John 2:1-11
Jesus showed up for a wedding party and everybody was having fun. The electric slide was playing, people were laughing, and food was awesome. But they quickly ran out wine and it was customary to have the wine flowing at a wedding celebration. Now the wine of that time was not the kind we have now. The wine back than was for water purification and not meant to get people drunk. To us it would taste like flavored water. Jesus' mother Mary was also there and heard that there was no more wine, she went to Jesus for help. His reply was "Women, what does that have to do with me, it's not time for me to show miracles yet" Mary turned to the servants who were responsible for serving the wine and said "Do what He says" (John 2:1-5) The next thing we know Jesus says, "Fill the water jugs used for purification up with water and go out and serve the guest." The servants filled the water jugs and when they began to serve everyone exclaimed how must people wait until the end to serve the best wine but they can clearly see that they are drinking the best wine now (John 2:6-10). And when those following Jesus saw the water had become wine the believed in Him and God was given the glory (John 2:11).
Such a rich moment of time that is retold here in the book of John. How hard do we make it for God to show Himself strong in our life? We come to Jesus much like Mary with a need that is present in our lives or the lives of someone else. We plead with Him for help and when He gives us direction all we have to do is what He says. We do not need to add to the plan of God or take away from it. All we simply need to do is what He says regardless how ridiculous it sounds to us are how dumb it seems. cannot read God's Word and get clear direction of how He desires for us to live and then neglect to actually do what He says. The Bible calls this mindset foolishness (Matthew 7:26-27) and it says that we are deceiving ourselves (James 1:22-25) thinking we enjoy success doing it our way. We have to actively do what God's Word says and not merely passively listen. Because for those who trust in God's Way, He will do what His Word proclaims and He will never fall short of His Word (Isaiah 55:10-11). But we have to willingly obey His Word to receive His result for us about the situation we are facing. God's faithfulness is not in question but our faithfulness to God's Word is. We all have failed in this area from time to time but thank the Lord for His Grace, Mercy, and Patience with us.
When it comes to following God's Word we must replace our fear with His Faith. Replace our doubt with His trust. And replace our will with His Way. Then we can watch how He turns our water (our situation) into wine (our testimony), He will receive Glory, and others will come to believe in Jesus. You can do this!
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
"The Hero's Club"
Romans 1:16
Jesus was rejected and called intolerable. He was mocked, ridiculed, called a lair, and the devil. But this did not stop Him from sharing the Good News that salvation and forgiveness was for all who accepted Him as the Savior of the World, Lord of their life, and as God in a human body. He lost friends, associates, and eventually His life. However he gained so much more in return, He was resurrected and gave us all eternal life if we choose to accept Him.
But if Jesus had been a coward, salvation would have never been possible. Because He willing embraced shame instead of fame. Because He considered obedience worth more than comfort. Because He considered God's Way better than the devil's temptation all this is possible. You and I can embrace Salvation, walk in forgiveness, have peace, and see God's Truth. But remember Jesus choose to please God and not those around them. In pleasing God He bought eternal comfort to the masses. He could have remained an ordinary carpenter and become skilled in His craft and could have changed the few by giving them designer furniture but He chose to give us all something better. He gave a way to be with God and enjoy His Love.
Let us be courageous like Jesus and share the Gospel. Let us step out the ordinary and walk with Jesus. Sharing the Gospel is not a heavy burden. But living without Jesus is a weight that cannot be carried or moved by human hands. It takes a God like strength to move that weight. There are many imitators who try to lift it but they always fail. Only Jesus can lift it off the shoulders of humanity. But the world will never know the feeling of relief from the burden of life if those who know Jesus are too afraid to share the message about the "Ultimate Weight Lifter". Share the Gospel friends it's the highest expression of love you could ever offer to anyone. Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Jesus was rejected and called intolerable. He was mocked, ridiculed, called a lair, and the devil. But this did not stop Him from sharing the Good News that salvation and forgiveness was for all who accepted Him as the Savior of the World, Lord of their life, and as God in a human body. He lost friends, associates, and eventually His life. However he gained so much more in return, He was resurrected and gave us all eternal life if we choose to accept Him.
But if Jesus had been a coward, salvation would have never been possible. Because He willing embraced shame instead of fame. Because He considered obedience worth more than comfort. Because He considered God's Way better than the devil's temptation all this is possible. You and I can embrace Salvation, walk in forgiveness, have peace, and see God's Truth. But remember Jesus choose to please God and not those around them. In pleasing God He bought eternal comfort to the masses. He could have remained an ordinary carpenter and become skilled in His craft and could have changed the few by giving them designer furniture but He chose to give us all something better. He gave a way to be with God and enjoy His Love.
Let us be courageous like Jesus and share the Gospel. Let us step out the ordinary and walk with Jesus. Sharing the Gospel is not a heavy burden. But living without Jesus is a weight that cannot be carried or moved by human hands. It takes a God like strength to move that weight. There are many imitators who try to lift it but they always fail. Only Jesus can lift it off the shoulders of humanity. But the world will never know the feeling of relief from the burden of life if those who know Jesus are too afraid to share the message about the "Ultimate Weight Lifter". Share the Gospel friends it's the highest expression of love you could ever offer to anyone. Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
"He did not ask for a slice of pie! He wants the whole thing"
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
God wants all of you and nothing less. A simple statement filled with complexity. All of me, He truly wants all of me. He tells me there is nothing to gain in this World but a world of abundant life is in Him (Luke 9:25, John 10:10). He tells me to change the way I think based of His Words (Romans 12:12). He tells me that His Word brings life to me (1 Peter 1:23). And yet He tells me still to love Him with all that I am (Deuteronomy 6:5).
But at times I get so afraid to give my all to God not because future scares me. I mean I know that Jesus has great plans for me. And it is certainly not because I feel I can't trust God because I have found Him to faithful and true. Sometimes fear grips me because I realize that I, unlike the Perfect God I serve, am imperfect. I have flaws and faults that seem to haunt me in my sleep and thoughts. Past sins and failures seem to randomly appear and remind me how inadequate I truly am. And it hurts because I think "I can't do this God! What you are asking of me is not impossible, I am going to embarrass you with my ugly sin!"
Think how many times we let ourselves get in the way of God. How many times have we struggled to do God's Will because of lack confidence in us not due to lack of faith in God. We all have a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) but we may not have enough confidence to believe that God has made us and equipped us with the tools, people, and gifts to that will make us successful to do His Will.
When God called Jeremiah, Jeremiah was hesitant to answer Him (Jeremiah 1: 4-10). He told God "Wait I am too young!" But God reminded Jeremiah that He would be there with Him despite what may come. He told Jeremiah that He would deliver him from trouble. This is key because it shows that Jeremiah would face failures, set backs, and disappointments but regardless God would be there as his Savior. And then the Lord filled Jeremiah with His Precious Word. But Jeremiah had to wiling give his all to God. He had to see past himself and see only God. Jeremiah had to lose himself to gain God.
We are clay in God's hands. Our short comings are nothing more than marred clay in the hands of Gods. And what He desires is to take that imperfection, that mistake, or that secret shame and heal you. But we have to give it all to God. Trust me when you give your all to God, He will exchange the ashes of your life for His beauty (Isaiah 63:1).
Don't worry there will be failure and heartache but God will turn it around for YOUR GOOD (Romans 8:28)! But you have to know He has prepared you for the task He has called you to do. You are ready whether you know it or not, you can do this. But it all starts today at this moment. You have to take that courageous step and give your all to God. And NOW is the TIME, this second is your moment. So take hold of it and utterly surrender to God, give Him your all.
Don't say to yourself, this was a good little blurb of information but it's not for me because it is. How long will you flirt with Giving Jesus every bit of you, when will you go and grow? This is for all of us Christians. The time for change is now we have only seen what God can do with a small amount of us imagine if we gave Him all of us. Just imagine…. Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
God wants all of you and nothing less. A simple statement filled with complexity. All of me, He truly wants all of me. He tells me there is nothing to gain in this World but a world of abundant life is in Him (Luke 9:25, John 10:10). He tells me to change the way I think based of His Words (Romans 12:12). He tells me that His Word brings life to me (1 Peter 1:23). And yet He tells me still to love Him with all that I am (Deuteronomy 6:5).
But at times I get so afraid to give my all to God not because future scares me. I mean I know that Jesus has great plans for me. And it is certainly not because I feel I can't trust God because I have found Him to faithful and true. Sometimes fear grips me because I realize that I, unlike the Perfect God I serve, am imperfect. I have flaws and faults that seem to haunt me in my sleep and thoughts. Past sins and failures seem to randomly appear and remind me how inadequate I truly am. And it hurts because I think "I can't do this God! What you are asking of me is not impossible, I am going to embarrass you with my ugly sin!"
Think how many times we let ourselves get in the way of God. How many times have we struggled to do God's Will because of lack confidence in us not due to lack of faith in God. We all have a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) but we may not have enough confidence to believe that God has made us and equipped us with the tools, people, and gifts to that will make us successful to do His Will.
When God called Jeremiah, Jeremiah was hesitant to answer Him (Jeremiah 1: 4-10). He told God "Wait I am too young!" But God reminded Jeremiah that He would be there with Him despite what may come. He told Jeremiah that He would deliver him from trouble. This is key because it shows that Jeremiah would face failures, set backs, and disappointments but regardless God would be there as his Savior. And then the Lord filled Jeremiah with His Precious Word. But Jeremiah had to wiling give his all to God. He had to see past himself and see only God. Jeremiah had to lose himself to gain God.
We are clay in God's hands. Our short comings are nothing more than marred clay in the hands of Gods. And what He desires is to take that imperfection, that mistake, or that secret shame and heal you. But we have to give it all to God. Trust me when you give your all to God, He will exchange the ashes of your life for His beauty (Isaiah 63:1).
Don't worry there will be failure and heartache but God will turn it around for YOUR GOOD (Romans 8:28)! But you have to know He has prepared you for the task He has called you to do. You are ready whether you know it or not, you can do this. But it all starts today at this moment. You have to take that courageous step and give your all to God. And NOW is the TIME, this second is your moment. So take hold of it and utterly surrender to God, give Him your all.
Don't say to yourself, this was a good little blurb of information but it's not for me because it is. How long will you flirt with Giving Jesus every bit of you, when will you go and grow? This is for all of us Christians. The time for change is now we have only seen what God can do with a small amount of us imagine if we gave Him all of us. Just imagine…. Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Saturday, June 22, 2013
"Just trust the Author, the ending is going to be great"
We may not know the outcome but we still trust God. Faith isn't knowing the end, it's trusting who writes the ending.
Romans 4:19-22
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Romans 4:19-22
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
"Get up and move!"
Romans 12:1-2, James 1:21-25
Choosing to follow after Christ is not a passive action. But an assertive move towards God's Will and an aggressive stance against your personal will. The tool we use to accomplish this is the Word of God. Read it and live it.
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Choosing to follow after Christ is not a passive action. But an assertive move towards God's Will and an aggressive stance against your personal will. The tool we use to accomplish this is the Word of God. Read it and live it.
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Guard Me
Psalms 91
Christians do not have need for Guardian Angels nor do we believe in them. We have the ultimate Guardian, His name is Jesus. He our protector, refuge, deliverer, and provider. All He requires is that we make Him our dwelling place.
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Christians do not have need for Guardian Angels nor do we believe in them. We have the ultimate Guardian, His name is Jesus. He our protector, refuge, deliverer, and provider. All He requires is that we make Him our dwelling place.
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
"I will take the steak and make it well done"
Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Peter 4:8-11
It is funny when we talk about church because many churches have two or more services to help better accommodate people. You have probably said this before to another church member "Which service do you attend, the 9:00 or the 10:30?" Haven't you said that before to someone? But what is funny we do not think about what we just said, so let's word it another way. "When do you get served 9:00 am or 10:30 am?" Because that is what is really happening.
A lot of church goers are looking to have someone serve them in some capacity. Some of us are looking for somewhere to drop our kids off for an hour and a half. Others are looking for someone to stroke their ego. Yet others still are looking for someone to read the Bible and pray for them because their hectic work week prevented them from doing it themselves. (Yea that hurt me too). Simply put, Church is not a restaurant where we pay (with our tithes) for someone to give us what we want when we want it.
The church is always looking for volunteers to help but there is never a shortage of people who want to get served. You come to the body of Christ to serve not be served. Much like you join the military to serve your country. Or like you go to work to serve you employer. It is what we as Christians do, we serve. We are here to serve Christ in whatever capacity He chooses.
"But brother, I am a minister of the Gospel", great teach the lesson to the children's church they need more teachers. "But brother, I am so busy doing the week, I cannot usher", awesome all we need you to do is volunteer an hour a half, I mean you work almost 40 hours that doing the week what is an hour and a half going to do? "But brother I don't know how to run sound", great it will be an opportunity for growth. "But brother I am trying to reach the lost", great help them find a seat, smile at them, get their number and disciple them.
Service will take sacrifice, it will mean some long hours from time to time, and it may even mean you miss somethings. But the more Christians we having serving in the Church the more seats we will have open for the lost to hear the Gospel. The more Christians we having praying and reading the Word the more people we will have equipped to bear the burden the Pastor feels. Get up out of your seat and serve. Stop dropping kids off at children's church like it is daycare and stay and help. All do it all without grumbling. If a waiter came up to you in a restaurant and said "I really hate my job but I a m here to serve you", would you leave a tip? So do away with the complaints and serve with JOY! If the same people do the same thing the church will turn stagnant and will not grow. But if we work together and do serve, God will add to our number daily. So instead of asking someone what service they attended ask "When did you serve today 9:00 or 10:30" Stay focused, you can do this!
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
It is funny when we talk about church because many churches have two or more services to help better accommodate people. You have probably said this before to another church member "Which service do you attend, the 9:00 or the 10:30?" Haven't you said that before to someone? But what is funny we do not think about what we just said, so let's word it another way. "When do you get served 9:00 am or 10:30 am?" Because that is what is really happening.
A lot of church goers are looking to have someone serve them in some capacity. Some of us are looking for somewhere to drop our kids off for an hour and a half. Others are looking for someone to stroke their ego. Yet others still are looking for someone to read the Bible and pray for them because their hectic work week prevented them from doing it themselves. (Yea that hurt me too). Simply put, Church is not a restaurant where we pay (with our tithes) for someone to give us what we want when we want it.
The church is always looking for volunteers to help but there is never a shortage of people who want to get served. You come to the body of Christ to serve not be served. Much like you join the military to serve your country. Or like you go to work to serve you employer. It is what we as Christians do, we serve. We are here to serve Christ in whatever capacity He chooses.
"But brother, I am a minister of the Gospel", great teach the lesson to the children's church they need more teachers. "But brother, I am so busy doing the week, I cannot usher", awesome all we need you to do is volunteer an hour a half, I mean you work almost 40 hours that doing the week what is an hour and a half going to do? "But brother I don't know how to run sound", great it will be an opportunity for growth. "But brother I am trying to reach the lost", great help them find a seat, smile at them, get their number and disciple them.
Service will take sacrifice, it will mean some long hours from time to time, and it may even mean you miss somethings. But the more Christians we having serving in the Church the more seats we will have open for the lost to hear the Gospel. The more Christians we having praying and reading the Word the more people we will have equipped to bear the burden the Pastor feels. Get up out of your seat and serve. Stop dropping kids off at children's church like it is daycare and stay and help. All do it all without grumbling. If a waiter came up to you in a restaurant and said "I really hate my job but I a m here to serve you", would you leave a tip? So do away with the complaints and serve with JOY! If the same people do the same thing the church will turn stagnant and will not grow. But if we work together and do serve, God will add to our number daily. So instead of asking someone what service they attended ask "When did you serve today 9:00 or 10:30" Stay focused, you can do this!
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Passion needs Compassion
Having a passion for something but lacking compassion when expressing it to others is nothing more than unchecked anger and shows lack of maturity. When we express our the truth of Jesus to others we must consider not only the message but also the delivery of the message. I am not saying we distort the truth, however I am saying that we speak the truth in love and not in anger. Anger will always bring harm but love will always bring healing.
Ephesians 4:29, Prov 15:1
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
"Stop hogging the spotlight, I can't see the real star!"
Exodus 3:1-11
God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and told him, he the instrumental to set the people of Israel free. In verse 8 God says that He has come down to deliver them and in verse 10 God tells Moses that he will be His tool for deliverance.
As the chapter goes on Moses begins to focus on his personal weakness and unbelief. Funny how we can easily turns God's purpose in our lives to focus primarily on us. God has placed a calling on all of our lives to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). But we are quick to turn the focus on how we can benefit from God's Will. We think of how to franchise our name, get paid for our gifts, or become well-known. This leads us to seek after the promotion, inspires us to dream big, or makes us extremely self-centered. We should seek to bring God glory and not merely promote ourselves. We should inspire to dream of seeing God's Will being accomplished on Earth and not a "highway mansion in the sky". We should stay extremely Christ centered and negate self centeredness. Because God's Will has nothing to do with what we want for ourselves. It has everything to do with disciplining others and bringing God glory.
God desires for us to make disciples of the nations. He wants everyone to follow His instruction and know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Being careful not to get lost in the dreams of this world. It is tempting to use God to get what we want (as if we could). It is tantalizing to pray for everything I want but neglect to see seek after His desires for my life. We can not get lost in the fantasy of "Big Ego World", Population: You. Our gifts our not to bring us glory and benefit us. Our gifts are to give glory to God and be an aid to the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-7, 1 Corinthians 12:12-28). We are here for one another and not our personal benefit.
God did not call Moses to stardom, he called him to serve. In the same way God has not called us to uplift our egos and be served, He has called us to uplift and serve each other. We must stop playing "American Church Idol" and allowing the world to judge if we are a success or a failure. We must start to pursue God's Will and work together as the Body Christ. We are on "Gilligan Island of Life" and we are all trying to get off the island and get home to Jesus. But when we are trying to use God to carry out our will we will forever be stuck in the muck of our "Groundhog Day of Selfishness".
It's not about you, I know the tv life coach tells you everyday it's all about you. I know the song on the radio is encouraging you to do what you want. I know that best-selling book gave you the 25 steps to becoming awesome. And I know that inspirational movie motivated you to carry out you every ambition. But I implore you to seek God's Will over your own. Discover how He wants to use you to make disciples of the nations. And I promise you, your life will never be the same.
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!'
God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and told him, he the instrumental to set the people of Israel free. In verse 8 God says that He has come down to deliver them and in verse 10 God tells Moses that he will be His tool for deliverance.
As the chapter goes on Moses begins to focus on his personal weakness and unbelief. Funny how we can easily turns God's purpose in our lives to focus primarily on us. God has placed a calling on all of our lives to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). But we are quick to turn the focus on how we can benefit from God's Will. We think of how to franchise our name, get paid for our gifts, or become well-known. This leads us to seek after the promotion, inspires us to dream big, or makes us extremely self-centered. We should seek to bring God glory and not merely promote ourselves. We should inspire to dream of seeing God's Will being accomplished on Earth and not a "highway mansion in the sky". We should stay extremely Christ centered and negate self centeredness. Because God's Will has nothing to do with what we want for ourselves. It has everything to do with disciplining others and bringing God glory.
God desires for us to make disciples of the nations. He wants everyone to follow His instruction and know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Being careful not to get lost in the dreams of this world. It is tempting to use God to get what we want (as if we could). It is tantalizing to pray for everything I want but neglect to see seek after His desires for my life. We can not get lost in the fantasy of "Big Ego World", Population: You. Our gifts our not to bring us glory and benefit us. Our gifts are to give glory to God and be an aid to the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-7, 1 Corinthians 12:12-28). We are here for one another and not our personal benefit.
God did not call Moses to stardom, he called him to serve. In the same way God has not called us to uplift our egos and be served, He has called us to uplift and serve each other. We must stop playing "American Church Idol" and allowing the world to judge if we are a success or a failure. We must start to pursue God's Will and work together as the Body Christ. We are on "Gilligan Island of Life" and we are all trying to get off the island and get home to Jesus. But when we are trying to use God to carry out our will we will forever be stuck in the muck of our "Groundhog Day of Selfishness".
It's not about you, I know the tv life coach tells you everyday it's all about you. I know the song on the radio is encouraging you to do what you want. I know that best-selling book gave you the 25 steps to becoming awesome. And I know that inspirational movie motivated you to carry out you every ambition. But I implore you to seek God's Will over your own. Discover how He wants to use you to make disciples of the nations. And I promise you, your life will never be the same.
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!'
Sunday, June 9, 2013
"Rejected"
As Christians we must choose to be rejected and called intolerant because we stand for Jesus than be accepted and called tolerant because we lack courage to stand for Jesus, let's be on the front lines to fight for what is right.
Isaiah 5:20
Isaiah 5:20
"He did not ask if you were ready are not...He just said GO!"
Exodus 3:1-4:17
To be courageous is to act in the presence of fear but to be a coward is to lack the courage to do or endure a dangerous or unpleasant thing. Which one are you?
God spoke to Moses through a burning bush on top of a mountain. It is common for bushes to catch fire on mountains because they are so high in elevation it just something Moses was use to seeing. But the bush Moses saw caught his eye because although it was burning the bush itself was not burnt. And all of a sudden God spoke (Exodus 3:1-4).
God told Moses that the misery of Israel had reached its peak and it was time for action (Exodus 3:5-7). In verse 8 God says " I have come down to deliver them" and in verse 10 God says "I will send you". God was calling Moses a tool and not the deliver. Moses would be used by God to declare to the Egyptians their hostile acts towards His people had come to an end. But God never asked Moses if he was ready, He never asked Moses for his qualifications, and he never asked Moses if he thought he could do it. He just told Moses to go.
If you read through chapter three and into chapter four in Exodus Moses gives God ever excuse of why he was the wrong choice. Moses said he was a nobody (Exodus 3:11) but God told Moses that Somebody (meaning God) was going with him (Exodus 3:12). Moses told God that the Israelites would not believe him but God told Moses to tell the Israelites that God Himself was sending him (Exodus 3:13-15). Moses told God that he stutters but God told Moses He would give him the words to say and someone to speak for him as well (Exodus 4:10-17).
We often give God a reason why we can't but God will always show us that with Him we can. It is easy to back away in fear and doubt because of our own limitations but that is a cowards death. Remember God said that He was going deliver His people (Exodus 3:8) and Moses was merely the tool (Exodus 3:10). The hammer does not build the house, alone by its self it is a useless tool. But in the hand of a skilled carpenter miraculous things can happen.
Yes you are not qualified, uneducated, not good enough, or you lack the required skill. But God is not looking at your lack there of He is looking at your willingness to serve. He is looking at your heart, He just wants to hear you say, "Hear I am Lord send me!" All He wants is a willing tool. So we have to lay aside every excuse about why we can't and believe that God can. You are coward alone but with the Lord's strength you are courageous.
I love Moses's honesty before the Lord and I am glad the Lord still used Moses to do His Will despite Moses' fear. Because many of us want to run like Moses and say "no one will believe me" because we don't believe in ourselves. But God never asks us if we believe in ourselves He only requires us to believe in Him! Because in our on strength we can do nothing but in Him we can do anything (that is in His Will) if we believe (Mark 9:23).
So what are you waiting for? What excuses are you giving God today? Are you a coward or will you be courageous and do His Will? Stay focused you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Saturday, June 8, 2013
"Wayward Parent"
Luke 15:11-32
The parable of the prodigal son tells of a child who abandoned his family, squandered his inherentice, but later returned and was received home. His father welcomed him back but his older brother resented him.
I find today that story runs true in the lives of many. And it's not so much the child who runs away at times but at times it is the parent. Some fathers run from responsibility and leave a mother to raise a child alone. Some mothers struggle to be there for their child because they have to balance work, daycare, parenting, and make ends meet. And some mothers abandon their child for the love of a man. There are so many scenarios that can play out these are just a few, sometimes it's the mother who leaves and the father who has to raise the child and struggles just the same as mentioned above. So to you single parents I pray God strengthen you for the journey and surround with wisdom and help for the task that is before you.
But what happens when that child whom was raised without knowing their biological father and/or mother finally meets them. It's hard to fight back those raw emotions and questions of why? And I cannot begin to imagine the pain but I look at the prodigal son's father who could have rejected his own flesh and blood and let him feel the guilt of leaving. Instead he welcomed him back with loving arms and expressed to his son that he was forgiven. I am sure it was hard for his father because so much time was lost between his son and him. But I like how the father cherished the time he had now gained with his son and did not waste it on questions and speculation. Not to say if his father were to question his son it would without valid reasons but I appreciate how he spent more time on getting know his son as opposed to being hateful towards him.
For some of us, we are going to play the role of the loving father when our wayward parent returns seeking forgiveness for abandoning us, abusing us, or neglecting us. Now it is important to note the prodigal son lost all his inherentice just like the wayward parent lost some years, maybe respect, or even the right to be called "mommy" or "daddy". But it also important to notice that the father's love for his prodigal son was unconditional and his forgiveness was instant. So if you are the child of a wayward parent I know you have questions and hurts but trust this, God sees those and through all your suffering He was the one healing your wounds, bandaging your scars, and holding you in His arms as you cried. It has always been Him and He will never stop. So when that wayward parent returns don't be like the older brother who resented his brother and was angered by the very presence of his brother. Your wayward parent is more than aware of what they did and they may find the words or courage to say, "I am sorry and I love you." or they may never apologize for what they did. They will never be able to make up for time lost or take back the mistake of hurting you. But remember your forgiveness of their sin is worth more than the apology they owe you. And I know I will never understand how you feel because I grew up in a loving home with good (not perfect) parents. And I am not advocating abandoning or abusing kids nor am I excusing their reckless behavior. However what I am saying is capture what time you can while you can. And if your wayward parent died prior to coming back or you offering them forgiveness find comfort in this. The loving father was waiting on his prodigal son to return not so he could forgive him but to express his forgiveness that he had already granted his son years ago. We will not always have the opportunity to let others know they are forgiven and reconcile but we will always have the chance to forgive in our hearts. I know it's tough but sometimes as Christian this is the weight we bare. But we do not bare it alone, Christ is there with us and He will never abandon us.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable.
"In His JOY!"
The parable of the prodigal son tells of a child who abandoned his family, squandered his inherentice, but later returned and was received home. His father welcomed him back but his older brother resented him.
I find today that story runs true in the lives of many. And it's not so much the child who runs away at times but at times it is the parent. Some fathers run from responsibility and leave a mother to raise a child alone. Some mothers struggle to be there for their child because they have to balance work, daycare, parenting, and make ends meet. And some mothers abandon their child for the love of a man. There are so many scenarios that can play out these are just a few, sometimes it's the mother who leaves and the father who has to raise the child and struggles just the same as mentioned above. So to you single parents I pray God strengthen you for the journey and surround with wisdom and help for the task that is before you.
But what happens when that child whom was raised without knowing their biological father and/or mother finally meets them. It's hard to fight back those raw emotions and questions of why? And I cannot begin to imagine the pain but I look at the prodigal son's father who could have rejected his own flesh and blood and let him feel the guilt of leaving. Instead he welcomed him back with loving arms and expressed to his son that he was forgiven. I am sure it was hard for his father because so much time was lost between his son and him. But I like how the father cherished the time he had now gained with his son and did not waste it on questions and speculation. Not to say if his father were to question his son it would without valid reasons but I appreciate how he spent more time on getting know his son as opposed to being hateful towards him.
For some of us, we are going to play the role of the loving father when our wayward parent returns seeking forgiveness for abandoning us, abusing us, or neglecting us. Now it is important to note the prodigal son lost all his inherentice just like the wayward parent lost some years, maybe respect, or even the right to be called "mommy" or "daddy". But it also important to notice that the father's love for his prodigal son was unconditional and his forgiveness was instant. So if you are the child of a wayward parent I know you have questions and hurts but trust this, God sees those and through all your suffering He was the one healing your wounds, bandaging your scars, and holding you in His arms as you cried. It has always been Him and He will never stop. So when that wayward parent returns don't be like the older brother who resented his brother and was angered by the very presence of his brother. Your wayward parent is more than aware of what they did and they may find the words or courage to say, "I am sorry and I love you." or they may never apologize for what they did. They will never be able to make up for time lost or take back the mistake of hurting you. But remember your forgiveness of their sin is worth more than the apology they owe you. And I know I will never understand how you feel because I grew up in a loving home with good (not perfect) parents. And I am not advocating abandoning or abusing kids nor am I excusing their reckless behavior. However what I am saying is capture what time you can while you can. And if your wayward parent died prior to coming back or you offering them forgiveness find comfort in this. The loving father was waiting on his prodigal son to return not so he could forgive him but to express his forgiveness that he had already granted his son years ago. We will not always have the opportunity to let others know they are forgiven and reconcile but we will always have the chance to forgive in our hearts. I know it's tough but sometimes as Christian this is the weight we bare. But we do not bare it alone, Christ is there with us and He will never abandon us.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable.
"In His JOY!"
Passion needs Compassion
Ephesians 4:29, Prov 15:1
Having a passion for something but lacking compassion when expressing it to others is nothing more than unchecked anger and shows lack of maturity. When we express the truth of Jesus to others we must consider not only the message but also the delivery. I am not saying we distort the the truth, however I am saying that we speak the truth in love and not in anger. Anger will always bring harm but love will always bring healing. You can do this!
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Having a passion for something but lacking compassion when expressing it to others is nothing more than unchecked anger and shows lack of maturity. When we express the truth of Jesus to others we must consider not only the message but also the delivery. I am not saying we distort the the truth, however I am saying that we speak the truth in love and not in anger. Anger will always bring harm but love will always bring healing. You can do this!
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
"Needed Adversity"
Joshua 7:8-9
For a Christian adversity is a chance for God to be magnified in our lives so others may come to know Him. So we do not fear challenges because our eternal faith in God surpasses the temporary fear of life. We know Who goes before us, Who lives within us, and Who stands behind us. We have an inner peace that is not displaced by any outward chaos.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
For a Christian adversity is a chance for God to be magnified in our lives so others may come to know Him. So we do not fear challenges because our eternal faith in God surpasses the temporary fear of life. We know Who goes before us, Who lives within us, and Who stands behind us. We have an inner peace that is not displaced by any outward chaos.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
"Spreading the Bad News!"
Ephesians 5:18
When we share gossip we are glorified and the lives of others are badly damaged. But when share the Gospel, God is glorified and the lives of others are eternally changed for the better. Which one of these sounds like the ministry of reconciliation to you?
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
When we share gossip we are glorified and the lives of others are badly damaged. But when share the Gospel, God is glorified and the lives of others are eternally changed for the better. Which one of these sounds like the ministry of reconciliation to you?
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Sunday, June 2, 2013
"Miracle Grow"
Matthew 18: 21-35
Last night I saw a name of someone who had wronged me. I was doing me social media thing and the website (in all its infinite wisdom) suggested that we should be friends and connect. My immediate thought was "Bump that noise, playa!" and within an instant feelings of anger just sprouted up. It was like someone had placed the "Miracle Grow" for hate in my heart. I had to spend the next several minutes redirecting my thoughts of rage to love. It was crazy, I eventually moved on and was able to regain my focus and get some sleep.
Today while I was driving home from work I begin to ponder about forgiveness. I mean I know how to love and forgive, but I am so quick to remember an offense. While I was thinking about this God put a challenge on my heart. It was like He asked me "Right now if you forgave everyone one for ever offense they committed against you and offered them forgiveness for ever wrong they will commit against you, how would they look in your eyes. Would they look the same to you, would you see them with hate in your heart or a heart full of love?"
I had to think about that, when I thought about the person in terms of forgiveness for past, present, and future wrongs. All I could see was a person clean of sin. I did not see them as a liar, devil, or a hypocrite. All I could see was the person and not the sin. But when I gave away my hate I took away my right to treat them mean out of anger. I took away my right think evil thoughts about them. I took away my bitterness. I took away my right to call them a hypocrite. I took away my right to tell them "Go take an eternal dip in the Lake of Fire!" I took it all away...
But what about me, what about my feelings, what about my hurt, what about my pain? Who will vindicate me, who will speak up for me, who...someone tell me who!? Because if I give up my right to hate I look like a Joker ...I look a Jello Spine...I look like a Jester...I look like the spelling error "Jesun" instead of "Jason"...I look like Jesus...wait what!
By forgiving all past offenses, amending all of current wrongs against me, and any future hurt that may come I began to act like Jesus. I look like I am willing sacrificing myself and my right to do ill, think ill, and even hope ill towards someone. I am modeling Christ. I am wiping the slate clean and refusing to add to it. I am denying myself and gladly following Jesus now (Matthew 16:24). I am forgiving others over and over no matter what (Matthew 18:21-22). I am crucifying myself and saying "Lord forgive them, they don't get it (Luke 22:34)". Now I know God because I walk in love ( 1 John 4:8). Now I know I abide in God and God is in me because I walking in love and compassion (1 John 4:16). Now I am not a liar because I have learned to love (1 John 4:20-21). I get it now.
The price for me to do this is deep but the payoff is much greater (Romans 8:18, Matthew 18:21-35). Because in the end I do lose out on claiming what is rightfully mine (to hate) but I gain the privilege to give someone something far better (forgiveness). Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Last night I saw a name of someone who had wronged me. I was doing me social media thing and the website (in all its infinite wisdom) suggested that we should be friends and connect. My immediate thought was "Bump that noise, playa!" and within an instant feelings of anger just sprouted up. It was like someone had placed the "Miracle Grow" for hate in my heart. I had to spend the next several minutes redirecting my thoughts of rage to love. It was crazy, I eventually moved on and was able to regain my focus and get some sleep.
Today while I was driving home from work I begin to ponder about forgiveness. I mean I know how to love and forgive, but I am so quick to remember an offense. While I was thinking about this God put a challenge on my heart. It was like He asked me "Right now if you forgave everyone one for ever offense they committed against you and offered them forgiveness for ever wrong they will commit against you, how would they look in your eyes. Would they look the same to you, would you see them with hate in your heart or a heart full of love?"
I had to think about that, when I thought about the person in terms of forgiveness for past, present, and future wrongs. All I could see was a person clean of sin. I did not see them as a liar, devil, or a hypocrite. All I could see was the person and not the sin. But when I gave away my hate I took away my right to treat them mean out of anger. I took away my right think evil thoughts about them. I took away my bitterness. I took away my right to call them a hypocrite. I took away my right to tell them "Go take an eternal dip in the Lake of Fire!" I took it all away...
But what about me, what about my feelings, what about my hurt, what about my pain? Who will vindicate me, who will speak up for me, who...someone tell me who!? Because if I give up my right to hate I look like a Joker ...I look a Jello Spine...I look like a Jester...I look like the spelling error "Jesun" instead of "Jason"...I look like Jesus...wait what!
By forgiving all past offenses, amending all of current wrongs against me, and any future hurt that may come I began to act like Jesus. I look like I am willing sacrificing myself and my right to do ill, think ill, and even hope ill towards someone. I am modeling Christ. I am wiping the slate clean and refusing to add to it. I am denying myself and gladly following Jesus now (Matthew 16:24). I am forgiving others over and over no matter what (Matthew 18:21-22). I am crucifying myself and saying "Lord forgive them, they don't get it (Luke 22:34)". Now I know God because I walk in love ( 1 John 4:8). Now I know I abide in God and God is in me because I walking in love and compassion (1 John 4:16). Now I am not a liar because I have learned to love (1 John 4:20-21). I get it now.
The price for me to do this is deep but the payoff is much greater (Romans 8:18, Matthew 18:21-35). Because in the end I do lose out on claiming what is rightfully mine (to hate) but I gain the privilege to give someone something far better (forgiveness). Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Saturday, June 1, 2013
"Whole bunch of excuses but not one is justified"
"I'm just still dealing with the hurt", "I'm just really disappointed in him", "Do you boo and I'll do me", "I'm not gossiping I just needed to vent to someone", "I'm just frustrated because she hasn't changed after all these years", "I told you how crazy they are", "I'm not surprised, he is just like his mother never satisfied and like his father to demanding" "I forgive you but I won't forget" "I'm trying to act like a Christian and not like I used to be, so I will pray for you"
Phrases like this come from us when we are self-centered, unforgiving, and bitter. When we act and think like this we become the prisoner of anger, tension, and stress. We become isolated, push others away, and view anyone who disagrees with us an enemy. Forgiveness sets you free, when Christ forgave you, you experienced freedom that cannot compare to anything else. Stop seeking counsel to get approval for your sin of unforgivness and stop talking about offenses to get attention. Admit you your hurt, forgive instantly, love unconditionally, and reconcile. Do this all in the strength of His Spirit, the direction of His Word, and the Grace of God. Let God replace that heart of stone with His Heart, don't worry about justice be bask in God's love. Stay focused you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
"Dancing in the Rain!"
1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:3-5
It would be awesome if we could forecast the storms of adversity in our lives. It would be wonderful if we knew for the next two weeks that life would be tough...you know someone would tell us "You are going to experience some lows Monday through Friday but on Saturday you will have some highs." It would be so cool but that just does not happen. Adversity at times just pops out of nowhere, doctor tells us the test results came back positive for Cancer, we show up to work and find out we are being let go, or the dream we once had has turned into a nightmare. It seems unfair at times doesn't it. We begin to cry out to God "Why Lord, why would you allow this after all I have done"
But just like we grumble at the rain when it pours because it hampers our day, farmers rejoice because their crops are getting the needed substance to grow. Adversity my be tough to go through but if handled in a Godly way you will learn about your faith in Jesus.
You don't know how strong your faith is until it is put to the test. Adversity causes us to experience grief but we rejoice in it because adversity shows us the genuineness of our faith. Do you trust God that God will provide for you? When you have no food in the refrigerator and no money in the bank, do you still trust God will provide? Do you trust God with your health? When the doctor says "I'm sorry but there is nothing else we can do", Do you trust God to heal you the way He sees fit? Do you love your enemies? When your best friend or relative betrays you, do you still love them? Do you believe that God works all things out for your good, when you are passed over for the job that you were qualified for, do you still believe all things work out?
This is how God uses adversity in our lives. Trials refine us and make us into the person God desires for us to be if we are willing to learn and grow. Everyone wants God to help them to change a be a better Christian but are you willing to go through some adversity to get there? Test show us how much we have learned and how much more we need to learn. At the end we are graded, either we passed or failed. Thanks be to God if we fail there is grace and opportunity for growth, If we pass we can see how God has changed us.
So rejoice in that moment of adversity because God is growing you up to be a mature Christian. Rejoice that God sees some areas of improvement in your life and He has chosen to allow this adversity to grow you. Rejoice because the person who entered the storm will be nothing compared to the person who comes out of the storm. Rejoice because regardless of what adversity you are facing God is standing with you, in front of you, behind you, and His Spirit is living in you. Dance in the rain friends.
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:3-5
It would be awesome if we could forecast the storms of adversity in our lives. It would be wonderful if we knew for the next two weeks that life would be tough...you know someone would tell us "You are going to experience some lows Monday through Friday but on Saturday you will have some highs." It would be so cool but that just does not happen. Adversity at times just pops out of nowhere, doctor tells us the test results came back positive for Cancer, we show up to work and find out we are being let go, or the dream we once had has turned into a nightmare. It seems unfair at times doesn't it. We begin to cry out to God "Why Lord, why would you allow this after all I have done"
But just like we grumble at the rain when it pours because it hampers our day, farmers rejoice because their crops are getting the needed substance to grow. Adversity my be tough to go through but if handled in a Godly way you will learn about your faith in Jesus.
You don't know how strong your faith is until it is put to the test. Adversity causes us to experience grief but we rejoice in it because adversity shows us the genuineness of our faith. Do you trust God that God will provide for you? When you have no food in the refrigerator and no money in the bank, do you still trust God will provide? Do you trust God with your health? When the doctor says "I'm sorry but there is nothing else we can do", Do you trust God to heal you the way He sees fit? Do you love your enemies? When your best friend or relative betrays you, do you still love them? Do you believe that God works all things out for your good, when you are passed over for the job that you were qualified for, do you still believe all things work out?
This is how God uses adversity in our lives. Trials refine us and make us into the person God desires for us to be if we are willing to learn and grow. Everyone wants God to help them to change a be a better Christian but are you willing to go through some adversity to get there? Test show us how much we have learned and how much more we need to learn. At the end we are graded, either we passed or failed. Thanks be to God if we fail there is grace and opportunity for growth, If we pass we can see how God has changed us.
So rejoice in that moment of adversity because God is growing you up to be a mature Christian. Rejoice that God sees some areas of improvement in your life and He has chosen to allow this adversity to grow you. Rejoice because the person who entered the storm will be nothing compared to the person who comes out of the storm. Rejoice because regardless of what adversity you are facing God is standing with you, in front of you, behind you, and His Spirit is living in you. Dance in the rain friends.
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
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