The Cross of Christ: God's Power!

Is anyone confused by the cross? Do we really understand what happened there then? What does it mean now? 

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel . . . not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” (1 Corinthians 1:17-19)

Jesus died upon the cross for the salvation of all who would accept it. His perfect blood had to be shed in order for all to have the opportunity to be united with a perfect God. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A22&version=NIV) The cross still stands as the power of God to wipe out our sin debt. Christ's resurrection from the dead proves His power over sin and death! 

So while the cross is the sacrifice, the resurrection is our proof! Our high priest was accepted as the perfect sacrifice to the Father for our sin: He lives and so we live as well!

He sacrificed then . . . He rose then . . . so we live because of Him now and for eternity!

Partners in Missions Ministry

 We cannot do it alone . . . we need our partners in missions ministry. 

Paul stayed in Corinth for almost two years. In that time, he had developed a deep and trusting relationship with Priscilla and Aquila, so much so that he took them along as he began his third missionary journey. The three sailed first to Ephesus, where Paul left the couple to serve as teachers and guardians of the gospel.

Ministry isn’t meant to be done solo. We need partners in the mission who can strengthen us when we’re weak and share with us in the work. Like Paul, my wife and I have had so many partner with us over our twenty six years of missions ministry to at-risk youth, single parent families, homeless, and those suffering from natural disasters. Our local church, businesses, individuals, students, schools, and yes, even county governments have supported our in-home and outreach ministries over the years. 

Yet it remains a challenge to convince even fellow believers of the need to support missions work both locally and over the waters. 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. (Philippians 4:12-18)

As I embark on yet another mission trip to serve in Puerto Rico with my students, I want to thank each of you, our partners in missions ministry who supported us! May God grant it to your account!

Set an example

 I am really concerned for our younger generation today . . . those between sixteen and thirty-something. They have a lot of challenges and are being told a lot of lies and shown a lot of deceptive plans for their future. Satan is indeed busy . . . . and it seems busier than ever!

“Don’t let anyone look down on your because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech, behavior, love, faith and purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

This generation is going to be in charge on day. Teens need to know now, though, that their opinions are important. They should be encouraged to set an example to peers and even adults. They must be encouraged to not simply blindly follow others. Young people have the ability through Christ to do amazing things in their life and in the lives of others. 

We, as adults, need to listen more and be willing to learn from our younger generation, even as we are teaching and modeling life as a believer for them. While the Gospel remains the same, as culture changes, we must adapt to how we present God's Truths. Jesus did not share the same way with every one He encountered. He listened, He healed, He comforted, He corrected, and He cared through it all. As Christ was, we too need to be in touch with the Holy Spirit and led by Him in our daily activities.

We all, young and not-so-young alike, need to set an example for others to witness and follow, even before words are ever spoken!

experience Jesus?

What will you do to experience Jesus?

A man named Zacchaeus lived there. He was a chief tax collector and was very rich. Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was. But he was a short man. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. He wanted to see Jesus, who was coming that way. Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was. He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down at once. I must stay at your house today.” So Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this. They began to whisper among themselves. They said, “Jesus has gone to be the guest of a sinner. ” But Zacchaeus stood up. He said, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of what I own to those who are poor. And if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay it back. I will pay back four times the amount I took.” Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today salvation has come to your house. You are a member of Abraham’s family line. The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them.” (Luke 19:2-10)

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector . . . really hated in other words! Yet he needed to see this Jesus and was willing to do anything to do so. Being short, he had to go to great heights to see Him. He climbed a tree! Jesus saw him and called him down to meet with Him. He was changed forever!

What are we going to do this Lent to really experience Jesus?

There is always a younger one . . .

We all have someone younger looking up to us. Whether we are eight or eighty-eight, there is always a younger one wishing they could be like us and do the things we are doing. 

• What are we showing them? 
• What are we telling them? 
• Where are we leading them?

Read the psalmist's words below and ask yourself the questions above once again:

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. (PSALM 145:4)

As a husband/teacher/coach/mentor/parent and grandparent, I have many that watch my every move. They expect certain things from me. I am held accountable to God for my life but also for whom I impact and how. It is a task I embrace. I do not always please myself or others . . . even God for that matter, but I keep pressing.

What about you? How are you challenged to be Christ with others? 

Empty words . . . bad choices . . . Responsibility

 Responsibility . . . what a loaded word! As individuals, we are all accountable to God, whether we choose to accept it or not. Idle words and actions are not forgotten. People say and do a lot of things today. Many do not think before they speak. Anything and everything flows out of our mouths today . . . lies, rumors, cursing, threats. Read these words from Jesus carefully: 

A good man says good things. These come from the good that is stored up inside him. An evil man says evil things. These come from the evil that is stored up inside him. But here is what I tell you. On judgment day, everyone will have to account for every empty word they have spoken. By your words you will be found guilty or not guilty.” (Matthew 12:35-37)

Jesus' brother James had a few things to say about our mouths as well: 

Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. Human anger doesn’t produce the holy life God wants . . . (James 1:19-20)

Let's be more responsible!

Can we "see" the Risen Jesus today?

As we read about Mary Magdalene here in John 20, we see she was the first to check on Jesus' body on SONday morning. However, she found an empty tomb! As you might imagine, she was emotional. However, when she turned and saw a man behind her, she did not recognize the Risen Jesus.

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there,but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (John 20:11-14)

So today, we who are disciples of Jesus Christ indeed believe He has risen from the grave and now sits physically next to the Throne of Glory in heaven. Let me ask a few questions though:

If we saw the Risen Jesus today, in our world, would we recognize Him? 

Are we too busy with the day-to-day that we would not see Him? 

Are we looking for someone different?

The Risen Savior is alive and well and active through the Holy Spirit in our world today. As we approach Resurrection Day '23, let's seek Him . . . in our circumstances and in others!

Not about me . . .

It is not about me, but others! Let's admit it, we live in a selfish and sinful world. Life is all about my goals, my plans, my job, my career, my life. Really? Is that was we learn from scriptures?

While Jesus was dying from our sins, He stopped with some of His last breaths to be sure to care for His mother. In fact, all He went through was not for Himself, but for you and me! What a lesson to learn this Lent . . .

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:25-27)

No matter our situation, there is always someone in more need than you or me. Just look around: 

• Who is hurting?
• Who is hungry?
• Who just lost a job?
• Who just lost a big game?
• Who just got turned down for a college offer?
• Who around us in more stressed than you or me?

Maybe we can hear Jesus saying: "Hey . . . behold the person near you. Care for them today!"

Obedience: What is it really?

And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God’s law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does. (James 1:22-25 Living Bible)

What does obedience mean? In simple terms it means hearing the word of God and acting on it. It implies aligning our will to God's will; doing what God has asked us to do. It is when we completely surrender to His authority and base our decisions and our actions on His Word.

We have an obedience problem in our society in general and it is spilling over into our churches, schools, neighborhoods and our homes. Every one wants to be their own authority. Too many folks believe they can do whatever they feel like doing whenever they feel like doing it. 

Any and every excuse is given. Some even believe they can change the things God has set in stone! 

There is One Authority that we all must face one day . . .  Almighty God. What excuse will have for Him?

Two mites . . . all she had.

How much is enough? This is often asked today of those who even go to church. Do I just give 10%? Does giving my time and talents count as well as my money? I don't know about you, but we all could take a lesson from the woman in the lesson below.

 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12: 41-44)

Two mites was about the lowest value of money ever created in HIStory! It was given to the poor daily for bread. It would have also bought two or three grapes! Yet this women gave it as her offering to God. It was all she had that day!

Not just at Lent, but always, I believe God is asking for more than money. Yes, we need to give to sustain the work of the church . . . outreach, building expenses, salaries, missions support and more. Yet we also must give of ourselves. Since when does God get the minimum anyway?

I have come to believe that until we have given it all, as Jesus did for me, then we still have more to give!

Celebrate culture and Christ

Happy St. Patrick's day . . .☘💚💙☘

 Celebrate culture and Christ. 

We are diverse so that when we bring it all into our worship, we are united and are able to glorify God properly. As I celebrate the Irish heritage and look forward to serving in Puerto Rico, I am reminded how wonderfully God has equipped each of us and how far we have to go in order to embrace it!

 . . . . endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4: 3-6)

So let's take a look at our cultural backgrounds . . . not to ponder how special we are as an individual people, but rather how God has made each culture just a bit different as to appreciate one another and join as one people to glorify Him!

I leave you with a simple Irish prayer  . . . . 

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Who was Succat and why do people celebrate?

Maewyn Succat, or Patrick as we know him today, was actually born in Britain in the fourth century. He did not chase snakes out of Ireland, because Ireland is believed to never have has snakes! Did you also know that his and Ireland's original color was blue . . . azure blue to be exact? This was changed to green and the wearing of a shamrock, as a result of rebellion against British rule. Irish HIStory is rich indeed and beyond whiskey, potatoes and brawling!

View the video below for more on Succat.

https://youtu.be/YnJt7SvkL3g

Below is a portion of what is commonly known as St. Patrick's Breastplate. May I suggest we make this a daily prayer? 

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 when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen!!!

Go make HIStory!

Just when you think it is over . . . the grave is opened . . . the dead get up and walk!

Ever in doubt? Ever think it is all over . . . you do not have a chance?

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Remember Lazarus? (John 11:43-44) Remember the young girl who everyone thought was dead? (Mark 5:41-43) Things may seem hopeless. Dreams may seem to have died. It is the last inning, two outs and you are down to the last batter . . . but there is still life and hope! https://twitter.com/home

There is still God! Go make HIStory!

So what is our excuse?

Hebrews 12:1-2 states: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

We are surrounded by Godly influences daily. So what is our excuse? 

• Why do we stay tangled up in such messy situations? 
• Why do we run from the Godly influences and run to the ungodly? 

It is an easy answer: we lose focus! The writer of Hebrews instructs us to run straight ahead staying focused upon Jesus. We have to identify the things and the people who cause us to stray and turn away from them. It is a deliberate act of choice . . . your choice and mine. 

We must use the tools (and people) in our lives that can keep us focused upon the things of God and throw off the things that distract us. Maybe we should make a list and act upon it . . . today!

So what is our excuse?

Mid-Lent Update . . . Today is a good day to regroup !

So has our Lenten Season been much like our New Year's resolutions? Have we skipped a few days of devotions . . . forgotten our donations . . . slipped a few times on that favorite food of TV show? Today is a good day to regroup and get closer to our good, good God and Father. . . . our sacrificial Savior . . . . our sanctifying Spirit of God living within us.

James 4:8 (NLT) says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” 

When we seek God with all of our hearts and draw near to Him, we will feel His presence once again. It only takes a bit of effort on our part. Set aside the today to focus upon the cross . . . but also the empty grave!

Yes, Jesus was crucified for our sins, yet He overcame the cross and is our living and breathing Savior, just waiting for us to call upon Him. His Spirit is alive and living within those of us who have confessed and given our lives to Him.

Today is a good day to regroup . . . set aside some time for the Savior today!

Choices I make . . .

What does it matter how I live and the choices I make here on earth? If I am saved, I am saved, right? I go to heaven in the end. Do my choices really matter after choosing Christ?

As Christ followers, we still have work to do once we dedicate ourselves to the Lord. The Spirit does the calling, yet we must continue to follow! While salvation is a one-time decision, the calling is a lifetime of choices. Choices you and I make really do make a difference  . . . in our lives but also in the lives of others. 

Listen to Peter's words:

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.  Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2: 11-12)

Our choices may even lead the non-believer to consider Christ! Oh, the choices I make!

Real Worship?

What is real worship anyway? Not words, not programs, not ministries, not meetings, not dancing or call and response . . . but real worship comes from our heart to the heart of God. It should be natural and spontaneous to a perfect, all-wise, eternal, all-powerful, HOLY, yet merciful God!

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! (Psalm 95:6)

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

So take a few minutes to bow down, and worship Him!

https://youtu.be/_ii6a5PW04w

https://youtu.be/HPBmFwBSGb0

Who knows?

Who knows?

We should all be accountable to someone here on earth. the Bible tells us that:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

In fact, as a CHRISTian Body, we all feel the impact of one another's actions . . . good or bad.

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)

So who knows what you and I are doing? With whom do we share our struggles, our shortcomings, our successes, our sins? 

Let's face it, sharing our ups and downs with one another can lead to peace of mind. Keeping things bottled up inside is not healthy . . . spiritually or physically. Accountability reflects responsibility

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

Who knows about you?

What does it mean to really serve others?

What does it mean to really serve others?

This is a great question during this time of prayer, spending time with God, and evaluating how we live. Yes, this is the Lenten Season and many give up things . . . mainly out of ritual and custom. But as believers, isn't our life supposed to be sacrificial? 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith . . . (Romans 12:1-3)

These verses give us something to ponder . . . so ponder deeply and honestly today.

Why does God have us here . . . right here . . . today?

Praise Him with me today

 Think about the following verses for a minute or two: 

(Isaiah 25:1) Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

Take a moment or two to jot down just a couple of things that God has done or allowed in your life. Is it not awesome just to know that Almighty Creator God has you and me in mind every day and He wants to do great things in our lives that only He can do?

This alone should make us want to live to please Him! Praise Him with me today. 

He provides!

I never get tired of praising God. How can I when He continues to provide time after timeI It is not always money, or things, but many times it is just knowing that He is right here with us! Again and again He reassures us that he loves us, He cares for us, He knows our needs and our wants, and He provides!

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” ( Isaiah 6:8)

Twenty-six years ago God allowed me to marry the most wonderful woman I could ever imagine. If you know our story, it was purely His grace! A year later He called us into the mission field . . . can you believe that? He called us to serve Him! That alone was grace. To give two sinners an opportunity to serve Almighty God . . . wow!

Here we are twenty-five years later still serving because He keeps providing . . . in plenty and in want. I know what Paul wrote about: 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Again this week, He has provided for or team of thirteen to serve in Puerto Rico. This is our twenty-second mission trip since 1997 and He has provided for every one! He is still Jehovah Jireh . . . the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob . . . just as He was with Moses, Aaron and others, He has been with us. 

He still provides!

Can we just praise God?

What have we done for Him lately?

I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. (Psalm 34:1-3)

Seriously . . . we are always asking God for something! When is the last time we just did something for Him . . . without needing or asking anything in return?

Today . . . with so much to praise Him for . . . can we just praise God? Why not make a list?