"There has got to be another way"

Matthew 26: 36-46

In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus faced difficulty when it was time for Him to submit totally to God’s Will. God did not require Jesus to perform miracles, preach, or even teach on this night. This night God needed Jesus to present His life as a sacrifice for the sins of world. Our Lord felt the burden of our sin and agony of if it’s sting. So much to the point that He looked to Heaven and asked if there was another way to perform God’s Will on this night, nevertheless He relented to God’s Will despite how He felt. He prayed two more times with the understanding that this was the Will of God for His life and He (Jesus) was willing to submit to God’s Desire.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord, we (just as Jesus did) submit to God’s Will and not our own. We submit to Him by u

nderstanding that we must abandon our need for personal glory so He may receive all the glory (John 3:30), much like John the Baptist. This means we live a righteous lifestyle of good works (Matthew 5:16) and sacrificial living (Romans 12:1). We are publicly performing good works that promote our faith in Jesus and we are privately living a life that honors God daily.

We believe and understand that God loves us (Romans 8:35-39) and the world (John 3:16) so we live life that shows our love of God and others (1 John 4:7-21) because God is love. So we are patient and kind; we do not envy or boast; we are not arrogant or rude. We do not insist on our own way; we are not irritable or resentful; we do not rejoice at wrongdoing, but we rejoice with the truth. We bear all things that pertain to God’s Will, we believe for God’s Will to be done in all things. We hope for God’s Will to be done in all things. And we are willing to endure all things pertaining to God’s Will. Because we firmly believe that God’s Love never ends and will not fail. So we gladly live a life of love because it helps others to experience His Love for them.

We live a life faith that is directed by His Word (Psalm 119:105) and His Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26, Proverbs 3). So we are dependent on God for direction in our daily lives. We courageously follow His direction despite where He may lead us because He is our Guide and we trust His plan (Jeremiah 29:11) we have submitted to His Will, We love Him, and we live a life of faith.

And lastly we live a new life. We know that our sins are no longer who we are because we have been crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). So we are now are new creation in Christ Jesus our Lord (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we are willing to submit to His Will, express His love, and please Him with our Faith.

Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

Get Jesus in Focus

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Who are you living for? Or better yet what are you talking about? If you carry the label of Christian how good are you at being God's Ambassador? We have been given a fearful and wonderful responsibility to tell the world about the Good News of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11, Luke 2:10-11). But how good are we at sharing that message? Do people know you got to church or do they kn ow you love the Lord by the way you live your life (Romans 12:1) ?

I know a lot of people who have some religious affiliation to Christ but sometimes I am unsure how sincere their faith is because of how the live their lives. Now I am not saying this judgement but merely an observation. It is like the husband frequents a strip club and has affairs. I know he is married but I ques

tion his love and devotion for his wife.

So if I proclaim that I know Jesus and love Him, then I want to live my life to please Him and Him alone (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Just like a married an stops dating because the love he has for his wife overrides his urge to seek love elsewhere.

As Christians we live for Christ, it is now up to us to help reconcile others to Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18). We need to let people know that their sins are not counted against them (2 Corinthians 5:19). Because we are here to speak to the lost for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We want others to know that Jesus died for their sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). But if are living for ourselves than what's the point? If we are only talking about ourselves or someone else than what is the point?

I urge you to refocus on living for Jesus and speaking about Him in a way that others will know that you have a relationship with Jesus and not just you go to church. Stay focused you can do this.

In His JOY!

???????????????????????????

Hebrews 11:1, 2 Corinthians 5:7

Time and life pulls on us all. It makes us question what we believe at times. But what are we to do when our eyes betray us? What do we do when our beliefs are in question and we unsure.

1) We pray and ask God to help us with our unbelief (Mark 9:24). It okay to have your cage rattled, you are human. But here is where confess our unbelief and ask the Lord for help to overcome it.

2) We listen to God's truth and not the lies of man, this increases our faith (Roman 10:17). We will listen to "foul mouth comedians", "crazy" preachers, "ungodly" music or even "negative" friends and we wonder why our faith wanes. Sometimes we need to get our ears checked and really focus on what we are listening to. So we read His Word, sing His Word, Pray His Word, and Confess His Word out loud.

3) And lastly we need to trust that God knows what He is doing (Jeremiah 29:11) and commit our way to Him (Psalm 37:5). When we fully give our lives over to the Lord although doubt may surface our faith in Christ will always overcome it. Because we trust Him to guide us with His Word instead of being guided by what we see, hear, or feel (Psalm 119:105).

Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

Early Christmas Gift

Luke 2:10-11

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11)

The Good News is that Jesus had come to die for our sins and God loves us (John 3:16, 1 John 4:10) The Great Joy is we can now be called Children of God and spend eternity with Him if we accept Him as our Savior (John 3:16, 1 John 3:1). This free gift is for All People (Romans 6:9-10) and not just a select few and there is nothing we can do to earn it (Romans 6:23) It is simply John 3:16 But let us not forget we are in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23)

Stay focused, you can do this.

In His JOY!

"Mountain Climber"

James 1:1-4 

In the Old Testament Moses was always climbing a mountain. He was climbing a mountain looking for a lost sheep but God caught his attention and spoke to Moses through a burning bush. It was here that God spoke to him for the first time (Exodus 3). 

He climbed again in Exodus 19 however this time God not only spoke to Moses, He gave Moses, His Holy and Precious Word. Moses was given the Ten Commandments and for the time in history a man held the very Word of God in His Hands. 

He climbed a third time but this time he wanted more than the usual. He had heard God Speak and held the Word in his hands. But this time Moses wanted to see God. Moses wanted to stand in the very presence of God and experience His Glory. He wanted something more than what he had experienced and was used to. Their relationship had grown from more than God and His Servant Moses; it had changed to God and His Friend Moses (Exodus 33:11 - 34:10). It was in this moment a covenant was renewed and an unique friendship was kindled. 

It may feel as if you have been going back and forth up this mountain in your life. And I am sure you have grown as Christian. Much like Paul you had a life changing moment of clarity where you realized who God was and His love for you (Act 9:3-6) and you where never the same. The funny thing you may not have been looking of for God but He was looking for you. 

And I am sure you found yourself climbing another mountain as time went on and God gave you His Word to stand on. And now you know His Word in a deeper and better way because you cam rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

But this may be your last mountain to overcome. Your moment where you say to yourself "How much longer Lord" or "Why am I back here again". But here I implore you, do not settle for the usual. Ask God for something more this time up the mountain. Come down different, changed, renewed, transformed, etc. Ask The Lord "Show me your glory", shift your focus for the person, problem, and seek to know Jesus. 

I guess I am saying do not let this experience change you but let God change you. So many times we focus so much seeking deliverance we forget God tells us to seek Him first (Matthew 6:28-34) Take this time to draw closer to God. Look beyond the situation and look to God. Crave to know Him more and experience His love and truth. Do not look at this as a mountain to climb but see it as a moment to experience God. This is why we count it all JOY! not because we are facing a mountain but because we are growing in Christ and growing closer to God (James 1:1-4). Stay focused you can, are, will, and shall do this! 


In His JOY!

"All aboard"

Proverbs 3:5-8

(v5)
God requires our entire dependence and unyielding trust be in Him. His Word is our assurance that whatever He speaks, promises  or proclaims to us in our lives will always come to pass (Isaiah 55:11). But to do this we must not rely on our understanding of the situation and the circumstances that surround it. 

(v5)
So we humble ourselves to the very Will and Way of God. Knowing that in His proper time He will bring His Will to pass in our lives. Thus we abandon our cares, worries, and anxieties because we are in His care now (1 Peter 5:6)

(v6)
So we acknowledge publicly and privately that the Lord is leading us and guiding us. When questioned by others, pressured to change course, or when problems bloom we still submit to God's Will. We are steadfast in our faith knowing that Lord is still guiding through the Light of His Word (Psalm 119:105), so we meditate on His Word day and night so that we are careful to follow His direction(Psalm 119:9-10).

(v7-v8)
And it is in this entire process that we see our wisdom as foolishness and God's as true genius. Our respect and awe of the Lord grows while our desire for evil dies. Because our lives have been transformed and our minds renewed, so others can see what God's perfect and acceptable will looks like (Romans 12:2). And now we gladly present our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) because in Him we are refreshed and renewed 

Friends I implore you to follow God's direction like a train does a track, and trust the conductor He knows where He is leading you. Stay focused you can do this. 


"In His JOY!"

Follow the plan

Matthew 16:13-23
"Who do you say I am?", is what Jesus asked the twelve disciples and the only one to speak up was Peter. Peter instantly responded "You are the Christ, The Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) Astonished and joyful Jesus quickly pointed out how God had reveled this to Peter and not some mortal man (Matthew 16:17) 

Jesus later goes on to tell Peter that "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) After this phenomenal moment Jesus begins to tell His Disciples that He must go to Jerusalem to suffer, be killed, and be resurrected (Mathew 16:21). Peter being concerned pulls Him aside and rebukes Him and says, "Far be it from you Lord! This shall never happen to you. (Matthew 16:22)" But

 Jesus looked at Peter and said "Get behind me Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. (Matthew 16:23)"

Wow! One minute Jesus is rejoicing with Peter for the things God has revealed to him and the next minute Jesus is rebuking the devil. Peter has just gone from being called a foundation rock to being called a stumbling block. I am sure Peter's head was spinning in circles.

But how often are we just like Peter. God reveals Who He is in our lives and we firmly believe that He is God and He is God. We attest and affirm that God is capable of doing any and everything He chooses to do. But it is when we hear the actual plan He has for us or someone else we are quick to say "Lord, not so, this shall never happen." It is here when we become a stumbling block to God's plan and at this point we need to be corrected. We cannot only accept Jesus for who He is we must also accept His plan and how He chooses to carry it out.

I enjoy how Christ made a distinction that Peter's revelation and faith came from God alone but Peter's doubt and unbelief in God's plan came form satan. Where are you friends? Has God revealed Himself to you, has He shown you that He is good and that He is God? Has He shown you that Jesus is the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isiah 9:6), Christ, Lord and Savior? But have you accepted His plan for you? Have you accepted that the plans He has for someone else's life may not be what you envisioned for that particular person? Or are you doubting the plan but still confessing you belief in God? Because you cannot do both. You cannot profess to believe Jesus with your mouth a rebel against His plan for you with your actions

Trust Jesus friends regardless of where His plans for you lead you or take you. Just trust Him. Stay focused, you can do this!

"In His JOY!"

"We are..."

Revelation 21:1-4, 2 Peter 3:11-13

We are a people filled with JOY! and excitement for what is to come. We are kids who our filled with anticipation of unwrapping a gift that is eternal and pure. We live each day longing to be with Jesus and dwell with Him forever (Revelation 21:3). We are not a people down trodden and filled with despair. We are not a people who are forgotten and cast aside.

We are a people who know mourning will cease, crying will halt, pain will be no more, and death will end (Revelation 21:4). We are a people who will have our thirst satisfied, life will be eternal. The debt for all this is paid in full (Revelation 21:6).

We are not not cowards, faithless, detestable, murders, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, or liars but we are those who accepted Jesus not only as the Savior of our souls but as Lord of our life. We are not perfect but we are forgiven.

We strive to live holy land godly lives and wait for the day of our Lord. We are different, and we embrace who we are in Jesus. We walk towards the light and press toward the mark, and forget what is behind us (Philippians 3:14). In this we continually rejoice. Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"All in"

"All In"

Daniel 3:16-18

Are you all in? Three Amigos in the Book of Daniel Chapter 3 faced a difficult choice. Worship a golden image of a man or be burned alive. In the face of such opposition the friends made a difficult choice. "God will deliver us, but if not we refuse to bow down (Paraphrased)", these where not concerned with the outcome. It did not matter whether they lived or died, all that mattered to them was that God would be glorified.

God's glory is more important than the outcome. Victory is God being glorified in my life. This does not mean that we do not pray for healing, health, life, etc. But it does mean our main concern is for God to glorified above all.

In Daniel Chapter 3 God delivered the Three Friends (Daniel 3:28). But in Hebrews 11:36-40 we read of people who did not receive the outcome that they desired. However this did not discourage them, they carried on and persevered all for the sake of the Gospel.

So what are you more concerned about, getting the victory you want are bringing glory to God by presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)? Meaning we live only to please Him and Him alone. Stay focused, you can do this.

In His JOY!

Perfectly imperfect

2 Corinthians 4:7

Christians are not perfect people. We are fragile people who constantly mess up and do wrong. Whether it is intentionally or by accident there is no such thing as a perfect Christian. But despite these imperfections God chooses to use Christians tell the entire world that Jesus is Lord and desires for all to know and love Him just He knows and loves them (John 3:16, Jeremiah

 1:5).

We are like jars of play-duh that have precious diamonds in them. Press them to hard and they crumble knock on them to hard and they fall apart. It is a very perplexing thing to think about. But oddly enough the Bible says we will feel the pressures of life and not be crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8) and if knocked down we will not meet our end (2 Corinthians 4:9).

A perfect God wants to use an imperfect being as His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). But have you ever meet the perfect person, someone who never messes up, someone who is always right and never wrong, etc. Because I know you are not perfect either. I know you mess up and make mistakes that you regret. I know that no matter how much you have tried you can never get over the hump.

But I am here to tell you that in my imperfections I have found my perfect God still loves me. I know that have disappointed so many people and even if they do not forgive me, My God does and He has. I know that love that will not die in time, a hope that will not fade due to circumstances, and a strength that increases daily.

So my question is what do you have? I admit I am not what you think I am but I know I am what God says I am? And to have what I have all you need to do is; Accept that Jesus died for your wrong, Believe that He is an alive and active Lord, and Confess that you have sinned.

Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

My Hope walked on water

2 Peter 3:9

There is hope for this world ad-mist all the grief that surrounds it (Proverbs 10:28). There is a real JOY that cannot be derailed by emotions (John 16:22). There is a peace that surpasses intellect (Philippians 4:6-7). And there is a strength that never grows weak (Romans 16:25)

But all these are only for those who dare accept Jesus. Although we mourn and grieve, we are assure

d that our mourning will end and our comfort will begin (Psalm 126:5). If tragedy strikes our hearts ache but our JOY remains (Nehemiah 8:10). We have Christ Peace within us despite the chaos around us (John 14:27). And we know the Lord will always renew our strength when we are emotionally drained (Psalm 27:14).

So I plead with you to accept Jesus. Understand that you have done wrong and admit it. Know that He died for your wrongs but believe that death could not contain Him. Allow him to be the Lord of your life by following Him. Take a chance and experience something that is true, pure, and good.

Stay focused, you can do this!

In His JOY!

Secrets of Abuse

Psalm 147:3, Luke 10:25-37 

Abuse is a real thing. Sometimes we close our eyes to it, we act as if nothing is happening, or we make excuses for the behavior. Much like the Preacher and the Deacon who saw an abused man and walked away (Luke 10:30-32) All the while the one who is being abused screams out for help to deaf ears and they lay in defeat (Luke 10:30) 

It is hard for someone to be

lieve that God loves them when they are being abused on a regular basis. They go to church and hear of a Heavenly Dream only to go home to a hellish nightmare. And they begin to question "God where are you"? The abused escape into a fantasy world where they flee reality and embrace the dream of freedom they yearn and cry for. 

God uses His people to take care of His people. He uses us to care for the those who have been abandoned, hurt, and ignored (Luke 10:33-35). The Good Samaritan cared for someone who had been abused. He expressed compassion and cared more for the abused man than he cared for himself. By stopping and getting involved The Samaritan's reputation was on the line, his personal safety was in jeopardy, and his time and money where lost. Are you willing to pay the cost to help the abused, just as the Good Samaritan did? Are will you simply pass by? Well Jesus tells us this is the cost He desires and commands for us to pay (Luke 10:37)

Christians cannot stand back and do nothing while we know abuse is taken place in a home. We are called to help and aid those in need. We not only offer prayer we offer service. 

We know of people who will let their children be abused because they fear if they do something their "soul mate" will leave them. We have families that keep secrets to maintain an image. Sexual, physical, mental, and verbal abuse does not glorify God. 

This does not mean we swoop in and try to destroy a family. By no means at all do we do this. We try to help restore, rebuild, and reshape a family for the Glory of God. This means we find good Christian Biblical Counselors who know the Word of God who can give guidance. It means we confront our issues for the sake of the Gospel and not for the sake of gossip. It means we forgive (yes, we forgive) and let healing being. It means we do not hold against it the abuser and we offer grace. Yes we extend the arm of grace. It means that our little cousins, nieces, nephews, sister, brother, etc. may live with us for a while. I am talking about humility, grace, and love.

It may mean you take a break and separate for a time (but this does not mean divorce). It may mean you own up to the abuse you caused and may face jail time. It means you final grow up and become an adult. I am not asking you to be a superhero, I am only asking you to be a Christian. Stay focused, you can do this. 

"In His JOY!"

Mercy triumphs justice

Matthew 18:21-35 

Here is a challenge for you, describe a person who does not forgive someone in one word....and the answer is WICKED! That is right someone who refuses to forgive is called wicked. 

When you read about the unforgiving servant a man owed an enormous debt to his master. His master ordered that the servant be sold along with his wife and children. And than on top of that the 

debt must still be paid. The servant pleaded with his master for more time to repay his debt. The master had pity on him and forgave the debt completely and released the servant. Total and complete forgiveness. How sweet is the notion of knowing that we are forgiven, it would have been wonderful if the story ended there but it goes on. 

The servant goes home rejoicing in his forgiveness. However he sees someone who owes him debt. Not mind you the debt was not as great as the debt the servant owed his master. The debt the servant owed his master could not be counted. But here we are, the servant demanding his small debt be paid off now! The debtor pleaded for mercy but the servant refused to hear his plea and had the debtor jailed until his debt was paid in full. 

Well the master was informed of what had happened and immediately summoned the servant to be brought before him. And this time mercy was not on the agenda. The master was furious and could not understand how someone who was forgiven so much could not forgive so little, how could they be so wicked and not show mercy? The master sent the servant to jail to pay a debt he could not afford. 

The Word reminds us in the end that God will treat those who refuse to forgive the same. He will treat them as a wicked servant.  This begs the question, are you the wicked servant who will not forgive? Are you unwilling to forgive someone? Are you so committed to holding on to your unforgiveness that you are willing to suffer Hell? 

Friends mercy will always triumph justice. Mercy overrides our feelings. Mercy does not need to receive an apology, it only needs to offer forgiveness. If you are so focused on receiving justice instead of giving mercy then God makes it very clear, He will do the same. He will not seek mercy on the debt you owe Him, He will seek justice and justice alone. Now I ask you is that a load or a burden you can bear on your own? 

But how do we forgive those who have wronged us. We forgive them day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, and second by second. We never stop forgiving. We study the Word and search the scriptures to understand forgiveness better. We pray for those who we feel we have wronged and openly forgive them. We contact those who have been on our "naughty" list and offer forgiveness. We focus on God's love instead of our hate. We become born again, made anew, transformed...in other words we become a Christian. 

Now is this easy? No! Is it tough? Yes! But does it show God's love? Yes! Does it bring God Glory? Yes! And friends that all that matters. Stay focused, you can do this. 

"In His JOY!"

Dying to live

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Death carries a heavy toll on the heart and mind. We try hard to fight off the feelings and the emotions that come from losing a loved one. We often try to mask the pain and ignore the injury. But the reality is death happens and comes for us all. 10 out of 10 people will die, it is something we cannot escape and something that we all face.

However for those who know Jes

us and long to be with Him, we embrace death because it is in our death we will finally wake up and experience true life (2 Corinthians 5:4). We know we are only "renting" these earthly homes we call a body. Because our true homes have been "bought" and paid in full. Our debt free homes are waiting for us in Heaven. (2 Corinthians 5:1)

And our home cannot be foreclosed on by the "bank of illness", it cannot be broken into and destroyed by our enemy, infested by worry, or rusted by time. Because our builder is our protector and His alarm system is our guarantee that the house is ours (2 Corinthians 5:5)

So we are in good courage, because we are the bride who is temporally separated from the groom. We are the prom date excitingly waiting for door bell to ring. We prepare ourselves to please our groom. We fix our clothing, clean our faces, and prepare our hearts for the eternal date that will begin never end (2 Corinthians 5:6-10).

So yes we may mourn for a while, we may cry and sob. But don't let our tears fool you. Don't let our anguish miss lead you. Because inside we rejoice. Inside we are celebrating. Inside pure JOY! is complete because we know where our sisters and brothers in Christ are. They are not in a casket, they are not in the ground, they are not here. For they are absent from us and present with our Lord! And this current suffering we are feeling is for outweighed by the future glory that awaits us (Romans 8:18).

Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

It's a choice you must make...and not a sign you need

Matthew 12:38-14, 16:1-4
The Pharisees and Sadducees consistently demanded a sign from the Lord. They wanted proof that Jesus was who He said He was. His Word was not good enough for them. And Jesus consistently called them an evil and adulterous generation for seeking a sign and not the Savior.

Jesus had performed many miracles. He healed people (Matthew 15:29-31) feed thousands (Matthew 15:

32-39), healed a man with a withered hand (Matthew 12:9-14), a paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8), a dead girl, a bleeding woman, two blind guys, and a mute man (Mathew 9:18-34). But the Pharisees demanded more.

Jesus professed that the only miracle and sign that was truly needed was the sign of Jonah. Jonah had suffered in the whale for three days and was good as dead but God restored him back to life (Jonah 2). In other words Jesus resurrections is the only sign that they needed, nothing more and nothing less.

What do you need Jesus to do in your life to prove that He is God? What is it that you are seeking for God to prove Himself to you? Some of us don't believe He lived, died, and came back. You want proof, you have heard the story but it is not enough. You want more.

Jesus made it clear the Resurrection is all the proof you need. Even if someone returned form Hell to warn you would not be enough (Luke 16:19-30). It is simply a choice you must make. You can choose to believe the Lord and live your life accordingly or you can choose to ignore Him and live life the way you see fit (Deuteronomy 30:15). It is not a sign you need because it has already been given. Instead it is a choice you must make, life or death.

Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"In Season, Out of Season either way...God's Good"

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 12:13
Ecclesiastes starts off by telling us in Chapter 3 that everything has a season, a moment, or a purpose and concludes in Chapter 12 by saying that the ultimate purpose of man is to fear God and keep His commands.

I have come to understand that in whatever season or moment I am currently in my life, I am to glorify God. It does not matter if I agree or disagree with the season of my life, the location, or the current circumstances surrounding it. All that matters is His Glory. And God receives glory when we allow Him to be Lord over our lives (fear Him) and live according to His Word and Will (Keep His Commands).

So hang in there and keep fighting the good fight no matter how complex the battle, so God may receive His Glory. Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"Help The Helper"

Romans 12:6

It is a JOY! to know that God has gifted his people with so many wonderful gifts and talents. Some of us seem to have an abundance of grace, some of us have a servants heart, others seem to have their ear on the heart of God and always have a "word of wisdom" from the Lord, there are those who encourage us greatly, others show forth great mercy or generosity, some are known for leadership, and some seem to overflow with mercy. 

But there are times I see those who use their gifts for the kingdom get backlash. The one with the gift of grace is struggles with perfection. Those with the gift of service struggle to say "no" when asked to volunteer for yet another church ministry and have no time for themselves. Those with the gift of prophecy always seem to "have a word" for everyone but themselves and are consumed at times by the doubt of "Does God hear my prayers?" The one who exhorts can encourage anyone but battles against depression. Those gifted with generosity wonder why do so few give to them when they are in need. The leader ponders "I am surrounded by the people I lead daily and yet I feel so alone" The merciful show mercy to others but fail to receive it themselves when they need it most.

What do we say to this. Just tell them, "Well it is a thorn in your side and God's Grace is sufficient enough" No, good try but it just lacks compassion. Or maybe, "Hang in there you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength" No, "A" for effort but lacks understanding. Or maybe we say "It's because you are in sin." No, just plain lacking.

As a Christian we stand by our brother and sister and encourage them in the faith. To the one who struggles with perfection, we encourage them to grab hold of God's Grace because they were saved through the gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8) and not the toil of their work. For the volunteer who cannot say no, remind that most important thing is not their service but Jesus (Matthew 10:38-42) and even Jesus took a regular break (Luke 5:16). To the prophet who is ridiculed by doubt, remind them that God hears them and will answer them (Psalm 138:3, Psalm 118:5, 21, Psalm 34:4). The one who struggles with depression, We say you are never alone in your battle (2 Corinthians 4:8, Deuteronomy 31:6) and you are always connected to God's love (Romans 8:39). God sees the faithful giver and will supply their needs (Philippians 4:15-19). Encourage the leader to seek out other Christian leaders and form a bond to discuss their concerns, tears, fears, and JOY! or be that person for them (Ecclesiastes 4:12, Proverbs 27:17). And for the merciful looking for mercy the Lord promises they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:17) and His word never fails (Isaiah 55:11). 

The sum of all is this, we should strive to use our gifts for God's Glory. But we should not be so consumed with gifts (of others as well as our own) that we forget to encourage another daily in the faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, 10:25). Because we all need it from time to time. Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"Honesty does not test like honey!"

Galatians 4:16, Ephesians 4:1-16

I am not a fan of hearing the truth. It hurts when someone tells you that you have an issue in your life that you needs to your immediate attention. It pains us when we begin to realize that we are wrong and someone else is right. Our pride takes a hit and we humility sets in. But sometimes instead of accepting the truth we reject it and consider our Christian Brother or Sister our enemy for telling us the truth. At this point we begin to rationalize how we are right and they are wrong.

We are not enemies within the body of Christ, instead we there is unity and not division in the Body of Christ. We are here to  aid to each other and not act as a virus or a cancer that slowly destroys the body. But the Body of Christ grows when truth is presented forth in love (Ephesians 4:15-16).  But where confusion and pride abide only impending destruction can expected.

So friends please remember the truth is only spoken to aid us and not destroy us. Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"Precious Pearl"

Hebrews 4:12-13

When you read the Word of God you are reading an active and alive word. You are not reading the dead writings of Muhammad, The past unspired thoughts of Buddha, or the poor intellectual insights of Confucius. You are reading the Word of a Living and Active God who cares for His People and their concerns (1 Peter 5:7).

You are reading about the lives of real people who understand victory, failure, triumph, success, grief, temptation, etc. You are reading about how people lived theirs lives for Jesus and gladly died for their faith. We are seeing the unedited autobiography about the lives of people with great faith (Hebrews 11). We are not reading about comic book villains and heroes, we are reading about the devil's plot against God's children. But we are also reading about a future hope we have, a present victory, and a past that was forgiven. That is what we are reading.

Let us not minimize God's Word and make it something it is not, but appreciate it for what it is. Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"The same inside and out"

Matthew 12:33-37

My desire is always to please the Lord with my mouth and my actions. But how can I speak of Jesus but deny Him with my actions. How can I point others to Christ with my words but point to the devil with my actions. I cannot do both. My words and yours reveal a lot about who we really are (Matthew 12:34). 

Our words are our testimony to believers and unbelievers alike to who Christ is in our lives. Our words will tell others of obedience to Jesus or our open rebellion to Him. Our actions produce the same result. God calls us to be an example to believers in or words and conduct (1 Timothy 4:12).

Sometimes it seems hard to reconcile the two but it does not mean it is impossible. We are called to be living sacrifices so we can show others what the Will of God looks like (Romans 12:1-2). But we must be willing to fight against who we think we are and be who God called us to be, through the power of His Spirit (1 John 4:4). Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"The Heart of The Matter"

Matthew 5:20-30

When we sin in our hearts it is just as sinful as acting out the sin. We cannot expect to hold someone to standards that we refuse to meet inwardly like the Pharisees and Scribes did (Matthew 5:17). That turns us into hypocrites and makes Christ less appealing to those who do not know Him.

However It does not mean we do not hold one another accountable when we see them sin (Gal

atians 6:1). It does mean we are not to condemn anyone because we are just as guilty of sin (Romans 3:22-24).

This is not a critique but an encouragement to search our hearts and deal with our sin by seeking the Lord by reading His Word and Prayer. Let us repent and turn away from sin. Some of us need to mindful of what we watch because it causes us to fantasize about sin or plan for future sin. Others need to abandon old friends that encourage them to sin and find new ones who will hold them accountable. And others still need to find a good Christian Counselor to discuss our issues and help develop a biblical plan of action.

Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"We all are important not just the VIP!"

1 Corinthians 12 - 13

God has a calling on each and everyone of our lives. And these callings are wonderful gifts from God that we use to bring Him Glory and Honor. But sometimes we let these gifts divide us because we assume that one gift is more valuable than another. The Pastor is no more important than the church goer, The Actor is not more important than their fan, The Worker is not more important than the employee, etc. 

It is easy to miss the point of 1 Corinthians 13 if you don't read 1 C

orinthians 12. Paul was stating that gifts are great but they are to be used to build the Body of Christ and not divide it. All gifts and callings are equally important and one is not greater than the other. And regardless of how talented you think you are or actually are, if you lack love you gift is worthless.

We are one body united in the Lord with one goal and that is bring God glory and lead others to Him. If we are looking down on others it because we are not looking up to Jesus. We are bound in the unity of God's Love. Love is the most excellent way. Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

My Delight

Psalm 40:8, Matthew 6:21

If my delight is not to do the Lord's Will it is because my heart is not filled with His Living and Active Word (Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 55:11). And it is up to me to spend time reading The Bible to transform my thinking (Romans 12:2) so I can delight in His Will. This will take time and personal effort, but it is more than worth the sacrifice. Stay focused, you can do this. 

"In His JOY!"

"Persecute Him...I think?"

Luke 23:33-39

His clothes were gambled away, he was mocked, scoffed, and railed at, all while hanging on the cross in an enormous amount of pain. In the midst of all this He prayed that the Lord would forgive them all. Sure He could have prayed for God to pour His cup of wrath on the people but he did not. He choose to see the people as God sees them, sinners in need of a Savior

.

But this Bible passage has caused me to wonder about my own life. How many times have I scoffed, mocked, or railed at someone who is suffering. Because it is so easy to to look at someone who is having a tough time in life and make condemning opinions. When I see others going through a tougher predicament of life than I am, it is easy to say things like "He can help everybody else but he can't help himself", "She is not so tough now", or "I knew they weren't in God's Will." How many times has someone prayed, "Lord forgive Joseph he does not know what he is doing." How many times, unknown to me, have I needed grace for forgiveness? How many times have I been quick to speak and slow to listen as opposed to doing it Gods's way (James 1:19).

Friends I am not discounting accountability, we need accountability (Galatians 6:1). However making rash judgments based off what we see is not biblical and does not promote the righteousness of God. The only things it does is boast our ego but be forewarned God will always humble the proud and destruction will soon find you(James 4:6, proverbs 16:18).

So instead let us have compassion and mercy with those going trough rocky moments in life and surround with love, mercy, and hope ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

"Lose the candle, get some Sun"

Philippians 3:1-11, 2 Corinthians 4:18
While packing for our trip to Colorado this week, I stumbled across all these great accolades, awards, plaques, and trophies from years past. I could recall the feelings of joy, self-worth, and value I experienced with each one. 

But years have past and all those feelings have vanished and the hardware is now worthless. They help to provide good story material but they are all filled 

with vanity and have little if any worth. How many times do we put our value and self-worth in things that wither with time and fade to obscurity. We ascribe to obtain titles, positions, money, fame, and relationships. And yet despite our best efforts these very things always seem to find a way to disappoint us and let us down.

Titles change in level of importance, positions become obsolete, money loses it's economic value, fame is dependent on our audience's desire for us, and relationships are fickle at best.

We find our true value in The One who knows us, created us, and even counted the number of hairs on our head (Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 12:7) and nothing else. Establishing all your trust and seeking your value in anything else will only lead to disappointment (Psalm 20:7-8). This is why we see death as a JOY! because we will be with The Lord! And life as an opportunity to bring God glory (2 Corinthians 5:9)

What we could gain or lose on Earth 

 is like a candle held up against the Sun when we compared to Jesus, it becomes pointless and useless to try and obtain (Philippians 3:7). If you place all your hope, value, and trust in something else that is finite you will watch your hope, self-worth, and your purpose quickly disappear.

Trust this, if you put all your trust, value, and hope in Jesus your lesser desires will fade in the presence of a greater JOY!  

(Matthew 13:44). Stay focused, you can do this. 

"In His JOY"

Beautifully Remembered

Psalms 37, James 1:2-4, Ecclesiastes 3:11

God has not forgotten you. He may seem strangely quiet but He has not abandoned you and left you defenseless. Don't fret because you see others prospering with their wicked schemes. Instead rejoice and know that God allows moments like these to mature us and help us grow, because He makes all things beautiful in His time. Stay focused, you can do this. 

"In His JOY!"

Pastor Dad

1 Timothy 3:4,12 , Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:1

Christian fathers you are called to be the Pastor of your family. We need to lead our families in prayer, worship, and reading The Word. We are to set the example of what authentic Christian Living looks like in our household. I am not talking about perfection but I am talking about fighting the good fight of faith for our families, daily. Stay focused, you can do this! 

"In His JOY!"

Blessed beyond measure

Ephesians 1:3

God has blessed His Children with every spiritual blessing. Meaning we are blessed despite our present circumstances, life events, or poor choices. We have an assurance (as we trust in Him) that He has given us His Peace (Romans 15:3), His JOY! (Romans 15:3), His Righteousness (Philippians 3:9), His Grace and His Salvation (Ephesians 2:5), His Mercy (1 Peter 2:10), and His Love (Psa

lm 138:8). 

It is all there for those who believe. We are not bastard children looking for a father to love them. We are not a forgotten people aimlessly 

wondering around. We are loved and well taken care of by our God. His Spiritual Blessing cannot be bought, earned, or stolen it can only be received when we trust in Him. Because of this our sleep is sweet (Proverbs 3:34) and all our worries are given to Him (1 Peter 5:7). In Him we have all things but without Him none of this is promised. Stay focused, you can do this! 

"In His JOY!"

Embrace the challenge

2 Chronicles 20: 15,17

New challenges, obstacles, and tasks can seem overwhelming or daunting. However we do not become discouraged and flee. Instead we embrace them because we rely on The Lord and not ourselves.  Alone we are not strong enough but with Christ we are unstoppable. Stay focused, you can do this. 

"In His JOY!"

"Let the boat sail"

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are blessed with the unique opportunity to act as an ambassador to entire world representing the God of Heaven and Earth. We don't merely represent a country like in the Olympics or a state like in Congress. No we speak on behalf of the Living God, that is why it is so important that we are mindful of our conduct and our actions because to we project to the World the charac

ter, values, and image of God.

So yes we represent Christ for the nations but what happens when it is time for us to move on to a new place with new people and be His Ambassador in a "strange land". What happens when God is trying to telling us "You have done well here but it is time for you to move on, I am calling to to be my ambassador somewhere else." I mean God is always shuffling His People to different locations look at Moses (Exodus 3:10), Abraham (Genesis 12:1), Joseph (Genesis 38:28, 39:1, 40:20, 41:45-46), Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:19), and/or James and John (Matthew 4:21-22), etc. God called all of these people to leave their current situation, occupation, comfort zone, or home. He desired for them to represent Him to the world in a new location.

The message of the Gospel spreads not just through the internet or television. It spreads through one on one interaction. It spreads through relationship building. It spreads because people get an up close and personal experiences of who Jesus is by the way we conduct our lives. That's why the Paul refers to us as living letters that all can read (2 Corinthians 3:2). It is also why Jesus wants us to do good and be mindful of our conduct so the World can see and bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12, Philippians 2:15).

So now the question is...are you willing to go. Are you willing to give up everything and go where God sends you. Now I am not saying just quit paying your bills, abandon your family, and go. No I am not talking about crazy fanatical stupidity. I am simple saying if you know God is telling you to move to a different state, part of town, or even a country because He has something new for you to do....stop rationalizing why you can't go and follow God.

There is only one person who was disappointed after He chose to follow God and that was Jonah. Jonah's disappointment was due to his lack of mercy for others (Jonah 4:1-3). But everyone else mentioned in the second paragraph above did not regret leaving their lives and following God's desire for them. I know leaving and moving to a new place seems daunting and scary (And I mean I really know because me and my family did it three years ago and we are about to do it again...fun times...lol). I know it appears as if you will have to start over. But what JOY! I have for you because God is working in you His Will and His Good Pleasure (Philippians 2:13). So set sail to your boat friend and look forward to what lies ahead of you (Philippians 3:14). Stay focused, you can do this. "In His JOY!"

Just as guilty

Galatians 6:1-2

What do you do when you catch a fellow Christian buried deep in sin. Sometimes I have condemned them in my heart (I admit this not for gossips sake but to further the Gospel). Especially when they perform a sin that I secretly struggle with or one that particularly offends me. I have prayed some real vengeful prayers against them. Sometimes I have turned my back on them and put their "business out in the street".  Sometimes I have laughed at and mocked them in front of others. And I know you have to, we all are guilty. But thank you Lord for your grace.

We are to restore them and be mindful of ourselves lest we sin (Galatians 6:1). It becomes easy to focus on their failures and consider ourselves righteous. But God warns us to examine our own walk (Galatians 6:3-4).

So we practice the act of love by being patient and walking with them to the road of victory. We carry their burden (Galatians 6:2) through prayer, late night/early morning talks, defending them and not their sin, and extending them grace and forgiveness. We don't keep a record of their sins (1 Corinthians 13:5) to be brought up on a later date.

So for I pray you consider how you have treated or are treating that Brother or Sister in Christ who has fallen in sin. Consider how showing them ill treatment is just as much as of a sin as the sin you caught them in. We all need God's Grace and Mercy on a daily basis (Lamentations 3:22-23)! Stay focused, you can do this.

 "In His JOY!"