be encouraged

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,  so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:20-21)

Even in the midst of this crazy Covid-19 situation, we can and should be encouraged! God's grace is still available to all who seek it. . . grace to redeem us from the power and penalty of sin! I can't fathom how Jesus can or even would want to not only mercifully not allow my soul to rot in an eternal hell, but graciously give me an eternal relationship with Him!

Despite the shut-in, the lock-down, the fear of illness, the reality of deaths, a fading economy, politician spins, and ever-constant temptation to sin, Jesus still reigns! He awaits with open arms to embrace each one who would run to Him. However, we must admit our sin, repent of it, and accept Him as Savior and Lord of our lives! 

What about you? It's so encouraging to me! I am not perfect, but He is perfecting me!

HOPE

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.(Romans 5:1-5)

If you do not know Christ.....I mean really know Christ....I do feel bad for you and pray you will....and soon! He gives such HOPE in times such as these.

All the fear, all the illness, all the death, all the new restrictions and various sufferings have produced much anxiety within our society and our world. Yet Paul reminds that sufferings produces character, endurance, and HOPE!

Yes indeed, I have drawn closer to God the past few months attending my home church! My prayer life has increased. My worship is enhanced. My relationship with my Savior and God. . . and my family is so much stronger than before the stay at home orders took over.

Do not get me wrong: I miss my Pastor and church family. I miss the freedom to travel, to see my students and to move freely. Yet God has made me aware of the vital things in life. . . my relationship with Him, my family and even getting in touch with His creation!

These past few months have given me HOPE.....assurance of His promises of an eternal relationship with Him that nothing can take away! He is building my character, teaching me how to endure, and allowing me to trust Him more!

No excuse!

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools.....(Romans 1:18-22)

No excuse! The bible is clear. People have no excuse to not know God!  All we have to do is look around. We see miraculous things ever day. We see indescribable beauty everywhere we go. Even in the midst of this pandemic, we see the good, the beautiful, the lovely, the miraculous.

It takes more faith to NOT believe is a Creator God Who is the Source of all resources than to believe. In these of staying home and being restricted in movement, I have come to appreciate nature so much more.

I hear the rain more clearly. I watch the wind approach the tree tops as the bend and curve to its force. I see a myriad of colorful birds in my yard. . . cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, orioles, sparrows, and robins. I have noticed small lizards, rabbits, foxes and yes, even snakes. The green of the grass and trees are greener and the sky seems more blue and the breeze more refreshing.

In the middle of all the turmoil, it is as if God is saying, "Just take time to 'see' for a while!"  Though many are questioning God at this time, may I challenge you to simply take time to  see Him?

God knows!

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,  making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.  For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also. . . (Romans 1:8-13)

Today brings an end of a very unusual school year with a very unusual and uncertain future for us all ( aside from eternity that is!).

While I have missed the personal contact, I thank God that I can still speak with my students....my spiritual sons and daughters...to share His Word and encourage them to live it out. I pray for them daily and am so proud of their growth!

Yet with such an uncertain society and economy, no one can predict next week, much less next month or next year! Which students will return? Which teachers will be able to be retained? Which schools will reopen and how?

Thank God for my students. Thank God I have a job as of today. But tomorrow. . . Who knows? God knows! 

Keep praying....Keep trusting....stay encouraged! God knows!

remain bold without restrictions!

. . . . preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.(Acts 28:31)

As I finish studying the Book of Acts through the social distancing and stay at home orders, I am reminded here of the entire message I have received from the Lord: remain bold without restrictions!

Despite not being able to be socially active, there is plenty of opportunity to actively engage the public....texts, emails, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Live streaming, FaceTime, Tic Toc, and more.

I am persuaded more than ever to be as bolf as possible in these trying times. As in Acts, we must not be held back. We can pray, worship, and witness right from our homes, yet reach the entire world!

Remain bold without restriction!

heal the hearts

....they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying,

‘Go to this people and say:
“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;
And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.” ’

 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.(Acts 28:25-29)

Here Paul has reached Rome is addressing the Jews there.  They have no evil intent as the Jews from other areas. They listened....that is until they heard Paul quote from Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10).

They became irritated, perhaps convicted and left. What about us today? Here we are bitter, anxious, frustrated and we are questioning God. However, we cannot close our ears to the Truth or close our eyes to what is happening beyond the pandemic.

God promises to heal the hearts of those who trust in Him (Acts 28:27). It's not about a virus, a pandemic, an economy, or an open or closed region. It is about the hearts of man!

Is your heart open to the Lord today? If today You hear His voice, harden not your hearts! Invite Him in....

A Natural Faith

And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. (Acts 27:33-37)

A natural faith.....one that comes out in everyday living, casual conversation, and definitely in crisis....that's what Jesus desires from His followers!

Paul trusted God in this terrible storm. He was told he would get to Rome no matter what. Despite his shackles, he freely spoke his faith to the soldiers and all aboard. The centurion trusted Paul more than the ship's owner, the captain and his fellow soldiers.

Paul instructed the two hundred seventy aboard to take and eat and he "gave thanks to God in the presence of them all"!(Acts 27:35) Paul did not care if they were believers or not, he had a natural faith in the Lord and was not ashamed to share it!

I had a chance to share a bit about my life with surgery staff yesterday as I went through a procedure. I shared that God is not an angry God but forgiving and willing to welcome all into His grace.

Please pray with me that the seeds planted will be watered by others.....especially "nurse RJ"!

nothing but the truth

“I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews....."This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. ....  Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”Acts 26:2,10,22-23)

We can learn a valuable lesson from Paul here. While under trial, he told nothing but the truth. Yes, he was once a chief Pharisee, persecuting and executing CHRISTians. He was there authorizing Stephens stoning! Yet he also stood on his new found faith in CHRIST and was not ashamed to share it with anyone who might listen.....kings, governors, soldiers, politicians, or educators!

We cannot run from our past, as sinful as it may be. Admit it. Learn from it. Know Christ forgives ALL sin (1 John 1:9). Believe it and live it!!!

Conversations in Chains

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.(Acts 24:14-15)

Again, Paul is accused of inciting crowds with his conversations. Even fellow (former) Pharisees were leading the charge! Paul reminded them that he only believes in their beliefs as well (the Resurrection and a Savior to come).

 . . . unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ (Acts 24:21)

Paul, jailed for his faith, continues his conversations in chains! He never waivers, even witnessing to the highest authorities. Felix is so intrigued he even brought his Jewish wife along on occasion!

And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”  Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and

Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.(Acts 24:24-27)

Questions: Would you or I ever be convicted of our faith in Christ?  Would we continue our conversation even in jail . . . even before a judge? Would we cave to political correctness or would our faith be evident even in our conversations in chains?

What is God saying to you?

But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!” And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” (Acts 23:6-11)

 The State may say we are ok. The County may say it. However, individual believers must go before God and trust Him with what He has for them. Maybe, just maybe He wants us to show the world that it's not about being seen, but to show the Spirit still speaks. 

Paul followed the Spirit, even against the wants and desires of his closest believing friends. He knew he would get to Rome....through Jerusalem!(Acts 20:22-24)

At times we witness by acting, other times by not acting. Does God have a plan for you, despite the criticism or even advice of others? God will equip us to do whatever He says to do....even if it is just a quiet confidence in doing what He says. . . even if

everyone else disagrees!

What is God saying to you? Just know it is God.....

We must know who (Whose) we are!

But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.”(Acts 21:39)

Paul has been arrested for false teaching and practices among the Jews. Yet he tells the soldiers that he is in fact a Roman citizen with rights! Yes, even we CHRISTians today have rights! We must know who (Whose) we are! We have a right to speak in public and be real, live, active CHRISTians in public!

Paul goes on to emphasize his pedigree....Then he said:  “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. (Acts 22:2-3)

As believers, it is important to know who we are and Whose we are. Like Paul, we all have a past (rather ugly for some like me!) and we cannot forget it. It is where God found us and from where He has brought us.  Yet we also must know where we are headed!

Never allow anyone to put down our past. It is a testimony to what God is doing. However, our testimony needs to be one that brings others with us on the journey, never to turn them away!

How many can we bring along? Let who (Whose) you are speak to others about Jesus!

We stare down death....We stare down illness....We stare down Covid-19

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.(Acts 20:22-24)

God continues to amaze me in His timing! I just spoke to my daughter as she went off to work at the nursing home and she commented how depressing it was with all the deaths and sickness around her. I shared that we must still bring Good News and shed His LIGHT. Here Paul says the same.....

Despite the Covid-19 and shelter-in-place restrictions, God has a task for each of us.....keep living for Him so others can see and experience Him. We do not how long other's lives will last nor ours. We have a task to share the Good News and shed His LIGHT wherever we go...even within our homes and on social media!

We stare down death....we stare down illness....we stare down all depression and sadness and bring Good News! LIGHTen up everyone!!!!!

 

Holy Spirit

And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:2-6)

Paul and A pillow were preaching throughout the region from Corinth to Ephesus. In Ephesus, Paul found some who had been taught and baptized by John, but had no idea about the Holy Spirit! Paul would baptize them in the Name of Jesus and they received the Holy Spirit.

Today, when one repeats and accepts Christ as Lord and Savior, one received the Holy Spirit, Who then takes up residence inside the believer. The sin nature is now at odds with the Spirit nature! But what do we do now? How do we use this power?

We pray to the Father. We pray in Jesus's Name. Yet we often forget to speak to the Holy Spirit and give Him controlling power over our lives! We leave Him out! Maybe that is why you and I fail and disappoint the Lord so often.

HOLY SPIRIT....live and breathe in and through me. I surrender to You. I can't do this alone. I give You control!!!!

concerned for our young people

 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. (Acts 17:16)

I am concerned for our young people....graduating seniors, upcoming seniors, those who can't wait to get out and be free! Like Paul, my spirit is provoked, or upset....even grieved!

.....for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:(Acts 17:23)

I realize that our public institutions and academia are liberal to say the least. Even our private and CHRISTian schools have taken a step back from traditional beliefs and values! Like the educated Atenians, people are listening to, teaching, and believing anything and everythingmthese days. I have been charged to teach and coach them on biblical standards. Thank God for the church and school I serve and those leading us! Yet I am concerned....

 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”(Acts 17:30-31

I pray my students will embrace the Truth as they hear the lies and tricks. God holds each of us accountable! The day Paul spoke of is coming! I pray as well that these students will stand up for the Truth and not waiver!

I am concerned. This is not the time to be shy but sure. Stand your people. We stand with you!

Locked in.....until He says "GO"!

Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.  But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”   And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:24-31)

Locked in.....until He says "GO"! 

Paul and Silas were locked in! They were however, in His will! Just because we are in God's will and doing His work does not mean we will not have troubles! Keep working! Don't look for escape on your own means.

We are locked in! However, we are about to be let out! Don't rush out like so many others. Like Paul, we too might yet have some work to do within our homes.....on social media, on the internet, within neighborhoods and families!

Paul and the prisoners had their chains removed but they remained in jail.....there was work to be done there! What can we learn from that? Don't rush out when the "stay at home order" is released! Be sure all the work at home is completed. Look around.....

Locked in.....until He says "GO"! 

Everyone deserves a chance to hear the Gospel.....a change of heart!

Everyone deserves a chance to hear the Gospel.....a change of heart!

And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me:  Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;

So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’

“Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God.....(Acts 15:7-20)

Peter, Paul, Barnabas and the prophets all agreed, yet some Pharisees ( who now believed) still wanted to hold to the Law!  Yet it was decided to follow the Spirit of God Who calls us all by faith! It is the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

Who are we decide who gets to hear the Word? Why are our CHRISTian gatherings so "like us"? We sports fans clamor as to why there are not more "others" as managers, coaches, and owners yet we look rather similar as well. It is said people are uncomfortable around folks unlike themselves.....culture, habits, dress, music, etc. It is a tragedy in our churches too! We still demand  certain "m.o", background check, and resume.

Thank God He looks only at the heart! Maybe just maybe, when we come out from Covid-19 we may just have have a change of heart!

Everyone deserves a chance to hear the Gospel.....a change of heart!