Like A Shepherd

 

When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34

People who are seeking Jesus and those who are new Christians sometimes have an unbelievable number of questions. Some of which seem so simple that we may view them as questions for which anyone would know the answer.  We need to treat these people like new born babies in the faith and patiently answer their questions with the truth of the Gospel.

Compassion costs nothing and does much to further the Gospel.

Change Your Life

 

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf….

Therefore, if anyone one is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 17

The very idea that one action can change your life for the good seems almost ridiculous.  Yet, here it is.  God's pledge to us that if we accept His Son, Jesus, as our Savior and acknowledge that He died once for all of us, that all our sins are forgiven and we are made new.  

We can start over, free of the weight of our past mistakes and bad conduct and work through Christ to live better lives.   

And, behold new things will come. 

We Might Have Hope

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

We tend to think of much of the Old Testament as being a history of past events. Which it is, but the Old Testament also brings us encouragement as we read over and over again how God met the needs of the Israelites.  

God who helped David defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and who answered with the fire from heaven when Elijah called on Him (1 Kings 18), is the God we serve today.  

This hope we have: When we call on God, He will answer.

Humble Yourselves

 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

James 4:10

When we have a big or not so big accomplishment, we feel pretty good about ourselves.  We like to think we did it and we are rewarded because we did it.

However, we do nothing without God's help.  God has a hand in everything we do and everything we accomplish.  Sometimes, we are blinded by praise we receive from people and forget to thank people who helped us and God for His help.  

Being humble means that we are not glory hogs, but readily admit that all we accomplish is because God set things in motion and sent the right people to help us at the right time and thank those people and God for His blessing of our work. 

So, when things go right, proclaim your reliance on God and thank Him for blessing your efforts.   

Everybody Is Doing It

 

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

"Everybody is doing it" is often a defense for doing things that may not be good for us or others.  

However, we need to seriously consider that if everybody is doing, we probably should not be doing it. This can be a hard lesson. Peer pressure is everywhere. Little temptations can grow up into big ones, like gambling or excessive alcohol use or cheating on our spouse.

All of it has the same ugly result – destruction of our good life.

Jesus loves us so much that He is willing to offend us by pointing out our wayward ways and leaving the narrow gate open for us.  Go through it. 

Be Strong And Courageous

 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

We say: “We are not afraid.” But the truth is we are. 

When life throws us a curve ball and we do not know what to do, we are afraid.  Afraid that we will make a wrong decision, afraid we will not be able to bear the financial cost, afraid that our friends and family will not support our decisions.  We are afraid and rightly so.

Even so, we can do that which we need to do knowing that God is with us.

Be strong and courageous.   

Doing What Is Honorable

 

For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.

2 Corinthians 8:21

Sometimes when we are right about something we run rough shod over the feelings of others.  

I think what Paul is saying here is that it is good to be right and do the right thing but we also need to consider how we go about what we are doing.  

Perhaps in these situations it helps to explain our ideas and actions and why they line up with Christian principles.  

In this way, we can do what is right and help appease the doubts others have regarding our actions.

In this way, we can work to do what is honorable in the Lord's sight in a manner that is peaceable.   

Self-Control

 

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Proverbs 25:28

We all have times when we lack self-control and are quick to make judgements or decisions or we say things which can come back to cause us or others grief.

While we may think that this lack of self-control is not a big deal, we need to consider that if we take a little more time thinking before we act the results might be better and better reflect our Christian values.

So, when we have the urge to act in a flighty manner, we need to remind ourselves that our feeling at the moment may not be our feelings after we contemplate the potential fall out from our words or actions.  

A little self-control goes along way when is comes to good decision making. 

 

Be Ready

 

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 

2 Timothy 2:4 

Are you ready?  We can be ready by studying the Bible and thinking about how the scriptures relate to every day life.  By learning a few key scriptures we can be helpful to people in a variety of situations. 

You never know when an opportunity will come to share the Gospel.  Be ready. 

God Will Answer

 

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

Even before we know what we need, God is already working on it.  God is intimately acquainted with us and our lives.  

While we are fretting and not knowing what to do next, God has already arrived at the solution.  It is because He cares for us, that we can rest assured that everything will be alright.

Remember, God answers before we call. 

Chosen

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

This declares that you are chosen by God for His purposes.  Everyone called by God is called to proclaim God's goodness and mercies.  We are not to cower in fear, but to claim our rightful place as God's ambassadors to the world. 

Go and share the Gospel. 

 

Be Patient With Everyone

 

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

The Apostle Paul instructs us that we are not just to go along to get along when we see Christians behaving badly, but that we should in kindness correct those who need correcting and help those who are struggling in the faith. And, that we should expect the same from other Christians.

We are not being a friend to other Christians, if we do not help them when they need help, be it correction or encouragement.

Say something and help a brother or sister in the Lord.

Walk By Faith

 

For we walk by faith, not by sight….

2 Corinthians 5:7

We don’t need to know where God is taking us; we trust Him that in the long run everything will be for the best.  

 

Be brave, God is on your side. 

Rough Waters

Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away.  After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.  But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”

Matthew 14:22-32 

The disciples were out in a boat, a long way from shore and the sea was rough and they were afraid.  

Then Jesus came to them, walking on the sea and calmed the rough waters. 

That is the way it is with God, when we are afraid, He is right there with us to see us through whatever difficulties we face.

Pray, trust God.    

The Good Book

 

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is our owner’s manual.

God did not call us and then leave us to our own devices to figure out what we should do. God gave us a guide for living and serving Him.

Read the Bible for comfort, for direction, instruction, and a revelation of God’s never ending love. 

The good book is good for you. 

Overcome Evil With Good

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:19-21

This is totally contrary to the way we humans think about people who mistreat us.  We want revenge.  

But that is not what Christians are to do.  We are to take a step back and wait and find an opportunity to do something for them.  In showing kindness we show the love of God to people who need to see it and feel it. 

Kindness costs us nothing and does much to further the Gospel.   

Empathize With Others

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 

As Christians we are to empathize with others, that is to feel what they feel emotionally.  While we like celebrating joy for others, it is more difficult when we feel their sorrow.

This means that it is not always other Christians who we are empathizing with but also unbelievers who need someone to see them as they are - happy or hurting or alone.  

This can be a heavy burden to bear, but it also does much to further the Gospel.  Those who we standby in the tough moments in life can come to understand the love of God for them.  And, in this too we grow more aware of the greater importance of our role as Christians.   

So, when the opportunity arises for us to show the love and compassion of God to others, we can embrace the moment and join with them in their joy or sorrow. 

The Gifts of the Spirit

 

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;  to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

For the body is not one member, but many.

1 Corinthians 12:4-14 

The gifts of the Spirit are given to Christians as God sees fit.  We are no better or more valuable than another Christian based upon the gift which we receive.  God has designed His church as a body of believers whose work supports one another in furthering the message of the Gospel.  

If you are not sure of what your gift is, pray and examine your ministry in the Church and realize whatever that gift might be, that God has given you something special which is your ministry to others.  

Your gift is for the common good. 

The Gentleness of Wisdom

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

James 2:13-18

We all think we are smart, but this scripture warns us to consider our motives when we are trying to get things done.  The question is:  Are we working for our own gain or are working to best serve the needs of others?   

This is not to say, that we are not to consider our own needs, but to consider if our wants and desires are detrimental to other people.  Sometimes it is a matter of how we go about getting things done.

That being said, we are to strive to be peaceable, gentle, reasonable and show mercy to foster a spirit of peace in our actions. 

In this way, we further the work of the Gospel by making peace. 

God's Promises Are For You

This is what the Lord says, He who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
‘Do not fear, Jacob My servant,
And Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 

For I will pour water on the thirsty land
And streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring,
And My blessing on your descendants;
And they will spring up among the grass
Like poplars by streams of water.’

Isaiah 44:2-4 

All of God's promises are for you.   

When we asked Jesus to be our Savior, He took away our punishment for sin and turning away from God, but God left for us all His promises and blessings from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.  

That is why we can be encouraged every day by reading the Bible.  God's promises are to us and for us, so that we will not be discouraged but be uplifted in our faith knowing that no matter what God is on our side. 

Know this:  God will pour out His blessings on you and your family. 

We Are Blameless Before God

 

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

Colossians 1:21-23

This puts the kibosh on thinking we are not good enough to serve God.  No one is perfect and everyone has done wrong things.  Yet, in spite of this, God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus to reconcile us to Him.  God holds us blameless.  

We are freed from our pasts, and are party to the promises of God and are to continue steadfast in the hope of the gospel. 

The Power Of The Gospel

As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening.

But many of those who heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

Acts 4:1-4

When Peter and John set out to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they had no idea what would happen. They believed in the power of their message.

Even when they were arrested and put in jail, the power of the message took hold and many came to believe in Jesus.

We should not grow discouraged because the outward signs may indicate that the message of the Gospel is being rejected, because it is not the outward signs which reveal the power of the Gospel, but the inward changes in the hearts of men, women and children. 

The power of the Gospel is unstoppable. 

 

God Understands Us

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

When everyone else runs away - God runs toward us.

God understands that we are humans and that we are weak and needy.  But God is strong and forgiving and will always stand with us to strengthen us and help us through the tough times.

Don't give up.  Give God a chance to work for you and be comforted by His grace.

  

God's Blessings Are Chasing You

 

“Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.  All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God:

“Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

 "Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.

“Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out...."

Deuteronomy 28:1-6 

God promises His blessing will chase us and come upon us and overtake us.  

God's blessings are chasing us!   

How about that! 

Who You Were, Who You Are Now

 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:1-10 

Think about this.  God took us as His own not because we were good, but because He is merciful.

And, His mercy is so great that we are now worthy to be seated in heavenly places with Jesus in the ages to come.

We belong to God and He to us.   

 

Your Work Has A Purpose

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Our work as Christians has purpose.  We may think that because we do not see the results we want, that we should give it up and do something different.  But that is not the way God works, whether you are preaching from the pulpit or in the street or handing out food to the needy or visiting the sick, your work furthers the spread of the Gospel and touches the lives of those who are outside of God's grace.  

It is not always those to whom we minister who come to know Jesus, but sometimes it is people who see our work that come to understand that Christianity is ministering to all people out of love for all people.   

And, as a result come to know Jesus.

So, do not grow discourage in your ministry - be steadfast and immovable. 

Bumps In The Road

 

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9

It is hard to believe that these words were written by the Apostle Paul, who was a Rock Star of the Faith. Paul wrote most of the New Testament. He spoke with great authority to Christians regarding the teachings of Jesus and the application of the Word of God to everyday life.

Yet, here he is, Paul the Apostle, confessing that he has an affliction which is so big that it humbles him. Some theologians’ think Paul may have lost his eyesight, others think that he had a difficult wife, but no one knows for sure what the affliction was. We do know it interfered with his daily life and his ministry.

Paul’s affliction made him feel like less of a Rock Star of the Faith and more like a regular person. It humbled him.

We too may have afflictions which interfere with our Christian ministry to others. We may have a bad marriage or bad kids or a bad financial situation or a physical ailment or limitation. No matter what the circumstance is that humbles us, we still are filled with the power of God.

 

Our Eyes Are On You

 

"...We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

2 Chronicles 20:12

The Israelites had a lot of trouble.  They were continuously attacked and harassed by their enemies.  They were a people adrift.  This was the prayer of the Jehoshaphat when they were being attacked.  

Life can throw many difficult situations at us and sometimes we do not know what to do.  When this happens, we can pray this prayer and know that God hears us and will direct us to the right thing to do.   

When we don't know what to do, God is with us preparing the way for us.  

Who Will Separate Us From The Love Of Christ?

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or peril, or sword? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:35, 37-39.

If there is a Bible verse which gives us the courage to say “so what” when things go wrong, this is it. Great or small, there is nothing in life that can remove us from the love of God. The Bible is full of stories of people who made mistakes, who God loved and redeemed. From Moses who argued with God that he could not lead the people of Israel to the promised land (Exodus 3-4) to the Apostle Paul who held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen (Acts 8:54-60) God has revealed His unchanging and uncompromising love. His desire is for us to declare Jesus to be Lord, Master and Savior of our lives, and to bask in His unconditional love.

Hallelujah!

 

Thankful

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! 

Psalm 100:4

Sometimes we think we have nothing to be thankful for and it is at those times we need to thank God for the hard times.  When we are lacking or feel unloved we are still blessed by God's unfailing love for us.  We know that when things are at there worst, God is at His best.   

No matter what, we can trust God that He has a plan and that it will work for our good.  

And, even more, we can be thankful that God sent His Son, Jesus to redeem us and that God calls us His own.   

Raise your hand to heaven, and thank God for all He does for you every day. 

Proclaim the Gospel

 

While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself, touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”

And when He said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”

They gave Him a piece of broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them.

Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are the witnesses of these things.”

“And behold, I am sending forth the promise of my Father upon you, but you are to stay in the City until you are clothed with power from on high.”

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping Him returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God.

Luke 24:36-53

Jesus fulfilled His promise that He would return. His followers saw Him, recognized Him, ate with Him, fellowshipped with Him and were instructed by Him. There was no doubt that Jesus rose from the dead and was bodily human.

And, when Jesus returned what was His message? Jesus said that forgiveness and repentance for sin was through Him. He was and is the only way that mankind can be reunited with God.

Wars have been fought because of this of this proclamation, but that does not diminish the truth proclaimed by Jesus and by Christians: There is no other way to God, except salvation through Jesus Christ.

We do not apologize for our faith, nor do we deny others their right to believe what they will with regard to how they think they can be saved and reconciled to God.

But, we will proclaim the truth of the Gospel to all, so that no one can say, “I did not know that Jesus was the way.”

He Is Who He Is

I am the Alpha and the Omega,” Says the Lord God,

“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Revelations 1:8

God is who He is and there is no other.

 

Jesus Is Alive

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were perplexed about this, behold two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; and also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But these words appeared to them as nonsense and they would not believe them.

But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.

Luke 24:1-12

Jesus is alive. He overcame the power of death to make a way for us to come to God. We are no longer separated from God, but we are welcomed into fellowship with Him.

The power of the resurrection of Jesus brought us back to God.

A Man Named Joseph

And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the Kingdom of God; this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

And he took it down and wrapped it in linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain.

It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. They returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Luke 23:50-56

Jesus was gone. All that was left was the shell of His body. And, God sent a man named Joseph to care for the body and to bury it in a tomb.

Everyone saw it, everyone knew it: Jesus was dead. His disciples and followers mourned.

But that was not the end of the story.

 

The Punishment

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves….

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”  Having said this, He breathed His last. 

Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God saying “Certainly, this man was innocent.”

And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.

And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.

Luke 23:33-34, 44-49

Today is Good Friday.  Not because good things happened, but because on this day, Jesus, The Son Of God, was crucified - one man - for all our sins.  The ultimate sacrifice by God for our redemption.  

Now, we contemplate all God has done for us, and wait for Jesus' resurrection. 

The Same Arguement Over And Over

Now the serpent was craftier than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?”

The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees in the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it or you will die.’”

The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die.”

Genesis 3:1-4

It’s the same argument over and over, “Oh, come on, what is it going to hurt?”

Those who want to destroy our lives, think we don’t know what they are doing. But we do, and so we can give them the answer they don’t want to hear “No thank you.”

And, if we get too much heat for doing what is right, we can walk away. Walking away from evil makes a powerful statement.

It is better to be right with God than wrong with mankind.

 

Get Moving

 

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

Ecclesiastes 11:4

There is never a time when everything is perfect. There will always be things which can get in the way of us doing what God is calling us to do. If we always defer to difficulties or shortcomings, we will never do anything.

We can trust God that if He is calling us to do something, that He will take care of the things which are standing in our way.

The time is right and the time is now to answer God’s call.  Get moving.

All This Waiting Around

 

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:8-9

We are by nature impatient.  We do not like to wait. Waiting makes us worry.  Worrying makes us uneasy and sometimes crabby and sometimes sick to our stomach.  But what do we know about what God says about His time line?  

We know this.  God's time line is designed for the best for all of us.  Not just you or me - but for all of us.

So, while we wait, we can trust that God's plan is in action and it will result in a good outcome for us and others.   

Top Two Commandments

 

One of the scribes came and heard them arguing and recognizing that He (Jesus) had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is foremost of all?”

Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’”

“The second is, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:28-31

Imagine that, we are to love God and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Two simple commandments.  The first is easy but the second is difficult for us.  We all have people we do not like, yet God commands us to love them.  

I think what God has in mind is that good human relations result in a better world.  It is a tall order, but as we strive to love those who we don't like, we show those people and those around us the true meaning of being a Christian - not being right, but being humble and acknowledging that all people deserve to be loved and cared for.  

So, when someone rubs us the wrong way, instead of lashing out we can choose to say nothing or simply acknowledge their feeling and move on with hurling mean words.  

 

Palm Sunday

They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!"

John 12:13

Jesus did not hide from His enemies; He boldly came into the city and was received with joy and honor by those who had heard of His mercy and love and good works.

Jesus did this knowing that in only a few days everything would change and He would be charged, convicted and crucified for our sins.

Let us remember today that being a Christian is not about being comfortable, it is about doing what we are called to do by God. We may think that God requires a lot from us, but it is nothing compared to what He did for us when He sent His Son, Jesus, to deliver us from our sins.

Celebrate the love of God and boldly proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world.

 

The Best Fringe Benefits Package

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And all that is within me bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit,

Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion;

Who satisfies your years with good things;

So that your youth is restored like the eagle.

Psalm 103:1-5

When we go looking for a job, we look for good fringe benefits - health insurance, vacation time, a retirement plan and other goodies - that can make our life easier.  Good as these sound, they can not compare to the benefits God offers us.

We are blessed hundreds and hundreds of times by God.  Psalm 103's declaration of the benefits of serving God just touches the surface of all the things God does for us. The writer recognizes that even though our sins have been pardoned by God, we sometimes fall into sin and declares that it is God who “redeems us from the pit.”

And, when we are feeling tired and worn God will restore us.

God's offers us the best fringe benefits package, think about that.

The Greatest Among Us

 

But the greatest among you shall be your servant.  

Matthew 23:11

We see many people working to be number one, the best of the best, smarter than anyone else, rich and powerful, believing that these things will result in them being the GOAT - Greatest of All Time.  And, these people will not hesitate to tell you that this is their ambition and that anyone settling for less is just not working hard enough at life.

But I will tell you what I am seeing.  I have a family member who is recovering from a serious illness at a nursing home.  The people who work there are the hardest working people we have ever seen and they do their work with kindness and without complaint.  They are affectionate and caring.  They will not ever become rich or famous - but they are clearly the greatest among us.

When we encounter people who are serving us, be it the custodian who sweeps the halls or a fast food worker who brings our food or a cashier or a bus driver or any of a hundred others whose service makes our life easier, we should thank them for helping us because Jesus says they are the greatest. 

   

 

God Is With You

 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10.

When we face the unknown, it is only natural that we have some fear.  But God promises us that He is with us to encourage us and strengthen us.  God holds on to us.  

Be brave, God is with you.

Not Guity, Forgiven

 

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Just as a father has compassion on his children,

So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:12-13

We are a guilty people.  From the day we are old enough to understand, guilt is heaped upon us.  We are guilty of being selfish for not sharing.  We are guilty of talking out of turn.  We are guilty of running when we should walk.  We are guilty of calling in sick when we are not ill.  Even if we apologize and try to make things right, in the eyes of the many people, we are still guilty.

 

And, probably the worst guilt is the guilt we heap on ourselves because of our shortcomings of which we are all too aware. 

But when we come to God, He looks at us and says, “Not guilty, forgiven.”  God forgives our sins and He forgets them.  Our sins are gone forever, because God is compassionate. 

What we cannot get from man, God freely gives us through His Son, Jesus.  When we ask Jesus to forgive us and be our Lord, Master and Savior, God washes us clean of our sin and we are forgiven. 

Say Thank You

 

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:15

One of the first things we teach children is to say “Thank-you.” Yet, as we grow up the words escape us and we take things more and more for granted.

We sometimes get on this same bent with our worship. We pray for the world, our family, more money, and our problems, but we forget to take time to thank God for all our blessings.

Take a little time and raise your hands toward heaven and thank God for His mercy, His love, and all you have been blessed with. And, even thank God for your problems because problems give us an opportunity to watch God work in surprising ways.

Praise the Lord!

Get Over It

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

Can you picture a world where there is no road rage, no yelling at store cashiers, and no arguing about tooth paste tube lids?  Every day we are faced with petty annoyances, and every day we pop off at people because we think it will make things better.  And, what is the result?  We are angry, they are angry, feelings are hurt, and in the end all we have done is make stuff worse. 

 

We need to get over it and stop letting petty annoyances dictate how we react. 

The fruits of the Holy Spirit seem simplistic but they are packed full of life changing, life improving characteristics.  When we have the fruits of the Spirit we are less belligerent and more in control of our actions which translates into healthier personal relationships with others.    

Seek the fruits of the Spirit.

Be Kind, Be A Nonconformist

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Romans 12:1-2

Christians are the ultimate nonconformist. Our transformation allows us to be kind to those who are mean to us, to defend those who are unfairly attacked, to speak out when lies are told. to be merciful to those who are poor and those who least deserve it, and to show the love of God to the world in hundreds of ways. 

It is this unconventional, unexpected response by us that makes nonconformist.    

Shake things up, be kind. 

The Real Reality

 

Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored….  

 

Lamentations 5:21

Reality television is full of stories of extreme makeovers.  Old dilapidated houses are restored to contemporary dwellings.  Old cars are primed, painted, rebuilt and rolling down the road looking like the day they rolled off the assembly line.  People get haircuts, shaves, waxes, weaves, hairdos, made up, dressed up or down and transformed before our eyes.  It is all done in the name of entertainment, and in the end that is what it is nothing real just Hollywood entertaining us. 

The most extreme makeover we can make is to turn our lives around by asking Jesus to be our Lord, Master and Savior.  He alone can remove the stain of sin from our lives and restore us to the spiritual beings we are designed to be.   We are new inside and out and that is not reality television that is real reality.

 

Bear With One Another

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 

Ephesians4:1-4

The Apostle Paul was often arrested and put in prison for preaching the Gospel, but this did not deter him from ministering to others which he did by writing letters.

Paul urges us to to live life worthy of the calling we received and to treat one another with respect and dignity.  He is not injecting a lot of rules for us to follow only urging that we get along with each other in a bond of peace.  

This peace is possible because we share the common faith and baptism and worship one God and Father who is over us all.  

Not Just For Funerals

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 23:1-6

A month ago, while my husband, Chuck, was gravely ill, he recited this scripture.  It scared me because this scripture is frequently read at funerals. I did not realize that he was talking about hope, not death.  Through it all he remained a trooper.  

It was a long journey from the hospital to the care center.  His improvement has been slow but steady.  Every day, he is a little better.  We have learned to celebrate every victory.   

This being said, I now read this scripture not looking at death, but looking at life  and knowing that God is with us.  God comforts and blesses us, even when we are at our worst.   

I believe that the prayers of many have helped Chuck and me through this time and we are thankful.

Remember pray for those who are ill and pray for those in need and pray constantly. God hears and answers.   

 

 

Say Something Nice

 

Let us not loose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.  

  

Galatians 6:9.

Several years ago, my children attended a community Bible School.  They had a great time.  The last day I saw the Bible School director standing in the hallway with a trash bag. The woman looked disheveled and tired.  I stopped and thanked her for all her work and told her I thought she did a great job.  She looked surprised and said, “You know, I have heard complaints all week and you are the only person who told me I did a good job.” 

Nothing snuffs out a joyful worker like criticism.  When we are thinking of critiquing another Christian’s work, we need to use our brains before opening our mouths.  As Christians, we need to be sensitive to those people who are doing the work of Christ and encourage and thank them for their work.  A kind word to a weary worker is like big pay raise. 

It is always the right time to say something nice. 

God Has Boots On The Ground

When the king saw Esther, the queen, standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.

Then the king said to Esther, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.”

Esther 5:2-3

God always has boots on the ground to do His work. Sometimes it is surprising who is wearing them. Esther was a surprise.

Queen Esther saved the Israelites from sure destruction by bringing their fate to the attention of King Ahasuerus. She did this not by badgering the king or by creating disturbances, but by being a Godly woman who the King respected.

Keep the faith. God has boots on the ground looking after His people, including you.

 

Try a Little Tenderness

 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 15:1-2

We all know them. The people who think they know everything and let us know it. Sometimes they are totally wrong. It is then that we have some choices. We can publicly confront them and risk making them mad, or let them go on making an idiot of themselves, or follow the Biblical model and quietly speak to them about their error. Using gentle words might save us from getting beat up.

Try a little tenderness.