More like Joseph . . . more like Jesus?

 

THAT time of year!

 

A lifetime of blessings rolls on....

 

unity throughout . . . imagine the impact

 Let's face it, God wants us to be one. Jesus was clear in His High-Priest prayer before going to His death: 

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)

As a Body, whether it is family, a school, a graduating class, or a church,  He desires for groups of believers to be one so that the world can see Him in us and want what/Who we have! As we gather, we are to be an even brighter light to a dark world than we are by ourselves! 

Imagine the impact . . . .

So as we gather as families to celebrate this time of year . . . as we gather as schools to end the year . . . as we celebrate together as graduating classes . . . and yes, as we gather in person at our various churches . . . let's physically, as well as spiritually, celebrate what God has done in each of us as a unified Body so the world can see what God has done!  

Imagine the impact . . .

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. (Romans 12:15-16)

 

It's ok to celebrate....look forward to good times!

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:8)

These are the days of celebration and looking forward! Students are preparing to move on to higher things and it is time to celebrate what God has done. 

Do not focus on what could have been or failures of the past. As Paul writes in his letter here, get rid of the bad things of the past and focus on tomorrow and what God has in store.

If we have made mistakes . . . failed . . . screwed up . . . then move on! God has a plan.  He forgives . . .He forgets. . . . So must we!

Students, teachers, families . . . let's get ready to celebrate!!!!

🎉   🥳

Time out to explain/celebrate . . . still Celebrating Black HIStory '24

Mardi Gras for CHRISTians?

There are many cultures represented in the Body of Christ, which makes us rich and colorful. We have much to celebrate! We simply must be reminded to glorify God in our celebrations and not to include the temptations celebrations may offer which can lead to sin . . . be under the Spirit's control as always!

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Mardi Gras translates from the French as “Fat Tuesday”. It’s also referred to as “Carnival” which is derived from the Latin as “farewell to meat” (carne). It is the end of the celebration of the Epiphany. Basically you celebrate - party hard - until the solemn season of Lent. Mardi Gras is the last day to celebrate, the “farewell to flesh”. During Lent there is a lot of fasting, so the concept is to eat all you want before the fasting and a time of penance and fasting for 40 days before Easter. New Orleans is famous for its celebration of Mardi Gras—it starts with parades about two weeks in advance of the actual Mardi Gras. Matrdi Gras balls (the equivalent of debutante balls in other city) begin on January 6, Kings’ Day, the date memorializing the visit of the Three Kings to the Baby Jesus.

Here are just a few historical facts about Mardi Gras and its HIStory . . .

https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/king-cakes

https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/mardi-gras-indians/

https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/krewe-of-zulu

Howard Thurman: Celebrating Black HIStory '24

“The basic fact is that Christianity as it was born in the mind of this Jewish thinker and teacher appears as a technique of survival for the oppressed. That it became, through the intervening years, a religion of the powerful and the dominant, used sometimes as an instrument of oppression, must not tempt us into believing that it was thus in the mind and life of Jesus. 'In him was life; and the life was the light of men.' Wherever his spirit appears, the oppressed gather fresh courage; for he announced the good news that fear, hypocrisy, and hatred, the three hounds of hell that track the trail of the disinherited, need have no dominion over them.”― Howard Thurman

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

In 1944, Thurman cofounded San Francisco's Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, the first integrated interfaith religious congregation in the United States. In 1953, he became the dean of Marsh Chapel, the first black dean at a mostly white American university, mentoring, among many others, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Honoring Black HIStory '23 . . . Not a White Man's religion!

Interesting . . . .Christianity in Africa first arrived in Egypt in approximately 50 AD, reached the region around Carthage by the end of the second century. In the 4th century, the Aksumite empire in modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea became one of the first regions in the world to adopt Christianity as their official religion. The Nubian kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria and Alodia followed two centuries later. Important Africans who influenced the early development of Christianity include Tertullian, Perpetua, Felicity, Clement of Alexandria, Origen of Alexandria, Cyprian, Athanasius and Augustine of Hippo.

Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God. (Psalm 68:31)

Mark the Evangelist became the first bishop of the Alexandrian Patriarchate in about the year A.D.43. At first the church in Alexandria was mainly Greek-speaking. By the end of the 2nd century the scriptures and liturgy had been translated into three local languages. Christianity in Sudan also spread in the early 1st century, and the Nubian churches, which were established in the sixth century within the kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria and Alodia were linked to those of Egypt.


The Ethiopian Empire was the only region of Africa to survive as a Christian state after the expansion of Islam. The Ethiopian church held its own distinct religious customs and a unique canon of the Bible. Therefore, the Ethiopian church community is globally unique in that it wasn't Christianised through European missionaries, but was highly independent and itself spread missionaries throughout the rest of Africa prior to European Christians contact with the continent.


Today, Christianity is embraced by the majority of the population in most Southern African, Southeast African, and Central African states and others in large parts of Horn of Africa and West Africa. The Coptic Christiansmake up a significant minority in Egypt. As of 2020, Christians formed 49% of the continent's population, with Muslims forming 42%.


A 2018 study by the Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary discovered that more Christians live in Africa than any other continent, with 631 million Christians throughout the landmass. According to updated data for 2021, there are now nearly 685 million Christians in Africa, with 760 million expected by 2025. This surpasses earlier estimates of 630 million to 700 million for 2025.

Tell somebody

 Tell somebody some good news today. Sometimes we think it would be bragging or showing off. Maybe our good news will make someone feel worse about their situation. But studies tell otherwise . . .

Sharing good news . . . Good News . . . can not only make others feel better but it will bring us joy as well. When we share the Good News of the Gospel, we find joy in knowing others know Jesus and they feel good as well knowing they have been redeemed! 

In the Book of Acts we see several occasions where sharing the Good News brought rejoicing to many as the apostles preach Christ. ( see Acts 8:26-39) The Ethiopian eunuch hears the Gospel from Philip and goes home to share it with his people. Earlier in John 4, Jesus shares His message with a samaritan women and she is so happy she goes away and tells her entire community about Jesus. 

The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then they went out of the city and came to Him. (John 4:28-30)

Celebrate the little victories . . . and the BIG ones!

May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,

And fulfill all your purpose.

We will rejoice in your salvation,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!

May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;

He will answer him from His holy heaven

With the saving strength of His right hand.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;

But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

They have bowed down and fallen;

But we have risen and stand upright. (Psalm 20: 4-8)

God wants us to celebrate both the little victories and also the BIG ones! As we go through life's ups and downs, we will see that as we trust God, He will give us opportunities to celebrate. Don't miss these moments.

We may have huge dreams and goals in mind . . . keep striving. However, when we see the small victories along the way, take the time to celebrate! 

This life is too challenging to not take a moment to appreciate the efforts and the struggles . . . and the small victories. Payday is coming if we persevere and trust God with the final outcome . . . the Big One!

Keep pressing forward . . . keep standing . . . take a moment to celebrate!

The end of "The Journey" (Part XIV)

 The end of The Journey, this journey, has come and God has God has replanted the Carroll Family Outreach! We are so amazed and grateful to so many, but especially our great God, Father, and Savior! He has so provided!!! Our labor continues . . .

We had no idea that we would even be moving . . . just wanting to refinance and adjust our finances a bit to be better stewards, yet God redirected everything. He literally moved mountains! All we did was follow.  

We have found these words to be true . . . so true!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;6

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If you have never tried God . . . do it today. If you have been doubting Him, don't doubt anymore. I dare you!!!! 

Never in my nearly thirty years as a Christ follower have I seen Him work so unbelievably! He is not simply a Rabbi, a Teacher, a Healer, or a Preacher. He is GOD! Just ask me and I will gladly tell it all!!! 

On to the next Journey!

Try singing!

 Try singing . . . .

Ever have a day when all seems to be going haywire, then you hear a favorite song or melody, and for just a moment, for a little while at least, things seem a bit better? I think songs are what make holidays a bit brighter. Just after Thanksgiving, we begin to sing CHRISTmas carols and we start looking forward to CHRISTmas celebrations and seeing loved ones, eating Grandma's cookies, and having days off from work and school. Birthdays are marked by singing "Happy Birthday to you" as we gather around the cake and have a celebration of life. At weddings, the bride and groom dance to their song. Summer gatherings are marked with music and bbq cookouts. Music and singing simply brighten a day!

The bible is full of song. We are to be singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). We are to sing to the Lord a new song. (Psalm 96:1) With my song I shall thank Him. (Psalm 28:7) Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. (James 5:13)

Get the picture? When we are challenged . . . . when we are a bit confused . . . . when things do not seem to make sense . . . . even when all is going well . . . . SING!

He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.(Psalm 40:3)

Sweet things....looking toward CHRISTmas...Advent cont.

 Sweet things about CHRISTmas....mom's cookie recipe 🍪, grandma's cakes 🎂, the wife's special homemade recipes from scratch 🍩....all sweet things we loo forward to at CHRISTmas. Hey, don't forget about the chocolates and candy canes which now come in all flavors as well as peppermint! Sweet things for sure!

However, for the believer, the sweetest thing of all is the love that God had for us to send His beloved Son to live for us and die for us . . . then rise from that grave and give us a chance to live with Him forever . . . that is better than CHRISTmas every morning! (John 3:16)

Whatever you are anticipating to receive this CHRISTmas, nothing can be better than CHRIST. He will outlast the toys, the video games and even the newest $300 pair of shoes! This gift is eternal . . . it never runs out of energy and never wears out. 

Are you looking forward to celebrating? Why not start today? Do you know Him? Have you opened this gift? It is really sweet to know Jesus!

How sweet🍬 are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103)

Keep growing . . . . watch out for the weeds!

 Dear friends, you have already been warned about this. So be on your guard. Then you won’t be led astray by people who don’t obey the law. Instead, you will remain safe. Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:17-18)

Well . . . we are almost there . . . summer! They are releasing Covid-19 restrictions and school has let out (at least for us).  The grass is green and flowers are popping up. Folks are watering lawns, planting veggies, fertilizing, pruning, and weeding. Pools are opening and even the cicadas are singing!!!! 

We must be carefully planning and preparing spiritually as well. As we are freed up from some time constraints and able to wander about a bit more freely, we must look out for dangers of spiritual poisons .  . . . weeds of false teaching, droughts in devotions, insects that can pierce and poison the soul, and entertainment that draws us away for our roots! We need to stay well fed and well watered, refreshed and rested, and not run dry and brittle. 

Oh yes, celebrate the season with friends and family, but let's not forget our faith! Keep growing spiritually and watch out for the weeds!

Cleaning up the Temple

Spring housecleaning needed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Prepping for Holy Week  ( Part I)

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

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

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

It's OK to have a good time . . . just keep it God-honoring!

 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8: 9-10)

After the wall in Jerusalem had been rebuilt, guaranteeing the safety and flourishing of the city, the people gathered together in order to celebrate what they had accomplished by God’s power. On that day, Ezra the scribe stood on a tall platform so that he might read the Jewish law to all who had gathered. As he read, learned Levites helped the people understand the meaning of the text.  When the people heard the law and grasped its meaning, they were struck to the heart and began to weep. But then their leaders did a most surprising thing. They urged the people to stop crying and start partying!  

Today is Mardi Gras. Many of us associate Mardi Gras with lavish and lascivious celebrations in places such as New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. Actually, Scripture encourages us to set aside special times for celebration, even doing that which is at the core of Mardi Gras. No . . . I’m not saying that there is any biblical warrant for the excesses of many Mardi Gras festivals, which look rather like what happened in Exodus 32 when the Israelites worshiped the golden calf. But the phrase Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.” The name is derived from the classic Christian practice of eating fatty food on the Tuesday before Lent, in preparation for the Lenten fast from rich, sweet cuisine. (Some people actually refer to Mardi Gras as Pancake Tuesday because of their tradition of eating pancakes on the day before Lent.)

It's ok to have a good time . . .just keep it God-honoring! In fact, the Bible reveals that God created the good things in this life to be enjoyed . . . within limits. There is a time to eat the fat in celebration even as there is a time to fast in repentance, and plenty of times in between.

The Jews had many celebrations . . .the one written of in Nehemiah was leading up the Feast of Booths. Jesus in deed took part in such celebrations! These events would sometimes last weeks. . . . family, friends, and food and drinks. (remember the wedding feast!) Even some of their feasts got out of hand! 

So we as CHRIST-followers have much to celebrate, especially in such challenging times. So take time to celebrate the things of God. Celebrate all He has done and is doing . . . salvation, family, friends, memories, and all that is to come. Then tomorrow, when the Lenten Season begins, take time to fast, repent, and examine our lives seriously as we ponder the work of Jesus upon the cross! 

Wise Solomon would write about  "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance . . ." (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

Lord, help us to know when it’s time to celebrate, and when it’s time to be solemn. Teach us how to enjoy good times with You and Your people. Keep us from excess that dishonors you and misuses Your good gifts.

So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15)