Like a child

 

Wouldn't it be something if we saw the hearts of others rather than faces? (Honoring Black HIStory '23)

To the late twentieth century, when Christians vigorously debate the question of racial reconciliation and how to achieve it, Lemuel Haynes represents a significant symbolic "first"—the first black pastor of a white congregation! The illegitimate son of a black father and a white mother, Haynes grew up as an indentured servant to the Rose family in Massachusetts. The Roses included young Lemuel in their church attendance and family devotions. The Roses also gave him an education and treated him, Haynes said later, like one of their own children. At the end of his period of indenture, he served in the Continental Army during the Revolution, and then, with the support and encouragement of the Roses and others, he was ordained to the ministry. Haynes spent the largest part of his pastoral career at Rutland, Vermont (1788-1818), where he led the town's Congregational church through the Second Great Awakening.

“God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35)

It is amazing what God can do in and through people who see each other as equals. When we can look one another in the eye and see the face of God, not the face of a European father, an African mother, a Latino teen, or an Asian grandfather. God accepts anyone who comes to Him with open arms. Despite obvious challenges, God still does the miraculous. Keep seeking Him!

Wouldn't it be something if we saw the hearts of others rather than faces?

Who am I? Lent 2022

 Searching for who we really are is something we all go through, no matter our stage in life. Often times we ask ourselves, "Who am I?" and "What am I doing?" Jesus too had these questions, but He knew where to turn. . . . to His Father! Remember in the Gospels when Jesus' life mission took on its crucial role? 

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Whenever we are in doubt, whenever the enemy has us believing lies concerning our relationship with our Saviour, turn to the Father. 

Jesus never had to prove Himself to anyone. He never had to win anyone's approval but the Father's. He was focused on accomplishing the Kingdom work God had enlisted Him to complete!

So "Who am I?" "Who are we?"We are no longer slaves to this world . . . we are children of God! Cherish that thought for a moment!

https://youtu.be/f8TkUMJtK5k

Do not get lost in the season . . .

 

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

Ahhh......summertime! Will Smith (Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff) sang it best in his song from 1991 (https://youtu.be/Kr0tTbTbmVA). But hold on . . .Do not get lost in the season!

While it is cool to kick back and relax a bit now that school is ending and vacations are once again possible, we cannot forget our God!  Especially this summer, after all we have been through the past fifteen months or so, we must keep our focus upon God!

Keep watching to see where He is working and join Him . . . yes even in summer! We cannot simply relax and live carefree as if nothing is happening. God is always at work, even during vacations. During these times we can express our thanks for all He has done. We can take the time to observe His works all around us. We may even take time to serve others in a way we simply cannot during the busy seasons. 

So as we prepare to slow down a bit, remember to keep watching . . . God is at work! Do not get lost in the season!

Spirit Week V: Is it God?

The Holy Spirit is called the Helper in the Bible, but He cannot help you with some of the things you will need help on unless He can first communicate directly to you on exactly what He wants you to do. Have you ever tried giving Him permission to lead and guide you? Yes, give God permission! He will not force Himself on anyone. However, if we simply ask, He will freely give!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith . . . (James 1:2-6)

Yes indeed, God is available for the asking . . .it is His Spirit! As we give Him control, we are freed up to act according to His will.

 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God . . . (Romans 8:13-16)

That feeling . . .that gut . . . that conscience . . . that is His Holy Spirit alive and working in the believer!

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit . . . (Romans 9:1)

Allow God to work within you! Just ask!!!  I hope Spirit Week was worth it . . . .

 

 

You cannot judge a book by its cover . . . on any day!

 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” . . . Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.  (1 Samuel 16: 7, 12-13)

You cannot judge a book by its cover . . . namely William Lloyd Garrison, Angelina Grimke', Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Brown. All CHRISTians, all abolitionists (against slavery), and all white!  They were men, women, writers, businessman, militants, some even gave their lives. To tell HIS-tory correctly, we must tell the entire story . . . even today. (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/abolitionists-films-principal-characters/)  

It is important that our young people know all of HIS-tory, not simply the white or black version. We must know and teach HIS-story . . . the TRUTH. You see, as with all reports, there are three sides . . . mine, yours, and God's. Let every man be a liar and God the Truth! (Romans 3:4)

As when God chose David to be Israel's king, we too must be careful to look deep inside a person before we place labels. I remember the 60's and being taught and witnessing racism, indirectly and often openly. I heard the words and labels. Yet as I matured and experienced a different kind of world than my parents, thank God, I was able to change!

I often want to make a t-shirt with the following statement: "I am white and you can trust me!" Sadly, many of our children are once again being taught to make decisions based upon physical appearances. As believers, that cannot happen within our circles and we must correct it . . .boldly! We must talk, confront, convict, and correct!!!!

What lies have you learned and believed? Are we willing to do whatever is necessary to be one? (John 17)

Honor God . . .the struggle.

Don’t you know that people who do wrong will not receive God’s kingdom? Don’t be fooled. Those who commit sexual sins will not receive the kingdom. Neither will those who worship states of gods or commit adultery. Neither will men who sleep with other men. Neither will thieves or those who always want more and more. Neither will those who are often drunk or tell lies or cheat. People who live like that will not receive God’s kingdom. Some of you used to do those things. But your sins were washed away. You were made holy. You were made right with God. All of this was done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was also done by the Spirit of our God. 

Some of you say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything is helpful. Again some of you say, “I have the right to do anything.” But I will not be controlled by anything.  Some of you say, “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food. And God will destroy both of them.” But the body is not meant for sexual sins. The body is meant for the Lord. And the Lord is meant for the body.  By his power God raised the Lord from the dead. He will also raise us up.  Don’t you know that your bodies belong to the body of Christ? Should I take what belongs to Christ and join it to a prostitute? Never!  When you join yourself to a prostitute, you become one with her in body. Don’t you know this? Scripture says, “The two will become one.” (Genesis 2:24) But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one with him in spirit. Keep far away from sexual sins. All the other sins a person commits are outside the body. But sexual sins are sins against their own body.  Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you, and you have received the Spirit from God. You do not belong to yourselves. Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-20)

This is an outline for how a CHRISTian should live. Our sin nature has been removed by the blood sacrifice of Christ upon the cross and His bodily resurrection from the grave. Yet we still struggle with sin! Paul wrote about his struggles after Christ saved him. (Romans 7:14-25) Yet we still must agree with God and daily repent of our sin. However, we cannot justify our sins! Take a good look at our lives. Admit the struggles. Repent. Seek forgiveness . . . .daily. Do not accept a lifestyle of sin and guilt! By His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6), we can and will honor God!

Here is hope . . .If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

God's Word . . . . Equipping, Correcting, Preparing, Satisfying!

 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Whenever one begins a new job, new school, or even a new friendship,  one wants to

be ready, prepared, or properly equipped. There is training and specific skills required for a job. Each level of school has prerequisites. Friendships grow and are developed through time and experience. Well, scripture . . . the Word of God . . . trains and equips us for every aspect of life, but more importantly for life eternal!

God speaks through the writers of scripture to every aspect of life. Whether we are two or twenty-two, we can lean upon His Word to learn of life and be prepared for all it offers. It comforts, corrects, teaches and satisfies. 

Are you ready for the day? Have you received His advice? Well . . . . LET'S GO!!!!!

Give thanks in all circumstances!

 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thess. 5:16-18) 

This is timely for me ...maybe you too. Though CHRISTmas is nothing like I wished for, God is still good. Things could be worse. Even though Covid-19 has invaded our home, we can still count our blessings. My wife has suffered from cough, slight fever, chills, body aches and pains, and slight loss of taste and appetite. I have tested positive but have no symptoms. (That is weird!) Our son has tested negative, praise God! So we all have been isolated at home with no visits for CHRISTmas from our kids and grandkids. No CHRISTmas, yet we have so much. It is just a weird year to say the least. 

People do not know how to react. Some avoid us. Others ignore us. Few actually contact us with sincere concern. One thing for sure, we know who really cares! When parts of the body are in pain and suffering, the rest of the body shuts down to assist. While we have done our best to serve those in need during Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas, I must now serve my own family and be sure they are safe and healthy . . .especially my precious bride! It is a frustrating challenge . . .one of wait and see much of the time. I keep praying for God's will and that I accept what He allows! He is a caring, loving, and gracious Father.

Stay safe everyone! This is no time to relax and be careless. Enjoy the rest of the week as best you are able . . .and know that He is still in control!

Strangers believed . . .How did the Jews miss Him? Have we?

 

Often, we get so involved in our religious practices that we miss the One we say we are seeking . . . The Jewish leaders and most who were seeking their King and Savior missed out on Jesus. Yet those who simply saw with their own eyes and not intellect, believed! It takes a simple faith to see Jesus. Here are a few reminders . . . 

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”“Yes, Lord,” they replied.Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.  . . . The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. ”But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”(Matthew 9:27-34)

Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus

healed him, so that he could both talk and see.  All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:22-23)

 

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”(Matthew 15:22)

 

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,“Hosanna to the Son of David!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”(Matthew 21:6-11)

 Strangers believed . . .How did the Jews miss Him? Have we missed Him too? 

Born to Die . . .So We Could Live!

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17) 

Jesus was born to die . . .for you and me to have a chance to live! While we focus on the Baby Jesus this Season, we must remember that without His death (and resurrection), we would have no life! The gifts the Magi presented told a story we often miss: gold, frankincense and myrrh (an embalming spice) represent a king, a deity, and death! 😔

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

So let's remember that as innocent as the Baby Jesus was and as glorious as the occasion was, it all would lead to a brutal death on our behalf. While we were yet sinners, Jesus came into this world, God with us, to die for our sins and to bring us to new life in Him in His resurrection! 

Adoption in God's Family . . .What a Gift!

 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.(Galatians 4:4-5)

Adoption is the creation of a parent-child relationship by judicial order between people who are not a natural parent and a child. When the court orders an adoption, it also ends the parental rights and responsibilities of the natural parents. Under the law, the new parent-child relationship is no different than the relationship between a natural parent and child. (https://www.peoples-law.org/adoption)

It is amazing what God has done for us. Sinners at birth and enemies of God, He has made a way to legally and spiritually bring us in to a relationship with Him! We have His Son, conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18) yet born of a woman (Romans 3:23).

By admitting our sin and believing in Christ as our Lord and Savior, Who fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17-20), we have the legal and spiritual right to be called children of God (John 1:12). We are legally and spiritually sons and daughters of God with all the rights and privileges that come with it! (Romans 8:1-3,17)

What a gift!

God among us, born of a virgin . . . the Word is still true!

 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

We know most of the Church leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, etc.) rejected Christ. So why did they nor know? The Magi did! Were they so caught up in the activity of the day to ignore prophecy? 

In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet Isaiah addresses the "house of David," meaning the family and descendants of King David, and speaks of a virgin conceiving a child and giving birth to the child. Isaiah says this in the context of it being a sign from God. He also says that the child would be referred to as "Immanuel," which means "God with us" or "God among us."

The New Testament books of Matthew (Matthew 1:18-25) and Luke (Luke 1:26-38) record details involving the birth of Jesus, who was born about 700 years after the time of Isaiah. Both Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary and that Jesus is the Son of God. Because Jesus is both fully human and fully God, he literally can be referred to as "God with us" or "God among us." (aboutbibleprophecy.com)

Don't be so quick to condemn them however! Think of today. Are we so caught up in the activities surrounding the culture that we are ignoring the scriptures . . .even prophecy? 

This CHRISTmas, let's commit to the Word rather than the world. The answers are still there!

THE Indescribable Gift

 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Have you ever tried to describe the best gift you ever received? As a child, maybe it was that toy truck under the tree that CHRISTmas morning. . . . the one you heard Santa putting together on Christmas Eve while you were sleeping.Perhaps it was the special Barbie or the life-like baby doll. For adults, it has to be the birth of that first child, or perhaps even the miracle baby! Whatever it may be, it was indescribable at the time! 

Well, concerning our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, have we forgotten just how special a gift He was, is and will always be? Has He lost His glitter and newness, like that childhood toy? Have we stuffed Him away in a box only to bring Him out for old-times-sake?

As we look back on CHRISTmases past as especial during this Covid-19 CHRISTmas, let's not forget the indescribable gift from God, Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us! He is the Lamb of God Who takes away your sin and mine . . .if we only believe and accept the indescribable gift!

Good things will come......

 

Even in the darkness light shines on honest people.
    It shines on those who are kind and tender and godly.
5 Good things will come to those who are willing to lend freely.
    Good things will come to those who are fair in everything they do.
6 Those who do what is right will always be secure.
    They will be remembered forever.
7 They aren’t afraid when bad news comes.
    They stand firm because they trust in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure. They aren’t afraid.
    In the end they will see their enemies destroyed.
9 They have spread their gifts around to poor people.
    Their good works continue forever. (Psalm 112:4-9)

Yes, we are in challenging times. Yes, things seem a bit uneasy and unsure. What will tomorrow bring? God knows. He encourages us not to worry about tomorrow, (Matthew 6:33-34) but to seek Him first in all situations. We are to trust in Him! (Proverbs 3:4-6)

Even in the most challenging of days, we are to remain doing good . . . sharing what we have with others . . . . caring for the less fortunate . . . treating others justly with compassion and empathy! 

This is not the time to retreat as a CHRISTian, but to step up, step out and SERVE!

 

The souls of Americans . . .

 

But you are the only true God. You are the only living God. You are the King who rules forever. When you are angry, the earth trembles with fear. The nations can’t stand up under your anger. (Jeremiah 10:10)

 Even after a full week, the U.S. is still at odds debating who won and who lost . . . . local and national elections. Well, I have good news . . .God is still in charge! He always wins because He is God!

While many throw around His name and title, few seem to embrace His position and authority. God is not out to get our votes, He wants our hearts and souls. Yes, He wants the souls of Americans, but also the Asians, the Africans, the Irish, the Jews, and everyone else. (Matthew 10:28, Matthew 22:37, Mark 8:36, Romans 12:2)

If we want to change the soul of America, it must start with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and accepting things on His terms. We all will stand before Him one and all votes will be counted! 

What about you? Have you cast your vote?

So accountable . . . be like us or like us?

 

Jesus also gave them another example. He asked, “Can a blind person lead another blind person? Won’t they both fall into a pit? The student is not better than the teacher. But everyone who is completely trained will be like their teacher. (Luke 6:39-40)

Jesus is sharing with His disciples here in Luke 6 what is required for His followers. He is challenging them to be different than the rest . . . Similar to Matthew's writings (Matthew 5-6), Luke's are thought to be his recordings of Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" or His later comments after coming down from the mountain. Either way, Jesus is letting His followers know the characteristics of the believer.

The words from Luke 6:39-40 remind me as a parent/teacher/coach/mentor that I am so accountable for the students under me. I must study and research first before teaching. I must also practice what I preach! However, before studying or teaching, I must have a heart for the kids! The old saying is true, people (kids) don't care how much you know until the know how much you care!

May I add that today's young people also want to see that you live out what you teach! They want to see that your walk adds up to your talk. It is a blessing for a parent to hear that their child has grown up to be just like them. Imagine the joy when a teacher hears that a student reminds them of the teacher . . . in character, speech, and heart! They may not have liked us much when we coached or taught them, but they now practice what they learned! They have become like us.

Are we modeling Christ-like character for our youth? Do our actions back up our words? Do we want our kids to be like us or just like us? There is a difference!

Look UP to our Youth: A Happy Meal Story!

Every once in a while, we not-so-young need to look up to our youth! Of course we all know about young David fighting lions, bears and even a giant. We have heard of Daniel and his three young friends when taken into slavery in Babylon. We have heard a young virgin Mary and dedicated she was. Joseph too was a dedicated young follower of Jehovah God. Today I want to share about a relatively unknown kid with just a happy meal to his name....

Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him. So he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?”  He asked this only to test Philip. He already knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Suppose we were able to buy enough bread for each person to have just a bite. That would take more than half a year’s pay!” Another of his disciples spoke up. It was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He said,  “Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large crowd?”Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down. About 5,000 men were there. Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did the same with the fish. When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. “Gather the leftover pieces,” he said. “Don’t waste anything.” So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten. (John 6:5-13)

Here was a young boy just standing around with a Jewish happy meal. . .some bread and some fish nuggets. . . no sauce! 

Yet we read that he gladly shared his lunch. We read of no hesitation. I wonder what would have happened had he said, "No! This is my happy meal!" Imagine even more how pleased Jesus had to be with him! A young hero. . . respectful, obedient little boy. We can all look up to him today! 

C'mon young people....make us proud. . .make Jesus proud. Can you spare a slice of that pizza, a Chipoltle meal, maybe even a few minutes to do a chore for parents without asking? It only takes a little effort. I know you will! Will Jesus write your name down today?

For more young heroes click here: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/5-young-people-in-the-bible-that-did-great-things/ ,

some times losses are the best thing

 

Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Son of Man to receive glory. What I’m about to tell you is true. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only one seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it.(John 12:23-25)

I had a weekend of disappointments and losses. Plans for a weekend full of activity and excitement ended up with very different results, yet beneficial all the same. You see, some times losses are the best thing that can happen in one's life!

Jesus was hinting at His pending death here in John 12. As with a dead seed which takes root in fertile soil, we too must allow the losses in life to take root in our soul and allow God to grow good fruit from it. Rather than waddle in sorrow, seek His wisdom on how to grow! 

Whether it is a planned activity that was cancelled, lost friendships,  or even a loss in sports, sometimes losses can be turned into big gains. This weekend plans were redirected, yet we realized it was for the best. The plans we made were not in our best interests. People that disappointed us drew us closer together. Even the loss by my favorite team may just teach them to work even harder in practice for future games! 

What is God teaching you through loss? We can choose to get better or get worse . . . .

 

saved daily by His grace

 

By the law, I died as far as the law is concerned. I died so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ. I don’t live any longer, but Christ lives in me. Now I live my life in my body by faith in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself for me.  I do not get rid of the grace of God. What if a person could become right with God by obeying the law? Then Christ died for nothing!(Galatians 2:19-21)

Paul (Saul) was once a respected, educated, powerful and popular Pharisee. Then he met Jesus, or should I say Jesus met him! He realized he was never anything without Jesus and never would be. Saul died and now Paul lived: rather Jesus lived through Paul. 

Whatever we do, whatever we accomplish, however much we earn or accumulate, it is nothing . . . .We are nothing without having the One Who died for us as our Lord and Savior! It took me decades to come to that realization. Over thirty years in church, it took tragedy and loneliness outside of church to allow Jesus in.

After nearly thirty of life with Christ, I am still humbled by his grace and my stupidity! Like Paul, I finally realize it's all about Him, not me! Still a sinner, being saved daily by His grace! Lord willing, I will sin less and less until that day He declares me sinless!