Posts
Preparing for the Storm
Have you noticed the difference when a tragedy (violent act of nature) hits somewhere in the United States as compared to when such an event occurs almost anywhere else in the world? The devastation in most countries is catastrophic. Buildings destroyed, people killed, destruction everywhere. Much of the difference is that many of the buildings in these foreign countries were built without any code to prepare them for survival in the event that a storm comes along. Most structures in the United States have either been built to survive any catastrophe that they are likely to encounter or have been retrofitted to survive what may come.
We all go through trials in life, but some seem to handle those trials better than others. One thing is for certain. There are going to be storms in our personal lives that are going to try to destroy us. Although we are individuals and our trials won’t be the same, the storms of life happen to everyone. Is there anything that we can do to help us when the storms of life come? How can we survive the storm without being destroyed by it?
In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus gives us some clues on storm survival. First, He admonishes us to walk our talk. Why call Jesus “Lord” if we are not going to act like followers of Jesus Christ? That means that we must act like Christians and not like hypocrites. If you are going to wear the name, play the game. If Jesus is your Lord, then stop that sinful behavior and be one who is a witness for Christ.
If you are doing your best to model your life after Jesus’ example, then when the storms of life come, you will be able to stand and not be swept back into the world. When tragedy strikes, as a follower of Christ, you will rely on your walk with Him to guide you through the storm. Jesus will give you the strength to conquer the situation or endure what is happening until the storm passes.
That is one other thing to remember. The storm will pass. Jesus will still be Lord and, if your life is sincerely grounded in your relationship with Him, you will survive and become stronger in the act of enduring.
Build your life on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ so that your storm survival will be a witness to others who are going through trials and will point them to the master storm survivor. Look at what trials Jesus endured for you!
God bless you as you grow in your walk with Him.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Leaving Your Legacy
Leaving Your Legacy
Read Hebrews 11. What do you remember most about Abraham, David, Isaac, Elijah, the Apostles and others in that chapter? When we hear their name, we associate certain traits or activities to them. That is their legacy.
When you go to a funeral, or hear of someone who died, what do you remember about that person? Most of the time, we will remember things they did more recently in their lives. We will recall how they lived the last few years. Occasionally, we might recall something from their childhood or earlier years, but mot times, it is the later years that carry the most influence.
When you think of the Apostle Paul, what do you remember most about him? Do you remember that he wrote most of the letters in the New Testament? Do you recall the most of the book of Acts deals with his life and ministry? We generally consider Paul as one of the significant pillars in the early church, especially in the context of reaching non-Jews with the Gospel of Christ. We don’t think near as much about Paul as Saul, the persecutor of Christians who went around throwing Christians in jail or having them killed.
One person commented that they weren’t sure they wanted to be remembered. Why would anyone want to remember them? I reminded them that we all have an impact on others. We live in a world of people and what we do and how we live does influence other people. We will often never know who or how others are impacted, but what we say and do is noticed by others and does influence them in their lives.
I say that to say this. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? If you were to die in 30 days, how would you want people to remember you? Are their things of your past that you are sorry about, you wish you had not done? Is there something that you are doing now that isn’t the way you really want people to remember you?
Today is the first day of the best of your life. You have the freedom to live it in a way that reflects Jesus in your life or live in a way that hides the fact that you are a Christian. My admonition to you is to live your life so at your job, in the store, around the community, in your home with family and friends, people will see you and say, “He lives like one who sincerely believes in and follows Jesus Christ”. Live your life in such a way that people will know that Jesus Christ has changed your life.
If your life needs some work in one area or another, study the life and teachings of Jesus (Getting To Know Jesus) and let Him come in and change you from the inside out. It will be a powerful witness to who Jesus is in your life and leave a legacy in you that will be long remembered.
Read Hebrews 11. What do you remember most about Abraham, David, Isaac, Elijah, the Apostles and others in that chapter? When we hear their name, we associate certain traits or activities to them. That is their legacy.
When you go to a funeral, or hear of someone who died, what do you remember about that person? Most of the time, we will remember things they did more recently in their lives. We will recall how they lived the last few years. Occasionally, we might recall something from their childhood or earlier years, but mot times, it is the later years that carry the most influence.
When you think of the Apostle Paul, what do you remember most about him? Do you remember that he wrote most of the letters in the New Testament? Do you recall the most of the book of Acts deals with his life and ministry? We generally consider Paul as one of the significant pillars in the early church, especially in the context of reaching non-Jews with the Gospel of Christ. We don’t think near as much about Paul as Saul, the persecutor of Christians who went around throwing Christians in jail or having them killed.
One person commented that they weren’t sure they wanted to be remembered. Why would anyone want to remember them? I reminded them that we all have an impact on others. We live in a world of people and what we do and how we live does influence other people. We will often never know who or how others are impacted, but what we say and do is noticed by others and does influence them in their lives.
I say that to say this. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? If you were to die in 30 days, how would you want people to remember you? Are their things of your past that you are sorry about, you wish you had not done? Is there something that you are doing now that isn’t the way you really want people to remember you?
Today is the first day of the best of your life. You have the freedom to live it in a way that reflects Jesus in your life or live in a way that hides the fact that you are a Christian. My admonition to you is to live your life so at your job, in the store, around the community, in your home with family and friends, people will see you and say, “He lives like one who sincerely believes in and follows Jesus Christ”. Live your life in such a way that people will know that Jesus Christ has changed your life.
If your life needs some work in one area or another, study the life and teachings of Jesus (Getting To Know Jesus) and let Him come in and change you from the inside out. It will be a powerful witness to who Jesus is in your life and leave a legacy in you that will be long remembered.
Friday, December 24, 2010
What does the birth of Jesus mean to you?
What does the birth of Jesus mean to you?
I asked the guys that question today. I wanted them to think about Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on why Jesus’ birth and life is so significant to us.
We often get so caught up in parties, entertaining, gift buying, going to movies, eating out, and all sorts of other holiday related activities and often give little, if any, time to why we celebrate Christmas. Sure you are going to a Christmas eve service tonight, but how much time have you given since Thanksgiving to think about why Christmas is such an important holiday?
How much have you shared with anyone about what it means to you that God’s only Son would leave Heaven and dwell among men? Do you really care that Jesus left the beauty of Heaven and submitted to life on this earth for you? How much does it matter to you that He was born to die for the sins that you and I have committed?
Is Jesus an important role model for how you live your life? Or are you more caught up in the festivities, what you are getting for Christmas, the lights and the after-Christmas sales?
Is Jesus’ birth important enough to get you to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays”? Are you looking for opportunities to communicate the Christmas story with others who might not know what Christmas is really about?
Read the story in Luke 2:1-20 and think about what Jesus’ birth means to you. Consider how important and valuable it is that God sent His Only Son to earth to pay the price for our sins so we could be restored to eternal fellowship with God. Pray for God to use you to help others see what Jesus Christ is really about. Let God use you to live out the reason that celebrating Christmas is so important to us.
Merry Christmas and may God bless your New Year.
I asked the guys that question today. I wanted them to think about Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on why Jesus’ birth and life is so significant to us.
We often get so caught up in parties, entertaining, gift buying, going to movies, eating out, and all sorts of other holiday related activities and often give little, if any, time to why we celebrate Christmas. Sure you are going to a Christmas eve service tonight, but how much time have you given since Thanksgiving to think about why Christmas is such an important holiday?
How much have you shared with anyone about what it means to you that God’s only Son would leave Heaven and dwell among men? Do you really care that Jesus left the beauty of Heaven and submitted to life on this earth for you? How much does it matter to you that He was born to die for the sins that you and I have committed?
Is Jesus an important role model for how you live your life? Or are you more caught up in the festivities, what you are getting for Christmas, the lights and the after-Christmas sales?
Is Jesus’ birth important enough to get you to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays”? Are you looking for opportunities to communicate the Christmas story with others who might not know what Christmas is really about?
Read the story in Luke 2:1-20 and think about what Jesus’ birth means to you. Consider how important and valuable it is that God sent His Only Son to earth to pay the price for our sins so we could be restored to eternal fellowship with God. Pray for God to use you to help others see what Jesus Christ is really about. Let God use you to live out the reason that celebrating Christmas is so important to us.
Merry Christmas and may God bless your New Year.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Are you a man God could trust with His Only Son?
Are you a man God could trust with His Only Son?
Joseph was a man who believed God and tried to live his life by God’s standards. He was concerned about doing what was right. When he found out that Mary, his fiancée was pregnant, he was going to break off the engagement by divorce. Because he loved her, he was not going to shame her publicly and have her stoned according to the Law.
Joseph also realized that the dream he had was a message from God, not some wishful thinking of a mind not inhibited by consciousness. Because he and Mary were two young people who were committed to being obedient to God according to the Jewish Law, God knew that He could trust them with the care of His Son.
Do you care enough about your walk with God that He could trust you with a mission as important as raising His Son?
Joseph was a man who believed God and tried to live his life by God’s standards. He was concerned about doing what was right. When he found out that Mary, his fiancée was pregnant, he was going to break off the engagement by divorce. Because he loved her, he was not going to shame her publicly and have her stoned according to the Law.
Joseph also realized that the dream he had was a message from God, not some wishful thinking of a mind not inhibited by consciousness. Because he and Mary were two young people who were committed to being obedient to God according to the Jewish Law, God knew that He could trust them with the care of His Son.
Do you care enough about your walk with God that He could trust you with a mission as important as raising His Son?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
God Uses Imperfect People
God Uses Imperfect People
Christians are some work. Have you noticed? For some reason, we expect that once someone becomes a Christian, their life is supposed to be great, free of conflict and problems. They will never disagree, especially with other Christians. They will never have anger or struggles with selfishness, etc. We seem to think that Christians will not have any problem, especially in getting along with other Christians. Boy! Are we wrong!
From the earliest days of the church, to today, Christians have been a work in progress. No one has been perfect, not even the Apostles. How many times did the twelve Apostles get into a dispute over some issue while Jesus was still there with them? Then after the church started, you would think that the conflict would have ended. After all, Jesus had trained them and breathed on them for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Guided by the Holy Spirit, one would expect that the Apostles would be in perfect harmony in all situations. Not so!
God, in His grand scheme of things does change those who listen to the Gospel and choose to respond to Jesus Christ as Lord. However, He does not make us into cookie cutter Christians. We still retain our individual and unique personalities. As such, we sometimes get into conflicts and misunderstandings with one another.
We do not come out of the baptistery as perfect Christians, but as babies who have growing to do and changes to make over time to become more Christ-like. Our challenge is to grow in our love for God, and let that love change us from the inside out. Being a Christian is a journey, not a destination. The destination is to overcome the challenges and trials of this life and remain faithful in our belief, worship of, and love of God and Jesus Christ, His Son.
In Acts 15, there are two situations where conflict needed to be dealt with. In verses 1-35, Paul and Barnabas had to take a question to the Apostles for discussion to resolve a dispute with Jewish Christians in the churches that they were starting. At the end of the chapter (V. 36-41), Paul and Barnabas get into a very heated argument over John Mark. The argument was so intense that they decide to part company. Barnabas takes John Mark and Paul recruits some other assistants. Sometime later, Paul has reconsidered his attitude toward John Mark and asks for him to come and assist Paul.
As you are working with other Christians, remember that you are still maturing in your walk with God, just like they are and don’t let disagreements or differences separate your unity in Jesus Christ and your fellowship as brothers in the same Gospel.
Christians are some work. Have you noticed? For some reason, we expect that once someone becomes a Christian, their life is supposed to be great, free of conflict and problems. They will never disagree, especially with other Christians. They will never have anger or struggles with selfishness, etc. We seem to think that Christians will not have any problem, especially in getting along with other Christians. Boy! Are we wrong!
From the earliest days of the church, to today, Christians have been a work in progress. No one has been perfect, not even the Apostles. How many times did the twelve Apostles get into a dispute over some issue while Jesus was still there with them? Then after the church started, you would think that the conflict would have ended. After all, Jesus had trained them and breathed on them for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Guided by the Holy Spirit, one would expect that the Apostles would be in perfect harmony in all situations. Not so!
God, in His grand scheme of things does change those who listen to the Gospel and choose to respond to Jesus Christ as Lord. However, He does not make us into cookie cutter Christians. We still retain our individual and unique personalities. As such, we sometimes get into conflicts and misunderstandings with one another.
We do not come out of the baptistery as perfect Christians, but as babies who have growing to do and changes to make over time to become more Christ-like. Our challenge is to grow in our love for God, and let that love change us from the inside out. Being a Christian is a journey, not a destination. The destination is to overcome the challenges and trials of this life and remain faithful in our belief, worship of, and love of God and Jesus Christ, His Son.
In Acts 15, there are two situations where conflict needed to be dealt with. In verses 1-35, Paul and Barnabas had to take a question to the Apostles for discussion to resolve a dispute with Jewish Christians in the churches that they were starting. At the end of the chapter (V. 36-41), Paul and Barnabas get into a very heated argument over John Mark. The argument was so intense that they decide to part company. Barnabas takes John Mark and Paul recruits some other assistants. Sometime later, Paul has reconsidered his attitude toward John Mark and asks for him to come and assist Paul.
As you are working with other Christians, remember that you are still maturing in your walk with God, just like they are and don’t let disagreements or differences separate your unity in Jesus Christ and your fellowship as brothers in the same Gospel.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Did You See That?
Did You See That?
I was just watching my sheep with my brothers last night. It was cold, but the skies were clear. The Milky Way was so clearly visible and magnificent. The sheep were quiet and peacefully sleeping. It was just awesomely beautiful.
Have you ever seen an angel? I never had, up until last night. We were doing what we always do, when all of a sudden an angel appeared standing right in front of us and he was surrounded by a bright light. We didn’t see him walk up. He just appeared all of a sudden.
At first we were very scared. Even though the angel told us not to be afraid, it was too late. I had never been so scared in my life. I’ve encountered bears, lions and a few other wild critters, but what do you do when an angel shows up? Once we realized this was a messenger from God, we settled down, but my heart was still pounding fifteen minutes later.
Needless to say, he had our fullest attention! Hmm! Now that I think of it, the sheep weren’t bothered at all by the angel and all that was happening. They just watched peacefully and went back to sleep. That was amazing. No panic, just peaceful rest. A panic at night among the sheep would have been a major crisis. One can loose up to half their heard if the sheep panic and try to escape.
The angel told us some great news. The Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, less than half a mile away from where we were watching our sheep. Do you know what that meant to us? We have been looking for and expecting the Messiah for several years now. We knew about the prophecies in the writings and the signs appeared to be eminent.
But why would an angel come to us? We are just a bunch of shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. We aren’t what you would consider “educated”. We are often smelly because of being with the sheep and the people in town don’t always like to be around us. But be it as it is, the angel told us about the baby that had been born. The Messiah was born in a stable. Imagine that! Here is the long-awaited King of the Jews, in the lineage of King David, a bonafied descendent of Abraham, not being born in a palace or even a home, but in a stinky dirty stable. (The mother and father later told us that the inns were full from everyone who was returning for the government census.)
Before the angel left, he was joined by a whole choir of angels who were singing praises to God. I have never heard such beautiful voices in my entire life. It was absolutely heavenly, and again, the sheep seemed to really enjoy it.
After the angels left, I told my brothers that I wanted to go see this baby. We all left the sheep behind and walked to town. We found the stable easily enough and, sure enough, there was a man and his wife and their brand new baby boy wrapped up in a cloth and lain in a manger. It was such a beautiful sight. The baby, whom they said will be named Jesus (God saves us) was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and I’ve been around a while, as some of you can tell. I’ve seen a bunch of babies, but never one like this one.
Oh how I wish you could have been there with us. This child is going to somehow save us from our sins. I don’t understand all of that right now, but I believe it is the most wonderful news and most beautiful baby I have ever seen. I can’t wait for Him to grow up and free us from the guilt and shame of our sins. I wonder what His Kingdom is going to be like? I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
When you can, go see this child. He is the Savior of the whole world.
I was just watching my sheep with my brothers last night. It was cold, but the skies were clear. The Milky Way was so clearly visible and magnificent. The sheep were quiet and peacefully sleeping. It was just awesomely beautiful.
Have you ever seen an angel? I never had, up until last night. We were doing what we always do, when all of a sudden an angel appeared standing right in front of us and he was surrounded by a bright light. We didn’t see him walk up. He just appeared all of a sudden.
At first we were very scared. Even though the angel told us not to be afraid, it was too late. I had never been so scared in my life. I’ve encountered bears, lions and a few other wild critters, but what do you do when an angel shows up? Once we realized this was a messenger from God, we settled down, but my heart was still pounding fifteen minutes later.
Needless to say, he had our fullest attention! Hmm! Now that I think of it, the sheep weren’t bothered at all by the angel and all that was happening. They just watched peacefully and went back to sleep. That was amazing. No panic, just peaceful rest. A panic at night among the sheep would have been a major crisis. One can loose up to half their heard if the sheep panic and try to escape.
The angel told us some great news. The Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, less than half a mile away from where we were watching our sheep. Do you know what that meant to us? We have been looking for and expecting the Messiah for several years now. We knew about the prophecies in the writings and the signs appeared to be eminent.
But why would an angel come to us? We are just a bunch of shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. We aren’t what you would consider “educated”. We are often smelly because of being with the sheep and the people in town don’t always like to be around us. But be it as it is, the angel told us about the baby that had been born. The Messiah was born in a stable. Imagine that! Here is the long-awaited King of the Jews, in the lineage of King David, a bonafied descendent of Abraham, not being born in a palace or even a home, but in a stinky dirty stable. (The mother and father later told us that the inns were full from everyone who was returning for the government census.)
Before the angel left, he was joined by a whole choir of angels who were singing praises to God. I have never heard such beautiful voices in my entire life. It was absolutely heavenly, and again, the sheep seemed to really enjoy it.
After the angels left, I told my brothers that I wanted to go see this baby. We all left the sheep behind and walked to town. We found the stable easily enough and, sure enough, there was a man and his wife and their brand new baby boy wrapped up in a cloth and lain in a manger. It was such a beautiful sight. The baby, whom they said will be named Jesus (God saves us) was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and I’ve been around a while, as some of you can tell. I’ve seen a bunch of babies, but never one like this one.
Oh how I wish you could have been there with us. This child is going to somehow save us from our sins. I don’t understand all of that right now, but I believe it is the most wonderful news and most beautiful baby I have ever seen. I can’t wait for Him to grow up and free us from the guilt and shame of our sins. I wonder what His Kingdom is going to be like? I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
When you can, go see this child. He is the Savior of the whole world.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas Priorities
Christmas Priorities
Christmas is upon us and people are doing all sorts of things to get ready. Way to many are spending way to much money on things they can’t afford that will be consumed, broken or forgotten before the credit card balance is even paid off. There are Christmas programs and parties of all sorts to attend, some which actually remember that Christmas is about Christ. All in all, it is too easy to become too busy to remember what really matters in life and how to enjoy what you have.
In Matthew 10:28, Jesus admonishes us to not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of The One who can destroy both the soul and body in hell.” What value are wealth and lots of possessions if you don’t have Jesus? What problem is poverty if you do have Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Instead of letting Christmas put you in a sour mood, pause and take a breath. Look at a nativity, spend some time reading the Christmas story in Luke 2 and get reconnected on what Christmas is all about. Jesus came down from Heaven, confined Himself to the body of a baby who grew up to be a man who died on the cross for our sins. Christmas is a celebration of His birth and our pending salvation through Him.
What good is it if you buy the entire store and give it all away to others if you don’t have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? What value is it if you are given everything in a shopping mall for your Christmas? If you don’t have Jesus, what good is it? At the same time, you might not even be able to buy one present for a spouse, child or parent, but if you and your loved ones have Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you have all you really need to have a Merry Christmas.
Gratefully, most of you reading this have more than enough to spend on Christmas presents that you want to give. I pray that you will consider a Christmas/birthday present to Jesus in appreciation for His coming to earth to save us from our sins.
New Hope Gospel Ministries is seeking to fulfill the Great Commission. Your gift will help Christ take the Gospel to the whole world via Internet technology as we send a Getting To Know Jesus CD to a ministry in a foreign country. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and send your birthday gift to Jesus by clicking on the “Make a DONATION” button at the lower right corner of the page.
Merry Christmas and may God bless your New Year.
Christmas is upon us and people are doing all sorts of things to get ready. Way to many are spending way to much money on things they can’t afford that will be consumed, broken or forgotten before the credit card balance is even paid off. There are Christmas programs and parties of all sorts to attend, some which actually remember that Christmas is about Christ. All in all, it is too easy to become too busy to remember what really matters in life and how to enjoy what you have.
In Matthew 10:28, Jesus admonishes us to not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of The One who can destroy both the soul and body in hell.” What value are wealth and lots of possessions if you don’t have Jesus? What problem is poverty if you do have Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Instead of letting Christmas put you in a sour mood, pause and take a breath. Look at a nativity, spend some time reading the Christmas story in Luke 2 and get reconnected on what Christmas is all about. Jesus came down from Heaven, confined Himself to the body of a baby who grew up to be a man who died on the cross for our sins. Christmas is a celebration of His birth and our pending salvation through Him.
What good is it if you buy the entire store and give it all away to others if you don’t have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? What value is it if you are given everything in a shopping mall for your Christmas? If you don’t have Jesus, what good is it? At the same time, you might not even be able to buy one present for a spouse, child or parent, but if you and your loved ones have Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you have all you really need to have a Merry Christmas.
Gratefully, most of you reading this have more than enough to spend on Christmas presents that you want to give. I pray that you will consider a Christmas/birthday present to Jesus in appreciation for His coming to earth to save us from our sins.
New Hope Gospel Ministries is seeking to fulfill the Great Commission. Your gift will help Christ take the Gospel to the whole world via Internet technology as we send a Getting To Know Jesus CD to a ministry in a foreign country. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and send your birthday gift to Jesus by clicking on the “Make a DONATION” button at the lower right corner of the page.
Merry Christmas and may God bless your New Year.
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