Grading on a curve?

Do you ever think God grades on a curve? He does not! As a teacher for the last thirteen years, I do not grade on a curve either. It is not fair to the excellent students nor the struggling. There is no slacking. You receive the grade according to the work you performed. That is fair to everyone!

The Bible makes it clear that God does the same. He won’t compare Ianna to Brandon and decide, “Well, you weren’t quite as bad as Brandon, so come on into heaven. Sorry, Brandon, did not measure up to the others . . . see 'ya!"

Jesus told Nicodemus what it took to get into heaven. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a guy who did all the right things, said all the right things, even believed all the right things. Jesus simply said: 

“I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Do you believe you are better than someone else? So you don't smoke weed? You don't drink until you are drunk? You do not have extramarital sex, just watch porn on occasion? God understands why you cannot tithe? 

Excuses do not get us into eternal life. Winning a popularity contest doesn't earn a spot in heaven. There is One Way through One Person . . . Jesus Christ. No curve!

To have an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ, one must be born again!

The love of money.....

According to a recent report, there are only 2,668 billionaires in the world. Together, these individuals have accumulated $12.7 trillion in wealth. And 86 of the people in this exclusive club are under the age of 40! Consider the tremendous wealth held by those 2,668 individuals in comparison to the rest of the world’s 7.837 billion people.

This sharp division between the rich and the poor was not the ideal in ancient Israel. The Jubilee laws were designed to prevent the utter ruin of those who fell into debt. It also prevented individuals within Israel from accumulating large amounts of land perpetually. After every seventh sabbatical year (50th year), the Year of Jubilee was proclaimed (Leviticus 25:8-12)

Some things need to be remembered from the Old Testament. We are not to be greedy. The love of money is still the root of all evil! Just look at our news! One day all things will be made right. The Year of Jubilee gave Israel a foretaste of that day. Jesus has fulfilled aspects of the Jubilee legislation.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19).

What are we doing with our money . . . well, God's money?

leave everything better than we found it

Everything we have is ultimately a gift from the Lord and belongs to Him. The goal of our life should not be to accumulate the maximum amount of wealth we possibly can, but to live in right relationship with God, others, and the world He created. 

Today is a good day to celebrate the truth that:

 

“The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it” (Ps. 24:1).

I was taught to believe that we should leave everything better than we found it. This does not only apply to places we gather, but also this earth we live upon and the relationships we have. 

Can we say that about our own lives? Do we live in such a way that we honor God and are grateful for all He supplies. Do we respect the venues where we eat, stay, or attend events? Are people better off having been in our presence?  

These things tell a lot about who we are and Whose we are!

Servant-Leadership

All authority . . . servant leadership is lacking today!

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

While it is true that God establishes our leaders, even today, as followers of Christ we all are to be servants. Jesus showed us this as He washed His disciples' feet. As servant leaders, we can model servant-hood for all to see and mimic. This way entire organizations, even nations, can peacefully and effectively exist.

God does not promote leaders to intimidate those under their authority, but to lead by example and with humility, knowing it is God who established their position.  Pride (and arrogance I might add) goes before a fall.

Are we serving with humility or seeking to be served as leaders?

Don't forget!

Remembering things . . .

God is big on remembering. Old Testament festivals provide important background for many New Testament practices. The Last Supper was held on Passover (Matt. 26:17). The Holy Spirit descended upon the church at Pentecost (Acts 2). They were days for the Jews to remember and now for us as well. When we celebrate communion today, we remember what Christ has done and anticipate His second coming. It is why church attendance is so important!

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

It is so important to remember what God has done . . . small things as well as the big ones. It helps us recall how He can get us through today's struggles and tomorrow's as well. 

Can you list at least three things God . . . and only God . . . has done for you lately?

Don't forget!

Forget the past and move on!

 Forget the past . . . well, not all of it, but learn from it and then move on!

We all have a past. We all have things we do not wish to remember. We all have screwed up, missed the mark, said the wrong thing or did something at the wrong time. We are human. Praise God for Jesus and the fact that we can forget about it and move on! 

Our sins are washed away and we are made clean because Christ gave His own body as a gift to God. He did this once for all time. (Hebrews 10:10)

Others may not wish to forget things . . . and even remind us of those things now and then . . . but we as followers of Christ must give ourselves enough grace to move on and accomplish His will in our lives. We are forgiven! The failures have been washed away by His blood. Today is a new day!

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19.

Just how serious?

Just how serious was God . . . is God about sin? As we read the laws in Leviticus, we see He is very serious. He still is. 

‘You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them, that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out. And you shall not walk in the statutes of the nation which I am casting out before you; for they commit all these things, and therefore I abhor them. But I have said to you, “You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples. You shall therefore distinguish between clean animals and unclean, between unclean birds and clean, and you shall not make yourselves abominable by beast or by bird, or by any kind of living thing that creeps on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine. (Leviticus 20:22-26)

If we would go back and read from Leviticus 20 verse 1 (Leviticus 20:1-27, we would see how many broken statutes bring death from God . . . sacrificing to idols, dealing in the occult, disrespect of parents, etc. God is dead serious!

However, since we the church are not under the Mosaic covenant and not a political entity in the way Israel was, these consequences are no longer in force. However, they remind us that God takes sin seriously. It should also make us deeply grateful that Jesus bore the penalty for sin on our behalf (Gal. 3:13).

How serious are we about sin?

I can only imagine!

How hard is it to live a CHRISTian life today? Listen to this message I received from a student just this morning. . .

My family is not Christian, my mom curses, drinks and does not have the Bible as her law but still professes she is "Christian" I think my dad is atheist despite my amazing Christian barber that preached to him and me, my cool older cousin (great guy) who is around 28 doesn't seem to approve of Christianity being the true religion, and my older brother who laughed at me . . . I believe I stood firm on the word of God and defended it well and been slow to talk and fast to listen to them yet I cannot save them . . .

what do I do?

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us (Titus 2:6-8).

It is enough of a struggle for me as an adult believer, for over thirty years, but for a young high school male struggling to honor God in a household that really does not believe. . . well, I  can only imagine! I must admit, I struggle as well . . . every day! There are times when I want to lose my religion, but the Holy Spirit restrains me . . . just last evening as an example. Yet I was reminded of who I claim to be and to Whom I belong. He restrained me.

Please pray for our young people. Pray that those of us who know . . . will show them as well as instruct them what is is to be a Christ follower. We as adults are accountable to God! God, give us strength. Lord, please guide our youth, especially our young men!

Are we really all in?

Take the time to meditate on these verses from Acts 2:42-47. While reading, let's ask ourselves: Are we really all in?

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

To be all in required commitment and sacrifice. It requires teamwork. It requires discipline. Lets' take a closer look at what disciples did in fact practice:

• continued in the apostles doctrine (teaching)
• fellowship/prayer
• togetherness/community
• unselfishness
• regular worship
• simple living.

What if we put these things into practice?

How would things change? 

Perhaps God would add to the Church in record numbers once again! Some things to ponder and pray.

No "I" in team . . . .

 No "I" in team, but there is a "me"! So what do I mean by that?

While no team is made up of one player, all players play a role. Even the last player on the end of the bench has a role . . . 

• He plays hard in practice against the starters . . .
• He encourages his teammates in games . . .
• He shows up every day . . .
• He is always ready.

It is the same way in the home, on the job and in any group or organization. While there are leaders, everyone must follow someone. Let's face it, we all are accountable to Christ one day . . . for what we have dome or did not do!!!

The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one . . . (John 17:22)

In the Body of Christ it is the same way. Whether we are the Pastor or newest member of the Church, we all have a vital role to play in the successful functioning of the Body. No one person or small group can do it all or should do it all. We should reach out to everyone to play a role . . . to get them in the game and feel like a vital part of the Kingdom work.

This way we can fully function and accomplish the will of God.

Jehovah Rapha...still healing!

I will exalt You, Lord, for You lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, You his faithful people; praise his holy name. (Psalm 30:1-4)

I am lifting up one of my students this day . . . this hour at 5:41 a.m. as he is prepping for surgery in Pittsburgh, PA. His surgery is to begin at 7:00 am. Lord, You still heal. You are still Jehovah Rapha! I am asking you you guide the doctors hands. Use their knowledge. I commit them to You Lord.

Please be The Healer for Mikkel right now . . . today. Grant him better sight . . . even perfect sight. He has accepted his condition and still serves you humbly . . . prays to You and sets and example for his fellow students, serving as Chaplain of the Class of '24 at our school. I put him in Your hands this day and as he heals.

He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)

You are still God . . . still Jehovah Rapha.  Glorify Yourself today and in the future through Mikkel's life. Your will be done. Please care for his family, his brother Tariq, his parents and others who are stressed today.

In Jesus' name . . . Amen!

Honor?

 Honor? Honor what? Honor Whom?

Today is an honor roll assembly where I teach. Many will walk away with a certificate, incentives and more. Some will wonder why they did not receive an award. Still others will believe they deserved better. Most will receive congratulations and smile and beam believing it was on their efforts and the efforts of those who support them. 

Few will sincerely honor God! What a shame . . . 

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)

Congratulations to all students out there who have achieved high honors so far this year. Keep pressing toward your goals and God's goals for you. Be sure to honor those who have been there long the way . . .and especially honor the Lord!

Some doubted . . . some still do! Why?

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” — Matthew 28:16-20

After Easter . . . Jesus has risen from the tomb. He has appeared to hundreds. Yet many still doubted. Many lived in fear of rejection, isolation and even death.

But what about us today? Here in the U.S. we have freedom to worship, to pray, to speak about Jesus, and to attend church. Yet many choose not to do so. many live in fear of peer pressure, job restrictions and rejection from society. Few who call themselves CHRISTian even attend a church! Why? Is it doubt? Is it fear . . . or both?

Now what?

 Now what?

Easter celebrations have ended. The fancy spring outfits are put away. Lent is over. Resurrection Day has come and gone. Now what?

The disciples of Christ were now awaiting the Holy Spirit to come. They were waiting as instructed. 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

So what are we waiting for today? Those of us who are disciples of Christ have the Holy Spirit within us. What are we doing with Him?

Tetelestai

 

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• Hebrew/Greek
• Your Content

Tetelestai: It is finished! Jesus completed His task to save mankind from sin as our perfect and eternal scarifice. Three days later God the Father would resurrect Him to life by His Spirit and conquer death and the grave. 

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said in fulfillment of the Scripture, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was placed there; so they put a sponge soaked in the sour wine on [a branch of hyssop] and held it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and [voluntarily] gave up His spirit. (John 19:28-30)

We now have that same opportunity to be washed clean by His perfect shed blood and look forward to a resurrected eternal body with Him one day.

Jesus finished the task. What is our response?

Stay focused on the finish line

It is often hard to stay focused. . . especially when nearing the end of a work day, the end of the week, or the end of a project. We look forward to finishing or starting something new but lose sight of finishing well. Like Jesus, we must stay focused on the finish line.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and told His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” And He came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:36-41)

Holy Thursday ... after the Passover meal ... after the New Covenant was instituted ... it is almost finished.

As we start our last "work day" of the mission trip in Puerto Rico, we are working on completing whatever tasks are given. . . mixing concrete, tying rebar, talking and praying with folks we serve, or playing ball with the kids. 

The spirit is willing but our flesh is weak...Holy Spirit use us to Your glory!

Grace... seasoned with salt

Pray for me today......

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:2-6)

As we embark on our third work day here in Puerto Rico, I am asking you to pray for ,. As we are combined with a large team of mostly adults from CA, I find myself conflicted inwardly as I lead my team of mainly teens. There is a different culture present, though we are all believers!

While trying to challenge my team to grow, I am also tasked with protecting them. I have to model grace for sure in how I respond to different styles, personalities, and responses. I must also remember that no salt leaves things tasteless but too much salt leaves a bitter taste in one's mouth.

Pray for me this day that we serve well together. . . in one Spirit.

What does God require?

 What does God require from us?

With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God..(Micah 6:6-8)

While serving on mission trips I learn a lot. I am humbled by others' love for God despite their condition. I should be so grateful.


I am also reminded that I need to be on the mission field daily....everywhere I go.... to treat people justly, be merciful and to remain humble before God and others.


How can I serve you today Lord?

embrace the unexpected!

Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”(Exodus 4: 10-12)

Day 2 of our mission trip this Holy Week and even after more than twenty such trips, this one I can honestly say I don' t know what to expect. There is so much this Pastor in particular is doing and needs to do to serve his people. 

I can honestly say I feel ill equipped like Moses did. Teach me me how to serve today and all week Lord and my team as well. Help us to embrace the unexpected!

Joining God at work

 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.(Ephesians 5:15-20)

Joining God at work. . . this is our goal here on Puerto Rico on Palm SONday 2023 and all this Holy Week. But to join Him at work we must find Him and to find Him we need to know Him.

Paul tells how:

• be filled with the Spirit
• speak kindly to one another
• be thankful in everything
• submit to others.

To join God at work we must be in His will and of His will. We must strive to be like Him and seeling Him and we will find Him at work.

This is my prayer this week!