Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas!

The true meaning of Christmas. Mt 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Jesus is the sweetest name I know. The “Je” means Jehovah which is the self-existent one, while “sus” means salvation of God. Therefore, the name Jesus means the self-existent one who is the salvation of God. It is no wonder Acts 4:12 tell us “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” This Christmas enjoy the reason, Jesus Christ who came to save you from your sin. All one needs to do is confess your need to be redeemed, and believe upon the name of Jesus while receiving Him into your heart (Rom 10:9-10). God bless and Merry Christmas!

LIVING IN THE GREATEST KINGDOM OF ALL TIMES

The Lord Jesus makes a life changing statement in John 3:3, “… Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” It is true that anyone who enters the kingdom of God must be “born from above” (a literal rendering from the Greek “gennao anothen”). This brings to mind several questions: What does it mean to be born again (born from above)? Why would I want to be born again (born from above)? and the third question, What is the Kingdom of God?

Let’s begin by answering these questions in reverse order: What is the kingdom of God? How is the kingdom of God defined? Well, it always best to let Jesus define His own words, after all He is all-knowing, all understanding, and all wise being the perfect God without error. Jesus tells what the kingdom of God is when He taught the disciples to pray in what we know as the Lord's Prayer. “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10). Simply stated, the kingdom of God is a group of people are who are born again, who live God’s will on earth and in heaven. Living God’s will means complete submission to God. One can only live in submission to God's will by obeying His Holy Word, the Bible. The Bible is our guide to living God's will. The evidence of living in God’s kingdom is simply believing and living the Bible as God gave it to us through holy men who wrote the perfect Word of God (2 Pet. 1:16-8).

Why would I want to enter God's Kingdom? It is because of the privilege of “sonship.” It is because only those who become God’s children receive God’s great inheritance, which is too vast to expound, yet it does include the privilege of life with God, the power of the Holy Spirit to understand and correctly interpret the Word of God, thereby one can please God, (obediently living his will joyfully) as well as access to His “throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16.). Unless one is truly born from above (recreated), they do not have God’s nature and will not want His will to be done in their lives. Without being recreated (born from above), they cannot have access to God. Without being born from above they have no eternal joy, only a temporary joy, which is short lived. Those who cannot see the Kingdom of God have no hope. They have no assurance that their hope will not drop them in the end.

This brings us to the first question. What does it mean to be born again? The words born again literally mean born from above. One must have an earthly birth to live upon this earth. One must be born from above to live in God’s Kingdom and know God. Being born from above is to receive a new nature. 2 Cor. 5:17, states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Mankind was created in God's image and we had God's nature, but it died in sin “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), that is not just physically, but also spiritually. The verse goes on to say “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This comes by trusting fully in Jesus Christ who is revealed in the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, that He is God, and He died upon the cross, and rose again from the dead, and His blood made the payment for my sin. Upon this admittance of sin and embracing of Christ, God recreates His spirit (gives us His nature) within us, which is what is known as being born from above, being born again. And it is this new nature which will give you the desire to know God fully through the Holy Scriptures, and will give you the love of living His will according to the whole Word of God. Do you have the desire to seek God in his perfect written pages of the Bible? Do you desire to know God’s will, and live His will according to the Bible at any cost? Then you will know you are born from above and you will see (enter) His kingdom. God's Kingdom is a grand place to be living, and it only gets better and better. May God enrich life in His kingdom.

The Truth of Crucifixion (Part-4)

We come to the final use of the English word crucified in Gal 6;14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” This is being crucified to security. It is the physical victory over sin and the world. This is the liberty of life. This freedom is from the fears of harm, fear of trials and the fear of pain. Let me illustrate this truth with a true story which took place in Russia. About one hundred Christians gathered in secret for worship of Jesus Christ for fear of being jailed or killed. The worship began when all of a sudden the door flew open and four Russian soldiers with machine guns entered the crowed room. Yelling “this is an illegal gathering.” One soldier step forward and yelled “all you who are Christians will die today, but all of you who are not may live if you leave now.” Nobody moved, and the solder repeated the instructions. This time the room nearly emptied except for a handful of believers in Christ who stood ready to die. The soldiers closed the door and lowered their weapons. The Russian leader smiled and said "My true brother, You have truly died today, Let us worship and serve the Lord Jesus together."

The love and cause of Christ compels you forward without concern for what the world might do to you, because your life is in God hands. Regardless of wealth or poverty, joy or sorrows, pain or delight, hardship or ease it makes no difference what take place as long as Jesus Christ is pleased and glorified with your life. This does not mean you have no feelings, but it does mean that Christ is in control, for you are dead to things of this world. Being dead allows God to work his grace in you and through you, and fluidness of Christ flows through to the enrichment of life that can be found nowhere else. Few believers reach this level of deep relationship with Jesus.

The Truth of Crucifixion (Part-3)

The Second reference of being crucified is found in Galatians 5:24, "And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." It is a reference to being crucified to one’s old nature or one could simply say crucified to self .

The word crucified (strauoo) in Galatians 5:24 differs from the word “crucified” (sustauroo) in Gal. 2:20 in both tense and meaning. Crucified (Satrauoo) in Gal. 5:24 is a continuous present tense, while Gal. 2:20 is a onetime happening in the past tense. Gal. 5:24 is in reference to one’s attitude, while in Gal. 2:20 sets forth a oneness or union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Gal. 5:24 is the living practice of Gal. 2:20. By faith I died (Gal. 2:20) and by faith I continue to take action to be dead to self. In other words the new spirit must continually fight and put down the old nature. Gal. 5:24 is a moral death, while Gal. 2:20 is a legal death. Gal. 5:24 explains what we are to do after we are fully justified before God, by accepting Jesus Christ’s death and payment for our sin.

One is justified by crucifixion to sin in Gal. 2:20 and one lives this justification out in their life through crucified living Gal. 5:24. Which results in “the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 2:22-23). It is a beauty of life that cannot be surpassed this side of heaven. By faith we come to Christ, and by faith we continue in Christ. Yet we are left with one difficulty. How or what do we do in order to live out this faith? The next posting will reveal the third use of the English Word “crucified” which reveals the how and the enabling to continue to live by faith bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in the fullness of life.

The Truth of Crucifixion (Part-2)

The first of the three uses of the Word “Crucified” is found in Galatians 2:20. I refer to this use as being crucified to sin. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." This is what is call the new-birth. The Law demands punishment for sin, and the punishment for sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Jesus died upon the cross and paid the price for all sin, past, present, and future. Yet, one must accept Jesus’ payment for sin, or one must make the payment him/her self. Jesus Christ is offering each person a gift to become legally dead to the law (Gal. 1:19). Jesus Christ is offering to pay for your sin personally. All you have to do is receive His payment from the cross. Admit you are a sinner and accept by faith Christ’s payment. Then God’s wrath is not only removed from sentencing one’s soul to eternal damnation, but one also receives the blessings of life in Christ Jesus. Which is why Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." The life one lives is free from the bondage of sin. It is a life lived through Christ Jesus. Without this legal justification one does not have the position to claim God’s promises nor enjoy God, and results in the next two truths concerning crucifixion in Galatians not making sense. Be sure you have new life in Christ, because, you have died and been resurrected with Christ through faith in Him.

The Truth of Crucifixion (Part-1)

When one is accused, our natural reaction is to justify our actions. We often find excuses and reason for all that we do or don’t do regardless of whether we are really right or not. Yet, there is a calming sense when one is truly justified. There is no fear of being exposed or caught by an accuser. There no fear of false accusations sticking.

The real question is “Am I clearly justified before the Almighty God?” For God knows all, and cannot be deceived or fooled. Thereby, it would be great to be 100% assured of being justified before Him when death comes. I can ignore the fact that I stand before Him and waste life. I can worry about it and waste life, or I can be assured and fulfill life. There is no great sense of liberty knowing I’m justified before God. The Almighty God can give you that assurance. God reveals the truth of justification in several places throughout the Bible, yet we will turn our attention to the book of Galatians. Here we find that each person must be justified before God, and how they may be justified before God, and live life in liberty fulfilling one’s personal divinely created purpose.

The book of Galatians uses the English word “Crucified” four times. One referring to Christ, and three referring to you and I being crucified if we are to fully know and enjoy the liberty of being justified. I will be covering these three English words in the next three posting.

EVERYONE IS A CHRISTIAN?

Didn’t you know "everyone is a Christian" these days, at least as long as it is convenient for them. The thought goes something like this, "I have some religious beliefs and I live in America, therefore, my religion is Christianity." I laugh at their foolishness and weep for their soul. There was time I thought I was Christian, but then I learned what the God actually says in His Holy book and found out I was only fooling myself. (For my testimony please see my first post.) So, what is Christianity? Well, let’s let God tells us, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom 10:9-10). I find a lot of false confession with the mouth about a lot of things that are not Biblical nor of Christ. Why is that? They have not believed, received Jesus Christ into their heart. John 1:12 reaffirms this truth, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Half saved is still incomplete. How can one be partly redeemed (saved)? Either one is redeemed from their sin, saved, or not. It is not a very difficult concept.

Yet, one thing is true, the heart is changed and one’s desires are changed as well. Changed to what? Changed to wanting to know Christ and to be like Him. This is why one claims to be a Christian. The word Christian means “Christ-like.” Why would you claim something that you don’t want to be like? Many people will claim to be a Christian for the benefits they think they will receive. A true Christian will claim it, regardless of the benefits at the moment. And of course one who claims to be a Christian will also be one who spends time in the Scripture, because they have a desire to be like-Christ, as well as know Him in a greater personal way. Do you honestly know what being a true Christian is like? Do you desire to know Christ greater? Do you desire to spend time in the Scriptures?

The truth is God knows who the true Christians are. And one day they will hear these words, “… Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Mt 25:21). All the others will hear “… I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth…” (Luke 13:27-28). What will you hear?

Little or Much

I was mowing the church lawn when the engine started knocking. It was a horrible banging sound. I only made a few swipes around the yard and the noise was growing worse. I turned off the mower and sat for few moments praying. “Lord, I really don’t need this right now with all that needs to be done. It’s your yard. If you don’t want the lawn looking nice that up to you. You know Lord I do not have the ability to fix the mower.” I got off the mower, opened the hood and looked around, but didn’t see anything wrong. I decided to go in and eat lunch, and I would look at it after lunch. After lunch I started up the mower and the noise seemed worse. I turned it off immediately. I went inside and call a friend who knows a little about engines. He said he'd come by after he had lunch. Then I went to work on my studies. My friend come over, started up the mower, and within a few minutes he had diagnosed the problem. An important screw had come loose and fell off something which cause the loud the banging noise. He did tell me the engine could have easily burned up in prolonged mowing. I’m thanking the Lord for such a simple fix. All I needed was a screw to put it back together. I thought I would just have to make a 50 minute trip to the store and it would be done. When my friend looked up at me, he said, “Where did the mower start making the noise.” I replied, “It was louder on the hill section, Why?” He answered, “That’s where we should start looking for the screw.” At that moment I looked into his eyes to see if he was serious. He was very serious. I didn’t say it at that moment, but I thought, "We have over 3 acres of lawn and it will be worse than looking for a needle in a hay stack." Then my thoughts turned to the Lord. “Lord it is impossible to find screw on three acres of lawn. Only you can find it.” We walked across the lawn following the mower path. After about 10 steps my friend leaned down and picked up the screw. We stood their looking at that screw in awe. We found it! Or I should say, God led us directly to it. I was reminded at that moment of a Bible verse which I have often recited, Luke 16:10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…” I was rebuked for lacking in faith for such a little matter. Is anything too hard for the LORD? (Gen. 18:14). God is interested in every facet of our lives. He created us. He allowed His Son to die to redeem us from our sin. God cares about every fact of your life, seek Him in all things, and enjoy His blessing in good times and bad.

GET A BIGGER HAMMER?

Over the years I have learned not to force things, for in the process of forcing things, something always breaks. It is not always a physical object that breaks. Quite often it is someone’s feelings or even a friendship. It only takes a small crack for the seed of bitterness to settle in, divide, and conquer. So how does one deal with stupidity which seems to befall one on all sides? Well, there is a wonderful verse in Philippians 2:1, which provides us with an answer and four incentives to reach out and grasp the answer for conquering life in victorious living.

The answer is found in the word Humility. Those who will humble themselves in Jesus Christ will conquer life victoriously. First, notice humility provides powerful guidance: Phil 2:1,“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ . . .” Consolation is the idea of exhortation with earnest pleas of comforting guidance. Christ not only died to pay for your sin, but is also there to cheer you on to greatness. Second, humility provides the passion of giving: Phil. 1:1b ". . . If any comfort of love. . .” Love is action word which gives and keeps on giving. Love is sacrificial selflessness given out as Christ sacrificially left heaven, dwelt on this earth, and then died to redeem you. It takes great humility to die for those who use you and spit upon you. Yet, it takes humility to receive blessings from humility. Third, there is partnership in gentleness: “. . . if any fellowship of the Spirit. . .” Fellowship is a sacrificial commitment to reach a shared vision. Christ shares your vision of becoming all you were created to be, thereby He died for you, rose again for you, and will partner in life with you. Quality fellowship demands humility. Finally, there is a perception of grief in humility: “. . . if any bowels and mercies . . .” Humility can feel and relate to the pains and trials of others, just as Christ feels your pain, and places every tear drop in bottle. It takes great strength to live humbly, and in this humility you will conquer life. Are you conquering life or simply reacting to it?

Coffee Shop Day

How is your day today! I pray that when things go wrong, all is right. How’s my day you ask? Well I’m sitting in a coffee shop, watching people, doing the internet, writing lessons, and this blog. I normally do not get the privilege to sit in a coffee shop. Where I live there are no coffee shops except for my own kitchen, and yes, you are invited over for coffee, that is if you can find the middle of no place and you don’t freeze getting here. I’ll leave the lights on for you. Anyway I had to go to the big town in order to get new tires for my monster truck (Ford Excursion limited edition diesel). I’m told it will be a little over an hour. That’s nearly as long as the drive. So I thought I'd enjoy coffee at the coffee shop. While I’m there, the infamous phone call comes from the tire company. Other repairs are needed. Now I have to suffer and sit another 3 plus hours (I'd better not buy another Latté so I can pay for the repairs. Maybe I should go wash some dishes).

Later I arrive at the shop and the vehicle is not ready. The shop closes in five minutes. My wife needs the Ford early in the morning to run a bunch of children to VBS. What am I going to do? The shop foreman steps out and I took a moment to pray. This is when God reminds me in Jeremiah 10:23, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” It sure wasn’t my plan to be here all day, have to wait till tomorrow afternoon to get my Ford, not able to complete the day's work, kids would miss VBS, and I would spend well over two weeks paycheck and get home late for supper, yet God is still Good. The shop foreman stepped back in and said, he and another mechanic would volunteer their time and stay late to finish the work. The work was finished with no extra charge. So I had a cold supper (not really, that’s what microwaves are for) and an empty wallet.

The realization came to me a few days later. The waiting on the unexpected vehicle repairs allowed me to get some needed rest away, which I was unaware that I would need. The Ford runs great with increased mileage and the steering is safe for my wife and family. The kids made it to VBS. I checked with my local mechanic in the church and he told they did a great job at a better than reasonable cost. I made a new two new friends. (I owe them a box of Dunkin Donuts). Need I say more? Trust God! He will guide you well.

The English language is quite colorful. Often meaning of words take on different definitions depending upon where one was raised. Let’s face it, two people can read a sentence and get two very different meanings out of it. Can both meanings be right? If not, which meaning is correct? Who is right and who’s wrong? Is there a right and a wrong meaning to what one just read? There is an answer to these questions. The answers is only found with the author. The author knows exactly what he was trying to communicate. This why the reader has a responsibility to figure out the correct meaning, otherwise correct communicating cannot take place. Of course, the author has the responsibility to use correct language and grammar. If the author uses the wrong sentence structure, the reader be will be mislead. If the reader does not read and define carefully, again the reader will be mislead. There is always a responsibility on the part of the author and the reader if correct communication is going to take place.

This is one of the many reasons I love reading the Holy Scriptures. God, the author, is always correct in sentence structure, and word definitions. He is never ambiguous. As reader I do not have to fear or question whether God wrote what He meant or not. I know He wrote what He meant. As a reader I don’t have to fear the grammar being misplaced. God has perfect grammar and sentence structures. The only fear I have is whether or not I am interpreting the Scripture I am reading correctly or not. Now that I only have one difficulty to concern myself with, I simply need to compare God's words with God's Word, and let God tell me what He is saying. Then I have God's meaning and not my opinion. Besides God’s opinion is the only opinion which really matters. He has given His truth of life very clearly in Scripture, and it is up to me to search them out (See Prov. 2:1-5).

The reason we have so many different interpretations of the Holy Scripture is too many people interpretation it the way they feel, rather than the way God intended it to be understood. God, Himself makes it very clear to us in 2 Peter 1:20, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." That is very clear. God has told us no one cannot place their own personal opinion upon the interpretation of the Holy Bible and come out with the truth. By all means read the Bible for it is the life manual to living full and content. Just be sure to let God define and interpret the meaning, and the blessings of joy will unfold before you.

The Game OF Life

I find that nobody is responsible today. The news media blames the person they don’t want elected. American people blame the people they elect and put in office, and yet they reelect them and it is still the politician's fault. The Politicians blame the news media for twisting stories and not telling the whole truth of their sinful deeds. Children blame the parents for not giving them a good education or setting of too strict boundaries. Teachers blame students for not learning and for cheating. Students blame teachers for boring them to death and not teaching well. Husbands blame their wife for the marriage and bad kids, while the wife blames the husband for the failing marriage and never being around. Need I go on? We live in the blame game world.

The truth is we are all sinners. Sin is falling short of correctness and righteousness. We face much of our problems because of sin. Some sin we face was created by someone else, yet I still am responsible for my reaction and attitude to the situation. Some sin we face is because we live in sinful environment, and I am still responsible for my actions and attitudes. It is also true some sin we face was created by myself, and I am responsible. Yet, some sin I face is a combination of all three, in which case I am still responsible for my actions and attitudes.

Those who honestly cannot admit and confess their faults are failures in life. Yet, “If we confess our sins, he (Jesus Christ) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). They will know the deep joys of life and are successful in managing life. The truth is those who cannot “confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another…” (James 5:16) are deeply wounded in heart and soul and cannot enjoy the beauty God has set before them. Forsake the hiding of sin and blaming others and you will be the one enjoying the garden of Eden within your heart, rather than being kicked out as Adam and Eve, who began the blame game.

Why Me?

Don’t you just love getting in trouble for something someone else did. It is probably one of the most distasteful things in life. I can deal with many hardships, but being blamed for something I did not do brings out the anger in me. Therefore, it is ok for me to be angry! Right? No, it is not! I may not be responsible for the first event, but I am responsible for my reaction to the event.

Jesus Christ was not responsible for my sin, but He paid the price for my sin with His life. He did not get angry at those who put Him on the cross. He simply said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” He forgave them even though the people watching Him die in their place did nothing to stop his dying, but they simply thought of themselves and cast lots for the gaining of His garment. Christ willingly and joyfully died for my sin (Heb. 12:2). Why should I get angry when trouble comes because of someone else’s sin and foolishness? My anger only causes me more problems down the road. I am responsible for causing those problems, if not in full at least in part. Let us who are a child of the King not allow the sin of others to cause us to stoop to their level. Rise to the occasion as a godly person, “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” May God richly you bless you as you struggle to walk close to Christ.

Confidence Misplaced or Secure

Confidence is only as sturdy and strong as what the confidence is placed upon. Confidence misplaced erodes one’s confidence and brings disappointment (of course some people don’t learn and just continue along in their destructive ways), while confidence placed rightly strengthens one’s confidence and brings great benefits (not just, now but for future generations and on into eternity). Well placed confidence is confidence placed in Jesus Christ. One’s footing never slips, for Christ is the firm foundation for living. Philippians 1:6 reveals this well placed firmness of confidence in Christ: “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Please notice a few words here. The word “he” is Jesus Christ. The word “begun” (enarchesthai) reveals God is doing the work in His child. The word “perform” means to fully complete. These two words “begun” and “perform” were used in a Greek ceremonial ritual. The word “begin” explained the lighting of the torch at the beginning of the ceremony, while the word “perform” describes the full and complete, finished work of the ceremony. The word “good” describes the benefit of God’s work. All of you who have placed your confidence in Jesus Christ for eternal life and salvation will not be disappointed, for God has begun the construction of good in your lives. The born-again believer’s life is in the refining hands of God and He will “perform” (fully complete) it, bringing you forth in purity. Yes, you are in “good hands” (not Allstates but God’s). Unbelievers do not have this privilege. They have no guarantees; all they have is false confidence placed in whatever illusion (crumbling objects) they choose. These illusions will one day be destroyed along with their dreams and themselves. Why would one place confidence in anyone other than Jesus Christ? “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Amen.

Chaos or Comfort

Twenty nine ships were wreck in a great storm in 1905 on Lake Superior. It was a chaotic night with powerful storm winds blowing these ships around. The sailor on those ships had lost their bearings and in the bewilderment and confusion, while the shadow of death washed upon the deck, they perished in the night. It was only after this terrible tragedy was Split Rock lighthouse built. Split Rock is located near Beaver Bay on Lake Superior. It stands 168 feet above the water and shines for 22 miles.

My family and I were able to visit the lighthouse during its 100th anniversary month (Carol and two of my children pictured). The Light has not been turned on for 50 years and this night the light shone brightly. Scriptures tells us “thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” You see, God is not the author of confusion. Too many Christian believers have turned off their light and have forsaken the truth and principles of the Holy Word. Without the Holy Word burning brightly in your heart not only will you shipwreck your conscience and soul, but you also cannot provide light for your loved ones, and they will follow in your steps of darkness. Let God’s Word light your way. You’ll rejoice in true freedom, and you’ll rejoice in leading others into the joy of living in the light of Christ.

A 9th. Hole Marriage

My family lives across the street from the 9th hole of a golf course. My kids sell lemonade and golf balls to the golfers. Believe it or not, I get free golfing, but I would rather go walking with my wife around the golf course. A few days ago we were walking to get our exercise and my ankle was really giving me problems. I started to feel sorry for myself. You see, I broke my ankle 11 months ago and now I have a plate and seven screws holding it together. The broken ankle ended my sports activities, but I can now forecast some weather changes by the pain in my ankle. Oh, by the way, if any of these blogs do not make sense, it is because I probably have a screw loose. What’s your excuse? Anyway, getting back to the story, I was feeling sorry for myself while walking next to my wife, when I looked up into her glimmering, and joyful eyes, and at that moment my ankle zapped me with a jolt of pain. It was at that moment I was reminded of what a wonderful wife I have married. No! It is not because she is a pain, but because she has cared for me, not just through surgery on the ankle but also for 23 years. Anyone putting up with me that long has to be terrific.

My wife, Carol is a terrific person with excellent character. I do love her. She is fun, strong, and encouraging. She lovingly and gently challenges me. She does not challenge me to get a honey do list accomplished, but to be a better person. I’ve sought to challenge her in the same way. The change of growing was revealed to us by our oldest daughter, when she reminded us of this ongoing success (challenge) of helping each other become better people as she scolded us with these words: “Would you two stop arguing over who is going to sacrifice for the other. One of you needs to get selfish and just take.” Carol and I looked at each other for a moment and then laughed. This is what marriage is about. Helping each other become a better person in the Lord and for the Lord. I must admit, the Lord gets the credit for waking me from feeling sorry for myself by using the pain in my ankle to remind me of the blessings which befall all around. Take a moment and let the Lord open your eyes to the blessings around you. May God richly bless you in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Trials and Troubles (Part 2)

Last post we learned there is a huge advantage of becoming a child of God, for God uses trials and troubles to bless his children. The book of James is written to believers who have been scattered all over known world. In the first few verses, the book reveals the reality and responsibility of believers living in trials and troubles.

First, we’ll look at the realities of trouble and trials. James 1:2 states “when ye fall into divers temptations.” The first reality is “when ye.” This means every believer (child of God) without exception will have trials and troubles. Now notice the word “divers” which means many and various. Therefore, every believer will face many kinds of trials and troubles. Next notice the word “temptations” which conveys the meaning of trials or testing with a purpose. Therefore the reality of life for a child of God is that he will face many trials and troubles during his lifetime and each one has a specific purpose to shape them into that which they were created to be.

Second, we’ll look at the responsibilities of God’s children in dealing with trials and troubles. The first responsibility is to embrace the trials. We read in 1:3, “know this.” Know What? Know that the trials will bring you forth in beauty and greatness (James 1:3-4). If one refuses to embrace the trial, one runs from the trial which only prolongs the trial. The second responsibility is to entrust the trials to God. James 1:4 uses the words “But let.” One must let God use the trials to shape and mold them into true godliness. Those who do not became religious, not godly. Third, one should exalt God through the trials. James 1:2 tells us to “count it all joy.” Joy is the deep-seated appreciation for God’s handiwork not only in our lives, but also in the lives of our loved ones, and brings forth purity of all things.

The truth of the matter is if we do not fulfill our threefold responsibility: Embracing the trials from God, while entrusting the trials to God, and exalting God through the trials, the trials will turn one bitter and cranky. Those children of God who do not respond will prolong their trials and will miss out on the enjoyment of God’s loving grace and the abundance of life God has lain out before them. God will still continue to work on them gently and tenderly mold them for His glory. May each trial be embraced, entrusted, and exalted in God’s glory and in His joy.

Trials and Troubles

Trials, hardships, and problems seem to be everywhere. They seem to be lurking at every corner. The words of Job explain it well, “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” Many questions come to mind, but let’s limit the questions to one. If the Almighty God is powerful, why does He allow these troubles to take place in my life?

Two key words come to mind, Punishment and Chastening. In English these two words are often used as synonyms. Yet in Scripture there is clear difference. Let us define these words careful, thereby, being able to answer our question. Punishment means a sentence of judgment, while chastening means action of correction. God does not punish His children, He corrects them. God does punish those who are not His children. The first truth which must be lodged in one’s heart is God never punishes His child or His children. If you have placed your heart and soul in the hands of Christ, by believing He has paid your sin upon the cross, then you will never face punishment. Only those people who embrace religion or reject Jesus Christ face punishment. Hebrews 12:5-8 makes this very clear. “ And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”

These verses teach several lessons. Yet, let us stay focused on the question at hand. Why am I facing trials and troubles if God is so powerful? If you are not a child of God you are under God’s wrath. The real punishment is yet to come. There is no real purpose other than being punished for sin. For those who are a child of God some of the trials are of one’s own making, other trials are caused by someone else, and still other trials are caused by simply living in a sinful world. Yet one thing you can be sure of, and that is every trial you face is being shaped by God so that your trials and troubles may mold you into greatness. Therefore, do not despise God or the trials, but learn and grow in the way God intends for these trials to shape and bless your life. Remember if you’re a child of God, God has “ … loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jer. 31:3).

What! Standing in a Garage?

You have read, or have heard it said, “Going to church does not make you a Christian any more than standing in the garage makes you a car.” What I hope people realize is cars do not go to the garage to become a car, for they are already a car. Christians do not go to church to become a Christian for they are already a Christian. Those who go to church to become a Christian are not Christians and will not become a Christian simply by going to church. Those who are not a Christian only get religion when they go to church. I don’t know about you, but I hate religion. As far as I am concern religion is as joyful as watching paint dry and is as useful as standing on a highway in front of an oncoming diesel.
So, why do Christians go to church? In some ways for the same reasons a car goes to the garage. First, it is a place of shelter from the storms. Church is a place where like-minded Christians gather not having to concern themselves with the devices (storms) of this world. Second, church is place to be repaired, cleaned, and polished. Strength and encouragement comes from gathering with like-minded Christians with Jesus Christ. God’s tool “The Word” works to repair, clean, and polish the heart and soul of his children. Each day there is wear and tear upon the heart and soul of Christians, just as there is wear and tear on one’s car. The church aids in getting you ready for another week of serving God. Third, the church is place to be readied to transport God’s love and the gospel of salvation message. As the car gets loaded up to transport one to work, the worship at church loads one up to deliver God’s love and gospel of salvation message. The world hates Christians and the world makes it difficult to live. If you want evidence, watch the nightly news give tolerance to all the religions, but not to genuine Christians. Finally, and the most important reason to go to church is to Worship the Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy Him with fellow believing Christians.
In conclusion, if you have no desire to go to church, it is because you may not be a genuine Christian. When God transforms you to be His child, he also gives you a desire to know Him in the gathering of other believers. If you are going to church and you are not getting repaired, cleansed, and polished at church, you are going to a religious church, rather than a genuine church which actually teaches “The Word” in God’s love and worships God. Yes it is true: “Going to church does not make you a Christian any more than standing in the garage makes you a car.” Yet, that is not an acceptable excuse before God Almighty. Did you gather together with like-minded believers in church last Sunday? And where will you be this Sunday? Are you honestly committed to Christ and His cause? May God enrich your heart to love Him.

COMMUNICATIONS

One things I have learned over the years is that people really do not communicate very well. They often claim they said, something, when they actually only thought it in their minds, and did not verbalize it to the one they wanted to communicate. Often one simply reviews it over and over in the mind so many times they believe they have communicated it. Another mistake made is the assumption that the other person knows and understands simply because they communicated words toward them. Only God knows all, understands all, and knows the correct method and means of dealing with all situations. Yet, this is what we expect others to be able to do. Yes, we expect them to understand, not simply try to understand. We expect them to know what we mean, not simply to strive to know the meaning. And when they fail to live one’s expectations, we quit on them. First we quit within our heart, while actions continue to appear supportive. As things proceed downhill, one eventually quits all together. Quitters become losers and they fail to prosper.

You know, I’m glad God did not quit on me. I clearly did not understand Him. Yet, God continues to reveal Himself a little at time, despite my foolish understanding of Him and despite my stubborn rejection of Him. Jesus left heaven and suffered in human body (which allows Him to know firsthand what life is like as human) and then He died upon a cross simply so I could communicate with Him. Now that I have become a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17) there is no greater joy of communication. John said well in 1 John 1:3-4, “ That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” Yet this blessing of communication only comes by way of Jesus Christ. John 1:12 tells us “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Now that I am a son of God, I get the great privilege of communicating to the one who knows what I mean, and understands who I am, especially when I try, but fail to communicate my thoughts to Him. True communication brings great joy.
The Wonder

Deity! What?

You know, when I received Christ as my Savior, I had many doubts. I began reading the book of John. John does not fool around. He states clearly who Jesus is. Verses 1-5 clearly spell out that Jesus is God and Creator.
I have listed a few helpful thoughts in verses 1-5 of John.

1. John 1:1 - “Word” (ho logos) –
- a. The original manuscripts clearly reveal there is a define article here
meaning, “The Word,” which also conveys the idea of the only and specific.
- b. The Word is Jesus Christ (also see John 1:14)
2. John 1:5a - “Shineth” (phaino) - is present tense verb
3. John 1:5b - “Comprehend” (katalambano) - is a past tense verb

Is this simply a belief in the mind that Jesus is God or is this a reality? If it’s simply in the mind, it is a religion, useless like all other religions, for it is only in the mind and there is no real power nor no real value. Yet, if it is a reality and Jesus is God, then this is very impressive. So impressive I had better pay attention, because it says, He created all things. This is real power. There is much value in personally knowing the one who created you. Yet, if he is God how do I get in touch with Him? What does He think of me? Will He allow me to communicate with Him? Many questions come to mind. Yet the one who pursues truth will be rewarded in finding the real and correct answers, and will be blessed above those who quit. Are you a quitter? I wonder?

The Wonder

First Post - Life Changing

What does one say in his first posting? There are many different directions one could expound. Yet, I think I will begin with a personal testimony, not of myself but of the greatness of the Savior and what He has done in my life for His glory. It doesn’t make much sense to me why He puts so much time and effort in the likes of me, but I do know one thing. You are important, and since God was willing to reach down to rescue me, He most certainly will reach out to you and marvelously transform you if you will allow Him to, through simply trusting in Jesus Christ. Let us begin.

I was reared in a religious home, but did not know the Lord. The Lord began revealing the truth of salvation to me in a very interesting way. Unknown to myself, God was at work through events and circumstance which I only recognized after I received Jesus Christ as my savior. My desire was to join the Air Force. Yet, I failed my hearing test in Denver Colorado for the military. Later I had it check and it was normal. Due to not being accepted into the military, I decided to go to the University of Wyoming. During the first week at UW, I made a phone call and dialed a wrong phone number. This event brought me in contact with a real Christian believer who shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with me for the first time in my life. After struggling with the truth of salvation for two months on November 4, 1979 just before midnight, I knelt down in a study dorm lounge, recognizing I was a sinner and in need of forgiveness. Understanding Jesus Christ is the only one who could set me free from sin, because He shed His blood upon the cross and paid for my sin, I asked Jesus to forgive me, come into my heart, and be my God.

My life was changed dramatically. Jesus Christ is now my Lord and Savior. Living a life free from the bondage of sin I realized others should know this great blessing, therefore, I changed my major to education in order to learn how to be an effective teacher. Later, during my junior year of college God called me to ministry using Isa. 57:15. I was graduated from the University of Wyoming and went on for further Biblical training.

The Lord has blessed me with an awesome wife and wonderful children. The road has not been easy, Yet, God never promised an easy road, but one of refining assurance in fulfillment as well as the gift of eternal life. I hope you will join me as I share many life truths the Lord has taught me from the Holy Scriptures. May God enrich your life by bringing you to know Jesus Christ, the greatest relationship and friendship of all eternity.

The Wonder