Magnifying God

 

Questions?

 

Why was Jesus baptized?????

 

By faith....Hebrews 11

 

Trust in God....

 

Hope in Christ

 

It may not come when you want it . . .

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.  Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.  Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:14-20)

God has everything we need . . . but we may not get it when we want it, but rather when He says we need it. We don't even know how the gift will be supplied.  In fact, He may just say we really don't need it! 

You see, we love verse nineteen, which says that God will supply all we need, but we leave out the part about according to HIS riches in glory. God knows what we need and when we need it! 

I don't know about you, but I have to learn that He will not give me everything I want and not always when I want it either! Living by faith . . . .

Take a look around, now look inward.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling . . . For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 7)

Take a look around . . . . The world we live is broken. It is literally falling apart and no one can really do anything about it. No matter how we try . . . recycling, electric cars, all-natural products . . . we and the world are going to end one day! As we close in on death every day, so does this earth.

Now, look inward! Yet there is GOOD NEWS! The God who has my soul in His hands is still in control and not only does He is He preparing a new heaven and earth, but a new me as well!

He promises a great future for those who know Him as Lord and Savior. It is referred to as abundant life in John 10:10. Thought Satan would have us believe all is lost, trying to steal our joy and destroy our dreams, He is defeated. 

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and His righteousness. As I take a look around, things seem pretty bad. Yet I now look inward and trust the promises of God and keep my head up! It will all work our for my good . . . and yours too if you know Him. Live by faith . . . .

God still provides!

God still provides!

As I complete my studies and reflections upon Black HIStory in my classroom for this month, I cannot help but praise God that it is indeed a part of my HIStory. I am grateful to have been grafted in to such a vibrant, strong, faithful, caring, challenging, and accepting culture! I am better for it, as a man, a husband, a dad, grandpa, teacher, coach and mentor . . . but most importantly, as a follower of Jesus Christ! I am in the minority, yet as a believer in Jesus Christ, I am among family!I have been welcomed as a husband, son, and brother into the proud and honored Douglas(s) family. I have been privileged to teach in a CHRIST-centered environment of 99% African-American descent for the past twelve years. I am counted among brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, as different as I am!

 This weekend, we celebrated our youngest son, yes, my black son! God gave Michael Gerard to us long before he was born as we asked for another child. We named him while he was yet unborn, yet growing in his birth mother's womb. Michael Gerard . . . a gift from God and mighty in battle. Since birth, he has been an indelible piece of our family. He has travelled with us on the mission field since he was six, from New Orleans, to St. Vincent, to South Carolina and Puerto Rico. I asked God to indeed prepare Him and use Him and God has and is. Michael is now 21 and growing in grace and favor. I am so proud of him.


God is still providing and I know He always will.

Come and hear, all you who have respect for God.
Let me tell you what he has done for me.
I cried out to him with my mouth.
I praised him with my tongue.
If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But God has surely listened.
He has heard my prayer.
Give praise to God.
He has accepted my prayer.
He has not held back his love from me. (Psalm 66:16-20)

I say this to let you know, that despite what the world may say and do, God still provides! He is Jehovah Jireh. He is the God of HIStory . . .Black HIStory, my HIStory, our HIStory!
Celebrate with me today!

Jackie Robinson's faith was greater than his abilities: Honoring Black HIStory '23

We all know Jackie Robinson as a player, but his faith was greater than his abilities! Growing up in Pasadena, Calif., Robinson was influenced by a minister named Karl Everitt Downs, a pastor at Scott Methodist Church where the budding ballplayer’s mother Mallie attended services. It was that relationship that led Robinson to Christ and made him a believer. It was Downs’ influence that helped Robinson develop his faith and Methodist upbringing.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
There was a deep-rooted bond that was formed between Robinson and Dodger owner Branch Rickey based on an “intense personal religion” — they both shared the same faith tradition — that was genuine and no longer “in vogue these days.”

“Robinson and Rickey were genuine Christians, but Christians in their concern for their fellow human beings,” he added. “It was no act when Rickey read the passage from Giovanni Papini’s biography The Life of Christ to a skeptical Robinson at their historic first meeting in Brooklyn on August 28, 1945.

What kept Robinson from lashing out at the vile taunts from the stands? Lowenfish said although Robinson’s “first response would always be to go on the attack to vile insults, Rickey convinced him that ‘turning the other cheek’ and playing as hard and well as he could was the best response.”

Following his retirement, Robinson became more public about his faith. In 1962, during a speech to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Robinson said, “As the first Negro in the majors, I needed the support and backing of my own people. I’ll never forget what ministers like you who lead [the] SCLC did for me.”

As important as ministers were in supporting the Dodgers first baseman, Lamb said it was Robinson’s faith in God that was so vital throughout the players’ life.

“No athlete faced greater pressure and dealt with more hatred than Robinson,” he said. “How did Robinson succeed? There’s little doubt that faith played a significant role in this success.” (https://religionunplugged.com/news/2019/2/19/jackie-robinson-and-christianity-how-being-a-devout-methodist-impacted-his-life)

"IF"

But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”  Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24)

If we will only believe . . . .If we will only trust Jesus more. If we stop relying upon ourselves to solve every problem.

The man said to Jesus: "If You can do anything . . .". He asked in this way because the apostles tried but could not help his son. (Mark 9:18) The man must have doubted Jesus as well.

Jesus' response was very simple. You see, it was not the apostles, that the man needed faith in, was God! He was trusting man at first. Jesus opened his eyes and he realized he needed help to grow his faith. 

We all need help in our unbelief along the way. Jesus is ready and willing to help. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God when we need guidance. 

Faith gets stronger the more we trust God. Faith has to be activated. Start with little things and watch your faith grow! Lord, help my unbelief!

Commitment

 Commitment: a promise to do or give something . . . . a promise to be loyal to someone or something . . . . the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something. This is a word that is fading today. People run to the next best thing way too often in today's society . . . a job, a team, even a relationship! Promises are not kept and loyalty has disappeared. 

Thank God Jesus kept His commitment! He followed His promise to redeem us all the way to the cross, even when very few supported Him! Remember how many fled? Judas betrayed Him. Disciples ran and hid. Peter denied Him. We only see His mother, Mary Magdalene and John at the cross. He did quit nor did He waiver when things became challenging.He finished the course! A few followed through with Him.

It is easy to walk away from a challenging circumstance. It is even easier to go where the grass may seem greener! There is something to be said for loyalty and commitment. It shows character and integrity! It will be rewarded. 

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. (Matthew 28:1)

Mary was loyal even to the grave, or so she thought. She was rewarded by being the first to see the Risen Savior!

As Christ followers, even in our most challenging days, commitment is vital. We must stay the course and help one another do so! Allow God to pull us through.

Too many opinions and too much advice, without a lot of facts!

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%202%3A14-16&version=NKJV)

The world is simply crazy. We never know what will happen next or who will be giving us what advice and when. There are simply too many opinions and too much advice, without a lot of facts to back things up!

Yet as we read in the above passages, we who are in Christ are spiritually discerned. We should be thinking differently than the world. We have the Holy Spirit within us which allows us to discern things. We do not have to panic at every news story or run from every challenge we face. In fact, we face challenges with courage and faith!

We need to be visible and active in a world that needs Jesus!

A place to lay your head . . .

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)

Transitioning from our house of twenty-four years, I understand what it means to have a place to lay your head! God has turned our lives upside down. We have been asked to move out, gut the house of all furniture and supplies, and find places to stay while renovations take place, to prepare the nome for sale.  It has been from hotel to hotel and finally coming to rest at our cousin's place. However, this has been a blessing! 

We have come to live by faith . . . really!  It happened so quickly. Yet God knew it all would occur. We are coming to look forward to how God will do things and where He would have us next. Like with Mary and Joseph and even Abraham and Sarah, He is guiding us to where we will next have a place to lay our heads!

We have been humbled by God's provisions. We are realizing how deeply He is involved in our lives and how He needs to be seen by others by how He works through us. HIStory is taking place today in our very lives. Whether it's a manger or a mansion, we all are literally in His hands! 

Our Father is so so good!

Peace....Heavenly peace.

 No Jesus . . .  No peace. Know Jesus . . . . Know PEACE! Do you KNOW Him? We sing of heavenly peace during CHRISTmas. That silent night back in Bethlehem when Jesus entered the world in flesh . . . what a night! 

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.(Isaiah 9:6)

There is a peace that goes beyond human understanding. There is the peace of God which brings inner tranquility and stability. Then there is the peace with God which is a restored relationship with God the Father through His Son . . . His incarnate Son . . . Jesus Christ!

They go hand in hand. I can rest knowing God is in total control of my life when I am in a right relationship with Him. My soul is at peace for eternity as well as my heart in the present. While I will rest in peace for eternity one day, I can also rest in peace today knowing He has me here and now. 

Peace . . . heavenly peace. Is all well with you? Do you KNOW Peace?

Practice being contect.

 It is great to say I have learned to be content, like Paul, when we have what we want. But let things get a little shaky . . . . 

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)

 When things are going well, we praise God and share His good news. However, when we are struggling and in need, that is when our faith is tested. We usually call upon God to supply our needs, not His desires for us! It is ok to have things, however we cannot allow the things to have us! Contentment is not in things, but in the peace of knowing God has us!

I am learning to be content as God is stretching me. What about you? We all must practice being content!

God owns it . . . I don't!

God owns it . . . I don't! It took me a while to realize that, but over time is becoming more and more evident! The more I give God control over my life . . . including my finances and the things that I think are mine (like houses, cars, etc), life becomes less stressful.

Recently, God has turned our world upside down. This has happened by what He has provided but also by what He is removing and rearranging! It has been shocking at time to say the least, but we must trust Him nonetheless.

“For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:35-36)

Without giving away too many details, we are trusting God with some major, major decisions and look forward to seeing Him work and then telling everyone what He has done! (Romans 11:35-36)

Trust Him . . . .!

Without faith . . . taking the Faith Exit.

 I love the following verse: 

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

I just never knew I would have to live it out so deliberately!  Oh, I have faith in God, Jesus my Savior, and the Holy Spirit living within me. He has brought us through life as missionaries/teachers and made a way for us to serve on more than twenty mission trips. He has allowed us to care for more than sixty children, teens and single moms within our home over the past twenty-three years. He has come through in so many miraculous ways. . . . to numerous to list. 

It is just that God now has my family and me literally walking by faith day by day lately! We have been presented with a God-thing literally out of the blue and have decided to trust God. We are taking the "faith exit " on this highway of life! Details will come later . . . stay tuned!

Who wants a trophy? You gotta work for it!

 I cannot stand it when everyone gets a trophy! We should not get rewarded for simply showing up, punching the clock, or "participating"! Where is the value in that? There is no incentive to excel if everyone will eventually receive a prize. 

Even as CHRISTians, we must use our gifts given to us, not simply sit on them at the end of the bench. We simply do not receive salvation and not participate in the work of the Church! God rewards us according our works, effort, and service. While Jesus worked for us, we must now work for Him! After all, He did not simply show up on earth and save us!!!

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)

Get off the bench and get to work! 

Rejoice always?

 Paul tells us to "rejoice always"! (Philippians 4:4) Is that a reality? Who wants to hear those words when things are going badly? I know I don't! Yet like Paul, we need to praise God for Who He is, not what is happening! He is still God and His promises are still true! He will provide as He sees fit. God shows up in the praises!

I am always blown away by Job. No one suffered so much for reasons unknown, yet he fell to His knees and worshipped when he lost it all! He did not curse God, blame God, or forsake his beliefs. 

Can we practice this today when things go wrong? Rejoice!!!

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. (Job 1:20-22)