are no different than my friend in school who used a lame excuse to not be involved in school sports.

Okay, I know that I have ruffled some feathers out there. Yes, I know that going to church does not save you. Churches are full of people who think that showing up is what gets them into heaven. You are only saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8-9). Immediately, once you have asked Christ to be your savior, you are baptized into the body of Christ. You are now part of “The Church” (1 Cor 12:13). I am not going to say that you have to attend a local church to be right with God. Although, I know many many ‘Christians’ who do not attend a church, but honestly out of that group, none of them are a strong influence for the Kingdom of God. When many logs burn together, they burn brighter. Pull one of those logs out, it will slowly die out. That is what I have seen with them. They might have a mediocre relationship with Christ at first, but it does not grow and eventually it dies out. If they are married, their kids follow that same theme and usually want nothing to do with Christ. I have found that these two groups are the hardest to talk to. They have all the right answers, but there is no fruit in their life to prove that they know God.

Most people are looking for the perfect church. If any of us ever found one, we should not attend it, because we would mess it up. After I was saved, my family and I started looking for a church. We got involved in one church as occasionally we would look into others. The first Sunday that we attended the church we are at now, the pastor gave his notice which began a series of events that caused a huge split in the church. We did not pick sides, but we seen needs and started filling them (others did too). The first need that we filled was to start a children's church. The church was totally messed up for many years, but faithful men and women got involved and started taking the church in a positive forward direction. It has taken a while, but now it has been eleven years and now the church is strong and growing. Is my church perfect or anywhere near what I would want in a church? Absolutely not! Not kidding, I have a list a mile long that I would love to change about it. Our church faithfully preaches the Word. We send out workers and missionaries. We have solid lyrics with our music (these three may not always be done how I like, but they are done and done faithfully).

All churches are not up to par because there are many needs in each church. There are many talented musicians, teachers, givers, administrators, … that are leaving holes in churches to be filled by others lesser talented people who are multitasking just to make it work. I remember recently in college, my original degree said that I had to take Music Ministry in the Church. I took it and I had to learn to conduct music and lead music for congregations. That is not my gift (and everyone who has heard me sing is saying ‘amen’). I made a joke that if I was called to a Church that is expecting me to preach and do the music: The church is dead. There would be no reason for me to go there. Sadly, there are many dead churches, because ‘Christians’ are not serving in the needed roles. Local churches are there to help equip the believer, and so we can encourage and pray for each other to be a bright light in this dark world.

Christians, quit warming the bench. It is time to get in the game and play. You have a God given talent that you can do better than anyone else out there. You need to find what that is and start serving in a local body. Get plugged in a church so it will be more equipped to reach your city for Christ.

Mark 10:43-45 "But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

The True Vine

2009-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

In Jesus’ last ‘I am’ statement in John 15:1, He calls himself the ‘True Vine’. Jesus’ figure of speech here shows the believers that they are the branches, Jesus is the vine, and the Father is the gardener. The branches that do not bear fruit, God removes. Every branch that bears fruit, God prunes. “The word translated ‘prunes’ (kathairo) literally means ‘to cleanse’, ‘to purge’, ‘to purify’. The verb was commonly used of ceremonial cleansing. It is not the normal word for pruning but is used here because Jesus was talking about people rather than vines.”1 There are only two kinds of people, those bearing fruit and those not bearing fruit. The ones that bear fruit are the ones who abide (remain/continue Friberg) in Christ, because without Christ ‘you can do nothing’.

Is there fruit (action/evidence) in your life that proves that you are connected to the True Vine: Jesus Christ?

John 15:1-5 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

1. J. Carl Laney, Moody Gospel John Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992), 270-271.

The Way, the Truth, & the Life

2009-02-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

As the disciples were still in the upper room, Jesus gave the first reference of the rapture. There are places that are being prepared for believers and Jesus is going there. In John 14:5, “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’” Jesus claims to be the ‘the way’ in the next verse. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” One has to come through Jesus to get to God; He is the only way. “As ‘the truth’, Jesus is the word of the Father addressed to men.’…God’s redemptive truth has its ultimate realization in and through the Person of Christ. Truth is found in Jesus.”1 Jesus also claimed to be ‘the life’. Being God, He has the power to give life; physical and eternal.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

1. J. Carl Laney, Moody Gospel John Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992), 256.

Resurrection and the Life

2009-02-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that His good friend, Lazarus of Bethany, was sick. Jesus did not go to Bethany right away. He waited two days before leaving to see Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and had been in the grave four days. Martha questioned why He did not come earlier, but she knew God was still in control. To comfort Martha, Jesus reminded her of the resurrection that believers will receive, by saying, ‘Lazarus will rise again.’ Jesus then makes his fifth ‘I am’ statement in John 11:25, announcing that He is the ‘Resurrection and the Life’. The one who believes in Jesus will live even after he dies. There is eternal life waiting to the one who believes in His Name. Verse 35 shows Jesus’ humanity as he mourned for the lost of his friend. Then Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the grave to show his divinity and to display the glory of God. What a beautiful picture to show that there is life after death.

John 11:20-27 nasb Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. "Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world."

The Good Shepherd

2009-02-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

Jesus announced that he is the Good Shepherd. He describes how the Good Shepherd would die for the sheep because of the love He has for them, in contrast to the hired hand that would flee because he does not care about the sheep. “The hired man looks like a shepherd and sometimes even acts like a shepherd. But in times of danger, he cannot be relied upon. There is no protection or security for God’s flock apart from the protective presence of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves the sheep.” 1 Jesus is the Good Shepherd that loves and cares for us. He came so people could have life more abundantly, by giving them a hope and a future because of the eternal life that can only come through Him.

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

J. Carl Laney, Moody Gospel John commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992), 190.

Door of the Sheep

2009-02-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

John 10:1-9 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. "But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. "When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. "A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them. So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

A ‘sheepfold’ is a walled enclosure where the sheep are put at night for protection. It was not uncommon for many shepherds to share a sheepfold. By doing this, their sheep would get mixed with other shepherds’ sheep. In the morning, the shepherd would walk through the only door of the sheepfold to call his sheep. Sheep knows their masters voice and they will follow only him. “Jesus gives this figure of speech to teach the people how this sheepfold represents Israel. “He will lead His sheep out of Judaism (the sheepfold) out from under a legalistic system.”1 He will call out to His sheep and they will hear Him and follow Him through the door. Jesus claims to be the door, declaring that ‘the sheep’ has to go through him to be saved. This is a build up to show the people that he is the Good Shepherd who enters through the door and calls His own sheep by name.

Again, we see here that we have to go through Jesus to be saved.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

1. J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Vol 4 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1981), 431.

Light of the World

2009-02-17T07:34:00.000-08:00

“The Feast of Tabernacles was over, but the memories of the celebration were fresh. In the court of the women in the Temple were four golden candelabra 1 that were lit in the evening during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkah 5.2). It was said there was not a courtyard in Jerusalem that did not reflect the light (Sukkah 5.3).” 2 With this image of the Shekinah glory still in the minds of Jews, Jesus walks into the temple and makes the statement in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

The Pharisees did not like what Jesus had to say. He was testifying about Himself without the typical two or three witness that was needed in the Jewish court of law (Duet 19:15). Again, Jesus claims to come down from heaven and to have a special relationship with the Father. Jesus claimed equality with God the Father when He said, “His Father sent Him, and if anyone knows My Father, he would know Me.” If anyone follows Him, they will not walk in spiritual darkness, but will have the one who brings eternal life.

Jesus is the bright light in this dark world that brings eternal life to those who believe in him.

Acts 16:31 (nasb) They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

1. According to the Talmud, these candlesticks were 50 cubits (75 feet) high.
2. J. Carl Laney, Moody Gospel John Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992), 158.

Bread of Life

2009-02-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

After the feeding of the five thousand (John 6), the crowds were going to try to make Jesus their king (v. 15). Jesus withdrew to a mountain and the disciples headed toward Capernaum. Jesus went to the boat later that night walking on the water (v. 19). Once in Capernaum, the crowd that followed was there at the feeding of the five thousand; they were seeking Jesus for more physical food. Jesus tells them that they should be seeking the spiritual food that comes down from God and gives eternal life. The crowd also wanted to know what kind of work they were supposes to do to get eternal life. “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’ (v. 29)” The only work they had to do was believe.

The crowds begin to boast how their fathers ate the manna the Moses provided. Jesus corrects them by reminding them that His Father was the one who provided the manna (v. 32). The true bread is the bread that comes down from heaven. Jesus now makes his first “I am” statement in John 6:35. He calls himself the “bread of life” who came down from heaven to do the Father’s will. Jesus said in verse forty, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” The Jews grumbled about this statement because Jesus was claiming to come down from heaven. Also, Jesus was clearly claiming to have a unique relationship with God and claiming to have attributes of God by raising people up on the last day (v. 40).

The only access to God is through believing in Jesus and by doing this you will receive eternal life. Christ is the spiritual food that nourishes the soul like regular food is for the physical body. Jesus is the only bread that can satisfy your soul. Whenever you try to satisfy your soul with anything except Christ, it will leave you feeling empty and unsatisfied.

True Love

2009-02-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

One of the most basic words used for Valentine’s Day is “love”. A simple word; it seems, but unfortunately a very confusing word. After all, look at the many different ways we use it in English. We say, "I love ice cream; I love my girlfriend/ boyfriend/ spouse; I love football; I love my Mother; I love God." Each of these phrases is a different use of the word "love."

How do we reach its deepest meaning?

The Bible tells us that God’s love has been poured out upon us (Rom 5:5). While we were yet sinners, God demonstrated how he loved the world by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ loves us so much that He died on the cross to save us from our sins. He first loved us: unconditionally, even if we do not love Him in return. This is the essence of true love: unconditional self-giving. We give ourselves away for the other person, even if it means (and especially when it means) sacrifice and suffering for us. The greatest symbol of love is not the heart; it is the cross!

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

Remember three things:

1) The picture above with the guy dressed like cupid was wrong (funny, but wrong) lol.

2)True love has no conditions. If someone says they love you, but expect something in return. They are not showing true love, but rather selfishness.

3) Jesus showed unconditional love by giving himself for the benefit of others. True love looks out for the other person, not for self.

Don't Love

2009-02-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

In first John 2:15, John gives a command to not have the habit of loving the world. Now he did not say, “that loving the material part of the world was wrong” (sky, mountains, etc...because it is good. Gen 1), but loving or being attracted to the world system that rejected Christ. We must not forget that as true Christians, this is not our home. We are just temporally passing through this world on our way into eternity (life is a vapor that vanishes away quickly. James 4:14). Do not get comfortable here.

I have heard it said that “if you are a Christian, this life is the worst it is going to get, but if you do not know Christ; this life is the best it is going to get”. I had a friend of mine that was a pastor’s kid that was trying to live two life styles (worldly and Christian). He knew the right things to do, but he really enjoyed living worldly, but he was feeling guilty for his wild ways. He wanted some advice so I told him, “That living your life as a half Christian, will make you 100% miserable”. He agreed with me, but sadly, he decided that this short life had more to offer. I did not get to talk to him much after that because he had gotten involved in some things that ultimately landed him in jail.

Basically, this mirrors the idea of Romans 12, about not conforming to the world’s way and thought process. This is a real test for today’s “Christians”, because if a “Christian” looks, acts, and thinks like the world system; he truly loves the world and “the love of the Father is not in him”. Ouch!!!!!! This life is short. Eternity is extremely long. Choose wisely whom you will follow: the ways of the world or Jesus Christ. There is no third option.

Joshua 24:15 ...choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Light My Path

2009-02-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

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

This is a very popular verse that probably many have memorized. The interesting thing is that the Scripture (Word) is able to direct ones paths, but many Christians do not look into the Scripture for guidance. They rather ask everyone else, but God, or read every self help book, but not the one that will truly help and direct them.

To promote this blog, I have gone around commenting on other peoples blogs. I have found many depressed and hopeless “Christians” along the way. When I run across one of these blogs, I would leave Scripture and a word of encouragement. Some thank me for it, but go back to their hopeless ways without taking the Scripture that I gave them and pondering on it. There have been others that has taken the Scripture; believed it and applied it to their lives. I have seen many walk out of their hopeless state and start reading the Scripture and letting it guide them. Did their problems disappear? Most of them, no. There is one that I check back on every now and then, and I see this person going through worst stuff than they were before, but now they are spending time in the Scripture and trusting God to guide him and to use him for God’s glory. I sense joy in his suffering. He has taken the Scripture; read it, believed it, and applied it to his life. The Scripture lights his path just far enough for his next step, but by faith, he continues on for God’s glory.

Hidden Treasure

2009-02-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

NAU Matthew 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

During this time, it was not unusual for people to bury their valuables in the ground. Probably the previous owner placed it there and died without anyone knowing about it. The current owner was oblivious to the treasure he had. One day a man must have cut through this field and “stumbled” upon it. He realized the true value of this treasure. With joy, he sold everything that he had so he could buy this field.This is a beautiful picture of God’s kingdom. To follow Christ is worth giving up everything, but in reality you lose nothing of true value, but gain things that you would not be able to otherwise (treasure in heaven, relationship with the creator of the universe, joy..).

Mark 1:16-20 As Jesus was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

Like the rapper Lacrae says, “Jesus used some fisherman that people thought were hazardous.” Jesus used these rough characters to be a powerful witness for Christ, because they were willing to leave everything and follow Jesus completely. They understood that this life is temporal, eternity is forever.

Mark 10:29-30 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.

25 cents

2009-02-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Today I had received a letter from Children's Bible Hour Ministries. The letter read, "We recently received a short letter from one of our donors. Here is what it said: 'This is some of what I have. Save it up and get something for the great ministry.' Haley. Attached to that small note was 25 cents. It was all she had, and she had saved to send it to us. The postage cost her more than what she could send!"

Sometimes we can learn big lessons from small children. This child took what little she had and gave it to Jesus. What if we took all of our time, talents, and treasures and gave them to Jesus, think how He could use us greatly here on earth.

Luke 21:1-4 And Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."