5/1/17                                 Servants, Not Kings                                                 1  
^“35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.³⁶ And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?³⁷ They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.³⁸ But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?³⁹ And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:⁴⁰ But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.⁴² But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.⁴³ But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:⁴⁴ And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.⁴⁵ For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:35-45       

COMMENTS:  It is May!!  Spring is here and winter is a cold memory.  We put our snow shovels away and brought out our spring tools and getting ready to plant.  Already having mowed our grass 3 times confirms life is replacing snow and ice all around us.  God’s miracle of spring is evident all around us to remind us the miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection is real and providing His mercy today as it has for 2000 years.

Christ demonstrated what it means to lead through servanthood.  He served graciously and consistently all the time and not just for show, as human leaders have.  He served his disciples during  his entire time of ministry while also powerfully leading them and preparing them for the work they would do. Yet they still were not prepared until the Holy Spirit indwelled them at Penticost.   It was there God’s Holy Spirit become a part of their lives and souls and a constant source of council and power and inspiration all the time. It changed them and effectiveness of the work they would do.  They too would learn and demonstrate leadership through servanthood.

So how do we do so to?  Do you return shopping carts to their rack or help a clerk bag your purchases or help a neighbor carry out his garbage or carry his groceries into his home? 

How about more actively helping your pastor in ministry by visiting others and assisting in services and ministry?  Have you ever visited a nursing home or hospital with your pastor?   Do you look for ways to help others at work or just do your own work and nothing more?   How are workers viewed who go out of their way to help others vs. those who just do the minimum their jobs require?   Leading by serving has a lot of faces and methods, but all are reflecting Christ’s example if we follow His lead and will have a powerful affect on others if we honor Him by our efforts.

5/2/17                                 Strength in Unity                                                 2
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3

SCRIPTURE:  ACTS 1:12-26  “¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

COMMENTS:  Casting lots was a way of finding God’s direction and was used by the Disciples seeking God’s input in selection of Judas Iscariot’s replacement after Christ’s ascension.  Acts 1:15 describes the process. Two candidates were selected and process of “casting lots” chose Matthias.  No  mention of casting lots is mentioned in scripture after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came.  The conclusion is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables us to receive directly God’s direction without need for additional methods.

Knowing and following God’s Will and direction is not always an easy discovery and discipline.  The reason is God’s ways are so much different than ours and above ours.  That means we should expect that God will not agree with choices and motives that we make and have.  What normally guides our thinking and choices are not necessarily always wrong, but then again most choices we make are not life changing either.  But the more we habitually seek His council and guidance,  the more we allow Him to guide us into making the best choices in which His plan and positive impact on us and others can be fully realized.  Using the least likely people in most unlikely places and times is what God specializes in.

5/3/17                                 You Are the Light                                                  3             Matthew 5:14-16 “¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”                   COMMENTS:  Light is such a vital blessing to each of us.  The ability to see and use light to enable our eyes to see objects and people and path ahead of us makes our days so much easier and work so much more effective.  Yet, if you know anyone who is blind, you discover how well they have adapted and use other senses to compensate for lack of vision.

Likewise, when light is missing at night we struggle getting place to place or do simpliest of tasks because we are not used to do so without light.

When lost, seeing a light to guide us to those who will help us or to reveal dangers so we can avoid them is so important.  But God not only gives us the sun to light our days and moon to light our nights, but also stars to help us know what direction to go. The North Star is vital to sea and land travelers to help them use that reference to enable them to determine direction to travel to get to their destination.  Without a reference point, it is easy to get disoriented and go in a wrong direction without any sense of doing so. 

The path our lives are on is much like this too.  If we go through life making decisions based only our our experiences and knowledge and perception and preferences, we all too often go a wrong direction while believing it to be the best direction.  Sincerely believing we are doing well but on a wrong path.  I had done so many times and am sure you have too.  Take a moment to reflect on such times in your experience.

In contrast, we have scripture and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be our light to show us “True North” and reveal to us the best and right direction – the direction that is God’s Will .  How foolish to still think we can do even the easy things without Him.  To not go to Him unless facing a crisis or a major decision puts us at risk of failure each day and allowing simple choices to be needlessly difficult and needless failures more common than they need be. 

God has times for us.  We are not distracting Him from other “more important” duties or work when we go to Him daily and often each day.  He is watching us and patiently waiting for us to turn and come to Him anyway.  We just can’t see or sense His presence because we have our back to Him and listening to other distractions.  Time to look us and notice the stars and seek out the  “North Star” and use it to determine which way to go.  Time to seek out His council in scripture and in prayer before we start each day and as we journey through each day.  That way when we encounter choices and encounter those He would have us encourage and minister to, we will be prepared and empowered to follow His lead and Will.

Some days I sense His presence and find doing that possible and successful. But all too often I encounter days He seems far away and “true north” is not clear.  Well, it is then I need reminded to STOP and take time on my knees before Him, whether I think I have time to or not.  I am still learning to do that and doing so is still not as much a habit as it should be.  But I am learning and doing better at that than in past. How about you?

5/4/17                                 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER                                            4
Romans 12:9-13  “⁹ Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.¹⁰ Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;¹¹ Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;¹² Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;¹³ Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

COMMENTS: Today is the “National Day of Prayer” in USA.  A day set aside with focus on praying for revival in the Christian church as well as in each one of us and the entire country as focus.  The theme this years is “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us… Forgive Us…Heal Us!”  The theme verse is taken from Daniel 9:19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God…”. Such a day and focus is a big deal with God and should be a big deal with each believer, especially those in USA.  There is much to put to prayer both personally and corporately in church body locally, nationally, and globally.  I am reflecting on need for revival in our local church, our local community, our nation and our world and, yes in my own soul.  I am reflecting on the need of many faithful pastors I have met and bonded with through my blog and now support financially as well as with prayer and communication.  I am so impressed at the openness and hunger for the Gospel especially in the rural empoverished areas of many African countries and in India.  Much more openness than I see in  US especially. 

I am also reflecting on my personal family and need our children and grandchildren have for a closer walk with Christ. I also recognize I too need to walk closer with Him in deeper surrender and obedience and love.  As our verses above reflect, you and I cannot fool or “scam” God.  He knows us like none other and yet loves us like none other.  What can we attempt to hide from Him that He doesn’t already know? What can we do to convince him to give us what we want and ask for?   Scripture gives us examples of those who did persuade God to honor their requests.  Yet was God not already convinced but simply waiting for us to open ourselves to let Him prepare us to receive His answer?  That may be a theological debate between theologians, but we should not debate the fact that God is all powerful and knowing and knows all even before it happens. If that is true, then He knows our requests before we make them and knows when we will follow and when we will disobey Him.  Yet He still gives us free will to do so.  He won’t stop us but will put barriers in our path to slow us and encourage us to reconsider His Will and input. Today let’s take time to pray and consider His Will and seek His help preparing to do that will and pray He do so for our families, our churches, our country, our world, but start first by doing so for us.  God has blessed us more than we realize, more than we  can comprehend, more than we can know, but far far more than we deserve.  Why?  Because He loves us and desires good for us and not evil.   Blessings and not consequences.  But wicked actions do bring consequences.  Consequences from breaking God’s Law.  Consequences even He could not stop. But He received those consequences for us on Himself so we don’t need to.  He will put obstacles we think are consequences in our path to hinder us from doing the evil in our minds.  That is out of love and not anger.  That is the good news of the Gospel we are called to share so more will come to Christ for forgiveness and new life.  Come to Christ to have a eternal relationship with Him. You may be reading this after May 4th, but everyday – even today, can be your “National Day of Prayer”.  God’s door is always open and He is always “OPEN FOR BUSINESS” He always has time for you and for me.   GOD IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY AND IS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR YO U AND ME TO STOP – CLEAR OUR MINDS OF DISTRACTIONS AND PRAY – BEING IN COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR GOD – OUR CREATOR – OUR REDEEMER – OUR FATHER BUT ALSO OUR DEAREST FRIEND. 

We have God’s wonderful promise given to King Solomon when he dedicated the temple in Jerusalem and recorded in II Chronicles 7:14 “¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  I invite you to read II Chronicles 6-7 to absorb Solomon’s prayer as well as God’s reaction or response to his prayere, which is just a valid today as then.

AMEN?   AMEN!

5/5/17                                 “We Made a Decision”                                                 5    So I said, “What shall I do, Lord?” And the Lord said to me, “Arise and go….”
Acts 22:6-16                

COMMENTS:  Knowing and doing God’s will is seldom an easy task and choice.  It is difficult because often God’s will isn’t clear and difficult because what God asked us to do doesn’t come natural or easy for us, requiring additional faith – trust in Him and His help and provision.

When we come to Christ for forgiveness and salvation, there is no doubt that is God’s Will.  Scripture tells us His will is that all will receive His Mercy and He offers it to everyone.   I TIMOTHY 2:1-4  “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”    That is not a topic of debate, but less certain is other choices such as who to marry or career to prepare for or where to work and use our career skills.    Most daily choices we make are made without much thought to even ask for God’s wishes, mostly because we think choice is obvious or carries little consequence.  Granted what we wear or order in which we do days tasks usually make little difference, but sometimes they may.  Sometimes God may want us to cross path with someone who needs a word of wisdom or encouragement or council or a helping hand may be missed if we don’t follow an order of work that enables us to cross paths.  Stop and consider such examples and how God influenced you to make the right choices.  The answer lies in having and keeping a close relationship with Him so we can hear His council in our souls when He gives it.  Having the Holy Spirit in our lives sharpens our spiritual ears to hear Him and softens our hearts to both listen and comply to His bidding.  Unfortunately, achieving and sustaining a high level of obedience to God is not our human experience.  Some are further down that road than others, but we all need further improvement.  That should be our daily prayer and quest and prayer.  That too is definitely God’s will.  We need to simply follow through on our part of obedience.   “I’m convinced that when you are serving the Lord, there is never a question of sacrifice. It’s just doing what we are supposed to be doing for His glory. You don’t think of the sacrifice—you think of your mission.”
Harry Bollback

5/6/17                                 War Heroes                                                 6                    
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13                                                                                                      SCRIPTURE: JOHN 19  “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.² And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,³ And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.⁴ Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.⁵ Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!⁶ When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.⁷ The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.⁸ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;⁹ And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.¹⁰ Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?¹¹ Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.¹² And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.¹³ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.¹⁴ And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!¹⁵ But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.¹⁶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.¹⁷ And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:¹⁸ Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.¹⁹ And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.²⁰ This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.²¹ Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.²² Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!²⁷ Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.²⁸ After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.²⁹ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.³¹ The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.³² Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.³³ But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:³⁴ But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.³⁵ And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.³⁶ For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.³⁷ And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.³⁸ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.³⁹ And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.⁴⁰ Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.⁴¹ Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.⁴² There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”

COMMENTS:  We have been designed to depend on each other – to depend on others and others to depend on us.  The family unit was designed by God to be the centerpiece and foundational institution to provide necessary support and stable security for every human being.  Stable families provide each with a haven and launching pad to do great things and make a significant contribution.  Depending on each other gives each of us a safety net when we fall and confidence when reaching beyond our comfort zone.  When the family unit is flawed or missing, result is a great loss of family members and those they influence.  But we all are also designed to be in God’s family depending on Him for security and help and protection and guidance.  How many of the world’s problems and crisis and wars and tragedies are the direct result of dysfunctional families and refusal to be in God’s family.  I dare say all of them.  That has been true since Adam through the generations and centuries since til present.  Will you and I do our part to create and be involved in a family God intended ours to be?  Will we be faithful and accept God’s invitation to be in His family and be His adopted child.  The invitation is open to everyone, but only a minority accept His invitation.  That is being inclusive.  When we refuse His invitation, it is us being intolerant and discriminate against Him.  Against our creator who loves and provides for us like none other.
 5/7/17                          Do Better and Be Better                                  7 
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?   Hebrews 12:7

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews 12:1-17  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.                                                                                                                                              God Disciplines His Children⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,⁶ because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”^[a]7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! ¹⁰ They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.¹² Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³ “Make level paths for your feet,”^[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Warning and Encouragement¹⁴ Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. ¹⁵ See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. ¹⁶ See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. ¹⁷ Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.”

COMMENTS:  We are commanded to love and respect and obey our parents.  But even more, we are commanded to honor our parents.  Such is one of the 10 Commandments God gave Moses on Mt. Sinai.  With that command was given an additional promise of long life and blessing.  There is a practical side to honoring our parents, even if their conduct and lives are not worthy of that honor.  Children with criminal parents or parents who abused or neglected them still are to be honored.  That does not mean we should or can honor their actions and choices.  We can recognize them as our parents and love and show kindness and give them our time while not copying or condoning their choices and actions.  We truly honor them when we do not copy their actions.  Yet, God in His wisdom tells us to do so with purpose and assistance of healing broken families and teaching children as well as parents what knowing Christ provides – healing and forgiveness and eternal life.  For that to happen in our lives, it also needs to happen in our families and the relationship our parents have with Christ as well.  For us to come to Christ and leave our parents or children behind is truly tragic.  Tragic in sealing the loss of family love and support needed at any age.  Tragic because of the potential of eternal separation that means that family unit will remain broken for eternity. 

By honoring our parents, we are not overriding or negating free will God gives each of us to accept or reject Him, but we are releasing powerful forces influences making it possible for even those who would likely never consider coming to Christ to now see that resistance melt and the miracle of repentance become a reality even for the most unlikely and hardened soul.

We all have family members who don’t know Christ.  Those we long to accept Christ.  Those who have resisted or refused Christ.  Sure, some still leave decent and even moral lives but simply have allowed life’s obligations and responsibilities and lures to take priority over Christ.  For some the perception of what they would have to give up deters them from trust Christ with their souls.  For some the intent is just to put it off to a more convenient time or after some goals are achieved.  But the error of that thinking and risk of dying before those goals are achieved is great.  With postponing accepting Christ comes a hardening of our soul that makes it increasingly more difficult to want Christ.  But as we pray and love those family members, their souls can remain soft and open and God still is free to work and give opportunities to them.  OUR PRAYERS DO MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE BOTH IN THEIR LIVES BUT ALSO IN OUR LIVES AND HOW OPEN WE ARE TO EXAMPLE CHRIST TO THEM… Almighty God…Create within us clean hearts, and renew right spirits, that we may do better and be better.  Peter Marshall

5/8/17                                                  Correct!                                                         8   
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. Job 5:17                                                                                                        SCRIPTURE:  II TIMOTHY 2:20-26  “²⁰ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.²¹ If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.²² Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.²³ But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;²⁶ And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

COMMENTS:   Job was a man who experience tremendous blessing and fellowship with God, like none other in his day.  But he also experienced tremendous tragedy enduring not knowing the reason for it nor how long he would have to endure it.  Tragedy in the loss of his children and wealth.  Loss is alienation of his wife and friends.  Then endure terrible pain in his own body on top of all that.  We now have insight that God later revealed to Job to helps us understand and learn from Job’s experience.  God was faithful to Job but it sure didn’t seem so during worst of Job’s suffering and grief.  But Job knew and trusted God enough to wait til God chose to reveal His purpose and timing and way of rescue.  We don’t know how long Job suffering but  seemed like an eternity to him, I am sure.  It always does.                                                                                                 Job was not being judged by God for his sins.  Job was not a perfect man but had been faithful to God and obeyed Him in action and in worship and fellowship.  He had been faithful praying for and sacrifice for God’s mercy on them too.  He was enjoying God’s grace, which meant Job and his family were forgiven in God’s eyes.  Satan took issue with that and persuaded God to let him torment Job with repeated temptations of suffering.   He must have been convinced that was the only area of weakness Job was vulnerable. But he was wrong.  Job remained faithful even when satan bumpted up the level of temptation beyond what human resistance had endured in past.   Job endured and remained faithful when most or all of us would have buckled.  Job’s friends certainly would have even thought they were quick to judge him.  And judge him falsely I must say.                                                             Job did not allow his wealth or possessions weaken him.  He didn’t hold his wealth tightly.  Such was also true with his family, which we hold more precious than all else.  Yet Job trusted God enough to have confidence in putting their eternal future in His hands too.  Job’s trust was well founded and that trust empowered Job to be and remain faithful til God revealed His purpose and way of escape.  Satan had to leave defeated in his efforts and  Job drew even stronger and more faithful and prosperous at hand of God.  Job and his whole family are now together rejoicing and praising God together for eternity.  It was well worth the suffering and he now honestly testifies in heaven that is true.  GOD IS FAITHFUL AND WORTHY OF OUR TRUST AND PRAISE AND WORSHIP BUT ALSO WORTHY OF OUR OBEDIENCE.

 5/9/17                               The Vision of Dry Bones                                9    
Ezekiel 37:1-10  The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,² And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.³ And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.⁴ Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.⁵ Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:⁶ And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.⁷ So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.⁸ And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.⁹ Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.¹⁰ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.”

COMMENTS: Ezekiel’s vision is a dramatic picture showing how DEAD Israel was and only hope of restoration.  It is also a reminder to us just how mortal we are and how precious Christ’s gift of eternal life is.  The only option is death and eternal judgment without Him and gift He offers to everyone, yet only accepted by a few.  Why is that?  Those who have heard and rejected have many reasons, but all are foolish and tragic.  Some are due to prejustice from poor examples lived out in others claiming to be Christian.  For others they fear or dread giving up a sinful or selfish or self indulgent life style so think they can put decision off awhile and enjoy their lifestyle awhile longer.  For others they fear such a significant and permanent commitment not realizing they would simply be getting closer to their creator and only beginning a journey of fellowship with Him.  For others it is because they feel they need to clean themselves up some first.  But Christ tells us to come to Him as we are and don’t wait.  He specializes in cleaning up the messiest lives.  Besides, we can’t clean up our lives enough ourselves.

There are many more reasons but all deprive individual blessing and treasure and benefit beyond their comprehension both on earth and in heaven.  Christ so wants to partner with us by asking us to simply show others the difference He can make by letting Him transform us to be more like Him.  He also asked us to be willing and ready to tell the reason for our joy and  hope.  If we do both, then we open the door for Him to do His part both in us and in those we witness to.  I have failed miserably at this so many times failing to respond to opportunities by allowing distractions and other excuses talk me out of sharing Christ’s love and Gospel message.  The few times I did respond I have never regretted but I regret many I missed.

Well, yesterday was a day of wishing I had a do-over but praise God for His protection and helping Hand.  Arlene and I were burning some brush and thought we were careful and burnt a little at a time in our yard but still ended up burning down our garage and nearly burning our duplex apartment building next to it. A spark ignited the wood frame at ground level and quickly ignited the vinyl siding and went up the inside plywood.  I was able to get my riding mower and trailer out but nothing else. A antique car that a friend was storing in garage was destroyed along with tools and other items.  By time fire department arrived garage was engulfed and was starting to intrude in enclosed porch in duplex.  Some damage was done to outside of porch and outside stairway to upstairs apartment but nothing more and both apartment renters were able to go back into their apartment.  AND NO ONE WAS HURT!!!  Fortunately insurance is in force on structures and on car destroyed and one renters car in driveway that encountered some damage from fire. 

Sure, I would like to redo yesterday but experience reminds me not to cling to things tightly and just how fragile and precious life is.  I took a big risk getting my mower out.  Another miracle was sparks went over firetrucks onto a old cemetery across the street and ignited a bush but did not harm firetruck.  God’s protective hand was indeed on us and those who came and put out our fire.  We are so grateful to them but even more to God who protected them and renters and us yesterday as well as every day.

Sure we have learned from yesterday’s mistakes but am sure we will make more, as will you.  Most we get away with without consequences.  Many times I have burned much larger brush without consequence, but yesterday God intended to teach us more. I dare say I will think twice and choose another way of getting rid of brush next time. But the concerns and support of neighbors and friends started pouring in yesterday afternoon and evening and am sure will continue to do so.  That means so much too.  But again, we don’t see this as a tragedy but a gentle reminder to draw closer to Him and follow His council and instruction more closely .  With His help we intend to do so and pray by sharing this experience, we will encourage you to as well.   “Our old history ends with the cross; our new history beings with the resurrection.”
Watchman Nee        

5/10/17                Overachievers in Christ                                             10    Romans 8:35-39  “³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?³⁶ As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.³⁷ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”     COMMENTS:  If we only judge what is going on in the world by what the news media reports, we soon become convinced evil in winning the battle for domination in the world and decency and living moral lives with integrity and fairness are becoming rare and even outdated.  Believing in God and especially following Him and living by His Word is increasingly judge as dangerous and hostile.  To evangelize Christ’s message to others is increasingly judged terroristic and dangerous in Dictator ruled and Muslim dominated countries especially but noticeably in the free world as well.  But what is not reported is what God is doing.  When we look closely at much of Africa and China and India and Pakistan and surrounding countries is in the midst of great poverty and hardship and persecution is desperate and hungry hearts coming to Christ eagerly and without reservation when presented with the Gospel Message.  Some of the pastors I am in contact with overseas are finding a majority of the crowds who attend their crusades coming to Christ.  It is common for over a thousand coming to Christ at one event.  Christ gives hope for now and for eternity, satisfying hungry souls.  We shouldn’t be surprised.  Afterall, it is much better to come to the designer-manufacturer for repars and parts.  But God is far more than just our creator.  He also loves and cares for us like none other.  He is also more faithful and trustworthy than any other.  He has given us life – sustained life – a purpose for living – support from Himself and each other – a future to look forward to.   He may not be working in flashy showy way all the time (but certainly does in the spring) and news media refuses to give Him credit for what He does do. But God os working to make Himself know and is changing the hearts of people all over the world.  He has also promised to return and finish that world and bind satan and fix all the damage      satan has been doing.  Oh what a day that will be.  We are all invited to be there to benefit from that day.  We will either be blessed that Day or Doomed that day.  Everyone is invited but the choice is ours.  That day will be a wonderful day like none other or the day our worst fears are realized and we will have no one to blame but ourselves for the choice we make.  The hardest part of being a parent is allowing our children to make their own choices and when they make foolish choices to let them suffer consequences so they will learn and be deterred from continuing foolish behavior and choices.  How much more difficult it must be for God, but free will is honored by Him. There is no higher priority in the believer’s life than to delight himself in the love of Christ. Maurice Roberts                                  

5/11/17                                      Love Bridges the Gap                          11    
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3

SCRIPTURE:  JOHN 15:9-13  “⁹ As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.¹⁰ If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.¹¹ These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.¹² This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.¹³ Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.¹⁴ Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.¹⁵ Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

COMMENTS: Either you have experienced or know a family who has experienced moving to a new community and home.  It isn’t uncommon for a father or mother to get a new job in another city or even country and leave their family with a spouse or other family member while they find a new home or apartment and get things ready for their family in the new community they are to live.  Then when job and home are ready, the family then joins them again.  Christ is preparing a home for you and me and oneday soon we will be joining Him as His dear family.  His family is huge but He always has room for one more and each and every one of us is precious to Him.  A wonder Gospel hymns states “There is Room at the Cross for You”  Song goes on to say, “though millions have come, there is still room for one, yes there is room at the cross for you.” 

Here are the lyrics for this song.  Let these precious words sink into your soul and minister to you and encourage you:                                                                                             ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOU (Ira F. Stanphill) (1946)                                                                  The cross upon which Jesus died,

Is a shelter in which we can hide;

And its grace so free is sufficient for me,

And deep is its fountain as wide as the sea

 

Tho millions have found Him a friend,

And have turned from the sins they have sinned,

The Savior still waits to open the gates

And welcomes a sinner before it’s too late.

 

The hand of my Savior is strong,

And the love of my Savior is long;

Through sunshine or rain, through loss or in gain,

The blood flows from Calvary to cleanse every stain.

Chorus:

There’s room at the cross for you,

There’s room at the cross for you,

Tho millions have come, There’s still room for one

Yes, there’s room at the cross for you.

 

It is Jesus Christ’s love for His Church that bridges the gap of our separation from Him at the present time. He has gone ahead to prepare a heavenly home for us (John 14:1-4).                                                                                                                            We wait patiently to be reunited with Him and enjoy the fulfillment of His love for us and our love for Him. One day He will return and gather us to Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).                                                                                                        Nothing will ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:39).
Whatever is good for God’s children, they shall have it, for all is theirs to further them to heaven.  Richard Sibbes                                                                                                 5/12/17                                      The Color of Our Flag                          12          
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
Song of Solomon 2:4

SCRIPTURE:  PSALM 20  “The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;² Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;³ Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.⁴ Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.⁵ We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.⁶ Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.⁷ Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.⁸ They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.⁹ Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.”

COMMENTS:  Muslim militants and terrorist groups historically flew black flags.  Their evil history shows proudly the dark color of their god.  Such a contract to the white color our God displays.  But even more, the red color reminding us of Christ’s life sacrifice for us contrasts dramatically to Islam’s focus and mission of destroying those outside their faith.  Christ died for us  while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8) in contrast to Islam’s focus on killing those who will not convert.  How they treat women and children and weak in their faith is also in contrast to how  Christ teaches we treat them.  Our God is indeed worthy of our praise and worship and our lives.  None other is true or worthy.

 5/13/17                                      The Royal Law                          13          
James 2:1-8   “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?⁵ Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?⁸ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:”

COMMENTS:    President William McKinley came from a home with devout Christian parents.  His mother was active in their local Niles Methodist Church doing cleaning, ministering to sick and needy, doing about everything but preaching.  She was known as Mother McKinley.  Little did she know a future president was watching and learning at her feet.  President McKinley wrote “This record I want to be left behind, that I not only fell as a soldier for my Country, but also as a Soldier of Jesus.”  We don’t know the impact our lives and normal daily duties and conversations and outreach has on others.  Neither do we know who or what great future leader is watching.  The children we take the time to listen to and play with and teach by example might just one day be some great leader who will do great good.  The next president might be closer to us than we can imagine.  Well, if not a president, maybe a pastor or a Sunday school teacher or a school teacher or just a kind giving person who will make a great difference in the lives around them at home and church and community. 

You and I know people like that, some of which positively impacted our lives.  By imitating them, we give them honor and compound God’s reword they receive as well as our own.  But receiving reward is not a valid motivation to do God’s Will.  We should do God’s Will because He is worthy and He made us.  Because He loves and is faithful to us like none other.  Because it is the best thing for us to do for ourselves and for others.

God has a wonderful way of using seemingly insignificant people and work to do life changing work in the lives of others.  Why does He do that?  Because we are not insignificant to Him and He wants us to enjoy the fruit of our labor as much as He enjoys the fruit of His labor, us!    But the work He has for us too often isn’t appealing at the time or even fun.  It seems distractions and other priorities go into overdrive when He gives us a task to do.  But when we choose to do His Will above all others, including ours, then we start to discover how much more important His priorities are above ours.  We also begin to discover the other things needing done get done too and often sooner than if we had sacrificed God’s Work to do them first.

I am still learning that lesson, as am sure  you are too.  We all still have a very long ways to go to be Christlike or even to slightly resemble Him.  Someday we will….

5/14/17    Nameless Mothers in the Bible: The Mother of Peter’s Wife  14             

^“14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.¹⁵ And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.¹⁶ When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:¹⁷ That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” Matthew 8:14-17

COMMENTS:  We don’t know the background or anything about Peter’s wife or mother –in-law.  We only know at this writing she was sick and Jesus had compassion and healed her.  We are not told but can imagine impact of that healing and support she and rest of the family added to Peter going forward.  We can wonder the impact they had after Pentecost. I would imagine their support and encouragement was key to Peter’s effectiveness in ministry going forward.  A supporting family is so important and lack of support such a hindrance and discourager.   Stop and reflect your experiences either way and to relate and empathize with those striving to succeed  with or without family support.

Today is Mother’s Day. A day set aside to honor our mothers either living or not.  My  mother was a strong and godly woman who positively impacted the lives of many but especially her family including me.  He selfless love and eagerness to give and serve was tireless and passionate.  Her love and devotion to her husband and children and grandchildren especially was second to none.  But she was not bashful letting her concerns and opinions be known when she thought a child or grandchild was making a wrong choice or taking a wrong path.  Too often those concerns would go unheeded but seldom if ever where they not true. 

She has been in heaven for the past 10 years but her impact still is strong and especially her grandchildren who endured her advice and concerns fully realize they should have listened to her and followed that advice.  I had already discovered that but my children wouldn’t be persuaded when they had their minds made up.  Now they are older and wiser. 

Such a blessing to have such influences in our formative years that draw us back to Christ and closer to Him as we get older.  What a wonder reunion it will be when we are not only greeted into heaven by Christ but by those who have gone on before us and had such a positive impact on us while they were here.                                                     My mother was a true servant of others and of Christ.  Her faith in Christ was certain and evident in all she said and did.  The words of Augustine below were true for her and are just as true today.                                                                                                            God is not greater if you reverence Him, but you are greater if you serve Him.
Augustine                                                                                                                                 

5/15/17                                      Are You Sure?                           15              
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians 2  “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

COMMENTS:  Have you ever struggled with uncertainty of knowing God’s will in specific situations or His direction relating to a big decision to be made?  I have many times and still do so, as am sure you struggle with too.  Sure most decisions we make really don’t make a big difference in long term so are easy to make.  Risk of mistakes are judged by us in those times as acceptable.  Unfortunately, too much of making casual decisions without God’s input do us harm.  Harm from depriving us of developing skills in seeking God’s guidance.  Also harm in creating strong habits to only rely on our own wisdom and discernment, which will lead us astray when we do need to make critical decisions.  No, it is better to seek God’s will and be in deep fellowship with Him regularly so we will be close to Him already when we need His help in critical times.  Joseph was ready for his time of testing and preparation to save his family and Israel and even Egypt from starvation and God’s forgiveness from a long life of close fellowship with God.  Moses was not able to make wise choices or lead his people out of Egypt on his own, but because of a close relationship with God He was prepared to do so.  “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11b) God’s guiding hand and offer of wisdom is open to all, not just a few.  Only a few accept His guiding hand and enjoy blessing from it.  Most rely on their own wisdom which fails them often.  But that is not God’s doing nor His Will.  His Will is for all to be in close relationship with Him and follow His council.  The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God’s call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude.   Oswald Chambers                       What a wonderful world we would be living in if everyone did that!  Well, someday Christ will return and take control and that will be the case.  Those who have chosen to follow Him will enjoy that time with Him.  Those who have not will be lost and separated from Him and with the one they did follow, the great deceiver, satan.                                               

5/16/17                                      Patience and Kindness                           16              
Love suffers long and is kind . . . . 1 Corinthians 13:4a

SCRIPTURE:  ROMANS 12:17-21  “¹⁷ Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.¹⁸ If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.²⁰ Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”  COMMENTS:  Just how much do we trust God?  We all want to see fair and just standards set for everyone and get upset when someone is mistreated unjustly.  When harm comes at the deliberate hand of another, we want to see the offender punished and where possible to make him make restitution or compensate for his crime against that person.  But what about when the offender is not punished?  Law was given to deter crime against others and to set standards for punished in order to deter such crimes and give a uniform way of satisfying the loss to victims where possible.  Old Testament law required punishment for breaking God’s law.  But truth was man started making many more laws that God had established with the 10 Commandments.  Truth was also since humans refused to be in relationship with God nor listen to His council and follow it.

To live without rules and laws brings chaos.  Physical laws are in place with consequences when we disobey them.  If we walk off a tall cliff, we will die.  If we walk in front of a fast moving bus, we will die.  But how many times do we make foolish choices and by God’s Grace are spared such consequences.  Times when we walked onto a busy street without really looking both ways and either no cars were coming or a close moving car was able to avoid you?   I’m sure you can think of many similar examples too. 

God is a God of order and justice.  He Law requires consequences for sin and not even He can break His Laws.  But what He could do and did do was pay the price for breaking His Laws Himself.  That is what Christ did on the cross. Was that fair for Him.  No!  Was it fair for those who suffer as victims when we sin?  No!  But we must realize and consider the fact that everyone, including you and me, are sinners and worthy of His judgments, so none of us are being treated unfairly when God forgives.  His offer of forgiveness is open to everyone without exception, but does require a willingness to receive His forgiveness.  When we do, we then realize just how Good  His is and how bad was have been and still are.  That realization then motivates us to strive to strive and seek His help to change and become more like Him.  To break the cycle of sin and consequence and then sinning again and again. When we are in relationship with Him, that cycle can be broken.  That is His dream and desire for us.  That is what He went to the cross to make available.  That is what we can have if we simply come to Him with an open heart and mind and surrender our wills to His.  That is a daily choice and struggle and submission. 

5/17/17                                      Kindness Incarnate                         17              
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared.
Titus 3:4

SCRIPTURE:  TITUS 2:11-13  “¹¹ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,¹² Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;¹³ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; COMMENTS:  Acts of kindness are a natural response to a concern for the welfare and well being of others.  When our children or other close family members are in distress or in need, our natural inclination is to respond to meet that need out of the resources we have.  Response can be a permanent or a temporary one.  Give cloths and money to a family who have lost their home is a permanent one.  Loaning our car or allowing that family to live with us for a few days is temporary. The level of sacrifice to us will tend to determine if gift is temporary or peranent.  It will alos be determine by level of need we have for the item we are giving or sharing.  To give permanently and sacrificially is what God gave when  Christ gave His life on the Cross and bore our sins as His own.  Neither I or you fully or even in part understand the level of sacrifice that meant for Him, but are told it was great.  We can only comprehend what it would mean for us if we gave such a gift.  That is enough to bring us to our knees in gratitude and awe of His love.  God bore our sins so we don’t need to.  What we can do is live as He lived giving and caring and sharing and loving.  What we can do is share the gospel by our conduct and by words when asked and have opportunity.  THE MESSAGE IS WORTH SHARING!   AMEN!!
Kindness is a grace that all can understand. J. C. Ryle.     

5/18/17                                      Examine Yourself                         18              
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…
2 Corinthians 13:5

SCRIPTURE:  PSALM 37:1-11  “ Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.⁵ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.⁶ And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.¹⁰ For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

COMMENTS: Have you ever felt handicapped because of your faith in Christ?   What I mean is being  hindered or punished in business or work or relationship because of your faith in Christ.  Have you seen others who seem to prosper without Christ and happy even in family relationship.  Those who seem to have it all without knowing Christ or having Him in their lives.  See such can discourage us and tempt us to doubt if following Christ is the best choice at time.  When that happens, it is vital we stop and consider what satan promises and can’t deliver and what God  promises and does deliver.  Even if satan did deliver prosperity and happiness for a lifetime, what about eternity?  But truth is satan can’t or won’t sustain happiness for our lifetime.  It may appear he is doing so but that time will be short lived and then followed by tragedy or regrets and broken relationships afterwards.  Following Christ may not bring prosperity in worldly goods or career achievements but will give us opportunity for work that will have eternal impact.

What you and I need to stop doing is comparing ourselves to others and their accomplishments and successes and start comparing ourselves to Christ and working on our failings.  We need to seek the goals God has for us and strive to accomplish them and seek His help to accomplish them.  God doesn’t promise great wealth or popularity but He does promise to be with us and not ever leave us.  A promise that is for eternity and not just for our time on earth.  The work He gives us will bring eternal reward and will last eternity and won’t or can’t be destroyed by evil or damage from this world.   He is not expecting us to compete or compare ourselves and our accomplishments with others but does expect us to obey Him and follow the path He has prepared and put us on.  When we do that, we will discover failures to be a path to success and fulfillment.  God can and will bring amazing results when we follow Him, even from the simpliest acts of obedience.  AMEN!

5/19/17                                      The Concrete of the Soul                         19              
…and his spirit was hardened in pride. Daniel 5:20

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel 36:24-30  “²⁴ For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.²⁵ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.²⁶ A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.²⁷ And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.²⁸ And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.²⁹ I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.³⁰ And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.”  COMMENTS:  Most people think since they work hard for what they have, they have no need to thank God since they are responsible for acquiring what they have.  Such thinking gives us confidence in our own abilities and skills but ignored the variables they and we have no control of.   Ignored also is opportunites and help God continues to provide if not directly by support.  Scripture says God makes the sun to shine on the just and unjust alike (Matthew 5:45 “⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”)  The difference may not be level of success but the long term impact.  When we work only for ourselves and our own gain, we will enjoy success but little is gained to bless and help others.  Likewise, impact of that success will fade and be forgotten.  The impact of following God’s Will and working for Him will have eternal imact beyond our lives and for eternity in heaven.   I believe the reward Christ spoke of in heaven will be far more than a mansion and beautiful surroundings.  I believe what will mean far more to us will be both living with our Lord and Savior who loves us as well as with our loved ones but also seeing and discovering and meeting those who’s work impacted us and countless millions of others and then to see how our acts of kindness and obedience impacted others. It won’t be about patting ourselves on our back or gaining credit but seeing how wonderful God’s plan was and is.  To learn how we were a part of a perfect plan that changed many lives for the good.

By living in the world we still have time to make a difference and time to repent and change our path to His path and our wills and plans to His Will and His Plan.  Self made success brings pride – a sin that God judges more so than any other because it is the one sin that keeps us from God and blinds us of our sin more so than any other.  Pride deceives us to believe our sinful ways are right and good and better than God’s  Will.  That is why we need to be alert to recognize ways satan uses pride to blind and deceive us. 

5/20/17                                      Pride Versus Love                                       20                           
Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 1 Corinthians 8:1b

SCRIPTURE:  ROMANS 15:14  “¹⁴ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

COMMENTS:  What is the difference between an adequate pastor and anointed pastor making a big difference in the lives of his congregation and community.  I have been pastored to by both and reflect on the difference.  Sacrificial giving is a job requirement but some pastor devoted more time and energy than others without increasing their effectiveness.  Being loving and caring is critical but even that quality is not sufficient.  I dare say the difference between an adequate pastor and an exceptional pastor.  A noteworthy difference may only amount to 5% difference in time and energy and approach.  As I recall the ministry of the most effective and loved pastors, I see the following qualities that really stand out:  1. Exceptional love and empathy for people.   2. An effective ability to tell stories that relate to scripture and live application.  3. An ability to discern and minister to the needs of people.  To both relate and devote time to listen and be available.  4. Get involved in things that matter to people.  5. Demonstrate love and patience and wisdom in life – be the example of Christ.  6. A humble spirit.  7.  A deep relationship and devotional life that energizes and empowers passion for ministry and God’s anointing.  8. Discernment in dealing with problems and sin in others as well as in family and community. 

Study and hard work are needed to prepare for ministry but nothing can prepare us for ministry more than a daily and continual relationship and fellowship with Christ.  Truth is we all have a ministry we are called to do.  A ministry in our community and work place and home church. Being faithful to that ministry involvles demonstrating Christ in our live and conduct and decisions and conversation.  Being a person of integrity and being ready to share the reason for the hope we have in Christ is the secred to successful witnessing.  It may mean we will go years before winning someone to Christ, but it may mean one transformed life who will lead another and both will lead two more and so on.  The compounding effect of every Christian leading just one to Christ will transform a work in a few years.  We needn’t change the world ourselves and couldn’t if we tried.  Maybe that is why pastors get burned out.  They try to do it themselves.  If we leave the hard work to Christ and simply love people and listen and care for them, we will have greater impact.  Maybe if we spent more time praying, we would be able to hear Christ’s instruction while allowing His timing and preparation to be complete before we acted.

Truth is I have failed miserably more often than I care to admit but those times I followed this advice have made a big difference even though impact was often delayed and unnoticed for awhile.  

5/21/17                                      Common Courtesy                        21                          
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. 1 Peter 3:8

SCRIPTURE:  I CORINTHIANS 13:1-8  “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.⁴ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,⁵ Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;⁶ Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;⁷ Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.⁸ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

COMMENTS: We seem to be living in a time when morality, respect courtesy for others, patience and understand all seem to become rare.  News is full every day of hate and violence by individuals and by groups towards others.  As I look around in my own small community it still see people being neighborly showing respect and compassion towards each other.  I blame news people for deliberately only focusing on the worst of people and society and not willing to look for news that shows the best of people.  That rarely happens on the news but does once in a while.  However, I dare say acts of kindness and giving happen more often than we know and realize, for God is still influences those open to receive His council.  There is still a faithful remnant in the world.  God is still in control and preparing for  His return.

Well, evil is on the rise and satan is preparing for His final battle with God and we                                                 are in the middle. Persecution of Christians is increasing especially in muslim and non-democratic countries.  But even more alarming is Christianity is becoming less popular and respected in democratic countries by both government leaders and even by other people.  That shift is impacting integrity and quality of government and even ability to govern wisely. 

But our hope is not in government but in Christ.  We have countless examples in scripture to guide and encourage us.  But the examples of the early church in the  New Testament may indeed be our best guide as persecution of the Church gets worse as we approach the time Christ returns to rescue us.  We have that confident hope but a time of suffering and danger may indeed await us before that happens.  I have always been certain I would see that time before I die.  I am not so sure now as I get older but fear for my children and grandchildren.  Will they be equipped and ready for satan’s battle for their souls?  That is our daily prayer and longing as am sure is yours too.

5/22/17                     The Tendency of Inwardness                        22                         
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.   Philippians 2:3

COMMENTS:  Today’s devotion message  is by Wendall Woodall.  Wendall has Parkinson’s Disease and has written about his journey with that ailment in a book titled “Shuffle”.  His faith in Christ has driven him to reach out instead in inward.  He stated a big part of his life and therapy is volunteering in many ways and places.  He stated that Parkinson’s drives us toward smallness – small steps, small motions, and toward inwardness and privacy away from people and into isolation.  But he stated “just as I stretch out my fingers, I also stretch out my soul.”  Our humanity drives us to be a lover of self but our physical and spiritual health is linked to be a lover of God and other people.  He states “I intentionally look for ways to get out and serve others so that I’m not just focusing on me and my problems.  That’s why I volunteered.”  Wendall Woodall.                                                                                             I also have Parkinson’s and notice a tendancy to small steps and limited motion. Balance is also compromised as is getting easily tired.  But exercise and doing new things and stretching muscles physically and mentally all help minimize symptoms and improve stamina.   But  God has called us to share His good news of redemption to others.  To live as He lived and always be ready to give the reason for the Hope and Joy that resides in our souls.  The world needs Christ’s message and healing fellowship.  We need to share that message as much as others need to hear.  Sure many will refuse but some will be open and if we are faithful even those refusing will soften in time.  Reasons for resisting are many.  Some because of poor examples of those claiming to be Christian but don’t know Christ.  Others because they think they need to clean up their lives first instead of letting Christ do what He does best – cleaning us up.  Others resist thinking they want to enjoy sin awhile longer and put off repenting til closer to life’s end so don’t miss out on fun.  Well, nothing gives more joy than being in fellowship with Christ and we put ourselves at great peril to put off not knowing how much longer life will continue.  We have no guaranteed we will live to see tomorrow and many won’t.  The opportunity to come to Christ for mercy and forgiveness and redemption will not always be available.  No better time than now while God’s offer of forgiveness is still available to all who have life.  Once our lives are over, that opportunity is over.  Where we spend eternity is determined by our choice while living on earth.  Not choosing is making the wrong choice just as much as if we choose satan’s sinful deceptions directly.  Just as a Parkinson’s patient can choose to hide and be in isolation and not  stretch his muscles and mind and deteriorate physically and mentally quickly or choose to reach out and extended his health and strength and opportunities to live a normal joyful life, so we choose life or death by how we respond to Christ’s offer that He paid so dearly to provide freely to any and all who will simply accept it – the Gift of Salvation and an eternal relationship with Himself.                                                                                             5/23/17                     “Go and Do Likewise”                         23                         
Luke 10:30-37   “³⁰ And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.³¹ And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.³² And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,³⁴ And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.³⁵ And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.³⁶ Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?³⁷ And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”

COMMENTS: The story of the Good Samaritan is a familiar parable Jesus taught and often preached in pulpits and taught in Sunday Schools.  The example Jesus showed we should follow was not the one of a priest or of a levite but of a common Samaritan judged by Jews to be inferior or at least unrighteous by the Jews.  Jewish travelers would go out of their way to avoid going through Samaria.  But Jesus showed them, and us, that He loves the Samaritan people too and ultimately would die on the cross for them too.  Quite frankly, those of us who are not of Jewish decent are also Samaritans or a mix of Jewish and Gentile ancestry or worse, Gentiles with no  Jewish ancestry.  Well, even in the old testament there were many examples of pagans who converted and welcomed into the Jewish community. Ruth was a Moabite but became the grandmother of King David. 

God does notice the condition of our souls and our actions as well as thoughts.  He especially notices when we do acts of kindness when no one is looking or noticing without regard for credit or praise or reward.  To be kind and generous to those in need without any hope of repayment or praise from others is what we are all called by Christ to do and very well may be the most powerful and most effective way of witnessing we will ever have.  Scripture tells us to let our conduct be our witness but be ready to give the reason for the hope and joy we demonstrate in our lives.  In is our lives that will give credibility to our message if we are faithful to do His Will.

Being a hidden hero of someone is a responsibility you and have already have whether we realize it or not.  Are we demonstrating a God pleasing example or one that will hinder one from coming to Christ?   It is when no one is looking when we are really doing God’s Will or not.  When we do, He might just nudged someone to notice and be impacted by your good deed.  Therefore, since God does see and know everything we say and do and even think, by doing His Will even in secret, we are giving Him opportunity to use such obedience to reach others is ways we don’t realize but ways He will use to great good in the lives of others.  Someday we will discover what He has done and marvel and praise Him, but we might just not know until we get to heaven.  That will be ok, but it really doesn’t matter.  We need to be faithful because of our love for Him without motivation for reward or praise of others or even without knowing if we are successful.  Faith depends on trust more than evidence of reaching the goal. “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.”  William J. Toms                                          

 5/24/17                     “Loving or Loathing”                         24                           
Romans 5:1-5  “ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

COMMENTS: It is not only possible but inevitable we all will be angry with those we love, but can’t remain in that state if love is to survive.  Relationship require forgiving and healing.  Relationship requires giving up pride and desire to get even or punish offences.  Stephen forgave his killers (Acts 8:23) as he lie dying.  Personal relationships with others but even with God require not allowing bitterness and anger to be sustained towards those who offend or hurt us.  Forgiving them frees us to love and heal but also opens a door for God to heal and restore.  We hold anger towards offenders because we want them to suffer consequences so they feel the pain they caused to us the victim.  To forgive opens possibility they will be spared that pain and not be deterred to do offence again.  But we must consider what God has forgiven us of so we need not endure the consequences of our sins.  The suffering   He endured does not motivate Him cause us to suffer.  Yet His motivation is out of love and desire to spend eternity with us.

As we get closer to Christ, we begin to not only understand His motives and work but also begin to share and act and share same motivation and conduct.  We become more like Him and follow His plan not because we have to but because we want to realizing it is a plan to life and joy. 

 5/25/17                     “Be Not Provoked ”                         25                            [Love] is not provoked. 1 Corinthians 13:5b

SCRIPTURE:  EPHESIANS 4:26-27  “²⁶ Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:²⁷ Neither give place to the devil.”

COMMENTS:  We are told at a young age to avoid dangerous animals and situations. Don’t poke a sleeping bear or kick over a hornet’s nest or play with fire.  We should not provoke others to anger nor allow ourselves to be provoked to anger, which will drive us to say and do things we will later regret.  Love is patient, which means it will not allow us to be easily provoked to anger.  Anger is a choice, as are choices anger will drive us to make once we give in to anger’s passion.  We are told to choose carefully when tempted to anger.  Like pride, anger can blind us to wise choices and only make poor choices visible to us.  Why?  Because blinding us and makes us deaf to God’s voice is what satan works hard to do and can only do that if we let him.  When he blinds us to God’s presence and council, we will only hear his temptations, resulting in becoming defenseless because we have chosen to ignore God.  Satan is no match for God but we are no match for satan when fight him alone.  The old saying “God will not allow us to bear more than we can endure” is only a half truth.  We need the other half to be true.  The other half is “with His help”.  The complete truth is “God will not allow us to bear more than we can endure with His help!”   We forget the latter part and wonder why we fail in fighting temptation and control our tempers and sharp tongue.  Regrets are ultimately the result.  Experience reminds us that is true but every time we fail that memory escapes us and we repeat old sins and mistakes only to later wonder why we did it again.  Well, we need to know our enemy as we need to know our God.  Maybe we need to paste a note on our sleeve to remind us to run to God first the next time we feel anger welling up in our souls.  Think and write down the steps that progress to sin and go to God in prayer first when start to see yourself going through those steps again.  God so wants to help us break that cycle of sin.  But He is a gentleman and will not force Himself on us uninvited.  We must seek His help first and then He will rush in to take over the battle with satan.  I guarantee you satan will run when you call in reinforcements. 

Well, I do not follow this advice and council as often as I need to, but times when I do, I always see a better outcome.  God’s goal is to be in relationship with you and me and for us to also be in relationship with each other. 

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-13 “⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?¹² And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.¹³ Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.” God so wants to be that second cord to us but also wants us to support and make each other accountable to be the third cord for each other.  How often does God’s help come to us from others.  Why is that?  Could it be so we can not only make each other stronger but together be in fellowship and relationship with God more strongly together than separately too?  I passionately believe so.  When we try to overcome temptation alone, we set ourselves up for failure and God doesn’t intend nor desire for us to fight temptation alone.  We first need to seek His  help but also to be open and look for those who He will make available to us to help too.

In ministry all too often we try to do God’s work alone.  The result will ultimately be burnout and being overwhelmed to the point of giving up.  The need will be more than we can bear and resources needed far more that we have.  Well, God’s timing is perfect but too often seems late to us, especially when we don’t wait for Him.  We need to wait for reinforcements before acting even on good choices we make.  Waiting for reinforcements whether those reinforcements are other people or God’s guiding spirit, but best when are both.  

This message is a reminder to me because I need reminded daily because I tend to forget and run ahead of God before realizing I’ve done so.  I suspect you have that same tendancy and need reminded too.  Maybe we need to remind each other so we can be that third cord for each other.  AMEN?  AMEN!                                          Temptation provokes me to look upward to God. John Bunyan      

 5/26/17                     “A Clean Rap Sheet”                         26        
Love . . . thinks no evil. 1 Corinthians 13:5b

SCRIPTURE:  COLOSSIANS 2:13-14  “¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”

COMMENTS:  A rap sheet is a record of criminal arrests and prosecutions, but centuries ago referred to a punishment of  a “rap on the knuckles” or a form of “spanking” as a form of punishment for an offence.

God keeps a “rap sheet” on us until we accept His gift of salvation – the gift that erases all our sins with His own blood.  The permanent record of all our sins is erased completely and permanently when His blood erases them and available to any and all who will simply accept this gift. 

Ephesians 4:32 “  ³² And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

I John 4:8,16  “⁸ He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.¹² No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.¹³ Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.¹⁴ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.¹⁵ Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.¹⁶ And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

COMMENTS:  God no longer keeps a record of our sins, our failings, our wrongs when we let His cleansing blood wash us.  The relationship we then have with Him goes both ways.  His love for us and our love for Him bonds us closer together and enables us to be like Him and do His Will, which includes loving others too.  Forgiveness gives us life and joy and purpose.  Forgiveness enables God through us to give life to others too.  Forgiveness.   When we refuse to forgive others, wanting them to endure some suffering they imposed on others or on us, we are also walking away from the protective shelter God has over us.  The harm we do ourselves by not forgiving is far worse than we  are intending to impose on those we refuse to forgive.  By forgiving we are not condoning sinful and hurtful behavior.  Instead we are trusting God enough to let Him fulfil His will and plan on those who have done harm to us or to those we care about.  Trusting God enough to let His Will be done instead of ours is key.  Just as Jonah had to trust God to deal with his arch enemy, the Ninevites, and allow they too to choose God’s grace and forgiveness, so must we.  Jonah enduring a nightmare for 3 days before repenting of his hatred for those who hurt and killed many he loved.  Who do we hold grudges against or anger against?  What offences do we remember and affect our relationship with others?  How does such affect our relationship with our Lord and Creator and Savior?  Forgiveness isn’t an option, it is a command.  A command to life and joy and freedom.  A command to forgive…
Forgiveness is God’s command.     Martin Luther                                                                    

5/27/17                     “When Not to Rejoice”                         27                     
[Love] does not rejoice in iniquity.   1 Corinthians 13:6a

SCRIPTURE:  ROMANS 12:9-16  “⁹ Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.¹⁰ Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;¹¹ Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;¹² Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;¹³ Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.¹⁴ Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.¹⁵ Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.¹⁶ Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”            COMMENTS:  Being a Christian is all about being in relationship with God while also being in relationship with others.  God has the ultimate goal of being in relationship with you and me while also being in relationship with others.  His relationship and interest and attention to us is not diminished because of equal attention to others.  But how and when He responds to our needs and prayers is affected by how answering them will affect others.  Only He can orchestrate a perfect response that best meets the needs of all.  The above scripture reveals to us how God thinks and wants us to think.  To put others ahead of ourselves and show compassion to others instead of meeting our needs at cost to others.  Love does not rejoice in misfortune and failings of others but in God’s blessings to others even when we are enduring pain or suffering or loss or disappointment.  When is the last time you were able to listen and respond to another while struggling with personal distress?  When is the last time something wonderful happened to you but restrained expressing it because another was suffering.  Instead you focused on their problem and rendered support and focus on their need first. 

Why is it so important to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep no matter what our state of mind or condition is?  Why did Christ have compassion on us no matter if going through the best or worst situations, including enduring great temptation in the wilderness or consequence for our sins on the cross?  Could it be the relationship we have with others is that important and that vital to the wellbeing of others as well as ourselves?  Could it be our relationship with God is also dependent on our relationship with others?  Could it be other’s relationship with God is affected by our relationship with them?   

Next time you and I think our relationship with our family or neighbors or even strangers is a distraction to our relationship with God, maybe we should reflect on this scripture and consider how God wants to use us to draw someone closer to Himself while drawing closer to you and me.  Yes, we all need daily alone time with God.  Even Christ needed time alone with the Father to refresh.  But our relationship with God is not complete in isolation only either.  Our relationship with God will guide our relationship with others if we simply stop and listen and obey…

5/28/17                     “The Strength of Love”                         28                     
[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7

SCRIPTURE:  II CORINTHIANS 4:7-12  “⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;¹⁰ Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.¹¹ For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.¹² So then death worketh in us, but life in you.”

COMMENTS:  It is human nature to grow accustomed to things and people we depend on greatly.   The car that always gets us where we need to go without  failing to start or function.  Our wives or husbands that are faithful and do so much for us and who we depend on each day and who love us even when we are not very loveable.   The jobs that provide a steady income and safe place to work.  Friends who we trust and provide support both emotionally and make us feel wanted and of value.  Our country which provides a safe and pleasant place to raise a family and live.  The many people who protect and help us faithfully – firemen, policeman, nurses and doctors, teachers, pastors and our church families, …  The list goes on.  We have so much to be thankful for.  But how often do we take them all for granted and are even unaware or think about them until we need them?   Too often!!

Then what about God?  Consider how much He does for us each and every day without exception.  The sun comes up without fail and gravity holds us down consistently without exception. We have more than enough air to breath and food to eat.  We think we earn money or work in our gardens to acquire food, but who makes plants grow and bear fruit?  The laws of physics and nature that we trust and rely on so our senses that guide us to know when to apply brakes in our car and steer our cars and maintain balance to walk and sound waves to hear and understand who and what is around us.  The list goes on.  God provides for us like none other and cares for us like none other faithfully day after day 24×7 without fail.  Yet how often do we take time to stop and worship and praise Him and simply to thank Him for all He has done and continues to do.  We only need to look around especially in the spring to notice how much of what we enjoy and depend on He does without any human help or involvement.  We only notice what we do or a few things others do that look and sound nice to us.

Well, gratitude is a important ingredient to enjoying life and having a long and healthy life.  Gratitude is good for our health both physically and spiritually.  Those who are grateful tend to live longer and enjoy life and be more loved and respected by others than those who fail to give and be grateful. Those who feel entitled are more miserable and angry than those who believe they receive undeserved blessings.  God doesn’t want us to be angry and miserable.  He wants us to enjoy life and be fulfilled.  AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE TOWARDS OTHERS AND TOWARDS HIM IS VITAL TO LIVING A LIFE LONG AND HEALTHY AND ENJOYABLE.  GRATITUDE EMPOWERS US TO LOVE AND GIVE AND BE LOVEABLE.  GRATITUDE IS WHAT GOD CALLS US TO BE AND DO.  WE CAN NOT LOVE IF WE ARE NOT GRATEFUL  GRATITUDE IS THE GATEWAY TO LOVE BUT EVEN MORE TO OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CALL AND WILL.  THE GATEWAY TO LIFE…

5/29/17                               “The Power of Love”                         29                         
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

SCRIPTURE:  ROMANS 5:6-21“⁶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.⁸ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:¹³ (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.¹⁴ Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.¹⁵ But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.¹⁶ And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.¹⁷ For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)¹⁸ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.¹⁹ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.²⁰ Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:²¹ That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord..”

COMMENTS:  One thing I notice especially in churches in poorer countries and communities in Africa and India and China and surrounding areas is how much the Christ’s redeeming message is loved and appreciated by those who have accepted Christ.  They don’t grow tired or used to the message or the impact it has made in their lives.  But it is easy in the USA, where freedom to worship is the greatest and persecution is the least, to grow indifferent to the Gospel message and impact it makes.  It is easy to enjoy the blessing and life it brings and forget the misery and suffering rejecting that Gospel brings.  But we all need only read the news and notice how many live in our communities to realize the huge impact Christ makes in the lives of those who receive His grace and allow the  Holy Spirit to dwell in and guide them.  Christ did not leave us alone.  The Holy Spirit does what He could not do as a human living on this earth before His resurrection.  The Holy Spirit can and does live in each believer at the same time but guides and influences each believer individually and uniquely at the same time.  The Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Holy God Trinity, is a gentleman and will not enter or guide without being invited and will step aside if invitation goes to evil forces and temptations.  But warning and ready waiting willingness to lend a helping hand is always available to every believer. As a believer, we have available to us great power.  Power to love as He loves.  Power to forgive as He forgives us.  Power to refuse temptation as Christ resisted temptation.  Power to live a Christ like life if we only let Him help us.  When we fail, it is not His failing but our failing to seek His  help.  Our failure to look from the temptation and to Him for help.  “Our response to temptation is an accurate barometer of our love for God.” Erwin W. Lutzer.   AMEN, how we treat temptation does reflect on how much we love God.  Truth is, when we yield to temptation we are not thinking much at all about God.  We forget Him and satan is very good at making temptation louder than God’s still small voice saying “I am here, do you want me to help you?”.  Put a reminder places you will see it so when you feel temptations pull, you will be reminded to turn to God seeking His help. He is there ready and willing and certainly prepared to fight you battle for you.  When we fail and pride and anger and passion overcome us, God is also willing to forgive but we still need to ask. But so much better is going to Him first before temptation becomes too strong and we are enamored with it’s intoxicating deception and power.  If we fail, we have a advocate ready to forgive and renew, but so much better to defeat temptation.  Each temptation defeated makes us stronger.  Each temptation we yield to makes us weaker.  I want to become stronger, not weaker.  How about you?  Exercise and work make us stronger even though it causes pain and isn’t pleasant at times.  The satisfaction of completed work and tasks is worth the work endured.  So is our struggles with life’s temptations not matter how small or big those temptations seem.  Each temptation defeated makes satan weaker in our lives too and God stronger and more real in our lives too.  Such benefits and blessings far outweigh any short term pleasure or appeal temptation promises but never delivers.                                                                                       

 5/30/17                               “Never-Ending Love”                          30
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.                                           1 Corinthians 13:8

SCRIPTURE:  I JOHN 4:9-11  “⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

COMMENTS: Love is God’s gift to us and the most important gift He has given us the capacity to experience and share.  Love is the gift that empowers healing and life and joy and hope.  Love is the most powerful force for good and blessing.  Love is God’s design and gift to us.  But satan has distorted and imitated love as his way of trying to destroy God’s design of love.  God’s Love is unselfish and is both motivated and executed in acts of kindness for wellbeing of those being loved.  Satan’s love is motivated by disgust and hatred both for God and the objects of his design since satan’s love is indeed only lust motivated by hate and self pride. Satan’s form of love brings death but God’s love brings life.  I Corinthians 13:4-8 “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. “  This is what God’s love looks like and how it is demonstrated by those who share that love.  Satan’s love results in rapes, child and adult abuse, murders, thefts, adultery, divorce, … the list goes on.  So which is better?  Which love would you rather receive?  Which are you giving?   When will we see satan for who he is and give him the response he deserves instead of the response his deceptions make so appealing?  God is a gentleman and will not come into and guide us uninvited, but satan is no gentleman and will force or sneak his way into our hearts in any way that works.  He has had thousands of years over countless generations of people to sharpen his sinister skills so we have no defense against him alone.  But God is there and ready to help if simply look to Him and ask for help.  Satan has no defense against God’s powers, so we need not worry about that.  Who are we going to listen to and follow?  That choice we must each make ourselves but made daily and will need to do so daily as long as we live on this earth.

God is eternal and so is His love!
God’s love will never fail you or cease to have a purpose. Because God will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5), neither will His love!
“No matter what storm you face… God loves you. He has not abandoned you.”                Franklin Graham       

5/31/17                               “Thy Sweetness, Lord”                          31
Matthew 6:8-13  “⁸ Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”  COMMENTS:  Bible teacher F. B. Meyer has shared his struggle with temper as a youth.  A Christian man told him to pray every time he was tempted.  He followed that suggestion and made it a lifelong practice with great success.  Truth is, satan can only drown out God’s guiding voice to us or cause us to forget to seek God’s help if we let him.  Likewise, satan has no defense or is any match to God’s power and capability.  Likewise, when we seek His help, our Champion will quickly go to battle for us defending us with sufficient focus and determination to make satan flee. Well, the danger is greater when we get to the point we want satan’s temptations more than God’s help.  That too is satan’s deceptions and tricks.  It is then we must be disciplined to take the path to life and not death.  To redemption and not judgment.  To making an eternal positive impact on others and not regrets.  As F. B. Meyers, we will have such a struggle with temptation all our lives, but each temptation can be a step to a stronger relationship with God if we choose wisely. 

Today marks completion of another monthly journal.  This month was noteworthy for me for many reasons, but most significantly was experiencing and recovering from a garage fire that happened on May 8.  A day I hope will never be repeated but so grateful for God’s protective hand keeping us and those who came to put fire out safe in the midst of real danger.  We are so glad damage was limited to garage and items in garage and apartment damage was limited and one renter’s car so any hardship to renters was also limited.  So glad those who suffered loss had coverage by insurance too. 

But such experiences remind us just how much we depend on Christ’s protection and guidance and how foolish we are when we allow our relationship with Him to lapse and allow distance between us and Him to grow.  That only happens when we neglect Him and turn our eyes from Him.  He never turns from us, it is always us turning from Him.  That is a foolish and  dangerous thing to do, but He is always there waiting for us to turn back. 

I invite you to read and use my blog as a source of encourage you and ministry.    You may access it at https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com.                                                                 

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