What is Jesus worth to you?

 What is Jesus worth to you?

One of the twelve disciples went to the chief priests. His name was Judas Iscariot.  He asked, “What will you give me if I hand Jesus over to you?” So they counted out thirty silver coins for him. From then on, Judas watched for the right time to hand Jesus over to them. (Matthew 26: 14-16)

Other parts of the New Testament (such as Matthew 20) use the 'silver piece' as the typical (pre-tax!) wage for a day's labour. So 30 pieces are about 5 weeks money (based on a six-day working week.) In terms of purchasing power, each silver piece was probably worth about $20. The standards of living being much, much lower than in modern (Western) societies. So the thirty pieces are worth about $600. If, on the other hand, you consider 'average wage' (or, more precisely the US Median of $44,389 per household) divided by the 1.3 workers per household - giving a little over $34,000 per year... and 240 working days per year... that gives a pretax daily wage of about $140 per day... so the 30 pieces of silver are roughly equivalent to an 'average American' accepting a payment of about $4,200. (https://www.quora.com/) 

A day's pay . . .  $600 . . . $4,200 . . . according to how you are financially, this may be a little or a lot of money. But whatever amount, was it worth the price to turn over the Savior? Is it worth the price of one's soul? Can any of us put a price on our salvation? Judas was a zealot, seeking the overthrow of the Roman occupation. No doubt he was disappointed that Jesus was not going to be leading the political overthrow. I guess he was put to get anything he could out of the deal. Oh, for the love of money . . . (1 Timothy 6:10)

What a price he paid . . . not simply rejecting the Savior but accepting the role as the turncoat!

I am sure we have all traded our obedience to Christ for a simple pleasure here and there. While we do not see it as betrayal, that is exactly what it is! Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation, yet we often trade it for sin. I am more aware of this fact this week than any other time in my life. 

What is Jesus worth to you?

Be Prepared!

 Tuesday of Holy Week . . . . BE PREPARED!

And I am going to be lifted up from the earth. When I am, I will bring all people to myself.”  He said this to show them how he was going to die. The crowd spoke up. “The Law tells us that the Messiah will remain forever,” they said. “So how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light. Do this before darkness catches up with you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. While you have the light, believe in it. Then you can become children of light.” When Jesus had finished speaking, he left and hid from them. (John 12: 32-36) 

Even before His crucifixion, Jesus’ heart would be pierced by Israel’s lack of faith. Their failure to recognize His deity left the people unprepared. The mourning of the nation of Israel would be great. 

Today . . .after all the facts . . . are you and I prepared for His coming?  

Be the Barnabas

 Be the Barnabas! 

Have you ever had a friend stand up for you? What about someone who helped and supported you even before you became friends? Barnabas was that kind of person. His life provides some great lessons for us today.

Barnabas' given name was Joses (or Joseph) but the apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" or "Son of Exhortation" (Acts 4:36) 

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. (Acts 15: 36-41)

It is well known that there became a rift between Paul and Barnabas concerning a young John Mark, since the latter abandoned their first missionary journey earlier in the mountainous area of Turkey. When deciding to go back and check on folks from previous journeys, Paul thought it unwise to include Mark. Paul and Barnabas decided to split and go different ways. Paul travelled with Silas. Barnabas chose to encourage Mark, a young man who didn’t have many friends. Barnabas must have said to himself, “John Mark needs me; if I don’t help him now, he may never amount to anything.” And so Barnabas took Mark with him, and they went back to re-visit churches that had been established on the earlier missionary journey. Tradition says that Barnabas stayed on the island of Cyprus until his death.

It is important to note that there were no nasty fights or bitter feelings between Paul and Barnabas. Paul later spoke very kindly about Barnabas (1 Corinthians 9:6). Paul also was convinced that Mark became a mature disciple of Jesus, and wrote to Timothy, encouraging him to come visit him in prison — and then he said (in essence), “Bring Mark with you because he is useful for ministry” (see 2 Timothy 4:11).

I am so glad Jesus never turned His back on me but kept pursuing me. We all can learn from Barnabas! We never know . . .

Am I approachable?

 Am I approachable . . . .hummm . . . . What a question in this world of isolation, separation and lack of genuine relations. We wear masks, we keep our distance, we do not touch, we text and email, we even are careful to disinfect. We wear sunglasses into the night and have tinted car windows. We keep our shades down and curtains drawn at home. "No touch delivery please!"

Sadly, many of us have become very comfortable with this isolation and distance. I wonder how Jesus would handle the distance? 

Take a close look at the life of Jesus and how he dealt with the unapproachable.

Blind people and those who were disabled came to Jesus at the temple. There he healed them. (Matthew 21:14)                                                                                                                                            

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them.” (Matthew 19:14)

A man who had a skin disease came and got down on his knees in front of Jesus. He said, “Lord, if you are willing to make me ‘clean,’ you can do it.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing to do it,” he said. “Be ‘clean’!” Right away the man was healed of his skin disease. (Matthew 8:2-3)

Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount will be poured into your lap. It will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same amount you give will be measured out to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Even in this pandemic, we can look at ways to be personable, friendly, approachable. There are ways to meet the needs of those around us. . . . conversation, prayer, picking up and delivering groceries or medicines, water for the sanitation workers, a generous tip, smile, and friendly note for the delivery person, even prayer! Invite folks to church as we socially distance worship . . . in the House of God! Yes, there are churches walking by faith today!

Maybe it once again time to ask: "What would Jesus do?"

Cleaning up the Temple

Spring housecleaning needed?

Jesus entered the temple courtyard. He began to drive out all those who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of the people who were exchanging money. He also turned over the benches of those who were selling doves. He said to them, “It is written that the Lord said, ‘My house will be called a house where people can pray.’ (Isaiah 56:7) But you are making it ‘a den for robbers.’ ” (Jeremiah 7:11) (Matthew 21:12-13)

So you thought Spring Cleaning was just another crazy idea your parents had to trick you in to doing chores? Well, think again. Jesus had a little housecleaning to do before he was to leave our earth! There was some cleaning up of His Father's house yet to be completed!

Don’t give any part of yourself to serve sin. Don’t let any part of yourself be used to do evil. Instead, give yourselves to God. You have been brought from death to life. So give every part of yourself to God to do what is right. (Romans 6:13) 

Any spiritual cleaning needed your life and mine? I am sure we can find a some dirty clothes thrown under the bed, a few candy wrappers behind the sofa, maybe even some dust gathering on the book shelves! We all have some spiritual trash laying around that we may not even notice until the Light shines on it!

Jesus saw the trash in His Father's house and cleaned it out quickly and forcefully. He was not playing games! Neither can we! Let's use this week to clean up our temples and prepare to celebrate the sacrifice He made for us upon the cross! 

Walking by fear or faith? Jesus leading the way.

 Walking by fear or faith?

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. (Mark 10:32)

Who are we following? How are we following them? Are we being led around as blind leading the blind, depending upon the latest news, forecasts, or trends? Are we simply throwing away our lives on, can't miss odds, concrete locks, parlays and propositions offered by the world?

In an uncertain time, with a fearful and not-to-clear future, it is safe to allow the One who has been to the future and back to guide us. Jesus followed the leading of the Father despite human fear and a dangerous future. 

I am asking God to lead me during these challenging days. What about you? Do you believe the words of the psalmist?

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)  

Everything that the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true. . . . all will come true!

 Prepping for Holy Week  ( Part I)

Jesus took the twelve disciples to one side. He told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem. Everything that the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will make fun of him. They will laugh at him and spit on him. They will whip him and kill him. On the third day, he will rise from the dead!” (Luke 18:31-33)

As we close in on the Resurrection Celebration in two weeks, let's not make this just another break. It's not a spring break as most see it. It is not a time to go away and go crazy. It is not a break for Easter either; a time to search for eggs with money and candy surprises. It is a break to focus (or re-focus) our attention on the Cross, the Sacrifice, the Atonement for our sin, and the eventually conquering of death and the grave. 

It all is true . . . and more will come true as we anticipate His return!  

The Covid-19 crisis is not "created equal".

The Covid-19 crisis is not "created equal". We are all not "in the same boat". The novel coronavirus has impacted us all in vastly different ways. Some people lost jobs, while careers in healthcare ramped up dramatically. Some houses are buzzing with kids home from school with no activities to attend, while other homes are unbearably quiet and lonely. Some of us are living in extreme fear, and others are unburdened by the threat of health issues. Most of us are living through some of the most challenging days as a Nation as we deal with social injustices finally being addressed out in the open.CHRISTians and non-Christians alike suffer from its impact. Some, strangely enough, have flourished during the past year!

If you find yourself in the minority . . . do just fine, thank you very much, remember these words: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

If you are angered and upset over the social challenges we are facing as a Nation, live out this verse: ”Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20)

If you are struggling as parents, students, even teachers, with virtual learning and when it will be safe to return to schools, be hopeful and trust God: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)

Finally, if you are challenged with the loss of loved ones, illnesses, even job loss and feel abandoned and lost, hear these words: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Count it ALL joy

 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness  . . . . If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.” (James 1:2-6)

 James does not say here to count some things joy in our lives . . . he clearly says to "count it all joy"! And what are to we count as joy . . . trials, tests of faith, challenges! He doesn't even say to count the good times as joy. . . . that's easy! 

I must admit, this takes practice . . . deliberate practice! It is not normal to be joyful during these challenging times. We are separated from family and friends. We have had to face severe illnesses and the passing of loved ones. Virtual learning has not always been a joy for students, parents, or teachers! Yet James gives us the answer as to how to deal with it all . . . seek God!

God is waiting and willing to share His wisdom with us to get through these days. Nothing is too hard for Him! (Jeremiah 32:27)However, we must ask knowing God knows what is best and then accepting His advice and carrying it out. We cannot keep doubting and trying to do it all on our own!

With all the trials we are facing, we should be filled with joy knowing God is right in the middle of it all ready to help!

Dependency upon our God . . . Celebrating Patrick.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm.84:11)

Would you celebrate "St. Patrick's Day" with me in a different way as we celebrate the Irish culture . . . 

Patrick was not a myth, a fictitious character, a drunkard, a brawler, or a snake chaser. He was an Englishman, former slave kidnapped as a teenager, and a God-chaser! As he grew in his knowledge of God, he was called back to Ireland where he led hundreds of thousands to the Lord and started over three hundred churches! He taught of the Trinity using the three-leaf clover, not the four-leaf one 🍀 and his favorite color was blue, not green. He did not chase snakes out of Ireland (there are none on the island) but he chased out evil! Today, the date of his death in A.D. 461, we celebrate his life and his faithfulness to God and prayer!

As we read what is known as the Prayer of St. Patrick, may we ponder our own life and dependency upon our God.

I arise today Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today Against wounding . . .
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today Through the mighty strength Of the Lord of creation.

How do I know I am saved?

 

“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10).

So how do we do that? The question, “Am I saved?” is one of the most important questions we can ever ask ourselves. We need to know the answer . . . we must know the answer. Without the assurance of salvation the Christian life is a series of ups and downs. It is vulnerable to mood changes and allows false teachings to camp on the doorstep. The progress in sanctification requires a firm foundation in faith. Assurance is the glue our faith. Without it, the foundation falls apart.

First, realize our salvation rests upon the merit of Christ alone, which is given to us when we embrace Him by genuine faith. We need a clear understanding of what constitutes genuine saving faith. Secondly, a sober analysis of our own lives is required. We must examine ourselves to see if the fruit of regeneration is apparent in our lives. Do we have a real affection for the biblical Christ? Only the regenerate person possesses real love for the real Jesus. Here is a needed question: “Does my life manifest the fruit of sanctification?” I test my faith by my works.


We will never be perfect, but we are being perfected by the Savior. Real assurance rests on a sound understanding of salvation (Forgiven through the work of Jesus), a sound understanding of justification (being made right by God), a sound understanding of sanctification (living out our salvation), and a sound understanding of ourselves.

In the morning . . . .

Sometimes we need no explanation when it comes to God;'s Word. We can just read it and meditate on it . Read these verses and ask yourself what they are saying to us.                      

Lord, in the morning you hear my voice. In the morning I pray to you. I wait for you in hope. (Psalm 5:3)         

                                                                                                                          Weeping can stay for the night. But joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

                                                                                                                                Lord, I cry out to you for help. In the morning I pray to you. (Psalm 88:13)

                                                                                                                                In the morning let me hear about your faithful love because I’ve put my trust in you. (Psalm 143:8)
                                                                                                                                It was very early in the morning and still dark. Jesus got up and left the house. He went to a place where he could be alone. There he prayed. (Mark 1:35)     

There is no specific direction in the Bible to spend the mornings in prayer. It is however practiced . . . even by Jesus Himself! 

Now, I am not saying it has to be at zero-dark-hundred or every morning at a specific time, that would be legalistic. I am just saying that there is a precedent set in the Bible for putting God first and making time with Him a priority, not a ritual or afterthought.

Now, you tell me, how important is it to spend time with God first thing in the morning? 

 

 

 

 

Our comfort level

 A daily walk with Jesus should challenge us! 

We often find ourselves struggling to get out of bed. We hit the snooze button two or three times. We rush through the morning routine, perhaps even forgetting to eat or grabbing that donut and coffee to go! (not healthy by the way!) Oh, we will find time for morning devotions and prayer later, when it is more convenient or more comfortable. After all, Jesus understands us! 

Are we getting too comfortable in our relationship with Him? Do we find ourselves putting Him off until we have time, until we can focus, until it is comfortable? 

For many of us professed good and faithful Christians who seek to walk daily with Jesus, there are times when our daily walk with the Lord gets pushed to the side. Perhaps we slept late . . . perhaps it's busyness or other priorities that just got in the way. It happens to all of us. Other things in our lives sometimes crowd out the time we need to be devoting to a day by day walk with Jesus.

Right away Jesus called out to them, “Be brave! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”“Lord, is it you?” Peter asked. “If it is, tell me to come to you on the water.”“Come,” Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. He began to sink. He cried out, “Lord! Save me!” Right away Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “Your faith is so small!” he said. “Why did you doubt me?”(Matthew 14:27-31)

Peter had a challenging walk with Jesus. It kind of began with his "walk on the water". Jesus performed this amazing miracle, walking towards them on the water, and Peter is so excited by this he demanded to join Jesus on the walk. Jesus agreed. Did Jesus know that Peter would sink? Maybe or maybe not, but he definitely knew that the walk would be difficult for Peter. It would be filled with doubt and with feelings of helplessness. In short – it would be challenging! Once Peter took his focus off Jesus, he began to sink!

Throughout these challenging days, we find ourselves just like Peter in the water: When we are challenged in our day by day walk, we learn who we ultimately rely upon. We try to handle things on our own, rushing here and there. We allow stress to get to us. We get weary. We get frustrated. We lose focus. . . . then we remember Jesus!

Where is your comfort level today?

 

Now we can do good things. . . . celebrate life in Christ!

 

God made us. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good things. Long ago God prepared them for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

A wasted life . . . . It's what it is if one lives without knowing God and serving God. Not ever knowing real love . . . the agape love of Jesus and sacrificial love of fellow believers. 

Growing up I was loved, but it was a love based upon feelings and emotion. It changed from day-to-day. Love came and love left, despite what I felt. Yet when I met real LOVE in the summer of 1992, I felt a weight being removed from my very soul. I began to receive real vision and real goals for my life, not simply to make money, or to provide things for my family. Jesus rescued me with a few simple words: 

Say with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord.” Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then you will be saved. With your heart you believe and are made right with God. With your mouth you say what you believe. And so you are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

From that day forward, my life began to change. Thanks to my new family of God, I began to learn of my spiritual gifts and was able to match them with my physical gifts and personality. I was taught, disciplined, and encouraged and still being taught by that same Pastor . . . that same Church home! I was gracefully and mercifully allowed a beautiful help-meet by the Lord to walk beside me. My family life changed for the best, my life plans began to come into focus, and my desires were now for Him and others, not me!

It's been sixty-one years of life today, but really only twenty-eight years of living! From that day in 1992, I began coaching for His glory, parenting for His glory, and eventually living a married life for His glory. My bride has given me over twenty-three years of unconditional love as well, even though I do not deserve it. God gave us a family ministry and called us to serve Him. He gave me the opportunities to teach young people His ways and His Words. My work is not a job anymore, but a ministry, a labor in love, and a love to labor for Him. 

He has provided all we ever need and more. I began to realize that this life is for God and for pointing people toward Him. Now that is my goal! I am so grateful to my wife, children, grandchildren and so many others who never gave up on me, but saw His potential in me. If angels were people, my wife would be God's best. 

So celebrate with me and pray that He keeps me living for Him and that my life may point people to the cross. The gift I desire? I desire for everyone I come in contact with to be connected to Jesus . . . the LOVE of my life.

Do YOU have life today? Are you living?

An invitation, not an obligation.

I am so concerned for my kids, grandkids and the ones I teach (my kids too!). These are challenging times with Covid-19, virtual learning, political unrest, injustice, an unsure future, and so much more. It is challenging to get them to "trust" anything or anyone, much less a God they cannot "see". 

Who is Jesus to them?

Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. There he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”They replied, “Some say John the Baptist. Others say Elijah. Still others say Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah. You are the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! No mere human showed this to you. My Father in heaven showed it to you. Here is what I tell you. You are Peter. On this rock I will build my church. The gates of hell will not be strong enough to destroy it.  I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. What you lock on earth will be locked in heaven. What you unlock on earth will be unlocked in heaven.” Then Jesus ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. (Matthew 16: 13-20)

Accepting Christ isn’t just a one time decision. That decision is important, of course,  but it’s only a part of the coin. The first side of the coin is something we call “justification.” This is a biblical word that means “made right with God.” We acknowledge and accept God’s love through Jesus Christ for ourselves. The other side is the way we become more like Jesus. . . .“sanctification.” God doesn’t want us to just acknowledge him and his grace; He wants us to live it out every day of our lives! This is our day by day walk with Jesus.

There are times in our lives when this day by day walk seems like something we have to do. It seems like an obligation – like homework or doing chores around the house. But God wants us to see it differently. A daily walk with Jesus is an invitation, not an obligation. Jesus constantly asked people to "follow Me" (thirteen times in the Bible). He did not force them, coerce them, or trick them. 

Even for me, it is a challenge to "follow" Jesus all throughout the day. I must decide to do it. Challenges of day-to-day life get in the way. I must be deliberate! I need help along the way. Let's encourage one another to accept Jesus' invitation daily and to walk with Him daily! Hey, let's walk together!!!

Who are you trusting?

Many say they don't know, they think, they might be, they hope so, or who knows. 

Are you trusting your eternal life to Jesus? Are you sure of your relationship with Him? In a world of doubt, confusion, lies and fake news, there IS assurance of one thing: one may be saved from eternal damnation by trusting in Jesus as their Lord and and Savior! If we believe in Him, we must believe in His Word: 

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) 

Read for yourself from God's Word then tell me W(w)ho are you trusting?

 

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.(1 John 5:13)

 

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (John 5:24)

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:28)

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)

 

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

 

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy . . . (Jude 1:24)

 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)

 

Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)

 

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

 

 

 

 

 

Stand up to him. Remain strong in what you believe.

In the same way, I’m speaking to you who are younger. Follow the lead of those who are older. All of you, put on a spirit free of pride toward one another. Put it on as if it were your clothes. Do this because Scripture says, 

“God opposes those who are proud. But he gives grace to those who are humble.” (Proverbs 3:34) 

So make yourselves humble. Put yourselves under God’s mighty hand. Then he will honor you at the right time. Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you. Be watchful and control yourselves. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to swallow up. Stand up to him. Remain strong in what you believe.

You know that you are not alone in your suffering. The family of believers throughout the world is going through the same thing. God always gives you all the grace you need. So you will only have to suffer for a little while. Then God himself will build you up again. He will make you strong and steady. And he has chosen you to share in his eternal glory because you belong to Christ. Give him the power for ever and ever. (1 Peter 5: 5-11)Young people . . . listen to the encouraging words of Peter! Stand up to Satan . . . these are challenging times with Covid restrictions, illnesses and even deaths, virtual learning, upcoming graduations, exams, college choices . . .wow! But hey . . . God knows! 

Do not give in to the temptation to settle for less, give up on plans, or accept failure or rejection. Remain strong in what you believe . . .about yourself and God! God is still a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! (Hebrews 11:6) 

Read again the words of Peter . . . remain humble . . .turn things over to Him . . .be under His control . . .you are not alone . . . in His timing, He will make you strong and steady!

God has chosen you to share in his eternal glory because you belong to Christ!!!

 

So why are we here anyway?

So why are we here anyway?

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city. We will spend a year there. We will buy and sell and make money.” You don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears. Instead, you should say, “If it pleases the Lord, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you brag. You brag about the evil plans your pride produces. This kind of bragging is evil. So suppose someone knows the good deeds they should do. But suppose they don’t do them. By not doing these good deeds, they sin. (James 4:13-17 NIrV) 

Have we been created to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians, or pastors? Have we been placed here upon this earth to become the most popular man or woman on the earth? Is our goal to see how much wealth we can accumulate and how long we can stay on the world's richest person list? Are we here for ourselves, our families, or for God's glory?

Bring back everyone who belongs to me. I created them to bring glory to me. I formed them and made them.” (Isaiah 43:7)

So do you believe the lies of this world, the misconceptions of our culture, or The Creator? Plainly, our reason for being here is to glorify God! Whether our gifts are in helps (missions, volunteering), faith (praying, interceding), serving (doctor, nurses, waiters), in hospitality (hotel concierge), teaching (education), preaching (pastor, minister), giving (raising funds, investing), or others, we are to use these gifts and our physical talents (athletics, music, art, speech, etc) to honor God. 

Not using these gifts, talents and opportunities to honor God is sinful! In these days, there are plenty of opportunities to teach, serve, give, and pray! However, many are simply sitting back, hiding out, waiting, or wasting time. Others are hoarding for a future they may not even experience. (Luke 12:16-21). God gives us opportunities to serve right now! 

We are not created to leave a legacy about me, but about God! Are we wasting our time in sin?

In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

 

 

Vaccine or no vaccine, that is the question!

 Vaccine or no vaccine, that is the question!

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)

Vaccine or no vaccine, that is the question! I must admit, I have struggled with the idea of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. Because of HIStory, side effects, and just not believing everything that is reported, I have had doubts. Plus I have already tested positive and have the antibodies! However, because I am a teacher, I feel as though I have a responsibility to students and parents to know I am doing all I am able to do to create a safe school environment. 

In today's society, it is hard to see how God is using our authorities as His ministers for our good. Yet as long as the mandates do not dishonor the Lord, I can follow them.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5: 27-29) 

There are so many lies and false promises. So I trust God . . . to keep me safe from the virus and safe from the vaccine . . . either way, I place my trust in God! At some point it comes down to this basic fact!

 

Trust God to supply even as you help those in need.

Trust God to supply even as you help those in need. 

At last you are concerned about me again. That makes me very happy. We belong to the Lord. I know that you were concerned. But you had no chance to show it. I’m not saying this because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. I know what it’s like not to have what I need. I also know what it’s like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough. I can do all this by the power of Christ. He gives me strength. But it was good of you to share in my troubles. (Philippians 4:10-14)

Have you ever helped someone, then in no time at all, you need help? Human nature may say to you, "I should have kept what I gave away." It happens. We hear of someone in need, help them as God directs, then we find our selves without something. That is when we trust God to supply! 

We as believers should always be ready to assist, because we never know when we will be in need. Paul reminds us above that we must learn to be content in any situation, knowing God will supply, as he would write a few verses later. (Philippians 4:19) One day we have excess and are able to give and the next day or so we are coming up short and are in need. Trust God to supply even as you help those in need.

This situation has been so very real to my wife and I as missionaries the past twenty-three years. Many times we have found ourselves with an abundance whereby we can assist so many. We have been sponsored on more than fifteen mission trips to serve those who have been devastated by storms or in need of ministry assistance. Other times we have struggled for the basics needs of life . . . but God and His people have always come through! We are learning to be content year by year!

As we embark on phase two of our mission life, we find ourselves independent of much of our previous support, as we have had to dissolve the business aspect of our ministry. For twenty-two years we had established a 501 ( C ) 3 business as an umbrella for our mission work. Due to Covid-19 we had to abandon that structure and become independent missionaries, serving teens, local front-line workers, and individual family needs as we are funded. It has been a struggle, but we know from the past that God will supply as He sees fit! 

It is simply another stage in our faith and His faithfulness!

If you desire to join in with our work, you may donate through our church website @ https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=109561&f=1/. Be sure to check Jerry and Tamara Carroll on the drop-down menu.